Acceptable? Ministry Statement for Gay and Lesbian Catholics

[chrisb]

Ministry to Gay and Lesbian Catholics, Their Families and Friends

Mission Statement

Accepting God’s call, we seek to reflect Christ’s actions to all at St. Michael’s and the larger community. We minister to families and individuals dealing with homosexuality, either within their own families or within themselves. As part of the community, we gather in faith to celebrate the gifts from, and the presence of, God in our lives as fellow disciples of Jesus on a journey with our larger Christian Catholic community. In unity with them, we search for understanding and spiritual strength.

As Catholic Christians we believe in the full participation of every member of the body of Christ and embrace the pastoral statements of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and the larger Church [Always Our Children, a pastoral message to parents of homosexual children], the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other writings of the Magisterium that stress the importance of the homosexual individual and their right to respect, friendship, and justice. We will live our faith in the midst of our community. We will speak works of faith, hope and love to individuals, parents, and families who need the Church’s loving presence at a time that may be one of the most challenging in their lives. Inspired by God’s deep love for us and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to deepen our commitment to love and care for gay and lesbian people, their friends and families. By this commitment we embrace the full diversity of community and promote justice and peace for all people.

We will strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, intolerance, and oppression against homosexual people in our communities. This ministry walks with gay and lesbian people, their parents and friends as they explore and come to value their stories, thereby, empowering them to share that story with their family circle and the larger Catholic community.

Recognizing that a child or sibling is gay will have significant emotional ramifications for family and close friends. We Are Family attempts to provide opportunities for better understanding of what homosexuality actually is, and how their lives may impact both the individual and those close to him or her. While it is beyond the scope of the group to provide any formal therapy, the sharing of experiences, perceptions, and feelings is often beneficial to parents and family members dealing with the emotional turmoil of accepting a gay son, daughter or sibling.

Central to the philosophy of the group is understanding that God creates us all and has a good reason for doing so! This may not always be obvious to us! It is recognized that faith is a vital part of a healing relationship that may have been disrupted by difficulties in accepting a newly realized orientation on the part of a child, sibling, or friend. It is our belief that we need to put our faith completely in God, to rely on the teachings of the Church, and to minister to those in need.

In the belief that it “takes a village” we strive to be supportive and loving to members of our community as they journey toward the full acceptance of God’s creation. As a Pastoral Care ministry at St. Michael’s, we strive to demonstrate that everyone is welcome in our midst and that all persons are integral parts of our church family.

 

[Barbkw]

No, it’s not acceptable.

There is no mention of Catholic teaching concerning celibate same sex attraction and chastity.

On the contrary, that statement pushes Catholicism toward a place that Sacred Scripture will not allow it to go.

In addition, that statement seems to have already resolved that the Church is gearing it’s entire ministry toward helping noncelibate same sex attracted people receive their “equal rights”.

That statement assumes in advance that Catholics as a whole are willing to accept this outreach when it writes that in: “commitment we embrace the **full diversity **of (the gay) community and promote justice and peace for all people.”

 

[Barbkw]

These are my suggestions:

Accepting God’s call, we seek to reflect Christ’s actions to all at St. Michael’s and the larger community. We minister to families and individuals dealing with homosexuality, either within their own families or within themselves.

I’d suggest that this read “dealing with same sex attraction” to make the distinction between noncelibate and celibate actions.

As Catholic Christians we believe in the full participation of every member of the body of Christ and embrace the pastoral statements of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and the larger Church [Always Our Children, a pastoral message to parents of homosexual children],

**Perhaps should read, “Parents of young children with sexual identity disorders and young adults and adult children with same sex attraction.” **

the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other writings of the Magisterium that stress the importance of the homosexual individual and their right to respect, friendship, and justice.

**That’s not what the CCC states.

The CCC states that:**

Chastity and homosexuality

2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity,141 tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered."142 They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. **Under no circumstances can they be approved. **

2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.

2359 Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.

We will speak works of faith, hope and love to individuals, parents, and families who need the Church’s loving presence at a time that may be one of the most challenging in their lives. Inspired by God’s deep love for us and the power of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to deepen our commitment to love and care for gay and lesbian people, their friends and families. By this commitment we embrace the full diversity of community and promote justice and peace for all people.

