I think much of the answer may lie in insularity and the cult of obedience among the Catholic hierarchy.

Many Roman Catholic thinkers of course are profoundly independent, especially including thinkers in the Jesuit tradition. But leaders who are tapped for advancement into the hierarchy seem rarely to be independent thinkers and always to be tapped because they uphold tradition and obey their superiors.

In the insular world they live in, the rarefied discourse of ancient theology overrides their experience living in a world peopled by spiritual human beings.

I’m sure the archbishop of Detroit believes he is virtuous for upholding ancient belief. Insularity blinds himto the reality of human suffering and to the advancement of human knowledge that sheds needed light on sexual orientation and gender identity.

I am certain he doesn’t intend to be cruel, but that doesn’t change the reality of his actual cruelty.