CBCP: Disagreement on sexual preference does not justify murder

MANILA, Philippines – Disagreement over sexual preference or reprove of certain forms of sexual activity does not justify hatred or murder of another human being, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said following the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida.

CBCP President Archbishop Socrates Villages noted that the crime, which is now considered as the worst mass shooting in American history, is a hate crime as the victims were murdered due to disgust for their sexual orientation.

"Bearing in the depth of his or her soul the image of the Creator, no human person should ever be the object of disgust.  While we may have reasons to disagree with sexual preferences, or reprove certain forms of sexual activity, this can never justify hatred, let alone, murder of another human being," Villegas said in a statement released on Monday.

Villegas noted that the tragedy occurred in the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy which Pope Francis declared.

"The heartlessness with which so many were cut down in their youth or in the prime of life only makes clear how much the world needs mercy," the archbishop said.

"No matter that we may disapprove of the actions, decisions and choices of others, there is absolutely no reason to reject the person, no justification for cruelty, no reason for making outcasts of them," Villegas said, noting that the whole world was shocked by the brutality of the tragedy at Florida.

In behalf of the CBCP, Villegas urged school administrators and youth leaders to be vigilant about the cases of bullying, ostracism and harassment.

"We urge government to educate the nation in the ways of the respect for all life.  We call on all Christians to show the world that our fidelity to Christ and our citizenship in his kingdom are of far more importance than whatever else may keep us in disagreement," the CBCP President said.

Pope Francis had earlier expressed "deepest feelings of horror and condemnation" over the tragedy at a nightclub in Florida.

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