Archdiocese: Homosexual Marriage in D.C. Could Close Catholic Institutions

[JReducation]

@Aussie:

With all due respect, you appear to be very confused about the Catholic Church. The Church is not in the business of stamping out human rights. In fact, the Church is probably responsible for the end of slavery in Western culture as well as the basis for what we now refer to as fundamental human rights.

This forum community will happy to help you learn about what the Church actually teaches, and I think you’ll come to find that hatred is not a part of it.

I’d like to add to what you said. The Catholic Church is one of the few orthodox ecclesial Christian communities who actually DOES NOT CONDEMN homosexuals.

**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. **

There is nothing in Catholic teaching that says that homosexual attractions are a sin. There is a statement that says they are disordered. Disordered is not the same as sinful. Disordered means that homosexual attractions are inconsistent with natural law, but so is mental retardation, autism, blindness, and other conditions that affect the lives of people.

Just as we do not treat people with these conditions unjustly, uncharitably or fail to protect their legal rights to live, work, and participate in the life of the Church, we do not take such antagonistic positions toward people with homosexual orientation.

The Church is very clear about the difference between homosexual sex and homosexual people. The Church condemns any Catholic who is beligerent, antagonistic, or unwelcoming of people with homosexual orientation.

As to the sexual activity, the Church’s position is very consistent. Sexual activity is reserved for spouses. Heterosexuals have no more right to sexual activity outside of marriage than do homosexuals. Any heterosexual who believes differently is sadly mistaken.

Again, the issue in Washington, DC, ast this point, is not about sexual intercourse between gay people. It is about the city government punishing the Church for not accepting same-sex marriage. The state has no right to punish its citizens for their religious beliefs.

Fraternally,

Br. JR, OSF