I am the only practicing Catholic in my family of birth and my husband’s. My only nephew may soon “come out ” to our overseas family about his homosexuality and same-sex relationship. We will be visiting his family soon. How do I respond if my nephew asks me directly how I feel about his sexual orientation and same-sex marriage? I want to be true to my faith and still be a loving aunt without appearing to condone his lifestyle.
He will always be your nephew, a man created and loved by God. His “coming out ” does not change that.
It also does not oblige you to accept as equivalent to heterosexual marriage a same-sex civil union or a marriage blessed in another Church. This is not an easy family situation for anyone. Your instincts as a loving aunt should help you find an honest response about which you can be proud.
