Should homosexual men be allowed to be priests?

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Laurel:
Yes…as long as they don’t act on it just like a heterosexual priest should not either. People are humans not robots…I am sure most priests have felt “tingly” feelings at some time in their lives.
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Homosexuallity is in fact an act, not just a thought. This is why no man should be allowed to be either a priest, minister, or any other position of preaching Holy words to people. This would be hipocritical to the words of the Holy Spirit and an abomination as stated in the Bible. Now it is true that Satan has his ways of tempting people with different types of lusts, in order to drag that person down and any others that the person socializes with. Temptation is not a homosexual act. How one responds to that temptation will determine his destiny with God.
 
Lets remember that Jesus once said that you can not serve both, you will either love one and hate the other…and so on. It is clear that God gave a the mind to make our own decisions in life. Which is true freedom of choice. What happens to you because of your decision is what you wil have to live with, or die by. A person once said to me that this would not truelly be freedom if we can not do what we like without haveing to face some kind of punishment. My response to this is that you will have to keep in mind who gave us life to begin with. That would be the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, should put ones mind focused on doing all he or she can to please the Holy Spirit. Why would one want to bite the hand that feeds us. Do you not think that if you did that he will still continue to do so? WE really need to stop putting the Lord to the test by contuously sinning and work on being more like Christ, our teacher. He was not a homosexual. Hence, no man should be one either in the ministry. God BLess all and Peace
 
We can minimize the problem when we the people of the church become knowledgable of this issue and confront that person privately, reminding him of his viow that he took to the Lord and that he is in a position to set a good example, not a bad one. If he does not attempt to seek help, then the next step is to go above his head to work on getting him removed.
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In this case, I don’t think any of the lay people knew, it was only other homosexuals, and I’m sure he generally kept it from them for fear of blackmail/extortion.

The entire extortion angle is a big one vis-a-vis homosexuality, and why gays are usually not allowed into secret service or intelligence details.
 
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littleitaly:
Homosexuallity is in fact an act, not just a thought. This is why no man should be allowed to be either a priest, minister, or any other position of preaching Holy words to people. This would be hipocritical to the words of the Holy Spirit and an abomination as stated in the Bible. Now it is true that Satan has his ways of tempting people with different types of lusts, in order to drag that person down and any others that the person socializes with. Temptation is not a homosexual act. How one responds to that temptation will determine his destiny with God.
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Then let me again restate a post I made:

There lies the problem. I think many of us in this discussion operate on different meanings of the word “homosexual.” Hence, the frustration of unrelated responses and missing of the points.

I think for the sake of discussion we’ll say homosexual are those with ‘same-sex attracion’, while “gay” is one living the lifestyle. Fair enough?
 
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littleitaly:
Lets remember that Jesus once said that you can not serve both, you will either love one and hate the other…and so on. It is clear that God gave a the mind to make our own decisions in life. Which is true freedom of choice. What happens to you because of your decision is what you wil have to live with, or die by. A person once said to me that this would not truelly be freedom if we can not do what we like without haveing to face some kind of punishment. My response to this is that you will have to keep in mind who gave us life to begin with. That would be the Holy Spirit. Knowing this, should put ones mind focused on doing all he or she can to please the Holy Spirit. Why would one want to bite the hand that feeds us. Do you not think that if you did that he will still continue to do so? WE really need to stop putting the Lord to the test by contuously sinning and work on being more like Christ, our teacher. He was not a homosexual. Hence, no man should be one either in the ministry. God BLess all and Peace
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Indeed, that’s why it is a great sacrifice that one denies one’s self that which he is inclined to do but knows of its evil. We each have our own cross to bear, and one cross is different to another, both in kind and in gravity. My question is, if same-sex attraction is just another cross – albeit a heavy cross – that an unfortunate individual has to bear, then is it prudent to deny his calling based on the gravity of his cross?
 
Homosexuals (I assume the term actively practicing homosexuals) should never be priests!! God said that these people would never see the kingdom of God. If this were ever allowed in the Catholic Church… oh God have mercy…oh Christ have mercy! It would create the biggest Schism ever!
 
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Kielbasi:
In this case, I don’t think any of the lay people knew, it was only other homosexuals, and I’m sure he generally kept it from them for fear of blackmail/extortion.

