Is Gay Pride compatible with Catholicism?

[Fitswimmer]

First, I view a difference between someone with SSA and someone who is actively living the homosexual lifestyle. I have used the term “non-practicing lesbian” in regard to myself. I live a chaste life, but I’m still a lesbian, just as an unmarried Catholic heterosexual is still a heterosexual regardless of the fact that they are not sexually active.

Second, all anyone wants when they come to church is to be accepted as the children of God that they are. We all struggle with sin in our lives, and I see no difference in my struggle from the struggle of someone trying to stay faithful to their spouse or of any unmarried person. However, in my experience, many in the Church do not see it equally. The message gets sent to us that our very existence is sinful, even though that is clearly NOT the teaching of the Catholic Church.

The only thing I would like to see, and I believe others like me would like to see is better education on what the Church teaches about SSA. I think that would help end the prejudice that exists about us, and hopefully end the condemnation. Just because we’re homosexual, doesn’t mean that we are sexually active and since it is the sexual activity that is the sin-we do not deserve condemnation for simply existing.

 

[Franciscan]

First, I view a difference between someone with SSA and someone who is actively living the homosexual lifestyle. I have used the term “non-practicing lesbian” in regard to myself. I live a chaste life, but I’m still a lesbian, just as an unmarried Catholic heterosexual is still a heterosexual regardless of the fact that they are not sexually active.

Second, all anyone wants when they come to church is to be accepted as the children of God that they are. We all struggle with sin in our lives, and I see no difference in my struggle from the struggle of someone trying to stay faithful to their spouse or of any unmarried person. However, in my experience, many in the Church do not see it equally. The message gets sent to us that our very existence is sinful, even though that is clearly NOT the teaching of the Catholic Church.

The only thing I would like to see, and I believe others like me would like to see is better education on what the Church teaches about SSA. I think that would help end the prejudice that exists about us, and hopefully end the condemnation. Just because we’re homosexual, doesn’t mean that we are sexually active and since it is the sexual activity that is the sin-we do not deserve condemnation for simply existing.

Well said.

YOU SAID, “The message gets sent to us that our very existence is sinful, even though that is clearly NOT the teaching of the Catholic Church.”

WHO SENDS THIS MESSAGE?
I think it is mostly the anti-Catholic Homosexual activists.

 

[Exalt]

Well said.

YOU SAID, “The message gets sent to us that our very existence is sinful, even though that is clearly NOT the teaching of the Catholic Church.”

WHO SENDS THIS MESSAGE?
I think it is mostly the anti-Catholic Homosexual activists.

…What?

Are you kidding? I mean seriously. … What?

Yeah, blaming this problem on gay people is a really great step. That’s awesome. Just great.

You know, I talked to this 18 year old kid a few weeks back. He lived in a Catholic home. When his dad found material on the computer that made his sexuality pretty obvious, his dad slammed him through a glass door.

When gay people start shoving their Catholic children through glass doors, then I’ll start believing it.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Well said.

YOU SAID, “The message gets sent to us that our very existence is sinful, even though that is clearly NOT the teaching of the Catholic Church.”

WHO SENDS THIS MESSAGE?
I think it is mostly the anti-Catholic Homosexual activists.

The only harassment I have EVER experienced is from fellow parishioners. The only time I have ever been exposed to the attitude that my very existence is sinful is in CHURCH and from fellow Catholics! Well meaning folks that suggested I should not receive communion, not be part of the music ministry and not be a lector because of the “scandal”. Mind you, the ONLY reason they would have any clue about my sexual orientation is my clothing and the fact that I have no husband and no children. My pastor stood by me, even gave a scathing sermon on gossip, but the tension remained and I finally left the parish altogether.

I’ve also read a few comments on this and other Catholic boards that have sent that same message.

I don’t interact with or involve myself in any way with “anti-Catholic homosexual activists”.

 

[Franciscan]

The only harassment I have EVER experienced is from fellow parishioners. The only time I have ever been exposed to the attitude that my very existence is sinful is in CHURCH and from fellow Catholics! Well meaning folks that suggested I should not receive communion, not be part of the music ministry and not be a lector because of the “scandal”. Mind you, the ONLY reason they would have any clue about my sexual orientation is my clothing and the fact that I have no husband and no children. My pastor stood by me, even gave a scathing sermon on gossip, but the tension remained and I finally left the parish altogether.

I’ve also read a few comments on this and other Catholic boards that have sent that same message.

I don’t interact with or involve myself in any way with “anti-Catholic homosexual activists”.

I see your point…

Are there ignorant Catholics? Yes.
Are there Catholics that choose to ignore or misinterpret Catholic teaching and get away with it? Yes.

So it’s either ignorance or disobedience.

But it’s also true that so called ‘gay activists’ (like Rosey O’donnell etc.) who knowingly try to pin this anti-SSA attitude on the institutional Church. When all they have to do is read the CCC to get it right.

 

[Franciscan]

catholicleague.org/annualreport.php?year=2006&id=116

 

[Fitswimmer]

I see your point…

Are there ignorant Catholics? Yes.
Are there Catholics that choose to ignore or misinterpret Catholic teaching and get away with it? Yes.

So it’s either ignorance or disobedience.

But it’s also true that so called ‘gay activists’ (like Rosey O’donnell etc.) who knowingly try to pin this anti-SSA attitude on the institutional Church. When all they have to do is read the CCC to get it right.

Rosie O’Donnell is Catholic?? I thought she was one of those Kabbalah folks like Madonna…

There’s a whole lot of difference between raised Catholic and living Catholic. To me it’s very similar to my own situation, I was born homosexual, but I’m living as a chaste Catholic.

 

[Franciscan]

Rosie O’Donnell is Catholic?? I thought she was one of those Kabbalah folks like Madonna…

There’s a whole lot of difference between raised Catholic and living Catholic. To me it’s very similar to my own situation, I was born homosexual, but I’m living as a chaste Catholic.

I agree.Just like no one should lump all SSA’s with the active lifestyle-so we shouldn’t judge the Church because of some ignorant Catholics. BTW Rosie is an “ex-Catholic”. But like you pointed out ‘raised Catholic’ does not necesarily mean living the Faith.

 

[EasterJoy]

Gay pride is a sin and we must tell this truth in love and with tact.

To despise gays for being given a temptation they never asked for is a sin, too.

How is it that we can freely admit the beauty and love that is so commonly seen in a child with Down’s syndrome, in spite of the struggles they are faced with, and yet we can’t admit that there might also be graces that go with the cross of SSA?

If someone were to say “Whatever God made you has beauty in it, is lovable for no other reason than that it is loved by God, is a particular and unique opportunity for you to know, love, and serve God as no one else can”…how is this a sin? If this is what is meant by gay pride–that is, if you are like this, you are not alone and you are not less loved by God–then that is no sin!

That is the truth! If only those outside the Catholic Church can say that, what have we become?