Replies

Axiom 3. Knowingly ordaining men inclined to homosexuality to the priesthood is sacrilegious blasphemy because these individuals openly flaunt the teachings of Christ, and as such, are not qualified to be acting as an "alter Christus, in persona Christi" (another Christ, in the person of Christ), which is what a consecrated Catholic priest is supposed to do.

It sounds like you are speaking only about active homosexuals in this axiom. I think you need to consider another side to this as well.

Admitting to the priesthood those inclined toward the homosexual disorder, even if they have not acted upon this inclination and do not intend to do so, is also a problem. Admitting them to the priesthood places such men in positions of extraordinary temptation, challenging their chastity and endangering their spiritual life. Due to the central role of a priest in the spiritual lives of others, should they find themselves unable to resist their temptations, they are likely to damage or destroy the spiritual lives of many more than themselves alone.

What this leads to is the notion that the Church should not knowingly admit men to the priesthood if they are inclined toward homosexuality, whether or not they intend to act upon these inclinations. That seems to be a taboo conclusion in our modern era, but I think it is the correct one.

Admitting to the priesthood those inclined toward the homosexual disorder, even if they have not acted upon this inclination and do not intend to do so, is also a problem.

If they haven't acted, how do you tell someone is "inclined" toward homosexuality? A fondness for French cuffs and fresh floral arrangements? Effeminate mannerisms?

Just how do you know?

In reality, this would apply to heterosexual men as well. The temptations for either might be too great to bear. I'm not a Catholic, but as I recall being told by a former priest at one time, the Catholic church tries to prepare men for the celibacy required of the priesthood. . .but there's really nothing that can prepare someone for this on a day to day basis except daily picking up the cross of celibacy and following Jesus.