Homosexuality violates Catholicism

Let me first state that while I am in support of Travis Heyer's article "Picture not in best interest," (April 24) my letter is in no way meant to bash or offend any member of the homosexual community. What concerns me is not the "Queer Kiss-In" photo (April 17) or the ridiculous responses to Mr. Heyer's article. That nonsense is to be expected.

However, the use of Catholicism and the Bible to justify homosexuality is absurd and embarrassing. Religion is about interpretation, and Catholicism is a religion; but we must be sure that we are not twisting the Bible's words to fit one's actions.

Geoff Hoagland's criticism of Heyer's article ("Explaining gay reality," May 8) stated, "Catholicism ...is about loving one another as Jesus would have." Have you not read the Bible? Leviticus 18:22 states, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." Romans 1:27 states, "Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due."

Abomination, shameful­How else does one define these words ? How else can you interpret these verses? Homosexuality is not a Catholic practice, not a Vincentian value nor is it something the Bible (at least the one I read) encourages. It is a sin, an evil of the devil, and a non-Christian practice. The Bible teaches us to not judge, so I will not, but what I will do is remain strong in my Catholic beliefs and practices, no matter how apparently opposite they are of what DePaul seems to encourage.

The reason DePaul supports programs [like Pride Week], said Mr. Hoagland, is their "strong Catholic heritage." Are we sure of that? Or is it a fear of discrimination claims the University is trying to avoid? Or is this the "Catholic heritage" as interpreted by those who want to read it that way?

Have your Pride Week, your Queer Kiss-In, parades through the Quad and anything else you like, but when you try to justify these acts, please leave the Catholic religion out of it. It is an "abomination" to God's word, and yes, Mr. Heyer is right, an "embarrassment" to any Catholic University that cannot practice what it preaches.

If we claim to be a Catholic university, let us act as one. And to those of you who disagree, address the letter to God, for it's His words you've misinterpreted to justify your actions.

James Rowe is a sophomore majoring in sociology.