|
|
 |
|
CNS Story:
|
BISHOPS-HOMOSEXUAL (UPDATED) Nov-15-2006 (940 words) With photos posted Nov. 14 and 15. xxxn
Bishops adopt statement on pastoral care of homosexuals
By Jerry Filteau
Catholic News Service
BALTIMORE (CNS) -- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 14 approved a statement on the pastoral care of homosexually inclined persons.
The 26-page statement reiterates church teaching that all homosexual acts are morally wrong but affirms the dignity of those with homosexual inclinations and says that having such an inclination is not in itself sinful.
In Baltimore at their yearly fall meeting, the bishops approved the statement 194-37, with one abstention, after turning back a motion to send it back to the USCCB Committee on Doctrine, which drafted the document, for more consultation and revision.
The draft document the bishops received before the meeting was amended heavily before it came to a final vote.
In introducing the document Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., chairman of the doctrine committee, acknowledged that "there are aspects of our society that make it difficult for people to live according to the church's teaching on sexuality."
He said that cannot deter the church from carrying out its mission to teach the truth and to "promote sound, effective ministry to persons with a homosexual inclination."
The statement is titled "Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care."
"These guidelines are intended to assist bishops in evaluating existing or proposed programs and ministerial efforts (for ministry to those with homosexual inclinations) and to provide direction and guidance for those engaged in this ministry," it says.
The statement says that "a clear understanding of the place of sexuality within God's plan for humanity" is needed to meet the challenges posed by the issue of homosexuality.
"The complementary sexuality of man and woman is a gift from God and ought to be respected as such," it says.
It says the union of man and woman in marriage for the expression of marital love and the procreation and education of children "is the order of nature, an order whose source is ultimately the wisdom of God," and any sexual expression outside marriage "is disordered."
Homosexual acts are "objectively sinful" and "the homosexual inclination is objectively disordered," although "simply having the tendency is not a sin," the statement says.
"It is crucially important to understand that saying a person has a particular inclination that is disordered is not to say that the person as a whole is disordered. ... While the particular inclination to homosexual acts is disordered, the person retains his or her intrinsic human dignity and value," the statement says.
It says ministry to those with a homosexual inclination must be based on sound Catholic moral teaching, which regards any sexual activity outside marriage as sinful.
One of the liveliest debates among the bishops during their discussion of the document was over proposed amendments by Archbishop Raymond L. Burke of St. Louis to praise Courage and Encourage as notable examples of Catholic support programs for homosexuals and their families that are in accord with church teaching.
Courage, which works with people with homosexual inclinations, and Encourage, a support program for their family members, operate on a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous and stress chastity as the framework for life for anyone with homosexual inclinations.
Several bishops expressed strong approval of Courage and Encourage, but others noted that there are mixed feelings about the programs among those with homosexual inclinations and among people ministering to them. Those who objected to including those specific references in the text questioned why those programs would be singled out without mentioning numerous other diocesan and parish programs that also operate in accord with church teaching.
The bishops voted down the Burke amendments as insertions in the text of the statement, but they approved adding a footnote which says, "Examples of such ministries whose principles are in accord with church teaching are Courage and Encourage."
In its section on pastoral care the statement condemns "unjust discrimination and harassment" of those with a homosexual inclination and stresses the importance of a parish community that welcomes them as active, participating members. "Persons who experience same-sex attraction and yet are living in accord with church teaching should be encouraged to take an active role in the life of the faith community," it says.
It adds, however, that "the church has a right to deny roles of service to those whose behavior violates her teaching. Such service may seem to condone an immoral lifestyle and may even be an occasion of scandal."
It says catechesis should help Catholics understand the fullness of church teaching on human sexuality and at the same time appreciate the dignity of all people, condemning violence or unjust discrimination toward those with a homosexual inclination.
It says church ministers must not promote or bless homosexual unions.
The church "does not support the adoption of children by same-sex couples," but it should not refuse baptism to such children if there is "a well-founded hope that the children will be brought up in the Catholic religion," it says.
It encourages the formation of support groups for those with homosexual tendencies and their families and emphasizes special pastoral care needs for adolescents experiencing same-sex attractions.
It says the church should be careful to see that church teachings are followed by professionals chosen to provide counseling services to those with a homosexual inclination.
It says other organizations in society that work with those with a homosexual inclination "can be a support -- or a hindrance -- in living a chaste and holy life. Each should be evaluated on its own merits using church teachings as a guide and participation should be encouraged or discouraged accordingly, as appropriate."
END
Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250
|
|
|
|
