Religion & Law

After posting about the phenomenon of GLBT teen suicide in the face of bullying, I have had a chance to reflect on reader comments, public response to the tragedy (such as the "It Gets Better" movement), Catholic teaching, and our scriptural tradition.  Although this problem is admittedly complicated within the context of Catholic teaching, I have come to the personal conclusion that we are in some sense complicit, particularly if we do not actively provide moral leadership as individuals and as an institution to protect human life and dignity.  I have been most moved by my reflection on Gospel passages in which Jesus expresses a special love and concern for "sinners" and the marginalized of his society (the adulterer, the sick, the poor, the alien, the tax collector, those holding to doctrinal error, etc.).  I pray that we can respond in like manner and serve as witnesses to God's love and the dignity of the human person.