The entire extortion angle is a big one vis-a-vis homosexuality, and why gays are usually not allowed into secret service or intelligence details.
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There could be that remote possiblity of no lay person not knowing. Although this would be our assumption of this. Christ did say that no stone will be left unturned. I firmly believe that this statement that He made applies to homosexuals as well as all other sins that we the people tend to commit in our daily lives, with the exception that we pray and ask for true forgiveness for our sins, that is repentance. Yes, I’m sure that the issue of blackmail and extortion exists within the walls of the church do to the sinful nature of some priests that are caught up in their ways by others. If we the people who ,if you really put it to thought, make up the church, work together on the problems that are within, we can, in time, clean up the sinful acts that continue on within and make it, the church, the proper place of gathering to pray and worship our Holy Spirit as the Lord had originally intended. Lets not forget that it is He who gave us this life in the first place and we owe it to Him to praise and give him thanks. God Bless and Peace to you.
 
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bluezone7:
Homosexuals (I assume the term actively practicing homosexuals) should never be priests!! God said that these people would never see the kingdom of God. If this were ever allowed in the Catholic Church… oh God have mercy…oh Christ have mercy! It would create the biggest Schism ever!
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Totally agree. For if we knowingly allow those who sin to continue in the church, or anywhere else for this matter, we too put ourselves in grave danger of the same sin. If we act out by at least letting the person committing the sin know that it is not Gods will for them to continue on with their sinful ways, and that they really should change their ways, that is Gods way, then I’m certain that the Holy Spirit will show mercy on those of us who try to help those out from living a sinful life. We should never give up hope, God did not. For if he did, we msot likely wouldn’t be here chatting with each other today. Peace to you and God Bless
 
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mrS4ntA:
Indeed, that’s why it is a great sacrifice that one denies one’s self that which he is inclined to do but knows of its evil. We each have our own cross to bear, and one cross is different to another, both in kind and in gravity. My question is, if same-sex attraction is just another cross – albeit a heavy cross – that an unfortunate individual has to bear, then is it prudent to deny his calling based on the gravity of his cross?
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Unfortunitely yes, we must deny him or her from their so called “calling” because it is against God’s will. If we allow them to live thier sinful life as preists or nuns, then we too put our own souls in jeapordy of the fires of Hell. The calling that they claim they have would be that of Satan, wanting to break down the church. Peace to you my friend.
 
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mrS4ntA:
Then let me again restate a post I made:

There lies the problem. I think many of us in this discussion operate on different meanings of the word “homosexual.” Hence, the frustration of unrelated responses and missing of the points.

I think for the sake of discussion we’ll say homosexual are those with ‘same-sex attracion’, while “gay” is one living the lifestyle. Fair enough?
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I can not totally agree with that statement. Same-sex attraction,as well as those who become attracted to the opposite sex, is nothing more than the sinful form of lust and is merely a temptation of sin that is presented to us by the Evil one. If one lables themselves as homosexuals, they are not only thinking of the lustful way, but also acting upon it as well. We can not be something if we have not physically acted upon it. Example; Can I properly call myself the President of the U.S. just because I’m thinking of it. Yes, this is an overexageration, but it does make my point. Peace to you and God Bless
 
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mrS4ntA:
O, dear goodness. That, my brethren, I TOTALLY and COMPLETELY agree! If I recall correctly, the discussion of this thread, and the issue that I brought up, is only about the ordination of a man who have same-sex attraction, assuming the vow of chastity remains true. That is, the man DOES NOT live in sin. That is, the man does NOT live a homosexual lifestyle. That is, the man does NOT engage in any sexual activity whatsoever, which is what all priest is called to do anyway.

Now, could you please read my posts again and show me where I assumed the man is living in sin (i.e. living the homosexual lifestyle or engaging in a sexual act of any kind)? Because I don’t recall I did. :confused:

Lastly, I apologise if my posts have given you the confusion and the impression of incharitble attitudes. I certainly did not intend to do so. That’s one of the problem of this media.
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I will take your word on it that you did not say men are living in sin, but I will say that I did. My statement of men living in sin by their homosexual lifestyle is based on what is written in scriptures and not of my own account. I too apologise for any misunderstandings there may have been in these posts. Peace to you and Godbless
 
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bluezone7:
Homosexuals (I assume the term actively practicing homosexuals) should never be priests!! God said that these people would never see the kingdom of God. If this were ever allowed in the Catholic Church… oh God have mercy…oh Christ have mercy! It would create the biggest Schism ever!
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Now that, my friend, I COMPLETELY agree! 👍
 
LittleItaly,

You said: Unfortunitely yes, we must deny him or her from their so called “calling” because it is against God’s will. If we allow them to live thier sinful life as preists or nuns, then we too put our own souls in jeapordy of the fires of Hell. The calling that they claim they have would be that of Satan, wanting to break down the church. Peace to you my friend.

