I have nothing against Len Brown. He's not mayor of my city. I don't even know the man. However, when a public figure, such as Mr Brown comes out with the word "Catholic" and seeks to redefine it, I feel I must say something. If only to set the record straight.
At some point very recently, Len Brown gave an interview to a GayNZ writer. Twice, it appears, he emphatically stated he was Catholic. The first time he states is a "proud Catholic". The second looks like a question on diversity. Not sure exactly what the question was, as there is no mention of it, and so it's only implied. But here is his answer:
Liberal actually means those that consider themselves Catholic, but don't actually follow what the Church teaches. So, they might not go to Mass every Sunday as required. They might not believe abortion is wrong. They might not believe in Hell, preferring to believe that everyone goes to Heaven when they die.
Liberal is code for pick and choose Catholic, or the more common term: Cafeteria Catholic.
If you are a Cafeteria Catholic, you're probably a heretic. Heretics cannot by definition be staunch, except, I suppose, to their heresy. So, I'm going to take the Catholic label with a grain of salt, as it seems (sadly) that I have to for many of our NZ "Catholic" politicians.
Related link: Half an hour with the man of power ~ Gay NZ
At some point very recently, Len Brown gave an interview to a GayNZ writer. Twice, it appears, he emphatically stated he was Catholic. The first time he states is a "proud Catholic". The second looks like a question on diversity. Not sure exactly what the question was, as there is no mention of it, and so it's only implied. But here is his answer:
On diversityHe's a staunch Catholic. Staunch means loyal and committed in attitude. Yet, he belies that statement with qualifying that he is from the "liberal side". There is no liberal side.
"I'm a staunch Catholic," Brown again points out. "But I am from the liberal side. And I am very aware and sensitive to people making their own choices about their life. And I'm totally respectful of that.
"You can make your own choice totally," he adds. "I've got nothing more to say. It's the 21st Century."
Liberal actually means those that consider themselves Catholic, but don't actually follow what the Church teaches. So, they might not go to Mass every Sunday as required. They might not believe abortion is wrong. They might not believe in Hell, preferring to believe that everyone goes to Heaven when they die.
Liberal is code for pick and choose Catholic, or the more common term: Cafeteria Catholic.
If you are a Cafeteria Catholic, you're probably a heretic. Heretics cannot by definition be staunch, except, I suppose, to their heresy. So, I'm going to take the Catholic label with a grain of salt, as it seems (sadly) that I have to for many of our NZ "Catholic" politicians.
Related link: Half an hour with the man of power ~ Gay NZ