After Rev. Michael Rodriguez placed a series of anti-gay newspaper ads, the Catholic Church of El Paso has distanced itself from the priest.

The four distinct ads ran in four consecutive editions of the El Paso Times starting on Saturday.

“Engaging in depraved and unnatural sexual acts will lead directly to the ruin of both the homosexual's body and soul,” Rodriguez wrote in Saturday's ad titled True Pastoral Care for Homosexuals. “Our very anatomy cries out against the lie that homosexual acts are 'ok.'”

Rodriguez goes on to suggest that only a “godless society” would accept gay unions.

“Reflect, first there are (a) individuals committing mortal sins of a homosexual nature; next, evil extends its tentacles to (b) society as a whole accepting homosexual and homosexual activity as 'normal'; and finally, iniquity's victory is all but sealed when (c) laws are enacted which impose the putrid homosexual ideology on everyone, while those who, rightfully resist it, are ridiculed, attacked and persecuted,” Rodriguez of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church said.

In comments to the El Paso Times, the diocese said the ads represent Rodriguez's views.

“These paid advertisements are the personal views and opinions of Father Michael Rodriguez,” said the Rev. Anthony C. Celino, the vicar general and moderator of the curia for the diocese.

Rodriguez claims he wrote the passages but an unnamed couple from Plano, Texas paid for the ads.

“I decided to write these articles primarily because it's my duty as a Catholic priest to teach the truth when it comes to faith and morals,” Rodriguez told the paper. “My mission is to labor for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. That's why I wrote the articles. The government has no right to undermine or redefine the institution of marriage. This is beyond the scope of their competence.”

Passage of a city ordinance recognizing the partners of gay and lesbian city workers for the purpose of health benefits has become a heated issue in the city. Passage of the law last year led to a citizen's initiative which overturned the ordinance. But the city council voted to restore the benefits, prompting foes to launch a recall effort against Mayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega.