NEWS

Catholic leader publicly opposes gay rights ordinance

Stephen Herzog
SHERZOG@NEWS-LEADER.COM

Less than two weeks before Springfield City Council is scheduled to vote on expansion of a non-discrimination ordinance, another religious leader has stated his opposition.

"Do the people of Springfield really want to make criminals out of persons who are merely trying to live their faith?" says the statement from Bishop James Johnston, of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Catholic Diocese. "Does the government have a compelling interest in forcing every member of our society to participate in the celebration of same-sex relationships?"

The letter, titled "Protecting Human Dignity and Religious Freedom," argues that expansion of the ordinance, which currently includes race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability and sex, would violate religious freedoms if sexual orientation and gender identity were added.

The letter says it is intended to help "Catholics and others of good will in forming their conscience on these matters." It also says he intends to reach out "with respect and honesty" to those in the gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Johnston says religious people are forced to accept a "secular doctrine" or else risk losing jobs or facing fines, though he does not give examples.

"In the name of preventing discrimination against some, they would impose it on others," Johnston says of the council.

The issue has been hotly debated for more than two years now, with religious groups usually voicing the strongest opposition, though some have backed expansion of the ordinance, most notably Pastor Phil Snider, who's comments in support of the change went viral in 2012.

A Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Task Force was formed later that year, and the group spent much of its time evaluating how religious groups would respond to an ordinance change, inviting in church leaders and even creating a faith subcommittee.

During an April 2013 meeting, Rev. John Lindell, of James River Assembly, emphasized a need to express love — while at the same time equating homosexuality with greed, anger, gambling and chemical dependence.

A response countering Lindell's opinion was signed by 23 pastors and Christian leaders in the area.

The task force eventually presented its recommendations to city council, which now has two versions of the bill — one that would apply to housing, employment and public accommodations, and another that would apply only to housing and calls for another task force.

This News-Leader story provides significant background on the issue.