Update 4/30/24
The Paris prosecutor’s office dismissed the case made against Fr. Matthieu Raffray [1] in response to his calling homosexual tendencies sinful. The notice from the prosecutor’s office stated: “After a careful examination of the comments…it does not appear that there is any infraction sufficiently characterized to justify any criminal procedure against him.” The document then concluded by stating, “[T]his process is being dismissed.” Thank you for all your prayers in support of Fr. Raffray, Catholic values, and free speech!
The French government is coming after a Catholic priest for speaking canonical truths [2]. Father Matthieu Raffray from France released a video on Instagram last month. In the video, he encourages watchers to fight against their weaknesses and sinful inclinations. He uses homosexuality as an example among others, saying that same-sex attraction is a weakness that should be fought against, just as with any other sin. He encouraged watchers to not give in to the devil’s lie that the fight against temptation – whatever that temptation may be – is “too hard.”
But this was too much for LGBT lobby groups. Aurore Bergé is the government minister for Gender Equality and Fight Against Discriminations. She called Fr. Raffray’s encouragement “unbearable” and further requested the Interministerial Delegation for the Fight against Racism, Anti-Semitism, and Anti-LGBT Hatred (DILCRAH) to report to the public prosecutor in order to determine if Fr. Raffray committed a crime. DILCRAH spoke out, saying that it had submitted its request to the public prosecutor with the allegation that calling homosexuality a weakness may violate France’s ban on conversion therapy – a huge stretch, to say the least.
Fr. Raffray has not remained silent on these wild and preposterous accusations. In an interview [3], he said, “I wanted to make it clear that we are not obliged to give in to all our temptations, all our desires…Homosexual acts are a sin, but I think people no longer know what a sin is. What is at stake is not me but the freedom to be Christian today. I hope that all the faithful realize that it is Christian morality and the entire Church that are under attack…If some people do not want to listen to the teaching of the Church, no one is forcing them. But many people are suffering and need this discourse from the Church which helps them not to become a slave to homosexuality or any other passion.”
Fr. Raffray’s statements align with the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which explains that homosexuality is not aligned with the natural law – but those suffering from this inclination deserve compassion and respect. Paragraph 2358 [4] states: “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives, and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.” Fr. Raffray simply spoke the truth of Catholic teaching – and is facing potential persecution for it. As the “eldest daughter of the Catholic Church,” France would do well to remember Catholic doctrine.
Pray for Fr. Raffray and all priests and pray that France returns to Catholicism and embraces the truths God has revealed to mankind – truths which allow us to live in genuine love and compassion.