Archdiocese slams new law recognizing gay unions and shows support for embattled Mexican cardinal

Mexico City, Mexico, Nov 12, 2006 / 22:00 pm

The Bishops’ Council of the Archdiocese of Mexico said last week a new law passed by the Mexico City legislature legalizing gay unions is a farce intended to placate minority groups.  The council also expressed support for Cardinal Norberto Rivera, who was harassed recently at the Cathedral of Mexico City.

In a statement, the Council said the new norm, which opens the door to gay marriage, is a response to “minority and radical groups” and “shows contempt for the view of the majority of Catholics,” who “represent more than 80% of our city’s population.”

The Council also warned that the law has several legal inconsistencies and disregards other religious confessions, groups and institutions of Mexican society.  “It attacks moral values, human rights and the will of God revealed in Sacred Scripture,” the statement affirms.

Cowardly aggression

The Council also decried as “cowardly and sacrilegious” the harassment by a group of protestors against Cardinal Norberto Rivera on November 5th at the Cathedral of Mexico City.  As they disrupted the celebration of the Mass, protestors demanded that the cardinal refrain from publicly speaking out on political matters.

“We desire to express to him our full communion and our recognition of his courageous pastoral ministry and in the name of each one of our vicariates we pledge our support and solidarity,” the Council stressed.  “May he know that he is not alone, that his people are with him and encourage him with their affection and their prayers in these difficult moments.”

The government of Mexico City recently announced it would provide security at the Archdiocesan Cathedral to prevent future harassment of Cardinal Rivera.