Diocesis de Mexico

[Diocesis de Mexico <diomex@avantel.net>]

Dear Louie,

I am the bishop of a diocese located in a country to a large extent still
dominated by a macho-oriented culture, and with no legislation on sexual
orientation; however, most of our congregations and parishes are placed in
Mexico City, maybe the largest city in the world. This sitz im leben
favors a relatively rapid change of attitudes towards sexuality and
alternative sexual life stiles. These dynamics have been fostered amongst
the people of my flock no doubt as a result of our devoted ministry to
people infected with HIV-AIDS, of whom many are gay people. Although this
program firmly declares that we intend to serve everybody in need no
matter how they were infected, it has been our actual attitude towards gay
people in this program, together with the warm reception into our
congregations, the element that has played a vital roll in changing
peoples attitudes towards sexuality.

In the same venue, at the seminary, for example, there is an unspoken
position of no questioning, no policing, and of course no rejection.

This consensual attitude is today taken for granted.

I believe that, in general, as to the mindset of this diocese,
homosexuality is NOT an issue. Our people know of gay Christians, young
and old, that have rendered and are giving invaluable services to our
diocese, being respected and appreciated by all, offering their gifts as
lay people, (in our youth programs, cursillo, etc,) and as clergy beloved
and respected by their flocks and fellow priests without being forced to
"come out".

You may say that this diocese has preached in actions and example more
than it has done with statements, documents, or the enactment of policies
into the diocesan canon law.

Yours ever

Sergio+
Bishop of the Diocese of Mexico