O'Hara needs to talk to church

To the Editor:

In the Kennebec Journal article, "Diocese starts marriage defense plans," 9-6-12, Frank O'Hara's comments demand an answer. I especially take issue with his remarks concerning the diocesan marriage forums.

O'Hara claims to be Catholic, yet he strongly objects to the Catholic Church exercising her teaching authority in matters of faith and morals and, of course, same-sex marriage. He says he wants discussion and dialog, but the kind of discussion he wants is for the Church to cave in to political correctness. Ain't gonna happen, Frank!

Let's put things in perspective. Regarding authority and leadership, the Roman Catholic Church is over 2,000 years old; the "Church of Frank" is relatively new. Who do you think has more wisdom here?

Traditional marriage is the cradle of life (one man, one woman). This definition must not be tampered with, nor falsely redefined because of some misguided sense of compassion. Marriage is not a word that can be stamped on all relationships.

Pope John Paul II, of blessed memory, stated that the Church's opposition to "same-sex marriage" was not up for negotiation (Vatican urges vote along church lines,"Kennebec Journal, 1-17-03).

Also, in criticizing same-sex marriage, the pope said that "the spread of homosexuality has the capacity to destroy society" (National Catholic Register, 6-13-99). I guess Frank O'Hara hasn't really bothered to dialog with the Church on these matters.

Pat Truman

Hallowell