The Catholic Church did not allow Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio to become a godparent to his niece because of his involvement in a same-sex relationship.
Tenorio went on the air with K57’s Patti Arroyo and says that when he was chosen to be the godfather of his niece for her confirmation, he was called into the church offices.
Tenorio — expecting to start his godfather requirements — was instead informed of something else.
“I was called in and one of the priests, who I’m friends with, unfortunately, had to send the message to me from the Archbishop that there had been a complaint lodged in the parish when I was seen at a practice for confirmation. And then I was told that I would not be able to participate,” Tenorio said.
He added: “I thought I was going to go in to speak with the priest and do a confession right? … for the mass … but it turned out it was just to let me know that the Archbishop is praying for me but you’re not going to be able to participate and confirm in the church because of your same-sex relationship.”
According to Tenorio, the church has a legal authority to do this, but there’s no question that his experience is evidence that there will continue to be a movement against the rights of those who are living their lives independently in the LGBTQ community.
“I would expect that, unfortunately, those will be the same voices that will try and pass legislation to reduce the number of freedoms and liberties we have here on the island,” the lieutenant governor said.
PNC reached out to the Archdiocese, but they have not given a statement as of newstime.
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