In world troubled by drugs, hatred, poverty, racism, religious intolerance, sexism, violence... etc, it seem quite incredulous that so many religious institutions put such an emphasis on what people do in their own beds. I'm talking about homosexuality. But wait a secular second, alternatively, is it really anyone else's business what beliefs these same church groups choose to adhere, within the walls of their own institutions?

Last September a predominantly gay New Orleans church was kicked out of a Catholic HIV/AIDS residential facility after the Catholic Archdiocese learned members support same-sex marriage. The Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans was told August 4 it had 90 days to vacate its temporary space at the Project Lazarus complex, an AIDS hospice that is overseen by the Catholic Church. MCC and the Catholic Church entered into a one-year lease agreement in May for the MCC, a church founded specifically for gay people, to worship at the Catholic facility. But according to an Archdiocese spokesperson, after the contract was signed and more inquiries were made into the MCC, the Catholic Church learned of its stance in support of same-sex marriage and decided to terminate the contract.

Well, let me tell you, when I first I read this I was angry, very angry, but then I had a long think about. I'd actually forgotten it, until now thanks to a comment by Warbaby1943, I've begun thinking about it all over again-- and thinking it might be an interesting topic for discussion here.

Like all arguements there are two sides. On one hand it would seem hypocritical not to welcome and embrace any, and everyone, who wishes to worship and/or be associated with the church. Should a body that extols the virtures of 'love thy neighbor' really be so prejudice towards a minority group (or any group) like this one? Do they have that right? After all just like the colour of our skin we have little choice in our sexuality.

On the other hand, many Christians have very specific ideas about homosexuality. They simply and strongly believe it's a moral sin. So, isn't this a little like not throwing pork sausages on the bbq at the synagogue on a Saturday afternoon? Maybe Muslims banning a booze up at their mosque, or Jehovah's Witnesses refusing the blood bank van access to their kingdom hall? Wouldn't it be rather hypocritical for a group to express their disapproval of a particular behavior but then condone the same behaviour in others?

When you choose to become a part of a particular community, within the wider community, you're expected to abide by certain rules. It's a kind of unspoken agreement, an understanding that you will support and encourage the ideas of the group, that you will do your best to live by their standards.

Ok, we're not talking about the freaking KKK here. So, are they just some bunch of old fuddy duddies who haven't moved into the new millennium yet? Now, will they in time move on, or do they need to be pushed? Should they just be left behind to stew in their own dogma? Or, do they deserve to be admired and praised for their continuing allegience to their faith and beliefs?

How fair is it really criticize these staunch believers? I can't walk into a mosque without permission because I'm an infidel. I can't enter certain parts of a synagogue because I am a woman. Damn it, I'm not entirely welcome to march in the annual rainbow parade because I'm not gay! That's life.

I leave you to ponder.