‘One of several threats to the traditional family that undermined the future humanity itself’—this is exactly how Pope Benedict XVI depicted gay marriage or same sex marriage in his New Year address last January.
The pope delivered some of his toughest remarks in opposition to gay matrimony to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican in which he touched on some economic and social issues facing the world today.He informed representatives from less than two hundred countries that the education of children needed proper "settings" and that "pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman."
The Vatican and Catholic officials around the world have protested against moves to legalize gay marriage in Europe and other developed parts of the world.
"The family unit is fundamental for the educational process and for the development both of individuals and states; hence there is a need for policies which promote the family and aid social cohesion and dialogue," Benedict told the diplomats.
Some Churches that have allowed gay marriage, women priests, gay clergy and gay bishops have been losing members to Catholicism, and the Vatican has taken steps to facilitate their conversion.
However, the pronouncement of the 84 year old pope elicited mixed reactions from the throng, especially the church and the people belonging to the third sex.
"I sympathize with the gay people. I have no problem with them. I only say that even if I will tell them that it's okay to get married, I'll be telling a big lie," said Archbishop Oscar Cruz in an interview on GMA Network's "Unang Balita" on Wednesday.
But Ladlad chairman emeritus Danton Remoto disagreed, saying that families are no longer just made up of a man, woman and child.
Though protests and conflicting comments had been raised, the Pope, on behalf of all the Catholic Churches worldwide, is remaining strong and robust with his words and belief.
