I have read with keen interest the uproar and public outcry generated by the trending headline purportedly alluding to the fact that the Catholic Pontiff has approved same sex marriage or, perhaps, supports homosexuality. This misconception pushed me into reading and reading again and again between the lines, for an explanation. Unfortunately, I am not an authentic authority to speak on the matter. At least, I’m neither a clergy nor am I anywhere near the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. Hence, my opinion should be seen as strictly personal viewpoint that is also prone to some possible error of interpretation. Feel free to discard.

However, I suspect that most people that jumped into the debate have neither fully read the article on the pope’s views nor have they watched the documentary that produced the screaming headlines. I, therefore, warn that reading the headline alone would be most deceptive. It is advisable that anyone interested in the debate for real interpretation of the pope’s views will need to take some time and read the entire article as well as commentaries that followed.

Having said that, please note:

1. The pope didn't say homosexuality is not sin. Yes, sinful and abominable as homosexuality may be, those involved are still God’s children and deserve God’s mercy too. Does anyone disagree with this fact? We all are God’s children, sinners and saints.

2. Yes, homosexuality is a choice; but, more often than not, those that indulge in them are naturally born that way. Just like I and you that are heterosexual with sexual urge and attraction for opposite sex, some are naturally attracted to same sex. While it is not an excuse to indulge in fornication or adultery or homosexuality as the case may be, it is also same for gay and lesbians. Both are sinful. The pope has not stated otherwise. He condemns homosexuality just like other sins. But simply advocates for love for all and accommodation. No discrimination and, of course, we have to continue to pray for them and win them over with love.

3. The pope has not said the doctrines or position of the church on same sex marriage has to change. No. It remains so. He is, however, calling on “Civil Society” to make laws that would not discriminate against the gays and lesbians or same sex partners who chose to cohabit as couples. The society must not be harsh or look down on them; after all, we all are sinners in one way or the other.

Where then is this gesture of the pope coming from?

The Law of Moses says anyone caught in adultery and fornication should be stoned to death. The adulterous woman (in the gospel of John 7: 53-8:11) was brought before Jesus and after all the drama, her accusers all left. We all know the full story. Does that in any way suggest that Jesus supported adultery? No. When all the accusers left, He then turned to the woman and said: If no one has condemned you after all, “...neither do I. Go and sin no more”. What a show of love. This woman repented thenceforth and became one of the pillars of the Christianity we are all enjoying today. If Jesus had attempted to please the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin just as many of us are today acting “holier than thou,” the woman would have been stoned to death and her role in spreading Christianity would have been lost along with her unrepentant soul. The pope is clearly doing likewise. He is simply saying: “Neither do I condemn those in homosexual relationships, but they must likewise repent.” Rather than condemn the pope, I think he deserves some accolades.

How do we show these people with skewed behavioural defects some love? The pope opines that it is by making laws that do not ostracise and discriminate against them. By treating them with some empathy and, thereby, winning them over with love.

Some have cited examples of how Jesus chased away those trading in the house of God. That is smart and quite good. However, Jesus sent them packing from “trading in the house of God, but not away from God’s house.” For as long as they don’t trade, they are always welcome.

Fast forward to our discourse. Neither the Catholic Church as an institution nor the Pope as its head has recognised gay marriage as a sacrament. Yet, they would never be sent away on account of that weakness of theirs. Church documents also support this position.

My dear friends, this is in a nutshell what the pope is preaching from my own little perspective. Show Them Love, Not Hate.

And I add to what the pope is saying:

If you know you have not sinned, cast the first stone on the homosexuals.

•Chuks Ohiri, a public affairs commentator, writes from Abule-Osun, Lagos. He can be reached via chuksohiri@gmail.com; 08060321965.

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