Madam, - I am a believing gay Catholic who was privileged to be able to marry my Mexican partner in Madrid earlier this year in the presence of about 130 members of our families and friends.
For many years I have searched and struggled with my Church´s teaching in regard to sexuality and my desire to live a Christian life with integrity. I thank God for his goodness in introducing me to my husband, Jairo, and I continue to participate in the life of my Church as fully as I feel able to, given that the greatest prejudice I have encountered in life was within certain church circles (though by no means all), especially from religious fundamentalists.
I fully respect people's right to believe whatever they wish to believe in relation to sexuality (as long as their beliefs pose no threat to children), but I find it absurd that Pope Benedict XVI believes that "saving humanity from homosexuality is as important as saving the rainforests".
I shall continue to pray regularly for a more constructive dialogue between Pope Benedict, the Catholic Church and the gay community. I urge all fellow gay Catholics/Christians to remember Jesus's call to love your enemies, and do likewise. - Yours, etc,
BRENDAN F. COPLEY,
Madrid,
Spain.