Posted on 07/31/2003 5:55:16 AM PDT by lrslattery
CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH
CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING PROPOSALS
TO GIVE LEGAL RECOGNITION
TO UNIONS
BETWEEN HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS
INTRODUCTION
1. In recent years, various questions relating to homosexuality have been addressed with some frequency by Pope John Paul II and by the relevant Dicasteries of the Holy See.(1) Homosexuality is a troubling moral and social phenomenon, even in those countries where it does not present significant legal issues. It gives rise to greater concern in those countries that have granted or intend to grant – legal recognition to homosexual unions, which may include the possibility of adopting children. The present Considerations do not contain new doctrinal elements; they seek rather to reiterate the essential points on this question and provide arguments drawn from reason which could be used by Bishops in preparing more specific interventions, appropriate to the different situations throughout the world, aimed at protecting and promoting the dignity of marriage, the foundation of the family, and the stability of society, of which this institution is a constitutive element. The present Considerations are also intended to give direction to Catholic politicians by indicating the approaches to proposed legislation in this area which would be consistent with Christian conscience.(2) Since this question relates to the natural moral law, the arguments that follow are addressed not only to those who believe in Christ, but to all persons committed to promoting and defending the common good of society.
I. THE NATURE OF MARRIAGE
AND ITS INALIENABLE CHARACTERISTICS
2. The Church's teaching on marriage and on the complementarity of the sexes reiterates a truth that is evident to right reason and recognized as such by all the major cultures of the world. Marriage is not just any relationship between human beings. It was established by the Creator with its own nature, essential properties and purpose.(3) No ideology can erase from the human spirit the certainty that marriage exists solely between a man and a woman, who by mutual personal gift, proper and exclusive to themselves, tend toward the communion of their persons. In this way, they mutually perfect each other, in order to cooperate with God in the procreation and upbringing of new human lives.
3. The natural truth about marriage was confirmed by the Revelation contained in the biblical accounts of creation, an expression also of the original human wisdom, in which the voice of nature itself is heard. There are three fundamental elements of the Creator's plan for marriage, as narrated in the Book of Genesis.
Excerpted....See article at http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=39664
Yes.
Tom you attend functions within your diocese , you must have a pretty good idea about most of them.
I know about one quarter of the 256 active priests. I also know some of the ones that are blatantly homosexual and a couple who are known widely for having gay affairs. The bishop has been told numerous times. One associate pastor was moved because of his "whistle blowing". This is REAL spiritual warfare.
I believe according to RC beliefs as long as he is celibate there is no problem.
This is not so. Celibacy pertains to marriage and chastity (implicitly). This is a line of BS the libs have been pushing for some time; that is, I'm celibate so it don't matter! The hell it doesn't!
I will add this. It is a terrible image problem for the Catholic church to have swishing Pastors before the public eye.
You are absolutely right! It is SCANDALOUS!
I have heard non Catholics comment that "they are all gay". We both know that is not true. But in my diocese it sure seems tilted that way.
Some diocese have gay clergy at very high levels. Even as bishops! (MORE SCANDAL) I believe that this has been the reason for so many to be able to infiltrate the ranks and further their agenda. My diocese is not like that. We are probably at the low end of the scale. I know all the priests and deacons in my deanery. Not a one of them has an effeminate bone. Other deaneries have their problems, but overall the problem is less than usual in my diocese. BTW, effeminate priests are not a good attraction for future vocations. This is part of the problem. The "Harvest Master" has given us enough "harvesters", but many will not answer the call.
A strong stand by the church on this issue would be a very good first step.
The Church has always had a strong stand on homosexuality. It gets beatup all the time for it. But the liberal forces within the Church have worked against Her for years. Pray for our perseverance.
Churches have no business placing the unregenerate into a state of holy matrimony (regardless of whether this state is considered an ordinance or a sacrament). I see a terrific church-state battle developing here-what will happen when the state says that gay marriage is okay, but churches refuse to perform the ceremonies? How long until someone sues?
That's my 4-point inconsistant Calvinist $.02.
Not in the slightest. Showing respect to someone who is committing serious sin encourages them and confirms them in their course of action.
If you encountered someone who was in the habit of bragging or flaunting the fact that he was an adulterer and proclaiming his adultery as an "identity" of which he was "proud" you would do your best to avoid the company of someone like that. You certainly wouldn't show him respect.
