An Italian chorister who was forced to leave his church choir after publicly admitting he was gay has said he intends to bring his case to the Bishop for appeal, Italian media reported on Tuesday.In a story that has incensed gay rights and religious groups alike, 20 year-old Alberto Ruggin, was dismissed by his priest in Padua, northern Italy, after revealing his sexuality in a documentary shown on Italian television last week.
Ruggin, who is a practicing Roman Catholic, said that the priest, Don Paolino Bettanin, was "disgusted" by the affair.
"I tried to explain to him that a true Christian respects everybody -- he accused me of not revealing my sexuality sooner, but admitted he had suspected it. The truth is that he's scared of what people might say. So, I'm turning to the Bishop."
The documentary, "Hey, Darwin!," on Canale 5, owned by private broadcaster Mediaset, examines the lives of both heterosexuals and homosexuals.
Ruggin had sung in the church choir for seven years before his removal and was openly gay with his family, who had urged him to come out.
Italian gay rights groups cited the story as proof of the need for anti-homophobia laws. (Reuters Life!)
2 comments:
this young man has already been an ocassion of the sin of scandal, by being out; to continue with the choir, would give the impression that his priest approved, thereby causing greater scandal to his congregation.
you mustnt look at this a punishment, but as an opportunity for spiritual growth, healing and acceptance.
Ehh.. opportunity for spiritual growth, healing and acceptance - to whom?
I think who needs it most is that priest and the catholic church in general, along with its leader the Pope who refuses to open his eyes and enter the 21st century.
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