By James Fenner, member of Spirit of Grace

Published in the Oregonian, July 12, 2023

As a Christian, I agreed with some but not all of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample’s recent document, “A Catholic Response to Gender Identity Theory: Catechesis and Pastoral Guidelines (”Portland-area Catholic schools are at a crossroads over transgender, nonbinary student rights,” June 26).

His document shows excellent Biblical scholarship while condemning trans people. Archbishop Sample and others appear strong in invoking the Ten Commandments, but weak on applying love, compassion, and The Beatitudes.

As I—a woefully inadequate Bible scholar—see it, the Beatitudes superseded, but did not abolish, the Ten Commandments. Jesus said the two greatest commandments were to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. If we try to do that, how can we condemn trans people or any other of God’s children? Did not Pope Francis say, “Who am I to judge?”

I will not quote Scriptures in an effort to persuade Archbishop Sample or anyone else, but some favorites include: “God is Love; ”We are “saved by faith,” but “faith without works is dead;” “Be compassionate, as your God is compassionate [towards you];” “Do not judge, and you will not be judged;” “Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned;” and “The measure you measure with will be measured back to you.” I try, however poorly, to follow this guidance.

Years ago the “What would Jesus do?” fad came and went. Those of all faiths should still ask ourselves what Jesus, YHWH, Allah, Buddha, Great Spirit, or another faith leader would do before we speak, write, or act.