“Care for gay and lesbian people.”

Perhaps should read “care for same sex attracted people” who are choosing between chastity or the homosexual lifestyle.

We will strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, intolerance, and oppression against homosexual people in our communities.

No, that’s not what the CCC teaches. This statement needs to be rewritten toward the protection of marriage between one man and one woman. Justice for noncelibate or celibate same sex attracted friendships goes not extend out to include the Sacrament of Marriage in the Church or even for “gay marriage” by the state.

Recognizing that a child or sibling is gay …

is same sex attracted

will have significant emotional ramifications for family and close friends. We Are Family attempts to provide opportunities for better understanding of what homosexuality actually is, and how their lives may impact both the individual and those close to him or her.

Again, same sex attraction not homosexuality.

While it is beyond the scope of the group to provide any formal therapy, the sharing of experiences, perceptions, and feelings is often beneficial to parents and family members dealing with the emotional turmoil of accepting a gay son, daughter or sibling.

**What exactly is the point then, sit down and talk and resolve nothing? Get a Courage group started. Point the same sex attracted people toward help in the Church. **

Central to the philosophy of the group is understanding that God creates us all and has a good reason for doing so! This may not always be obvious to us! It is recognized that faith is a vital part of a healing relationship that may have been disrupted by difficulties in accepting a newly realized orientation on the part of a child, sibling, or friend. It is our belief that we need to put our faith completely in God, to rely on the teachings of the Church, and to minister to those in need.

In the belief that it “takes a village” we strive to be supportive and loving to members of our community as they journey toward the full acceptance of God’s creation. As a Pastoral Care ministry at St. Michael’s, we strive to demonstrate that everyone is welcome in our midst and that all persons are integral parts of our church family.

"It takes a village" is a Democrat term spoken by pro-abortion presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

 

[chrisb]

Grace and Peace Barbkw,

Thank you for offering critique and suggestions for modification of this Ministry Statement. As you may well know these things are written in committee but I will bring these suggestion up in a dialog to discuss.

I would welcome any additional critiques and/or recommendations.

God Bless.

 

[markomalley]

Grace and Peace Barbkw,

Thank you for offering critique and suggestions for modification of this Ministry Statement. As you may well know these things are written in committee but I will bring these suggestion up in a dialog to discuss.

I would welcome any additional critiques and/or recommendations.

God Bless.

I would suggest that you carefully and prayerfully take into consideration the following documents from the CDF, as well as the applicable paragraphs from the CCC and revise your statement accordingly.

Declaration on certain questions concerning sexual ethics – Persona humana (particularly section 8)

Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons – Homosexualitatis problema

Some considerations concerning the response to legislative proposals on the non-discrimination of homosexual persons, July 23, 1992

Considerations regarding proposals to give legal recognition to unions between homosexual persons (June 3, 2003)

Frankly, your statement flies in the face of the above documents.

As stated in Homosexualitatis problema (my emphasis),

In the discussion which followed the publication of the Declaration NB: referring to Persona Humana here], however, an overly benign interpretation was given to the homosexual condition itself, some going so far as to call it neutral, or even good. Although the particular inclination of the homosexual person is not a sin, it is a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil; and thus the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder.

Therefore special concern and pastoral attention should be directed toward those who have this condition, lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option. It is not.
Your statement makes no reference to a call to chastity in accordance with their state in life. As such, it is gravely flawed.

Frankly, if my parish ever issued a statement such as the above, I would have a meeting with the parish’s pastor…pointing out the clear and consistent teaching of the Church. And would elevate this concern to my Ordinary and then, if necessary to the Nuncio and the CDF.

 

[Elizabeth502]

Lots of “support,” lots of “understanding.” A lot about faith, love, family, care, and other feel-good (and actually good!) words. Absolutely nothing about the universal call to chastity required of all Catholics, including LGBT Catholics.

It’s always important in a Ministry Statement (or a Mission Statement) to be clear about intent. This is a form of justice to those joining such a group or effort. It is unjust for members to be unsure of how faith and love are linked to chastity.

