Separation of church and gays?

In the recent news of the wonderful “Valley”, there has been much talk over the recent decision made by Bishop Joseph Martino of Misericordia University. In what Martino refers to as, “absolute disapproval” with the diversity club brining in activist Keith Boykin, even going as far to say that the University is failing to maintain the Catholic belief and image. So what is so terrible about Boykin? Well he’s gay.

Boykin was asked by the University’s Diversity institute to speak at a annual dinner, about Black History, and to discuss how he and President Obama were once classmates in college. While seeming like a reasonable and understandable request (also accepted by Boykin), Bishop Martino thought otherwise. Martino was not interested in what Boykin was coming to the school to discuss, but in his sexual background. The bishop had a big problem with Boykin’s past three books that were nominated for the Lambda Literary Award, which is given on behalf of homosexual causes. The diocese also labeled Boykin as an “avid supporter” of same sex marriage, which many of us know is against Catholic religion.

These statements made by the Bishop and Diocese, have sent shockwaves through the media, and now even college students. Recently, I came across a Facebook group that was all about having Bishop Martino removed from the University because of his words and decisions. Many callers on the local radio station WILK were also outraged with the decision and were not afraid of addressing their opinions about the Bishop.

So who is in the right? As a follower of the Catholic religion, I would have to agree with the Bishop’s decision. However, my reasons are not as radical as the Bishops. While I personally see no problem in diversity and equal rights, I understand where the Bishop is coming from. It is a private University, which is also a religious school and I could see how the decision of the Diversity Institue would upset someone who has been practicing religion their entire life. I also feel the speaker chosen was more than qualified to speak, and would probably have a great amount of knowledge to share with the students. It is a shame that circumstances, and the way the whole situation was approached, became the focus. If anything, I feel the Bishop should have been more open to discussing the scenario, and perhaps meeting in the middle with the Diversity Institute.

Anthony DiMarco
Wilkes University 10'
Communications