John McCusker, who was gay, died Sunday of congestive heart failure at a ski resort, his family said.By trying to avoid a scandal, the bishop created one.
Arrangements had been made to hold funeral services at the Immaculata Catholic Church on the University of San Diego campus, McCusker's alma mater that is affiliated with the Church.
But San Diego Bishop Robert Brom decided none of the 98 Catholic churches in San Diego or Imperial counties could provide funeral rites for McCusker, who was 31.
"The facts regarding the business activities of John McCusker were not known by Church officials when arrangements were requested for his funeral," the diocese said Thursday in a statement.
"However, when these facts became known, the bishop concluded that to avoid public scandal Mr. McCusker cannot be granted a funeral in a Catholic church or chapel in the Diocese of San Diego."
Chancellor Rodrigo Valdivia said the Church's decision was not related to McCusker's sexual orientation.
"His business is adult entertainment, which is inconsistent with Catholic teaching," Valdivia said.
I don't see what the big deal is. The man is dead! I bet you several other gay bar owners have died before him and have had burial rites done with little to no problems. What makes this guy's case so different? Because he owned a bar that was aimed at the adult gay market? What bar isn't aimed at the adult market?!
If you read the article, the Chancellor says something about McCusker being a "manifest sinner" who will cause public scandal if they are given proper funeral rites. This is completely new to me. I have no idea what a "manifest sinner" is. But if the term is anything like the term "manifest destiny," then apparently this guy believes that McCusker was given the bar as ordered by God. So pretty much, God wanted him to sin. I know I'm probably interpreting that wrong, but that's what I think.
Just bury him already and call it done.
No comments:
Post a Comment