Catholic membership in the NC Council of Churches

[exnihilo]

In December 2010 The North Carolina Council of Churches elected an openly gay man as their president. It would appear that Mr. Kimer, besides being a homosexual advocate, is currently living with another man. The Catholic Church was, and as far as I know, remains a member of this organization.

Should the Catholic Church maintain membership in this organization? Does its membership in this organization harm its witness to the world?

For this topic I would appreciate it if the actual sinfulness of homosexuality not be part of the discussion. There are plenty of other threads that deal with this. I do realize that a distinction is often made regarding attraction and acts. The man in question appears to be advocating for full acceptance of not only the attraction but the acts and living with someone. While we cant necessarily entirely avoid homosexuality as part of the discussion I’d like to keep the discussion focused on the idea of living openly in and advocating for serious sin (since that would seem to be how the Catholic Church currently defines the issue).

 

[rossum]

In December 2010 The North Carolina Council of Churches elected an openly gay man as their president. It would appear that Mr. Kimer, besides being a homosexual advocate, is currently living with another man. The Catholic Church was, and as far as I know, remains a member of this organization.

Should the Catholic Church maintain membership in this organization? Does its membership in this organization harm its witness to the world?

For this topic I would appreciate it if the actual sinfulness of homosexuality not be part of the discussion. There are plenty of other threads that deal with this. I do realize that a distinction is often made regarding attraction and acts. The man in question appears to be advocating for full acceptance of not only the attraction but the acts and living with someone. While we cant necessarily entirely avoid homosexuality as part of the discussion I’d like to keep the discussion focused on the idea of living openly in and advocating for serious sin (since that would seem to be how the Catholic Church currently defines the issue).

Would you say the same if this man were heterosexual, divorced, remarried and living with his new “wife”? That is just as sinful by Catholic standards.

rossum

 

[John21652]

Would you say the same if this man were heterosexual, divorced, remarried and living with his new “wife”? That is just as sinful by Catholic standards.

rossum

Typical, Rossum. You can’t help but dig the boots into Catholicism whenever you get the chance, can you?

Again, you show your ignorance of Catholic doctrine in the process. Go read the Catechism. At 2383 it says -

If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.

 

[runningdude]

Typical, Rossum. You can’t help but dig the boots into Catholicism whenever you get the chance, can you?

Again, you show your ignorance of Catholic doctrine in the process. Go read the Catechism. At 2383 it says -

Its the living with the new “wife” that he is pointing out as sinful. Everyone knows that civil divorce without an attempted remarriage or sexual relationship with another woman is morally neutral.

 

[runningdude]

In December 2010 The North Carolina Council of Churches elected an openly gay man as their president. It would appear that Mr. Kimer, besides being a homosexual advocate, is currently living with another man. The Catholic Church was, and as far as I know, remains a member of this organization.

Should the Catholic Church maintain membership in this organization? Does its membership in this organization harm its witness to the world?

I think the local dioceses should withdraw membership for the same reason that the worldwide Catholic Church isn’t part of the World Council of Churches: mere membership in such an organization can cause minor scandal.

The Church can send observers and partner with the NC council, but membership implies that other member denominations have a certain parity with the Catholic Church. If the organization chooses to be affirmative towards homosexuality, then the Church should definitely withdraw to avoid scandal.

Participation with the council can simply consist of sharing resources to provide for the poor. My diocese participates in several “interfaith” ministries in depressed urban areas, and I support that. However, membership and full participation in all activities is too problematic and should be avoided.

 

[Dale_M]

I think the local dioceses should withdraw membership for the same reason that the worldwide Catholic Church isn’t part of the World Council of Churches: mere membership in such an organization can cause minor scandal.

In the US, the Catholic Church isn’t a member of the National Council of Churches, either. My understanding of the reason why is similar to yours.

 

[rossum]

Again, you show your ignorance of Catholic doctrine in the process. Go read the Catechism. At 2383 it says -

If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.

So, the divorce is possibly not a sin. How about living in a sexual relationship with a woman to whom he is not validly married?

rossum

 

[Edward_H]

Interesting question.

2 schools of thought.

Belong to no organization that allows or is led by people who are sinners.

Belong and live so charitably and faithfully - never swaying in doctrine, but smiling the whole time. Bring the joy of Christ to people everywhere.

Should we work for companies that provide same sex couples benefits?

Should we work for organizations that support abortions, planned parenthood?

Should we live in a country and participate in civil matters because the country allows abortions, same sex marriages, etc?

I think God wants us to engage and walk everywhere. And pray and work so generously that we move people to take notice of our hope and our joy in Christ.