G
gilliam
Guest
South Bend, Jul. 01, 2005 (CNA) - The rector of St. Matthew Cathedral in South Bend disagrees with his fellow priest’s assertion that homosexual orientation is “a beautiful part of God’s plan” and “a healthy act of God and nature.”
Fr. Michael Heintz wrote a response in the South Bend Tribune to Fr. Edward Reutz’s June 23 contribution to Michiana Point of View.
“Despite Ruetz’s assertion that Jesus ‘never condemned the lifestyle,’ there is a clear and constant teaching within the Scriptures and the Catholic tradition in opposition to homosexual activity,” Fr. Heintz pointed out.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, he said, is clear on homosexuality.
“While the Church certainly distinguishes between homosexual orientation (which I believe is not, in the vast majority of cases, something chosen by an individual) and homosexual activity (which I believe is intrinsically disordered and also within the capacity of an individual freely to choose), those who are homosexual are encouraged and supported by the Church and its sacraments to live — no less than heterosexual individuals are — a chaste life,” wrote Fr. Heintz.
The rector said the Church calls all people, regardless of sexual orientation, to holiness.
“There is ample evidence in early Christianity that this call was taken quite seriously and that there were certain ‘lifestyles’ and even occupations which were considered simply incompatible with the Gospel,” Fr. Heintz wrote.
“There is no doubt that Jesus reached out to those on the fringes of society,” he concluded. “But at the same time it is equally clear that he invited those whom he touched to entrust themselves to him and to emend their lives; that call is no less real — and no less demanding — today.”
catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=4282
Fr. Michael Heintz wrote a response in the South Bend Tribune to Fr. Edward Reutz’s June 23 contribution to Michiana Point of View.
“Despite Ruetz’s assertion that Jesus ‘never condemned the lifestyle,’ there is a clear and constant teaching within the Scriptures and the Catholic tradition in opposition to homosexual activity,” Fr. Heintz pointed out.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, he said, is clear on homosexuality.
“While the Church certainly distinguishes between homosexual orientation (which I believe is not, in the vast majority of cases, something chosen by an individual) and homosexual activity (which I believe is intrinsically disordered and also within the capacity of an individual freely to choose), those who are homosexual are encouraged and supported by the Church and its sacraments to live — no less than heterosexual individuals are — a chaste life,” wrote Fr. Heintz.
The rector said the Church calls all people, regardless of sexual orientation, to holiness.
“There is ample evidence in early Christianity that this call was taken quite seriously and that there were certain ‘lifestyles’ and even occupations which were considered simply incompatible with the Gospel,” Fr. Heintz wrote.
“There is no doubt that Jesus reached out to those on the fringes of society,” he concluded. “But at the same time it is equally clear that he invited those whom he touched to entrust themselves to him and to emend their lives; that call is no less real — and no less demanding — today.”
catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=4282
