The Archdiocese of Castries has issued a statement following the recent ruling of the Court of Saint Lucia to decriminalize buggery in the privacy of one’s home, a decision that marks a significant shift in the nation’s legal landscape. The statement, released from the Archbishop’s Office, affirms the Catholic Church’s commitment to respect for human dignity while restating its moral stance on sexual ethics.
The Archbishop began by acknowledging the inherent worth of every human being, affirming that “every human person is created in the image and likeness of God and, regardless of sexual orientation, is deserving of respect, compassion, and sensitivity.” He further underscored that the Church “firmly rejects all forms of violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination against persons who experience same-sex attraction.”
At the same time, his statement made clear that the ruling does not alter the Church’s moral teachings. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Archbishop reiterated that sexual activity outside of sacramental marriage between one man and one woman, including homosexual acts, is considered “morally disordered” because it is “not open to the gift of life nor does it reflect the full meaning of conjugal love intended by God.” He quoted directly from the Catechism: “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery… they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection”
The Archbishop further endevored to explicitly distinguish between legal and moral frameworks. “Legal permissibility does not determine moral acceptability,” the statement read, emphasizing that while the Court’s decision pertains to privacy and personal freedom, it does not change the Church’s understanding of the moral order.
The Archbishop also used the opportunity to remind Catholics of the Church’s pastoral mission, pledging continued spiritual guidance and support to all persons, including those with same-sex attraction. He called on the faithful and citizens of goodwill to treat everyone with charity and dignity, stressing the importance of avoiding any form of harassment or marginalization.
This statement comes at a time when the Caribbean region has seen increasing challenges to colonial-era laws criminalizing same-sex relations. Saint Lucia’s ruling follows similar developments in other jurisdictions, raising questions about the balance between legal rights, cultural values, and religious teachings. The Archbishop’s intervention positions the Catholic Church as both an advocate for compassion and a guardian of traditional Christian doctrine.
In concluding, the Archbishop urged Saint Lucians to remain steadfast in faith while engaging with the realities of changing societal norms: “As we navigate the changing legal and social landscape of our beloved Saint Lucia, let us continue to proclaim the Gospel of truth and love, and pray that our society may always uphold the dignity of every person while remaining faithful to the moral values that sustain healthy families and communities.”