A New Zealander selected to represent local Catholics at a discussion on marriage and family, led by Pope Francis at the Vatican, believes the church’s attitude towards gay people is “harmful” and “alienating”. Midwifery Council chief executive Sharron Cole is among 17 international auditors invited to speak at the synod. One of the topics which could come up is the acceptance of gay people, and Cole has told NZME the belief that gay people are "intrinsically disturbed" was harmful and alienated New Zealanders from the Catholic Church and its teachings. "We're a welcoming church but sometimes the way the church presents that is difficult," she said. "We have a God of love and we should have a church of love." Archbishop John Dew, Bishop Charles Drennan and Dr John Kleinsman will also represent New Zealand at the gathering next month.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 17th September 2015 - 8:38am