Borders and boundaries are an aspect of “love,” “care,” and “support.” We all need support in maintaining our physical and emotional boundaries in life, in keeping with morality.

 

[chrisb]

Lots of “support,” lots of “understanding.” A lot about faith, love, family, care, and other feel-good (and actually good!) words. Absolutely nothing about the universal call to chastity required of all Catholics, including LGBT Catholics.

It’s always important in a Ministry Statement (or a Mission Statement) to be clear about intent. This is a form of justice to those joining such a group or effort. It is unjust for members to be unsure of how faith and love are linked to chastity.

Borders and boundaries are an aspect of “love,” “care,” and “support.” We all need support in maintaining our physical and emotional boundaries in life, in keeping with morality.

Are not we ‘all’ called to Chastity? Isn’t that a given?

 

[markomalley]

Are not we ‘all’ called to Chastity? Isn’t that a given?

The concern is that it won’t be a given. Or if it is a given, then with the statement as written, tacit support for homosexual “marriage” is implied.

If you read the CDF documents that I provided above and the CCC paragraphs referenced elsewhere in this thread, you will get a clear picture on the Church’s teaching regarding the subject. It is both compassionate and uncompromising on the truth. Summarizing that teaching is the way to go (IMHO).

Does your parish have a large LBGTQ population that are calling for this?

Or are you all seeking to reach out to the LBGTQ population in your area?

Frankly, I’m still at a loss why such a ministry statement is needed in the first place.

One other thing, you could look to contact the Courage apostolate to see if they had any suggested or boilerplate mission statements. Courage is 100% in communion with the Church, unlike a few others which will remain nameless.

 

[chrisb]

The concern is that it won’t be a given. Or if it is a given, then with the statement as written, tacit support for homosexual “marriage” is implied.

Grace and Peace,

Could you point out where the mission statement is implying support for homosexual marriage? Thanks.

If you read the CDF documents that I provided above and the CCC paragraphs referenced elsewhere in this thread, you will get a clear picture on the Church’s teaching regarding the subject. It is both compassionate and uncompromising on the truth. Summarizing that teaching is the way to go (IMHO).

My guess is that the parish is attempting to be non-judgmental in their welcoming individuals and families with this issue.

Frankly, I’m still at a loss why such a ministry statement is needed in the first place.

Well, we have one. I’m just attempting to make the best of it. If I’m going to question it, I better have a good argument.

 

[markomalley]

Grace and Peace,

Could you point out where the mission statement is implying support for homosexual marriage? Thanks.

My guess is that the parish is attempting to be non-judgmental in their welcoming individuals and families with this issue.

Well, we have one. I’m just attempting to make the best of it. If I’m going to question it, I better have a good argument.

The issue comes in with such a strong emphasis on non-judgmentalism that you never say or imply that the condition of homosexuality, although not sinful in of itself, is, in fact, disordered.

As stated in Homosexualitatis problema,

Therefore special concern and pastoral attention should be directed toward those who have this condition, lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option. It is not.

Further, looking at paragraph 15 of that same document:

No authentic pastoral programme will include organizations in which homosexual persons associate with each other without clearly stating that homosexual activity is immoral.

You ask, Could you point out where the mission statement is implying support for homosexual marriage? Thanks.

The lack of a statement as discussed in paragraph 15 of Homosexualitatis problema (above), leaves a door open for that.

Specifically, the statement, We will strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, intolerance, and oppression against homosexual people in our communities, in today’s current environment would be taken by some to affirm the human right to marry.

Contrast this with the 1992 CDF document, Some Considerations…, which states:

1. Including “homosexual orientation” among the considerations on the basis of which it is illegal to discriminate can easily lead to regarding homosexuality as a positive source of human rights, for example, in respect to so-called affirmative action or preferential treatment in hiring practices. This is all the more deleterious since there is no right to homosexuality (cf. no. 10) which therefore should not form the basis for judicial claims. The passage from the recognition of homosexuality as a factor on which basis it is illegal to discriminate can easily lead, if not automatically, to the legislative protection and promotion of homosexuality. A person’s homosexuality would be invoked in opposition to alleged discrimination, and thus the exercise of rights would be defended precisely via the affirmation of the homosexual condition instead of in terms of a violation of basic human rights.

