No Benediction for You!

The Face of Goodness, of Infallibility?

      The Pope has come out. Yep. That's right. He's announced, for the season of peace, I presume, in the name of The Prince of Peace, an alliance of many religions. My God, it's a new Ecumenical Council! He's going the extra distance to unite those who would ban the marriage of homosexual couples.

      -"Where's the surprise," you ask. Clearly the Roman Catholic Church has never indicated even a remote un-derstanding of the separation of church and state. American Catholics seeking civil union, who wish to enjoy the same civil rights as others, repent now, or, not. If you live in a state that honors the United States Constitution and your civil rights, marry before a judge. On the other hand, marriage may not appeal.

One should always be in love. That is the reason one should never marry. 

Oscar Wilde

      According to my gay neighbors, Pope Benedict may be offering a gift. One neighbor said he'd never considered marrying, anyway ... he's enjoying his partnership, enjoying their life free from marriage. Other gay couples may not share this, because they need the secure knowledge that their domestic partnerships and partners are honored, protected by law, in the event of  calamity. Gays and lesbians seeking for their unions, the blessings of the Church have been shown the exit, along with those who cherish notions of acceptance by their churches, even, progressive churches and temples ... need we continue?

      I'd submit a symbolic withdrawal from the Catholic Church, or the Christian faith, in light of this Christmas message, but cannot. I think there would be nothing more refreshing, just now, than self-excommunication. - It is a missed opportunity. I blew it decades ago, when my former spouse was granted permission by the Catholic Church, to declare our marriage invalid and our children, illegitimate ... another story for another place and time.

      We see Benedict XVI confirming his arcane role in spiritual leadership in a Catholic Church that has lost even its elder congregants. He has descended from his ivory tower in Vatican City, to offer the least timely, least  apropos message of Christmas 2012.