March 15, 2012 by David K. Sutton
Catholic Priest Who Denied Communion To Lesbian Confirms Bigotry
Father Marcel Guarnizo, the Catholic priest who denied communion to a lesbian at her mother’s funeral has confirmed his bigotry. For that matter, he has also confirmed the use of religion as a tool to promote and excuse bigotry. In a letter published by CNS News, Guarnizo says, “A few minutes before the Mass began, Ms. Johnson came into the sacristy with another woman whom she announced as her ‘lover.’ Her revelation was completely unsolicited.”
Let’s stop right there. Heterosexual couples never introduce themselves unsolicited? OK, maybe if she actually used the term ‘lover’ it might be seen by some as inappropriate in that setting but so what?
Guarnizo goes on to explain, “I understand and agree it is the policy of the archdiocese to assume good faith when a Catholic presents himself for communion; like most priests I am not at all eager to withhold communion. But the ideal cannot always be achieved in life.”
Actually, yes it can. It’s fully within your power not to be a bigot.
Guarnizo continues, “If a Quaker, a Lutheran or a Buddhist, desiring communion had introduced himself as such, before Mass, a priest would be obligated to withhold communion. If someone had shown up in my sacristy drunk, or high on drugs, no communion would have been possible either.”
Keep digging Father.
“I am confident that my own view, that I did the only thing a faithful Catholic priest could do in such an awkward situation, quietly, with no intention to hurt or embarrass, will be upheld”, said Guarnizo.
And maybe that’s part of the problem, that your faith makes for an awkward situation that requires you handle it “quietly.”
dks