Have the tides turned? Gays lashing out at Newman priest who advised celibacy

A Roman Catholic priest dedicated to ministering to the students of George Washington University via the school's Newman Center is facing persecution for sharing Catholic teaching with students. Two students who struggle with same-sex attraction and say they are gay, have asked the school to silence the priest because he does not condone their behavior.

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WASHINGTON, DC (Catholic Online) - Father Greg Schaffer is the priest who tends the Newman Center at George Washington University in D.C. He has drawn the ire of two students, one who isn't even Catholic and self-identifies as an "agnostic" and another who was turned away from the priesthood after proclaiming his same-sex attraction to other men.

The two students have been identified as seniors Damian Legacy and Blake Bergen. They have asked the university to bar Fr, Schaffer from campus because he preached that homosexual behavior is immoral and asked those who struggle with same-sex attraction to consider celibacy.

This is consistent with Church teaching.

The students claim that Fr. Schaffer advised students who sought him for counseling were told they should remain celibate if they struggled with same-sex attraction.

The students claim this is anti-gay behavior.

All people must sometimes realize the Church, and God say no to particular choices. The no is not directed at the person, but rather the behavior, hence the instruction to remain celibate. And celibacy is not simply a homosexual domain, but celibacy can be an appropriate decision for all people depending on their circumstances and God's plan for them.

Unfortunately, the homosexual equivalency movement will not tolerate freedom of speech or religion, this from the same movement that parades in the nude down city streets in San Francisco's Castro district. There is no better proof of the caveat, "You will be able to tell them by their fruits," (Matthew 7:16).

For now, Catholics across the country are rallying in support of Fr. Schaffer. The university has not announced if it will take any action in accord with the students' complaint.

With this deed and other like it around the country hateful, militant gays are becoming the persecutors of the Church and the prejudiced class of the new generation.

It's time to upset the tables in the temple. Students must seek out the teachings of the Church and the preaching of Fr. Schaffer. Now, displeased at what they have found, they have accused him of prejudice and asked for his removal, despite the fact he was merely sharing the truthful answer to their questions.

This is not what is intended by the First Amendment nor freedom of religion. All views particularly truthful ones, should be protected. However, as we are learning in the brave new world, the only views that count are those favored by the moneychangers in the temple.

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