Western Sydney cleric denies stated views on gays

The bishop of the Catholic diocese of Parramatta has called on the church to accept homosexuality.

The Australian, September 7:

The bishop of the Catholic diocese of Parramatta has called on the church to accept homosexuality, lamenting that the faith is not a “trailblazer” against inequality.

Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv DD, statement, September 8:

As Bishop of Parramatta, I take serious exception to the inaccurate and misleading headline and opening paragraph in The Australian — “Catholic bishop calls on church to accept homosexuality” … It appears my lecture has been completely misrepresented. It is disappointing that despite requests to have the inaccurate story amended, no changes have been made by the journalist or the publication.

Life Site Catholic news blog, September 9:

Australian bishop denounces Church teaching that homosexuality is disordered.

Long delivering the Ann D. Clark lecture in Parramatta, August 18:

We cannot talk about the integrity of creation, the universal and inclusive love of God, while at the same time colluding with the forces of oppression in the ill-treatment of racial minorities, women and homosexual persons … especially when we purport to treat gay people with love and compassion and yet define their sexuality as “intrinsically disordered” …

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne taking to Facebook to praise the lecture, August 25:

Was there ever a time when Bishop Vincent Long didn’t find stunning ways to express his love for the Church. This time he’s serious, incisive, forthright and very clear. Catholics — read on!

Father Terence Mary Naughtin OFM Conv (a member of the same order of priests as Long) comments on the lecture:

Bishop Long’s address offers us many worthy exhortations to love especially those who are marginalised and considered social outcasts … On the other hand, the Bishop’s address manifests serious flaws and errors: he often conflates the idea of spiritual mercy with that of corporal mercy, failing to prioritise them rightly; he pits the Church of the past against the Church of the present in a misguided attempt to spark new enthusiasm for the apostolate; he implicitly pits pastoral work against the teaching of Catholic doctrine in a false dichotomy; he presents various “straw man” arguments against the Church of the past …

Long, installation sermon, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, June 16:

There can be no future for the living church without there being space for those who have been hurt, damaged or alienated, be they abuse victims, survivors, divorcees, gays, lesbians or disaffected members. I am committed to make the church in Parramatta the house for all peoples, a church where there is less an experience of exclusion but more an encounter of radical love, inclusiveness and solidarity.

Headline, New Matilda website, August 25:

Why Ridiculously Stupid White Man David Leyonhjelm Will Lose His 18c Racial Discrimination Case

Greens senator Nick McKim, Facebook, August 15:

This is a cheap stunt that will backfire.

Really? ABC News, yesterday:

The Human Rights Commission has accepted a racial discrimination complaint lodged by crossbench senator David Leyonhjelm.