The new Roman Catholic bishop in the Diocese of Antigonish in Nova Scotia ought to heed some of his own advice.

Bishop Raymond Lahey was installed recently in a posh ceremony attended by 50 bishops and more than 100 priests plus notables such as provincial Liberal leader Danny Graham. Musicians and singers offered renditions of such classics as “Where He Leads I Will Follow” and “MacCrimmons March.&#0148

Lahey is 62 years old, from Newfoundland and a longtime professor of theology at Memorial University in St. Johns.

The advice Lahey ought to meditate on is in his Message on Arriving in the Diocese of Antigonish. He wrote: “Let us embrace, as our young people do, the life, the enthusiasm, and the idealism of the Gospel. Let us rejoice in its demands, for in todays world they bring freedom from the fears and faults that oppress us.”

On Wednesday Lahey marked himself as a soldier on precisely the wrong side of one of those fears and faults that oppress us — he has spoken out against same-sex marriage.

In his message, Lahey trots out the traditional arguments: marriage for some people is unnecessary. It goes against common sense. It will provoke division. He quotes the Catechism of the Catholic Church (2358) calling for catholics to accept gay and lesbian persons “with respect, compassion and sensitivity.”

Division is provoked by arguments, including Laheys. And when it comes to accepting gay and lesbian persons “with respect, compassion and sensitivity” Lahey should think about the difference between talking the talk and walking the walk. True respect, compassion and sensitivity include allowing others to live their lives as fully and equally as possible.

Prime Minister Jean Chretien has said the government will allow religious institutions to decide whether or not they will sanctify marriages between gay and lesbian people. Lahey says this would “especially create animosity toward the many religious groups, both Christians and others, whose belief holds marriage to be something sacred and unchangeable, and who could not recognize or officiate at such unions.”

If the shoe fits…

Bishop Lahey has asked Catholics in the diocese to write to their Member of Parliament, to the Prime Minister and the federal justice minister and express opposition.

Ill suggest almost same chore. Yes, do write your Member of Parliament. But also, if youre in Nova Scotia, in the run up to a provincial election, ask candidates where they stand. I can save you the trouble of calling Danny Graham, leader of the Liberal party. I called him and he was clear about what he believes.

Graham said he attended the installation of Bishop Lahey as part of his role as leader of a political party and because Antigonish is the parish where he was baptized. But all the same, he cautioned that Lahey remarks against marriage post-dated his attendance. Graham said, “Social change has been happening in a positive way around sexual orientation. None of the things we have done to date affect the fabric of Canada. My view is that we have continued to see much needed progess in the fight against oppression of gays and lesbians. Thats one of the last areas we have attacked.”

If Alexa McDonough is your Member of Parliament and you write to her, part of her reply will say, “gay and lesbian relationships are just as loving, strong and committed as heterosexual relationships and therefore any expression of commitment should be encouraged as it will serve to strengthen the institution of marriage.”

I do agree with Laheys suggestion: write to your politicians. But unlike Lahey, Ill not tell you what to think. Lahey advises to write in opposition. I offer opposition plus the choices of writing in favour, or with neutrality, or apathy.

Think about what it means to make the ideals Lahey writes about — “respect, compassion and sensitivity” and “freedom from the fears and faults that oppress us” — become not just smooth talk but living action.