I really don't understand Cardinal Dolan. Supposing I "came out" in public declaring that I am oriented toward adultery. There I am shouting from the rooftops, "Hey I'm really attracted to having sex with other women's husbands. And, as a matter of fact, I've dated a few." Would Cardinal Dolan cheer me on and say, "Bravo, good for her? I can't judge." Somehow I doubt it.
But isn't that what Michael Sam is basically saying, "Hey, I'm attracted to having sex with other guys. And I've dated a few." (He said that in a interview.) What's to celebrate in that? Didn't Jesus say even to look at another with lust was to commit the act in one's heart? Aren't our sinful "orientations" something to save for the confessional?
Cardinal Dolan needs a reality check. What does it do to the faithful when a shepherd blesses the immoral inclinations of others? Frankly, I feel like I've been sucker-punched! I don't judge Michael Sam; that's God's job. I do judge his choices to "date" other men. So I hope readers will pray for him.
But pray even harder for Cardinal Dolan because scandal by someone in his position is serious indeed!
