Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…
Archbishop Charles Dufour of Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo courtesy of the Antilles Episcopal Conference)
Several of Jamaica’s churches have voiced very vocal opposition to the case brought by Javed Jaghai challenging the country’s 1864 anti-sodomy law. These churches have also planned island-wide anti-gay demonstrations for Sunday, June 23, in advance of the first hearing of the case on June 25. In response to a Parliamentary conscience vote which the government has promised to call before the end of the year, the churches have also launched an island-wide petition demanding that the government keep the law.
In light of this growing tide of anti-gay religious rhetoric, I wrote to the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, the Most Rev. Charles Dufour, to get his views on the criminalization of private acts of intimacy between consenting adults. Kingston is Jamaica’s largest Catholic Diocese and I therefore expect that Archbishop Dufour’s position will mirror that of the island’s Catholic church. His response is attached as a PDF file. Excerpts include:
As Chief Shepherd of the Catholics in Kingston, I do not feel that I need to make any special declaration at this time in the present debate as the present position of the Catholic Church was clarified by the Holy See in 2011[Editor’s note: “Mr. President, the Holy See takes this opportunity to affirm the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, and to condemn all violence that is targeted against people because of their sexual feelings and thoughts, or sexual behaviours” and more.] following the declaration of 2008 which you kindly quoted. [Editor’s note: “The Holy See continues to advocate that every sign of unjust discrimination towards homosexual persons should be avoided and urges States to do away with criminal penalties against them” and more.]
These documents are easily available online. I find, however, that the concluding remarks of Archbishop Tomasi in his 2011 intervention at the U.N. in Geneva very useful in the present debate.
“And finally, Mr. President, we wish to call attention to a disturbing trend in some of these social debates: People are being attacked for taking positions that do not support sexual behaviour between people of the same sex. When they express their moral beliefs or beliefs about human nature, which may also be expressions of religious convictions, or state opinions about scientific claims, they are stigmatised, and worse — they are vilified, and prosecuted. These attacks contradict the fundamental principles announced in three of the Council’s resolutions of this session. The truth is, these attacks are violations of fundamental human rights, and cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
It is my wish that such attacks against persons who uphold the definition and sanctity of marriage as a union between a man and a woman never become a reality in our Island.
It is important to note that Archbishop Dufour avoids answering the question directly and instead points to a 2011 statement made before the United Nations by the Holy See’s representative, Archbishop Tomasi. In this statement, Tomasi said:
Archbishop Silvano M. Tomasi
“[F]or the purposes of human rights law, there is a critical difference between feelings and thoughts, on the one hand, and behavior, on the other. A state should never punish a person, or deprive a person of the enjoyment of any human right, based just on the person’s feelings and thoughts, including sexual thoughts and feelings. But states can, and must, regulate behaviors, including various sexual behaviors. Throughout the world, there is a consensus between societies that certain kinds of sexual behaviors must be forbidden by law. Pedophilia and incest are two examples.”
The position of the Archbishop of Kingston is markedly different from that taken by the Jamaican-born Roman Catholic Bishop of Antigua and Barbuda, and the Catholic Bishop of Rouseau. Both Bishops publicly declared their support for the decriminalization of sodomy. Archbishop Dufour’s statement can possibly be explained by the fact that two senior Deacons in his church, along with several high-ranking members, have united to form a group called Christians for Truth and Justice to oppose the constitutional claim brought by Javed Jaghai..
Archbishop Dufour’s evasive response also mentions same-sex marriage. This issue was never put to him. However, this red-herring issue is often used by the church to distract from answering the central question: Do they believe that consenting adults should be criminalized for their private acts of intimacy?
I replied to Archbishop Dufour with this letter:
Your Grace,
Thank you for your correspondence on this matter
As a proud Montegonian, I celebrate with you the elevation of the newly enthroned Bishop of Montego Bay. I also wish him all the very best in his service to the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in that part of the island. I would be grateful if you would extend to the Bishop my very best regards.
I also thank you for your clarification on your position within the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church in Jamaica. I however believe my confusion might be reasonably excused in light of the fact that the Archbishop of Kingston has often represented the Catholic Church at state and other civic functions. The office of Archbishop is also the highest office attainable within the Jamaican Catholic Church. That position is held by you.
With respect, your letter did not address the question which I posed. Permit me to repeat the essential section “[K]indly explain the Church’s views with regard to the country’s anti-buggery law.” I regret that your reference to Archbishop Tomassi’s 2011 statement was not helpful, as he spoke to criminalizing sexual activities such as pedophilia and incest. Both of these activities are universally discouraged by modern scientific evidence, although they were extensively practiced by celebrated figures in the Judeo-Christian tradition. These include Abraham, who married his sister Sarah, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was married while still in her teens. Conversely, you may be aware that since 1990 the World Health Organization has declassified homosexuality as a mental illness.
Further, your reference to marriage is, again, not relevant to this discussion. What is being inquired into is your position as the most senior bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in Jamaica on the question of the country’s law that criminalizes private consensual same-gender intimacy between men.
