Pope Francis: Who am I to judge gay people?

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[exnihilo]

Because they are told to hide their attractions even from close friends, and what is hidden breeds sin. There is a reason that gay men “hook up” FAR more than heterosexual men. It is because they do not live in the light. Shame creates an environment where sin grows.

That is, until a hero like Francis turns on the light!

(Caveat: I don’t think a gay man living in the light is more likely to violate his vows than any other man. All the more reason for us to allow these men to be unashamed of their temptations).

I disagree completely and I think the evidence is that in general those who identify as homosexual are hypersexualized. Homosexuality is for the most part completely accepted in the US and Europe today. There is no evidence I know of that men who have sex with men are having less sex with men despite it being accepted today when it was condemned in the recent past. From what I understand Gay Days at Disney World is a time any person of decency should avoid. If living in the light tempers homosexuality then this event does not comport.

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

(

 

[_Abyssinia]

Pope Francis in Favor of Gay and Women Priests?

July 29, 2013 By Fr. Dwight Longenecker Leave a Comment

Those who complain that the mainstream media doesn’t report on church matters should stop complaining….or should they? CBS, CNN, the BBC and the Daily Telegraph all report on the Pope’s conversation with reporters on his flight back to Rome. All have the screaming headline, “Pope Francis: Who Am I to Judge Gays?”

One of the articles has the subtitle, “Pope answers questions on the possibilities of gay and women priests”….as if there were such possibilities. In fact Pope Francis spoke most clearly and firmly about the possibility of women priests saying, “The church has spoken on this matter. The door is closed.” When it comes to people with same sex attraction Francis simply re-affirmed the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church that homosexual people are not to be treated badly in any way, but welcomed as all are welcomed. However, homosexual actions remain objectively disordered and sinful.

What is sinful is the way the journalists twisted his words. All the headlines screamed “Pope says ‘Who Am I to Judge Gays?’” Several journalists again set him up against Benedict XVI who said that men with deeply seated homosexual inclinations should not be admitted to seminary. Francis didn’t repudiate that advice, but the journos once again set the gentle, scholarly Benedict up as “Nazi Ratzi”, “the Enforcer” and the “Former head of the Inquisition.”

The journalists are either fools or knaves. They either do not understand the full teaching of the Catholic Church or they twist it on purpose, and I believe they are the latter not the former. They threw rocks at Benedict for being Emperor Palpatine while they will give Francis the Judas kiss. They will kill him with kindness. They will use his “peace and justice” message to promote their left wing agenda while they twist his traditionalist teachings to suit their own aims just as they have done in this display of articles today.

The remind me of Middle School bullies who use “mock friendship” to bully others. Anybody who has worked with Middle School kids has seen it. The boys gang up on poor little Franky, and when they are called on their bullying they switch tactics and when they see Franky they cry, “Franky old buddy!! Howareya?” They rush up and give him bear hugs that are too long, slaps on the back which are too hard and high fives that hurt.” They know they are bullying him. He knows they are bullying him, and everybody knows they are bullying him, but there isn’t anything much the teachers can do about it.

So if you think the mainstream media are pleased about Pope Francis the rock star pope. Think again. They’re hopping mad….

…but they’re not going to show it.

 

[Cider]

“who am I to judge” is just a poor choice of words IMO. Especially when it’s the screed of liberals, progressives and protestants. They will now mistakenly think he is line with them.

 

[njlisa]

WHAT??!! The pope says it’s not up to him to pass judgment? Good thing he doesn’t post on CAF!

:clapping:

 

[livingwordunity]

I’m waiting to find out what the Pope actually said. The mainstream media is run by pathological liars. What matters is what is in the Pope’s encyclical.

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…

 

[_Abyssinia]

7 things you need to know about what Pope Francis said about gays

by Jimmy Akin Monday, July 29, 2013 10:45 AM Comments (17)

Has Pope Francis taken a dramatic new tone on homosexuality? Has he broken with former Pope Benedict’s approach? Here are 7 things you need to know . . .

