Respect for specified individuals cannot, however, lead to the acceptance of an ideology that aims to revolutionize social customs and interpersonal relationships. “This revolution of customs and morals – emphasizes Pope Francis – has often waved ‘the flag of freedom’, but it has, in reality, brought spiritual and material devastation to countless human beings, especially the poorest and most vulnerable” (Vatican, 17.11.2014), wrote Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki, President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference in a statement on LGBT+ issued August 8, 2019.
We publish the full text of the statement:
Statement on LGBT+
Despite the holidays, which should be a time of rest and reflection on the beauty of nature created by God, polemics arose in Poland over the “LGBT ideology” (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual). This is probably related to the offensive of LGBT+ milieus and a significant increase in the number of so-called pride marches organized in our country, as well as with the introduction to school curricula of a new approach to sexual education, in accordance with this ideology, planned by some local governments after holidays.
People belonging to milieus of the so-called sexual minorities are our brothers and sisters for whom Christ gave his life and whom He wants also to be saved. Respect for specified individuals cannot, however, lead to the acceptance of an ideology that aims to revolutionize social customs and interpersonal relationships. “This revolution of customs and morals – emphasizes Pope Francis – has often waved «the flag of freedom», but it has, in reality, brought spiritual and material devastation to countless human beings, especially the poorest and most vulnerable” (Vatican, 17.11.2014).
Hence my appeal to local authorities not to make decisions that – under the guise of counteracting discrimination – would conceal the ideology that denies the natural gender difference and complementarity between men and women. I also appeal to parliamentarians to resist the far-reaching plans of LGBT+ milieus, that aim to change Polish law in order to introduce the so-called “homosexual marriage” and the possibility of adoption children by them.
The wave of criticism that affected the Metropolitan of Cracow, the archbishop, and professor, as well as the reactions of employers towards people expressing their disapproval of LGBT+ ideology, testify to the ideological totalitarianism rooted in certain milieus, consisting in removing people who think differently outside the sphere of freedom. Therefore, I appeal to all people of goodwill to apply the principle of non-discrimination in public discussion not only to the supporters of the mentioned ideology, but also to allow its opponents on equal rights to debate.
Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki
Metropolitan of Poznań
President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference
Warsaw, August 8, 2019