I hope this clarifies the question and allows you to provide a more precise answer.
The conceit, contempt, obnoxious gal of you to try to project your personal mal adaptive interpretation to bear false witness, imply, infer, suggest, persecute, and/or smear the exemplary character of the 6th Archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica West Indies, Charles Henry Dufour D.D, C.D., is sinister. This is clearly a personal attack on the Archbishop otherwise there should have been views/responses from all the other head leaders of religious faith in Jamaica documented in your article. It is common knowledge the stance of the Catholic Faith has on this issue. Clearly you have ulterior motives to be manipulating; questioning the Archbishop views for false claims of hatred for the LBGT or anyone for that matter. Any well read individual knows that JAMAICA IS HOMOPHOBIC about HOMOSEXUALITY and many from the LBGT community in Jamaica seek refuge in other countries. A recent poll was taken and about 90% of the Jamaican population voted in this 21st Century against gay marriage in Jamaica.
It is my perspective as is many others who have known and worked with the Archbishop over the years that the HE IS A MAN OF PEACE, LOVE, and HARMONY FOR ALL HUMAN BEINGS. The Archbishop DOES Not HATE and he is Not INTELORANT OF anyone, any group, denomination, etc. He is not about war, seeking popularity, competing, spreading lies, brain washing, defaming, or manipulation. I rebuke you for trying to negatively type cast the Archbishop Charles Henry Dufour, it is outrageous. As we say back home he welcomes everyone from “all walks of life,” and does what is lawfully right.
The irony of the point you are trying to make regarding the Archbishop views is that he does not dictate the undertakings; the precedence; the rules and regulations of the LBGT community in Jamaica. He does not make the laws of the island of Jamaica nor does he make them for the Roman Catholic Church. He is governed by those laws of the island and principles on the Catholic Faith when ordained. This sort of cyber bullying manipulating the words of a humble servant of God is atrocious. You are on some sort of witch hunt and heading in the wrong direction with this issue. It is America that passed ‘new laws’ allowing Gay (same sex) Marriage, laws regarding LBGT community in Jamaica have not been changed. You are ‘barking up the wrong tree’ and your contention should be with the laws makers of Jamaica and not the Archbishop and/or your conjecture or misinterpretation of his views.
You are using this forum to publicly spread propaganda about the 6th Archbishop of Kingston and it wreaks personal vendetta. It is appalling to see the length individuals like your self will go with your personal agenda to seek notoriety; ‘15’ minutes of fame on this current hot issue at the expense of trying to ruin or defame a good man’s image. Many are trying force Jamaica into adapting many ways and rules of America, Canada, and other countries. No one or no country should be bullied into accepting the laws of another country. Jamaica is an island as we say back home that is “set in its ways” upholding several old beliefs and this is one I doubt will change anytime soon. It is also no secret that many prominent citizens across the board in Jamaica are living the double life and will continue to uphold these ‘olds ways/laws’ to remain in the dark; hide their truths.
I noticed that you failed to mention that the Catholic Church DID NOT participate in the island-wide anti-gay demonstrations on June 23rd. The world needs to be enlightened about the good the Archbishop has been doing tirelessly for the underserved for years during his vacation along with his other responsibilities as oppose to your inflammatory RHETORIC.
In the 1980s HIV/AIDS were foolishly thought to be caused by homosexuals and folks that took ill with the disease were shunned and scorned in Jamaica. When Archbishop Dufour was the 2ND Diocesan Bishop of Montego Bay he was one of the first individuals that opened a FREE HOSPICE to CARE for THOSE with HIV/AIDS. He was the one holding their hands praying with them when no one wanted to care or acknowledge them. He also started several other programs including one that provides a home of love, nurturing, medical needs, and future hope of a normal life for HIV/AIDS and other abandoned children. The programs he started are specifically designed for all the underserved folks that can benefit from their services.
This is where your direction should focused regarding the 6th Archbishop of Kingston Jamaica, Charles Henry Dufour D.D., C. D. You should be advocating for added help for the needy in your home land as oppose to trying to deliberately destroy one of the hardest working Priest I have ever know that works like a ‘mule’ to preserve lives of others. He is also passionately driven to ensure that children are educated to avoid growing up ‘ignorant,’ gullible and ill equipped to face the world and its challenges. It is said a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
For those that would like to verify this information and want to lend their support please go to:
‘friendsofgoodshepherd.org’ it is a legal 501(c)(3) organization. Their contact number is 954-441-9886. All proceeds are used to sustain the organization and services offered. Good Shepherd has chapters in Florida and Maryland in the USA. The programs include Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Centre, The Hope Hospice, Holy Family Self Help Centre, Mustard Seed Communities, and The Children’s Education Fund that also assists many attending the University of the West Indies. The Good Shepherd organizational is now international and helps the underserved in other islands including Haiti.
If this is your attempt to affect a change for your LBGT community you are doing them a disservice and are sorely mistaken. Enough Already!