If you were to modify that statement from We will strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, intolerance, and oppression against homosexual people in our communities to read something along the lines of: We affirm that no person should be subject to injustice, intolerance, or oppression, it would affirm the basic dignity that every person is due without supporting a person’s sexual tendencies as a source for non-discrimination.

Likewise, changing the wording of the statement:

As Catholic Christians we believe in the full participation of every member of the body of Christ and embrace the pastoral statements of the U.S. Catholic Bishops and the larger Church [Always Our Children, a pastoral message to parents of homosexual children], the Catechism of the Catholic Church and other writings of the Magisterium that stress the importance of the homosexual individual and their right to respect, friendship, and justice

to be something more along the lines of:

As Catholic Christians, we fully support the Church’s doctrinal and pastoral teachings about the homosexual condition (see attachment). We believe that the teachings embraced in these statements support the dignity of all human beings, including those with homosexual tendencies, and encourage the full participation of all in the Body of Christ according to their states in life.

(in that attachment, you would list the CCC paragraphs, the CDF documents I listed above, applicable USCCB statements, as well as any pastoral documents published by your local Ordinary)

If you mention “according to their states in life” while referencing the 2003 CDF document regarding marriage of homosexual persons, that eliminates the possibility of support for homosexual “marriage.”

FWIW. This is an Internet board and you’ll do what you’ll do. I hope the above helps.

 

[Barbkw]

Chrisb,

Have you checked with your priest, bishop or with the archdiocese to see if they already have a ministry statement to persons with same sex attraction?

IMO, it is inappropriate for a lay person (or a lay board) to construct a mission statement for the Catholic Church.

Shouldn’t the bishop or the archdiocese be responsible for Catholic mission statements- particularly when the mission can deal with moral conflict?

One other change I would recommend:

You wrote:

Ministry to Gay and Lesbian Catholics, Their Families and Friends

Perhaps that should read; Ministry to Same Sex Attracted Catholics, Their Families and Friends.

Using the terms “gay” and “lesbian” in our society connotates toward persons who embrace noncelibate homosexual behaviors and lifestyles. It sends the wrong message.

 

[Elizabeth502]

IMO, it is inappropriate for a lay person (or a lay board) to construct a mission statement for the Catholic Church.

Shouldn’t the bishop or the archdiocese be responsible for Catholic mission statements- particularly when the mission can deal with moral conflict?

(Answering as a third party here, but because Chris also addresed my post):

In some parishes, I’ve seen initiatives that come from the congregation, wherein pastor & lay members work cooperatively to come up with a mission statement. But I do agree with you that it is critical for the approval to be finalized by clergy, in accordance with Church teachings, and the prioriities of those teachings.

Using the terms “gay” and “lesbian” in our society connotates toward persons who embrace noncelibate homosexual behaviors and lifestyles. It sends the wrong message.

Yes. (Addressed to chris): That is the point. It’s not because bad heterosexuals in the parish assume sinful things about people; it’s because the gay secular movement has equated homosexual identity with homosexual activity, and Catholics who so identify have unfortunately borrowed much other language of gay activism (“rights,” even when not legitimately applied, and other kinds of assumptions) when establishing support groups/ministries in parishes. Secondly, it has been true in many parishes that such ‘gay ministries’ are not celibate, by self-admission of the members. That is the reason that there needs to be clarity and lack of ambiguity. In a group in a parish I know of, there is a mixture of faithfully practicing (celibate) Catholics, and (openly) not-faithfully practicing, which causes confusion within the group, as well as in the parish. Not to mention, that could be a signficant morale problem for any homosexual Catholic trying to remain celibate.

To further emphasize the reality of this active ambiguity, once a mission statement was changed in one of these referenced parishes, the openly non-celibate homosexuals disappeared entirely.

 

[joanofarc2008]

I would check with Courage/enCourage which are the two organizations which are ministries under the Catholic Church with ministry statements that reflect Catholic teaching. There are many other organizations that have been barred from ministerring within the RC by the Bishops. Why we need to respect the dignity of human persons and accept people at the foot of the Cross we also need to teach the correct teachings of Christ. God bless.