The Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon, under the leadership of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, has implemented a policy to guide schools on how to handle transgender students. It is a comprehensive model that empathizes with those with gender dysphoria while being steadfast in opposing gender ideology. The policy is intended for Catholic schools and all private and public schools.
“The first chapters of Genesis in sacred scripture provide the foundation for a Catholic anthropology—the Catholic understanding of the human person. According to our faith, human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27).”
Pope Francis, who has called gender ideology “demonic,” is quoted in the policy, reminding us of who has stewardship over our body.
“The acceptance of our body as a gift from God is vital for welcoming and accepting the entire world as a gift from the Father and our common home, whereas thinking that we enjoy absolute power over our own bodies turns, often subtly, into thinking that we enjoy an absolute power over creation. Learning to respect our body, to care for it and to respect its fullest meaning, is an essential element of any genuine human ecology.”
The policy addresses the problem with “gender identity theory,” which suggests that one’s identification as a man, woman, or both/neither is solely dependent on subjective self-perception. According to the policy, this assumption is incorrect since it goes against the objective reality of biological sex. This philosophy is false and this, more than anything, is the heart of the problem of gender ideology.
The inclusion of “Pastoral Guidelines” includes the following:
- It recommends that “designations and pronouns should accord with biological sex.”
- Restrooms and locker rooms “should be organized according to biological sex.”
- Sports teams should be “based on biological sex, rather than self-perceived gender.”
- Dress codes should also be in accordance with one’s biological sex.
- Importantly, “no person should have on-site or distribute medications for the purpose of gender transition.”
- Just as critical, the policy recognizes that “parents are the primary educators,” and should be treated as such.
Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, believes the policy should be implemented in all schools nationwide. It is essential to stop exploiting minors for ideological and financial gain and, instead, respect the human dignity of each individual.
“We did not come into the world as something other than male or female, and no amount of brainwashing to the contrary should be tolerated.”
Image Credits:
• The Transgender Pride flag via Wikimedia Commons by Monica Helms Design with usage type - Public Domain, 2006
Featured Image Credit:
• The Transgender Pride flag via Wikimedia Commons by Monica Helms Design with usage type - Public Domain, 2006