Gay 'marriage' in the family

[Wingnut_Aviary]

I have an ethical dilema.

My brother-in-law just announced that he and his partner of many years have decided to get ‘married’. We do live in an area that this is allowed. They are going to a justice of the peace.

My husband’s family are staunch Baptists. They had a very difficult time accepting their son’s sexuality. The son himself had a very hard time; much self-loathing was involved and my husband and I feel that there may have been suicidal tendencies. He seems to have stabilized since ‘settling down’ with his partner and seems happy. They have not been cast out of the family, and are welcome at all family functions, though they keep to themselves rather alot (a self imposed partial segregation).

Here is the problem: we are invited to the ceremony. Do we go as a show of support for our brother’s happiness? Do we not go because we don’t approve, or see this as ‘marriage’? By going, are we hypocrits? By not going, will we further the alienation our brother has felt over the years?

The entire family is struggling with this decision. What is the Church’s thoughts? Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be welcome.

Thank you!

 

[blessedtoo]

As a member of Encourage, (Catholic support group for families of homosexuals) I can tell you what the Church would say. Simply put, no, you should not go.

If my sister were to “marry” her partner, I would not attend. At this point, since she knows where I stand on the issue of her homosexual lifestyle, it would and should not come as a surprise. If you and your family have made it clear to your BIL that you can’t support a same-sex relationship, then he should be prepared for you to decline the invitation.

This is probably one of the most difficult situations we who have homosexual family members (and friends) must face. While I love my sister (and care deeply for her partner of 20 years), I could not in good conscience participate in something that so blatantly contradicts my faith.

You might want to consider joining the Encourage online group. They are very helpful in sorting through the delicate issues of dealing with SSA family members.
couragerc.net/Encourage.html

 

[1ke]

I have an ethical dilema.

My brother-in-law just announced that he and his partner of many years have decided to get ‘married’. We do live in an area that this is allowed. They are going to a justice of the peace.

My husband’s family are staunch Baptists. They had a very difficult time accepting their son’s sexuality. The son himself had a very hard time; much self-loathing was involved and my husband and I feel that there may have been suicidal tendencies. He seems to have stabilized since ‘settling down’ with his partner and seems happy. They have not been cast out of the family, and are welcome at all family functions, though they keep to themselves rather alot (a self imposed partial segregation).

Here is the problem: we are invited to the ceremony. Do we go as a show of support for our brother’s happiness? Do we not go because we don’t approve, or see this as ‘marriage’? By going, are we hypocrits? By not going, will we further the alienation our brother has felt over the years?

The entire family is struggling with this decision. What is the Church’s thoughts? Any (name removed by moderator)ut would be welcome.

Thank you!

The Chuch is quite clear regarding gay “marriage” and the fact that it cannot be condoned or supported. Homosexual sex acts are intrinsically disordered and those with SSA are called to chastity.

So, no, you cannot go to such a “ceremony” or support this “marriage”. By going, you would yourself be committing a sin. From the Catechism:

1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:

• by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
• by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
• by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
• by protecting evil-doers.

Showing “support” of such a lifestyle is not truly loving this person. Truly loving him would be to share the Truth with him. He may “seem happy” right now, but at what peril? His eternal soul.