The Sixth Commandment -- The Catechism of the Catholic Church
You shall not commit adultery.113
You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.114
Please note the references to chastity and the offenses against chastity as well as the guidlines for marriage and procreation.
God bless you in putting this all out for people to hear on the radio and/or television. Communication is our ally here.
We Calvinists have a mixed view on the Governmental issue, but are in absolute agreement on the Moral issue of Homosexuality, and Homosexual unions. So the above statement is correct, but it is not complete.
OrthodoxPresbyterian, CCWoody, and i represent the Libertarian wing of the Reforned faith...put your visions of hedonism and Ayn Rand aside for a minute.... Our wing of Calvinism holds that the State has no business at all regulating marriage, or relationships between conscenting ADULTS. The institution of marriage is a matter that should be exclusively within the sphere of the Church. As such, it is the Church that recognises or refuses to recoginse any given 'relationship' as a marriage. Before one can discuss the legalisation of any relationship as a marriage, the issue of unwarrented state interference into the realm of the Church must be considered...that would even include the issuance of "Marriage Liscenses", which is nothing more than getting state permission to marry!
Although i may be mistaken on the details, i believe that the "Common Law" marriage was an innovation brought about by American Catholics. At a certain time in our history, there was a shortage of Catholic Priests, and Catholic couples who desired Church Marriage could not be accomodated. The result was the declaration of the Common Law marriage, which offered all the legal protections of marriage, until such a time that a circuit Priest could perform the Sacrament...usually with the couple's children in attendance.
BRAVO! Bravo for the RCC!
It's good to see somebody reacting to this nonsense.
(Protestant denominations are you listening...?)
As such, it is a psychological disorder and needs therapy and spiritual guidance to overcome.
Before adolescence, boys and girls are same-sex oriented. During puberty, hormones kick in and create a "desire" for the opposite sex. If the child has been "sexualized" before puberty, that child will identify future sexuality by that experience. If that sexual experience is with the same sex, it will be more difficult to make the natural transition from same sex to opposite sex after puberty.
But certainly it can be done.
However, when all of society, media and even one's church is saying it's "okay" and "normal" to have homosexual feelings, that young adult is reinforced in their conflicitng attachments, and is more likely to give in to his/her previous experience.
Freud knew this and wrote about it extensively. However, he was vehemently criticized for it by the theosophic majority of his peers. When he relented and changed his diagnosis from "childhood sexual abuse" to "female hysteria" he was welcomed back into the fold.
I use the example of Ellen Degeneras when she was asked by Barbara Walters, "when did you know you were gay?"
After bemoaning the fact that parents wrongly worry she's out to seduce their children, Ellen explained that she first realized she was a lesbian when her nineth grade P.E. teacher seduced her.
Do they even know what they're saying?
You cannot watch your children too closely. Period.
Well said.
That is one of the reasons we will be homeschooling.
But when given a negative, even blasphemous response when confronted with the truth - I cannot pretend to respect someone who revels in evil and calls it good.
Love means praying for their souls at that point.
Indeed! Although I am not myself an Episcopalian, there are Episcopal churches on every corner here in conservative Virginia. It's hard to say just what those churches will do...schism would not surprise me in the least.
You are mistaken on the details and on the larger picture. Common law marriage is a feature of British common law and has existed in America from colonial days. One could argue that it is a Protestant phenomenon in its beginnings, because according to English law only the Church of England could solemnize marriages. A marriage witnessed by a Separatist preacher (i.e. a marriage between Presbyterians, Baptists, Congregationalists, etc.) would be a common law marriage because the C of E wouldn't recognize it prior to Cromwell.
Catholics did not introduce it to America, nor did the Church sanction it.
The Catholic Church provided the Catholic community of the US with traveling priests who were able to witness marriages, hear confessions and celebrate the Eucharist with great regularity, several times a year. The Southern and Western United States received ministration from Mexican and French priests in cases of need and the Eastern US had access to priests from Quebec and Ireland.
Common law marriage was never a regular or accepted feature of life in Catholic America.
There is a difference between those who are willing to say "I have sinned and I am sorry for it" and those who say "Sin? What a silly concept! There's nothing wrong with doing whatever I want!"
St. Paul tells us to avoid the latter like the plague.
Here is another post that should keep your spirits elevated ..
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