To the Editor of the Star Ledger:

For the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey to require a letter to be read at all Masses this past weekend opposing same-sex marriage is the epitome of hypocrisy. If Jesus paid a visit to New Jersey this week, his first stop would be to the offices of the bishops where he would tell them, “Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, you frauds.” First, most (if not all) of New Jersey’s bishops are closeted or “out” gay men whose self-hating diatribes against other gay men and women is nothing more than a “systemic, calculated perversion of power,” a statement quoted from the Murphy Report released this week describing the cover-up of child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Dublin (and which applies worldwide). Second, if these men were not bishops, they would be supporting legislation favoring gay rights, and they would probably be marching in gay parades with their partners and perhaps trying to adopt children like any other loving couple. Third, these men cannot lead the State in the prevention of sexual abuse by clergymen because they “closet” and “hide” abusers and documents confirming such. We expect them to have any moral authority at all? It’s time for New Jersey’s legislators to do the right thing and stop kow-towing to so-called religious leaders who are neither when it comes to morality.

Rev. Robert M. Hoatson, Ph.D.
46 Morris Road
West Orange, New Jersey 07052
862-368-2800