Omaha's Social Media Community Reacts To Creighton's Same-Sex Insurance Coverage

(CHRISM NEWS/ SUZANNE CARL) All around the web today, Omaha natives and Creighton University alums are responding to the university's decision to offer insurance to partners of LGBTQ employees. As probably expected, some of the responses have been quite volatile. Below the reactions you can find the original announcement by President Timothy Lannon, S.J., and the response published by Archbishop George Lucas.

The following comments come from Facebook, KETV, and the Omaha World Herald. Feel free to add your own in the comments box below.

1. Lisa Scicchitano: Haney Awesome!!

2. Kathleen Dungan: Way to go Creighton.

3. Philip Esslinger: We are all sinners and one sin is as ugly to the Lord as another. We are all loved by the Lord equally but through the Bible He has shown us our sin. Through the Bible He states that this action is of our sin nature. Makes my heart heavy to think our world is allowing the devil to slowly put us asleep making us believe our sin is not "really" a sin. Soon enough we will make killing innocent people justified....oh what maybe Creighton supports abortion also.

4. Todd Christensen: Completely undermining the Catholic beliefs; Creighton should be ashamed.

5. Mary Andrews Blinkhorn: Going the path of Notre Dame...equals Catholic Identity crisis. I just wish Catholic colleges would decide once and for all what they are before they cave.

6. Carrie Ann Shirota: Amen. Liberation theology in practice!

7. Cheryl Yentes Kmiecik: The truth is, none of us really know what GOD'S view is of homosexuality. When HE sets up his kingdom here on earth, maybe we will understand HIS views on controversial issues, or maybe it won't even be important any more.

8. John Stoysich: Now, what about polygamy? Is it press, ethics, or one of the various social justice definitions.

9. Ryan Lewis: Well said, Archbishop! Exercising your teaching office as a successor of the Apostles.

10. Betty Majeski: University of Nebraska at Omaha

Congrats to Creighton to extend health benefits to same-sex spouses. Now tell me about birth control for heterosexual women

1. Ed Johansen: Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum Most birth control pills are abortifacients. They allow the human being to be conceived yet prevent implantation in the womb. That is abortion = murder of an innocent child. THOU SHALL NOT KILL

2. Michael Gemmell: Top Commenter · Southern Illinois University EdwardsvillEd Johansen, please learn to accept your religious "beliefs" are no excuse for trying to control the lives and bodies of any other person. You are free to refuse to take contraceptive medications. Respect everyone else's right to ignore your "beliefs."

3. huskermustang (signed in using yahoo) Michael Gemmell: You do understand that Creighton is a Catholic University, right?

4. MaryAnn Schiefen · Briar Cliff College: Thank you Rev. Lannon for doing the right thing. I hope others will follow in your footsteps and realize that no matter what sexual orientation people may be they all deserve to have the same benefits.

5. Zane Cooler · Top Commenter · To cool for school B.S.

6. Greg Zacharias · Omaha, Nebraska I'm proud of this decision.

7. Mason Malmberg Not for long. The 21st century eventually covers all corners of the world. No matter how hard the backward yokels try to wish it away.

8. Michael Gemmell · Top Commenter · Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

9. Davis Zebolsky Jesus Christ and his church are about holiness and purity. Our identity is in Him, not the lustful desires of our hearts. Marriage is a holy life giving sacrament that can only happen between a man and a woman. Maybe Creighton will embrace and teach the complete biblical truth one day. Until then, who says they are Catholic?

Dear Trustees,

This is to inform you that I have decided that Creighton University will extend healthcare benefits in 2015 to the same-sex spouses of our colleagues who have been legally wed in other states.

I have notified Archbishop George Lucas of Omaha of my decision, acknowledging his disagreement and disapproval of such a decision based upon a previous conversation he and I had.

Consequently, the decision was not made lightly. After much prayer and discernment, I believe the extension of benefits is the right thing to do at Creighton. The decision involves the tension between the Church's teaching on same-sex marriage and social justice concerns for the care and well-being of our colleagues' families.

Many other Catholic universities, including 21 of the 28 Jesuit universities in the U.S., have done the same. I asked the University Benefits Committee to consider benefits coverage for legally married same-sex couples. They were unanimous in supporting this change. The extension of benefits is not a statement of approval of same-sex marriages but rather an acknowledgement of our responsibility to serve the needs of faculty and staff who faithfully serve our students and patients every day.

This decision not only reflects a commitment to our colleagues, but our ongoing commitment to health and wellness. It is important in today's competitive workplace environment that values fairness and equal treatment and is consistent with our efforts to foster an inclusive, compassionate and respectful campus environment. Many major employers in the Omaha area as well as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the College of St. Mary all offer these benefits to their colleagues.

I anticipate that we may receive some negative media attention for this decision. Nevertheless, I believe it was the right thing to do.

Thank you for all you do for Creighton. See you at our board meeting next week.

God's blessings,

Timothy R. Lannon, S.J. President

Read more: http://www.ketv.com/news/creighton-university-to-offer-samesex-benefits/29362564#ixzz3HTJG6dgF

“I am disappointed in Father Lannon's announcement that Creighton University will extend healthcare benefits to same-sex spouses of employees who have attempted marriage in states where this practice is legal. I disagree with the decision. Despite Father Lannon's claim that this is not a statement of approval of same-sex marriages, this is precisely the message that the University is giving. I am dismayed that the recommendation of the University Benefits Committee is thought to supersede divine law regarding marriage. There is no tension between Catholic teaching and social justice. Both are grounded in the same truths about the nature of the human person, the complementarity of man and woman and the meaning of human life and love. When we experience tension in ensuring respect and just treatment for all persons, including those with same-sex attraction, we have a right to expect a Catholic university to help us see a just path forward, rooted in faith and founded on the rich Catholic intellectual tradition. Creighton has failed to fulfill this expectation in this expansion of benefits.”

Most Reverend George J. Lucas Archbishop of Omaha