It has been alleged that certain discriminatory statements on Interfaith Marriages and Gender Stereotyping have been made in the course of a Lenten Retreat in a particular parish of the Archdiocese of Bombay.
This clarification is being issued from the Archdiocese of Bombay as the alleged statements neither reflect nor are endorsed by the Archdiocese and the Catholic Church.
As in all faiths, we encourage marriage within the community. The Catholic Church also recognizes Interfaith Marriages on certain canonical grounds that would respect personal choice and safeguard the freedom of every individual with regard to marriage without prejudice to any community or religion. The Catholic Church provides assistance to encourage the couple to make their marriage as meaningful as possible, with each partner being true to the tenets and teaching of their respective faiths.
With reference to the alleged statements made on Gender Stereotyping, the Catholic Church has always held that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and are equal, in keeping with the teachings from our Sacred Scriptures. The Catholic Church endorses gender equality and has been constantly working towards sensitizing all communities in the area of gender equality and justice.
Press Office Archdiocese of Bombay