Brazil priest suspended for views (pro-condoms, pro-gay)

[IndianaGreen]

Page last updated at 00:59 GMT, Friday, 27 February 2009

Brazil priest suspended for views

By Gary Duffy
BBC News, Sao Paulo

A Roman Catholic priest in Brazil who defended the use of contraceptives and the rights of homosexuals has been suspended by his local archbishop.

Father Luiz Couto has been told he can resume his priestly duties in the north-eastern state of Paraiba if he publicly renounces his views.

The priest is also a member of Congress for the Workers' Party of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

He says he will continue to celebrate Mass at home with friends.

It appears that Father Couto landed in trouble with the Church authorities because of an interview that he gave to a local newspaper defending the use of condoms as a matter of public health.

He also spoke out against discrimination against homosexuals and said he was opposed to celibacy for priests.

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7913981.stm

[Jamastiene]

1. More power to him.

I hope he can build a strong coalition of people outside the ones who kicked him out. He sounds like a man who stands on principle.

[sakabatou]

2. Go Father Couto!

I really do like progressive clergymen.

[bluedawg12]

3. Two words: Church authorities. Says it all.

The whole thing is built on the premise of some renaissance Florentine principality.

The Prince of the church at the top, the Dukes and noblemen, the lesser courtiers and the nobles on down the line.

There is no room for dissent against authority. NO surprise there.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

4. the catholic church is homophobic.

[IntravenousDemilo]

5. Hey, he does have this other (paid) job with the government.

Maybe now he can willingly find a way to devote more time to it, by telling the church, "You can't fire me, I quit!"

[MountainLaurel]

6. Meanwhile, Bernie Law sits in the Vatican n/t