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Homosexuality
"…The number of men and women who have…homosexual tendencies is not negligible…they must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives…"
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2358
If you or someone you know has a homosexual orientation you need not face this journey alone
"… the Church can be an instrument of both help and healing…drawing upon the gift of faith, sound teaching and pastoral practice the Church can offer loving support, reliable guidance, and recommendations for ministries suited to you're your needs…our message speaks of accepting yourself, your beliefs and values, your questions and all you may be struggling with…accepting (yourself) your child as a gift of God; and accepting the full truth of God's revelation about the dignity of the human person and meaning of human sexuality".
(Always Our Children, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997)
The Church holds that homosexual orientation is not sinful:
"The particular inclination of a homosexual person is not a sin".
(On Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, 1986)
"It seems appropriate to understand sexual orientation (heterosexual or homosexual) as a deep-seated dimension of one's personality and to recognize its relative stability in a person…Generally, homosexual orientation is experienced as a given, not as something freely chosen. By itself, therefore, a homosexual orientation cannot be considered Sinful, for morality presumes the freedom to choose".
(Always Our Children, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997)
"…Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection".
(Catechism of the Catholic Church #2359)
Gay and Lesbian Catholics should be full, equal, participating members of the Christian community
"Homosexual persons, like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights. They have a right to respect, friendship, and justice. They should have an active role in the Christian community."
(National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1976)
"Welcome homosexuals into the faith community, and seek out those in the margins. Avoid stereotyping and condemning. Strive first to listen".
(Always Our Children, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1997)
"Solidarity means above all a proper understanding and then proper action, not on the basis of what corresponds to the concept of the person offering help, but on the basis of what corresponds to the real needs of the person being helped, and what corresponds to his or her dignity".
(Pope John Paul II, Address to the College of Cardinals, November 5, 1979)
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