The controversy over transgenderism is a symptom of the moral problems facing America. Bishop James Conley, of Lincoln, Nebraska, addressed this problem in a recent column. Below are some excerpts from his message and the actions he recommends. At the bottom, you will find a link to read his entire column.
On Friday, May 13, the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice issued a joint instruction, which they called “significant guidance,” to public school districts across the country. [It] stated that in order to receive federal funds for education, every public school district must provide services, restrooms, and “equal access” to all students according to their stated gender identity. . . .
The government declared that [for example] the boy who says he is a girl must be permitted to change in locker rooms with girls, to stay in girls’ rooms on overnight trips, and, very often, to participate on girls’ sports teams. . . .
This “guidance” is deeply disturbing. In fact, the administration’s action is simply wrong. . . .
Our entire culture has been caught up in a kind of sentimentalized and relativized tyranny of tolerance. . . . [emphasis added]
But the real victims of our culture of relativism are those who suffer from serious problems, and who need compassionate help. Pathological confusion about one’s own identity is a kind of illness. It brings tremendous personal and emotional difficulties. Transgenderism cries out for compassionate assistance. . . .
But, as Boethius wrote, we “habituate men to their sickness, instead of curing them.” . . .
The Church will continue to make every effort to assist those suffering gender dysphoria. . . . But the Church will not deny that God created us male and female. We will not confuse respect and compassion with capitulation to a tragic delusion. Our Catholic schools will continue to teach and live the truth, because of our care for every student. We can only help students grow in holiness when we help them to live in accord with the truth. We will continue to do that, no matter the cost. . . . [emphasis added]
We are living in an atheocracy: a society determined to stamp out every vestige of God’s plan for mercy, and justice, and goodness. . . .
We are called to stand up—right now. . . . We fight by claiming our nation for Christ, by forming Catholic culture that welcomes others to real freedom, by speaking—heart to heart—with those who are in need of Christ’s healing. We fight evil by praying, and hoping, to win every heart, every soul, every life, for Jesus Christ; as missionaries and disciples of mercy.
We also fight evil on our knees. We fight evil through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We fight evil by invoking St. Michael the Archangel. We fight evil by consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the fount of true mercy, and true peace. . . .
We live in a grave and serious time in history. But now is time for healing, not for lamenting.
Read Bishop Conley’s full column and take the actions he outlines in his final paragraphs.