The Same Old Yada-Yada
Bishop J. Terry Steib of Memphis, Tenn., is setting up a ministry for “gay and lesbian” Catholics. Yes, in Tennessee. This could be helpful, but Steib’s outfit won’t be. In his announcement (Origins, June 9), he repeats all the homophile “Catholic” clichés.
He makes no distinction between homosexual “inclinations” and homosexual “acts,” although the Catechism does (#2357-2359). He proclaims all “gay and lesbian” Catholics to be “wonderful, good Catholic people.” How would he know that? Gosh, not even all “straight” Catholics are “wonderful, good Catholic people.”
Steib held meetings with homosexuals and with parents of homosexuals. Of the latter, he says, “These parents of gay and lesbian Catholics are extremely proud of their children.” The Catechism says that those with homosexual inclinations are “objectively disordered” and those who are actively homosexual commit “acts of grave depravity.” What’s to be extremely proud of?
Homosexual acts are mortal sins, and if they’re not repented of, you’re likely to go to Hell for ever and ever. Are parents of homosexuals “extremely proud” that their children may go to Hell?
Of course, Steib speaks of “the unique gift” of homosexuality. But this “gift” is either disordered and/or depraved. It’s possible that God could give a “disordered” gift — in your silent suffering you can give glory to God, and you can always offer it up. But God does not give depraved gifts.
You May Also Enjoy
The USCCB document instructs that everyone, not just homosexuals, is in need of "training in virtue" and needs to strive for "growth in holiness."
Cameli believes in dialogue and would like to build a bridge between diametrically opposed camps. It's been said, however, that nobody lives on a bridge.
A debate is raging as to whether homosexually inclined men should continue to be admitted to seminaries.