The press is buzzing right now with claims that Pope Francis has taken a sharply different line than his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the subject of homosexuality.

Some are suggesting that the new pope has announced that “gay is okay.”

What did Pope Francis really say, and how unusual is it?

Here are 7 things to know and share . . .

1) Where did Pope Francis make these remarks?

He made them during an 80-minute interview with reporters aboard the plane returning from World Youth Day in Brazil.

2) What was he asked that led to the remarks?

We may not know exactly what the question was until a transcript is released, but apparently, he was asked about the reputed “gay lobby” at the Vatican.

More info on that here.

3) What exactly did he say?

According to the best current accounts, he said:

There’s a lot of talk about the gay lobby, but I’ve never seen it on the Vatican ID card.

When I meet a gay person, I have to distinguish between their being gay and being part of a lobby. If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them? They shouldn’t be marginalized. The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.

4) What does this mean?*

The first part of the statement seems to downplay the who “gay lobby” issue. He’s not denying that there is one there, but he’s suggesting that the talk is somewhat overblown.

He then explains his approach to dealing with gay people: He distinguishes between their “being gay” and “being part of a lobby.”

What he means by “being gay” is something he further unpacks.

In ordinary parlance, “being gay” can mean anything from having same-sex attraction to leading an active “gay lifestyle” to endorsing and advocating a pro-homosexual ideology.

The last of these would be functioning as a member of a lobby, and he indicates that this is not what he is talking about.

He then describes those he is talking about as people who “accept the Lord and have goodwill.”

He then seems to further clarify who he is talking about by saying that “The tendency * is not the problem … they’re our brothers.”

Taking his statements together, what emerges is a portrait of individuals who have same-sex attraction but who nevertheless accept the Lord and have goodwill, as opposed to working to advance a pro-homosexual ideology.

This would definitely include people with same-sex attraction who strive to live chastely (even if they sometimes fail).

It also, possibly, could include individuals who are not living chastely but who are not actively lobbying a homosexual agenda. It would be nice if he’d said a little more to clarify the point further.

5) What does he say about people in this category?*

He says that he does not think he is in a position to judge them and that they should not be marginalized.

He also says that the mere tendency (same-sex attraction) “is not the problem,” and that “they’re our brothers.”

6) How new is this?

Not very.

Disclaiming a right to “judge” others is something that goes back to Jesus. It does not mean a failure to recognize the moral character of others’ actions, however.

One can form a moral appraisal that what someone else is doing is wrong (Jesus obviously does not forbid that) without having or showing malice toward them.

The statement that they should not be marginalized is similarly in keeping with the Holy See’s approach to the subject, as 1992 Vatican document On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons.

The statement that same-sex attraction “is not the problem,” when understood correctly, is also nothing new. “The problem,” as Pope Francis seems to here be understanding it, is going beyond merely having a sinful tendency–a temptation to which one is subject.

Obviously, temptations are problem, but if we resist temptation we do not sin. “The problem,” on this understanding, is giving into the temptation and sinning or–worse–building an ideology around the sin and trying to advocate the sin.

Finally, the statement that “they’re our brothers” is also no novelty. Christians, like everyone, have struggled with every sort of temptation all through history.

Same-sex attraction is just one temptation among numerous others, and the fact that a person suffers from this temptation no more deprives him of the status of being a brother in Christ than any other temptation does.

7) How different is any of this compared to Pope Benedict?

The press has been (as usual) trying to make unfavorable comparisons to Pope Benedit, noting that during his time the Holy See issued a document saying that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies should not be ordained to the priesthood.

Pope Francis did not mention that document or its policy and so has done nothing different than Benedict there.

Neither are any of Francis’s remarks contrary to the approach Benedict took during his pontificate.

In fact, Benedict himself (as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) was the signer of the previosly-mentioned letter on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, as well as the follow-up document on non-discrimination regarding homosexual persons.

So, as usual, the press is painting a false picture by contrasting the “good” Francis and the “bad” Benedict.

…