To reply: Indeed, that’s why it is a great sacrifice that one denies one’s self that which he is inclined to do but knows of its evil. We each have our own cross to bear, and one cross is different to another, both in kind and in gravity. My question is, if same-sex attraction is just another cross – albeit a heavy cross – that an unfortunate individual has to bear, then is it prudent to deny his calling based on the gravity of his cross?

There lies my frustration; people keep missing the mark in this discussioN! 😦

How can one, being faithful to his Faith and the teachings of the Church, denying himself of that which he is inclined to do (because he knows and is aware of its evil) – be living in sin?

Notice how I used the word ‘cross’ to imply that the disorderedness is seen indeed as a burden, not something to delight in. I did not say “… based on his lifestyle”; insted I said “… based on his … cross,” his sacrifce, his self-denial.
 
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littleitaly:
I will take your word on it that you did not say men are living in sin, but I will say that I did. My statement of men living in sin by their homosexual lifestyle is based on what is written in scriptures and not of my own account. I too apologise for any misunderstandings there may have been in these posts. Peace to you and Godbless
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First of all, just to avoid any more future misunderstanding on my stance, I agree and support COMPLETELY what I underlined and bolded up there.

By “the man” in that post I referred to a “man who is aware of his inclination to be attracted to the same sex BUT he is aware of its evil AND chooses to be chaste and fights the lustful desires.” Maybe it’s just me, but that is awful long to type/say to convey a certain type of people. I shorthand it “homosexual” or “ppl with same-sex attraction” and reserve the word “gay” to the lifestyle.

But back to the point, a celibate heterosexual priest, too, is a “man who is aware of his inclination to be attracted to the opposite sex BUT chooses to be chaste and fights the lustful desires.” Granted, the cross of the homosexual man is heavier because he cannot even experience romantic relationship with another man, even if sex is not involved. But if the heterosexual man vows a celibate lifestyle, his cross is almost as heavy as the homosexual one. There lies the debate. Not whether practising gay man should be ordained priest or not.
 
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mrS4ntA:
First of all, just to avoid any more future misunderstanding on my stance, I agree and support COMPLETELY what I underlined and bolded up there.

By “the man” in that post I referred to a “man who is aware of his inclination to be attracted to the same sex BUT he is aware of its evil AND chooses to be chaste and fights the lustful desires.” Maybe it’s just me, but that is awful long to type/say to convey a certain type of people. I shorthand it “homosexual” or “ppl with same-sex attraction” and reserve the word “gay” to the lifestyle.

But back to the point, a celibate heterosexual priest, too, is a “man who is aware of his inclination to be attracted to the opposite sex BUT chooses to be chaste and fights the lustful desires.” Granted, the cross of the homosexual man is heavier because he cannot even experience romantic relationship with another man, even if sex is not involved. But if the heterosexual man vows a celibate lifestyle, his cross is almost as heavy as the homosexual one. There lies the debate. Not whether practising gay man should be ordained priest or not.
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You can not define a man as homosexual just because of the tempting thoughts that may cross his mind. Clearly if one claims himself to be a homosexual would most defenitely indicate that he acts upon those temptations. In the Bible, when Jesus asks for us to bear our cross, as He did, He was not refering to bear our cross of sins but to bear our cross of salvation against those who wish to persacute us that worship and glorify the Lord. This may come as a surprise to you, but men that are true heterosexual, do not all desire that of lust. There are very good priests out there that trully stand strong to their vows in priesthood. There is nothing here to debate, for when you do, you are saying that God is wrong for giving Moses the Laws that mankind is to live by. And that, my friend is a major sin all by itself. I pray that you soon see this in your lifetime. Peace to you. You are confusing the word homosexual and temptaions as being the same, they are not, for one is an act and the second is just that, temptations and nothing more, unless you act upon them.
 
**

**from LifeSiteNews.com

New Vatican Document on Homosexuality and the Priesthood Coming Before Fall 2005**

VATICAN CITY, December 13, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - John Thavis, the Vatican correspondent for the Catholic News Service, an agency of the US Bishops Conference, reports that the Vatican will soon publish a document concerning homosexuality and the priesthood. The report notes that Vatican officials are preparing an inspection (or visitation) of US seminaries to commence in the Fall of 2005 and the document is expected prior to the visitation.