The conceit, contempt, obnoxious gal of you to try to project your personal mal adaptive interpretation to bear false witness, imply, infer, suggest, persecute, and/or smear the exemplary character of the 6th Archbishop of Kingston, Jamaica West Indies, Charles Henry Dufour D.D, C.D., is sinister. This is clearly a personal attack on the Archbishop otherwise there should have been views/responses from all the other head leaders of religious faith in Jamaica documented in your article. It is common knowledge the stance of the Catholic Faith has on this issue. Clearly you have ulterior motives to be manipulating; questioning the Archbishop views for false claims of hatred for the LBGT or anyone for that matter. Any well read individual knows that JAMAICA IS HOMOPHOBIC about HOMOSEXUALITY and many from the LBGT community in Jamaica seek refuge in other countries. A recent poll was taken and about 90% of the Jamaican population voted in this 21st Century against gay marriage in Jamaica.
It is my perspective as is many others who have known and worked with the Archbishop over the years that the HE IS A MAN OF PEACE, LOVE, and HARMONY FOR ALL HUMAN BEINGS. The Archbishop DOES Not HATE and he is Not INTELORANT OF anyone, any group, denomination, etc. He is not about war, seeking popularity, competing, spreading lies, brain washing, defaming, or manipulation. I rebuke you for trying to negatively type cast the Archbishop Charles Henry Dufour, it is outrageous. As we say back home he welcomes everyone from “all walks of life,” and does what is lawfully right.
The irony of the point you are trying to make regarding the Archbishop views is that he does not dictate the undertakings; the precedence; the rules and regulations of the LBGT community in Jamaica. He does not make the laws of the island of Jamaica nor does he make them for the Roman Catholic Church. He is governed by those laws of the island and principles on the Catholic Faith when ordained. This sort of cyber bullying manipulating the words of a humble servant of God is atrocious. You are on some sort of witch hunt and heading in the wrong direction with this issue. It is America that passed ‘new laws’ allowing Gay (same sex) Marriage, laws regarding LBGT community in Jamaica have not been changed. You are ‘barking up the wrong tree’ and your contention should be with the laws makers of Jamaica and not the Archbishop and/or your conjecture or misinterpretation of his views.
You are using this forum to publicly spread propaganda about the 6th Archbishop of Kingston and it wreaks personal vendetta. It is appalling to see the length individuals like your self will go with your personal agenda to seek notoriety; ‘15’ minutes of fame on this current hot issue at the expense of trying to ruin or defame a good man’s image. Many are trying force Jamaica into adapting many ways and rules of America, Canada, and other countries. No one or no country should be bullied into accepting the laws of another country. Jamaica is an island as we say back home that is “set in its ways” upholding several old beliefs and this is one I doubt will change anytime soon. It is also no secret that many prominent citizens across the board in Jamaica are living the double life and will continue to uphold these ‘olds ways/laws’ to remain in the dark; hide their truths.
I noticed that you failed to mention that the Catholic Church DID NOT participate in the island-wide anti-gay demonstrations on June 23rd. The world needs to be enlightened about the good the Archbishop has been doing tirelessly for the underserved for years during his vacation along with his other responsibilities as oppose to your inflammatory RHETORIC.
In the 1980s HIV/AIDS were foolishly thought to be caused by homosexuals and folks that took ill with the disease were shunned and scorned in Jamaica. When Archbishop Dufour was the 2ND Diocesan Bishop of Montego Bay he was one of the first individuals that opened a FREE HOSPICE to CARE for THOSE with HIV/AIDS. He was the one holding their hands praying with them when no one wanted to care or acknowledge them. He also started several other programs including one that provides a home of love, nurturing, medical needs, and future hope of a normal life for HIV/AIDS and other abandoned children. The programs he started are specifically designed for all the underserved folks that can benefit from their services.
This is where your direction should focused regarding the 6th Archbishop of Kingston Jamaica, Charles Henry Dufour D.D., C. D. You should be advocating for added help for the needy in your home land as oppose to trying to deliberately destroy one of the hardest working Priest I have ever know that works like a ‘mule’ to preserve lives of others. He is also passionately driven to ensure that children are educated to avoid growing up ‘ignorant,’ gullible and ill equipped to face the world and its challenges. It is said a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
For those that would like to verify this information and want to lend their support please go to:
‘friendsofgoodshepherd.org’ it is a legal 501(c)(3) organization. Their contact number is 954-441-9886. All proceeds are used to sustain the organization and services offered. Good Shepherd has chapters in Florida and Maryland in the USA. The programs include Good Shepherd Foundation Medical Centre, The Hope Hospice, Holy Family Self Help Centre, Mustard Seed Communities, and The Children’s Education Fund that also assists many attending the University of the West Indies. The Good Shepherd organizational is now international and helps the underserved in other islands including Haiti.
If this is your attempt to affect a change for your LBGT community you are doing them a disservice and are sorely mistaken. Enough Already!