"South American archbishop tells Catholics to ‘accompany’ homosexual couples and their ‘families’"

"Archbishop Edmundo Valenzuela of Paraguay told a congregation on the Feast of the Holy Family that Christians must accept and respect homosexual couples and the “families” they form.

Speaking on Sunday in the capital of the South American republic, Archbishop Valenzuela said at his cathedral, 'Today we find that there are homosexual couples who form families. We cannot ignore that reality. They require a particular competence and preparation on the part of family movements to accompany these people, in order to show them mercy and understanding.'

The archbishop added, 'Therefore, it is up to us to provide that openness and ability to understand these new and very difficult situations, to which we must, without a doubt, show solidarity with an attitude of mercy. Brothers and sisters, let us give thanks that the Church is a family of families.'

Apparently reacting to consternation that was stirred by his comments, Valenzuela issued a subsequent statement on Monday saying he was “concerned” by media reports about his homily. Saying the media “erroneously interpreted” part of his sermon, the archbishop underlined that Christians should... adequately... accompany homosexual couples.'"