Where the Bishop-elect Stands on Hot-button Issues

Albany Times Union
April 10, 2014

http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Where-the-bishop-elect-stands-on-hot-button-issues-5390595.php

Bishop-elect Scharfenberger tries on a Miter during rehearsal for his instillation at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception Wednesday afternoon, April 9, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union) | Buy this photo

Excerpts from Bishop-elect Edward Scharfenberger's comments on hot-button Catholic issues:

On abortion: "Our position on the sanctity of life at every stage of human development from conception to natural death is firm, fundamental and unchangeable. When we get into politics, it gets sticky. I am strong pro-life, but I'm not in-your-face. I don't tell people what to do. This is America."

On women priests: "This is not an issue open to doctrinal development, but I'm open to listening to anything."

On gays in the church: "I have friends who are gay and some who are celibate and live together in the same house. It's up to them. I agree with what Pope Francis said. 'Who am I to judge?' Despite whatever term you use to describe your attractions, are you trying to follow Jesus and to live the Gospel? That's what's important."

On the priest sexual abuse scandal: "This is going to be with us forever. It has to be cleaned up. We must cooperate fully with civil and criminal authorities with complete transparency. No more cloak-and-dagger stuff. There must be zero tolerance and justice for the victims. Every structural and bureaucratic process has to be put in place to protect children and adults. And we must inspire people to lead moral lives. As bishop, it's up to me to set the tone."