In response to William Slavick’s recent rant, I must oppose, most of all, his claim that the Catholic Church is anything less than an instrument to defend the dignity of all human life — including those with same-sex attraction (Another View, “Bishop does not speak for all Catholics on same-sex marriage,” Oct. 3). To suggest that Pope Benedict perceives these individuals as “God junk” is out of touch with the church’s position on human dignity.

Pope Benedict and Bishop Malone are charged with “going forth and speaking the truth,” and by the positions they hold, they do speak for the church. Pope Benedict and his bishops guide the church with love and truth in a confused and hurting world.

They look to doctrine that has guided them for more than 2,000 years. The Catholic Church considers human sexual behavior to be sacred when properly expressed.

The complementarity of the sexes is believed to be part of God’s plan. Yes, the church upholds marriage and family as a core tenet, a non-negotiable. Vast human experience confirms that marriage is the original and most important institution for sustaining the health, education and welfare of all persons in a society.

Bishop Malone is right in championing the rights of children to a mother and a father. Slavick’s claim that no evidence finds children of same-sex parents less well-nurtured is irrelevant and ill-informed. If only it were that simple. Most would agree it takes much more than nurturing to raise a child.

Every person without exception desires a connection with the man and woman from whom they originated. What we do know, quite simply, from 30-plus years of social science research is that when a man or a woman leaves a marriage, children suffer.

Lastly, I present to Mr. Slavick that we obtain societal respect as individuals, not through our marital status.

Mary Conroy is a resident of North Yarmouth.