Bishop John C. Nienstedt of New Ulm, Minn., chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Priestly Formation, said in an interview in Rome, “I think they intend to have it out by the time the visitation begins.”

The Vatican has confirmed several times that men with homosexual sexual orientations should not be ordained. The December 2002 bulletin of the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments contained a letter signed by Cardinal Jorge Medina Estevez, who has since retired as the head of the Congregation, which said ordaining such men would be imprudent and “very risky.”

A prominent Vatican document dealing with the issue was released as early as 1961. The 1961 document from the Sacred Congregation for Religious prohibits the admission of homosexuals to the diocesan priesthood and religious orders. The document states: “Those affected by the perverse inclination to homosexuality or pederasty should be excluded from religious vows and ordination,” because priestly ministry would place such persons in “grave danger”.

The document is being prepared by the Congregation for Catholic Education in consultation with several other Vatican agencies, including the doctrinal congregation. In a report earlier this year, the education congregation described it as an “instruction on the criteria and norms for the discernment in questions regarding homosexuality in view of the admission of candidates to the seminary and to sacred orders.”

Commenting on the coming document which has been more than five years in the making, Bishop Nienstedt said, "“I think it’s going to be a balanced document, because the whole question of homosexuality not only has psychological dimensions but also has varying degrees of a person acting out or not acting out.” He added, “So the whole question has to be nuanced considerably: ‘What is homosexuality?’ ‘What are the homosexual attractions?’ and that sort of thing. I think this document will be helpful because it is going to address those questions.”

Jhw

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2004/dec/04121307.html
**
 
“Should homosexual men be allowed to be priests”?

HECK NO!
 
Dj Roy Albert:
For the 28 people that voted yes & for the 21 people that lean toward yes I say that you need to read your Bibles. Homosexuality is a sin. We are all born sinners, but we are not bound by sin once we are baptized. Homosexuals live in sin, in disobedience to God without want to change. Many blame God for “being born gay” which is a lie. Our God, the God of love would not create someone to be bound to such sin when it is sin that He dispises.

It would be impossible for a person living in opposition to the will of God to live the will of God, it’s that simple. Jesus said “you can not get good fruit from a bad tree”, it is impossible.
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Dear friend

Thank you for the advice on reading the bible, you are right all Catholics should try reading the book of their faith.

However you are wrong in saying that homosexuality is a sin. The act of homosexual sex is the sin. If a homosexual man or woman doesn’t engage in the homosexual act, there is no sin, they are chaste.

Ask your Priest before you give Catholic teaching out on a forum, you have not given correct information

Chaste men who are homosexual should be ordained a Priest if God has called them to that Vocation.

God Bless
Teresa
 
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springbreeze:
Dear friend

Thank you for the advice on reading the bible, you are right all Catholics should try reading the book of their faith.

However you are wrong in saying that homosexuality is a sin. The act of homosexual sex is the sin. If a homosexual man or woman doesn’t engage in the homosexual act, there is no sin, they are chaste.

Ask your Priest before you give Catholic teaching out on a forum, you have not given correct information

Chaste men who are homosexual should be ordained a Priest if God has called them to that Vocation.

God Bless
Teresa
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Homosexuality is indeed a sin. If a person does not act on homosexual thoughts, they therefore can not be considered a homosexual. That would merely be a temptation by Satan that one would have to overcome, such as the many temptations that many of us endure throughout our lives. Once we act upon our temptations is when we then put ourselves in such a category. The definition of homosexual is this: somebody attracted to same sex: somebody who is sexually attracted to members of his or her own sex.

This alone as defined in the dictionary is a sin of **lust. **If you recall, it is stated in the Bible that lust itself is a sin. That is unless you do not believe in the Bible. Therefore homosexual attraction alone is a sin. Hope you come to realize this. God would never call

a homosexual to ministry. He would then be contradicting His very own words passed on to Moses. You would be saying that God is a hypocrite. The words of the Holy Spirit stand true to form. No one person has the right to change His Laws. If this were the case, the world would wind up in chaos.

Peace to you
 
The Church, the Pope, the Bible proclaim homosexuality a sin. How then can the Church approve someone in sin into the Ministry. It is one of the biggest contradictions I have ever heard of.
 
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