Homosexual partners

[Gloria_Lucy]

I’ve just learned that homosexual partners (along with one of their mothers) will be present at a New Year’s Eve party tonight that I’ll be attending. How can I be kind and Christ-like, without appearing to condone their lifestyle. And, if the subject of gay marriage is discussed, what can I say that would be gentle, yet, express the Church’s position. One of the men is, or at least, has a Greek Orthodox religious background. Thank you and wishing you all a year filled with God’s grace.

 

[fannypanny]

I’ve just learned that homosexual partners (along with one of their mothers) will be present at a New Year’s Eve party tonight that I’ll be attending. How can I be kind and Christ-like, without appearing to condone their lifestyle. And, if the subject of gay marriage is discussed, what can I say that would be gentle, yet, express the Church’s position. One of the men is, or at least, has a Greek Orthodox religious background. Thank you and wishing you all a year filled with God’s grace.

season’s greeting & happy new year!!
honestly, i dont think its the right time or place to discuss one’s social situation. and i wouldn’t recommend bringing it up at a party. all i would say, is be yourself. and just set the example of a catholic through what you say and do. and if that discussion does come up and they already know your political stance on the issue. just walk away - don’t fuel the fire. trust me, iv had plenty of experience trying to fight a loosing battle when there are 3 vs 1!

 

[06convert]

Yes, God wants us to be humble. Lead by example.

If someone asks you simply state what you believe, which should be that there is nothing wrong with being homosexual as long as the person doesn’t act upon those feelings. If you want say that you fell homosexuals have a special calling from God to be cellibate, just like a priest.

If they ask about marriage, tell them you are opposed because you favor a traditional definition of the family and marriage.

If they try to argue, just say that’s my position, you’re not going to change it and I’m probably not going to change your position right here right now, we are here to have fun and not debate. If you want to know more I’ll give you my number and we can talk sometime.

This doesn’t force anything upon them, or scare them away. It also leaves open a chance for them to inquire further at a later date. If that time comes you can arrange a meeting with them an a priest, or deacon to discuss things further.

 

[jrabs]

I’ve just learned that homosexual partners (along with one of their mothers) will be present at a New Year’s Eve party tonight that I’ll be attending. How can I be kind and Christ-like, without appearing to condone their lifestyle. And, if the subject of gay marriage is discussed, what can I say that would be gentle, yet, express the Church’s position. One of the men is, or at least, has a Greek Orthodox religious background. Thank you and wishing you all a year filled with God’s grace.

Welcome to the forum.

From your post, it sounds as if you are an invited guest. If that is the case, then let the other party attendees have a wonderful time and just let them be. Why make an invited guest at a party uncomforatable? If you think this is going to be an issue for you and you are going with verbal combat boots on, stay home.

It is very inappropriate to attend someone elses party and lambast the attendees.

If the topic of the gay marriage comes up, if you can calmly state the Church’s position, then go for it. If you think this will cause a big to-do at the party, then ask yourself one big question…would you want someone to do this at your party?

 

[buffalo]

Prepare yourself for some possibilities. IE. What if they start a discussion promoting gay marriage or they kiss each other?

 

[puzzleannie]

I’ve just learned that homosexual partners (along with one of their mothers) will be present at a New Year’s Eve party tonight that I’ll be attending. How can I be kind and Christ-like, without appearing to condone their lifestyle. .

you could fall back on the general timeless rule of etiquette, in social situations we are presumed to have no knowledge or interest whatever in what people do behind closed doors, so it is not an issue. We assume two unmarried unrelated people living in the same household are doing so for convenience or economy and make no further assumptions.

Of course when someone breaks the timeless general rules of etiquette and insists on bringing up personal matters in public situations we gentle guide them back to commonly accepted standards of civil conduct by giving a blank stare when inappropriate subjects arise.

 

[thistle]

Yes, God wants us to be humble. Lead by example.

If someone asks you simply state what you believe, which should be that there is nothing wrong with being homosexual as long as the person doesn’t act upon those feelings. If you want say that you fell homosexuals have a special calling from God to be cellibate, just like a priest.

If they ask about marriage, tell them you are opposed because you favor a traditional definition of the family and marriage.

If they try to argue, just say that’s my position, you’re not going to change it and I’m probably not going to change your position right here right now, we are here to have fun and not debate. If you want to know more I’ll give you my number and we can talk sometime.

This doesn’t force anything upon them, or scare them away. It also leaves open a chance for them to inquire further at a later date. If that time comes you can arrange a meeting with them an a priest, or deacon to discuss things further.

That is not strictly speaking correct. It is true that same sex inclination is not a sin but the Church at least teaches it is objectively disordered. So while not a sin, it is not quite right to say there is nothing wrong with being a homosexual.

 

[Gloria_Lucy]

Thank you all so much for your replies. You’ve all been very helpful. Peace and Blesssings to all.