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Au contraire: Catholic dogmas teach respect, love

Au contraire: Catholic dogmas teach respect, love

Date published: 11/14/2003

Regarding Jean Fourcade's letter ["Roman church's dogmas are killing the Third World," Nov. 1]:

It is sad that so many misunderstand Roman Catholic teaching on married life.

God invented sex. This is a great gift to us, and with any great gift comes great responsibility. He simply asks that a man and woman make a vow before him, each other, and the world to become one; no longer two people, but one for life.

As a woman, I am thankful that our church teaches that marriage is holy, and that a husband is not free to remarry because another, younger woman is more sexually appealing.

What dignity for all women is found in this teaching. I have been married for 23 years, and I am at an age where so many of my friends' husbands are leaving their wives for other, younger versions. The pain for all involved is palpable, especially to the children whose world is torn apart.

No one in his or her right mind can deny the biological aspect of sex. But our church teaches that there is so much more to sex than the biology. The church does not teach that the only reason for sexual intercourse is the production of babies. Again, this is a sad misconception.

As a Roman Catholic woman, I find profound dignity in the dogmas of our holy church; not only for women, but also for all people in all cultures throughout all time. Our church invites dialogue. We invite questioning minds and hearts. I trust that as one learns about our faith the misconceptions will turn to respect.

Barbara Yates

Spotsylvania

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Date published: 11/14/2003