n I found Ahmed Shibab-Eldin’s story “Gays, Church focus of Talk” (March 24, pg. 1) enlightening. Thank you for highlighting true ignorance and self-denial demonstrated by the guest speakers from the Catholic Church. Especially “Jim,” only too proud to announce his heterosexuality, an “ex-homosexual,” yet he couldn’t give out his real name.
Who in their right mind believes that masturbation, fornication and adultery are things restricted to homosexuals. I didn’t know gays owned such a title. “Jim” thought highlighting his need for a male presence in his life as a young boy mirrored homosexual tendencies. I hope he was kidding. And to top it all off, he went with the old argument that homosexuality is a disorder. Maybe he should take a Psychology 101 course, where any moron learns it is not a disorder. My roommate lived in Southie and could always count on at least a dozen clergy to show up at a gay pride swinger party. To deny the presence of homosexuality in the Catholic Church (especially in Boston) or the portrayal like it is something that cannot coexist is to illustrate complete denial.
Anyone can tell you the Catholic hierarchy is watching its back these days I don’t think this is the best time to have someone lacking eloquence take the floor on yet another volatile issue. I’ve always respected Boston University’s ability to bring in speakers from different social backgrounds, countries and religious faiths, but I beg the university to think twice before they allow someone so mentally archaic to waste students’ time again. Above all, I hope this guy continues to pray and get some help.
Jessica Payne
COM ’03