Re Pat Macken’s column April 3 column “Athletes don’t deserve penalties for following their faith”:

As Christians, let alone Catholics, we are pro-inclusion; we do not discriminate; we are not homophobic; we accept one another (Rom 15:7). 

Inclusion is one thing, but support is another. We do not support misbehaviour. Just as with a non-LGBTQ individual who is an adulterer, fornicator, or corrupt individual, we do not wear a symbol that represents support for their transgressions (1 Cor 6:9-10).

There are a number of Christian Catholics who are against supporting LGBTQ, but because of commercialism they choose to be politically correct for fear of retaliation. And that is very unfortunate (1 Thes 2:4).

It takes some courageous athletes to make a stand and hope the priming effect will continue while maintaining respect for one another.

Roberto Noriega
Port Coquitlam


B.C. Premier David Eby has just announced that his NDP government will now pay for all artificial contraceptives such as birth control pills and the IUD.

Catholics who follow the tenets of their faith will be forced to pay through their taxes for the deadly, immoral choices of other people. I say deadly because many of these contraceptives act in such a way as to kill human life at its earliest stages. They also have side effects that can be deadly. Rarely will a doctor tell patients about these consequences.

I have read that a lot of Catholic couples use contraceptives, yet our priests never mention from the pulpit that this is not only immoral but unhealthy as well.

I suggest that all Catholics at least write a letter of protest to the NDP government and pray a Rosary every day asking Our Lady to intervene in this downward spiral to hell that Canada and the world seem to be on.

Michael Battle
Vancouver


With respect, I have to disagree with Father Hawkswell’s suggestion in his April 11 column that we cannot seek God’s forgiveness directly and that for our sins to be forgiven we must confess them to a priest.

The Church has always taught that a sincere Act of Contrition is enough.

The Good Thief as he was being crucified asked Jesus only that he remember him. And Jesus in reply told the thief that that very day he would be with him in Paradise.

Confession is not the only way.

For the anxious and the guilt-ridden, it can be very difficult. That’s why it’s OK to speak directly to God as Dismas the Good Thief did. And ask to be remembered.

Peter Manning
Port Coquitlam

(Indeed Jesus forgave the Good Thief on the cross. Then after his resurrection Jesus told his Apostles, “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you,” giving them the power to forgive sins and commanding them to preach “repentance and forgiveness of sins” to all nations. The Good Thief was able to speak directly with God by speaking with Jesus. In the same way, the priest represents God and the community in reconciliation, says the Canadian bishops’ 2008 document The Sacrament of Reconciliation. While the confession of everyday faults (venial sins) is not strictly necessary, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains how their confession is “nevertheless strongly recommended by the Church.” – Editor)