Open Letter to the Pope

This morning I saw this BBC news article on the pope once again attacking equality laws and suggesting that his religious freedoms give him the right to discriminate and hate other people. He trots out the old familiar “violation of natural laws” and encourages his people to oppose equality laws. Well, I decided to write a letter to the pope on Twitter, and after rereading it, I  decided to crosspost it to my blogs. I’m sure the pope will never see this letter, nor would he care if he did. But here it is:

Look, Mr. Pope, you cannot keep preaching about natural laws. That line of debate was defeated with the discovery of homosexual animals. More to the point, you cannot keep clinging to the line of defense that your religion offers you any protection as a reason to hate someone. No, your freedom of religion does not entitle you to discriminate or hate. Because then you’ve interfered with another person’s HUMAN RIGHTS.

I can’t say “My religion allows me to punch other people in the nose.” My freedom of religion does not allow me to break laws. Are we clear? I can’t say, “My freedom of religion allows me to have two wives and six slaves.” Again, if it violates the law of the land, I can’t do it.

Now Mr. Pope. you pay attention here: Jesus said, “Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s, but Give to God what is God’s.” He was referring to taxes specifically, but he was also saying, “Respect the laws of the land you live in.” It’s easy enough to grasp, yes?

Now, Mr Pope, you claim to preach the word of Christ, but I haven’t ever heard you say much about him. I’ve heard you spread lies and hate. Your resistance to the laws of the land are in direct conflict with the lessons of Christ. You actively oppose Christ’s message of tolerance.

Your resistance to scientific evidence harms everyone within your church. EVERYONE. It teaches hate to people who embrace you. It hurts the hearts of the followers who wish you would seek another path for the church. It hurts the Catholic gays who you cast out.

There is nothing good, holy or proper in your stance, Mr. Pope. You’re just a bitter old man with homophobia, and I pity your willful malice.

Sincerely,

Zoe E. Whitten