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January 21, 2022
THE U.P. CATHOLIC
www.upcatholic.org
Prayer in Times of Seeking God's Will
Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14
Hear, O Lord, the sound of my call; have pity on me, and answer me... O Lord, I seek. Hide not your face from me; do not in anger repel your servant. You are my helper: cast me not off; forsake me not, O God my savior. I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord.
Interview with Bishop John Doerfler on "Created in the Image: An Instruction on Some Aspects of Pastoral Care of Persons with Same-Sex Attraction and Gender Dysphoria" Part 1
JOHN FEE
THE U.P. CATHOLIC
On July 29, 2021 Bishop John Doerfler released his instruction for the Diocese of Marquette on the pastoral care of persons with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria. It drew much social and traditional media attention in early December, including misrepresentations of what the instruc- tion says, and the purpose of the instruction. The full document, which is only 15 pages in length, is available online at www.dioceseofmarquette.org/ createdintheimage. Bishop Doerfler spoke with The U.P. Catholic about the instruction. Among the accusations is the instruction singles out people with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria and calls them to repent. However, Bish- op Doerfler said, The point of the document is not to single out people with same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria, but to accompany them on their journey of faith. In fact, the instruction could be applied to an opposite-sex couple cohabiting and other situations. However, it is not uncommon for a pastor or other persons in ministry to be approached by people in these particular circumstances and we need to be ready to welcome them. This is a joyous occasion as it is an opportunity to walk with them, to introduce them to our friend, Jesus, and to help them grow in friendship and faith with Jesus. As it reads in the opening of the instruction, Let us open our hearts to the love of God that we may overflow with love and kindness and respect for others.' While we are all called to repentance, Bishop Doerfler noted that this is not how to begin the process of pastoral accompaniment, which he describes as an art. We must meet people where they are, with patience, love and understanding. Then we can bring them step-by-step in a manner consistent with the Churchs teaching to have an encounter with Jesus. A common error is to force conversion according to a set timeline on another person. The instruction states: In the encounter of Jesus with the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-42), we see a summary of a journey toward faith and disciple- ship. Notice that Jesus does not begin his conver- sation with her by pronouncing a moral judgment on her behavior. Rather, he begins with the offer of living water and eternal life. Only after the woman begins to desire this water does the Lord point out the truth of her irregular situation Observe that conversion, faith, and discipleship arise from the encounter with Jesus Regarding repentance, in the Acts of the Apostles (2:37-38) Peter is preaching after Pentecost and says, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Doerfler said. Thus, from the beginning through today, the Church has required faith and repentance for baptism. We also see this today when we renew our baptismal promises, which be- gins with a renunciation of sin and continues with a profession of faith. Among the complaints about the instruction is that it denigrates people by stating they are sin- ful for living with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria. However, Bishop Doerfler said this is not a correct reading of the document. Disordered feelings and desires are not necessarily sinful in themselves. It is in freely choosing to act on them that sin occurs, he said. All people are called to live chastely, according to their state in life. People should be treated with dignity and re- spect, Bishop Doerfler said. He pointed out that the instruction notes: Human persons are created in the image and likeness of God We are beloved sons and daughters of the Father. Jesus Christ died for us, which shows the depths of our human dignity. Thus, we are to treat persons with same-sex attrac- tion and gender dysphoria with dignity and respect and all unjust discrimination is to be avoided (CCC, 2358). Bishop Doerfler reminisced that his several years as a chaplain for Courage, an apostolate for people with same-sex attraction, built his faith as a priest. He said he found much encouragement in work- ing with the members living faith-filled and chaste lives.
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