Mexican Catholic newspaper clarifies why gays cannot adopt children

Mexico City, Mexico, Jan 19, 2010 / 23:08 pm

The official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Mexico City, “Desde la Fe,” has published an explanation of the Church’s teaching on homosexual couples adopting children. The article was released following of a series of media reports which distorted statements by Church officials on the subject.

In an extensive article, the newspaper reaffirmed that the Church, “faithful to the task entrusted to her by Christ (…) has expressed her opposition to the law that allows ‘married’ homosexual couples to adopt children.”  The article then criticized the media for distorting “statements by members of the Church, quoting them out of context or even openly lying in order to disparage the Church.”

“Desde la Fe” explained that the Church is not homophobic and teaches that homosexual persons should be embraced “with respect, understanding and sensitivity, avoiding any sign of unjust discrimination.”

“It is not homosexuality in itself, but rather homosexual sexual relations that the Church condemns because they are ‘intrinsically disordered'.”  The newspaper quoted the Catechism saying the acts “are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity.”

“The Church invites homosexuals, as well as all single people, to live in chastity,” the paper stated before pointing out that cases of child abuse do not strip the Church of her moral authority to oppose the new law.  Precisely because of “that shameful and painful experience,” for which the Church has asked forgiveness, she has “the authority to warn of the dangers that children face in a homosexual atmosphere.”

Regarding adoption, the article stated that being good parents is not only a question of providing for the material needs of children, but also ensuring their “healthy physical, mental and moral development.”  “No matter how good the intentions of homosexual ‘parents’ might be, their mere lifestyle will impact children greatly.”

The newspaper warned that it would be wrong to ignore the possibility that a particular homosexual couple wishes to adopt children for the perverse purpose of using them for child pornography, sexual abuse or prostitution.”

“Growing up in a homosexual environment cannot be good for a child. The testimonies of those who have experienced the trauma of being raised by homosexuals are proof.  One such testimony is that of Dawn Stefanowicz, whose website (www.dawnstefanowicz.com) lists 25 effects which children suffer in these situations,” the newspaper concluded.