Posted on 12/08/2016 5:37:10 AM PST by Petrosius
December 7, 2016 (LifeSiteNews) – A new document from the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy released today reiterates that "those who practise homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called 'gay culture'" are not to be admitted to seminaries or be ordained Catholic priests.
In a new 90-page document titled The Gift of the Priestly Vocation, the Congregation for Clergy wrote that those who live the homosexual lifestyle, support the "gay culture," or have "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" "find themselves in a situation that gravely hinders them from relating correctly to men and women."
"One must in no way overlook the negative consequences that can derive from the ordination of persons with deep-seated homosexual tendences," it continues.
The Gift of the Priestly Vocation directly quotes the Congregation for Catholic Education's 2005 document Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders. It stresses that it would be "gravely dishonest" for a man to hide his homosexual inclinations for the sake of seeking ordination and that confessors and spiritual directors "have the duty to dissuade" same-sex attracted candidates "in conscience from proceeding towards ordination."
Lying about one's sexual attractions demonstrates a "deceitful attitude [that] does not correspond to the spirit of truth, loyalty and openness that must characterize the personality of him who believes he is called to serve Christ and His Church in the minsterial priesthood," the document reiterates, again quoting the Congregation for Catholic Education's 2005 Instruction.
If a candidate for the priesthood experienced "homosexual tendencies that were only the expression of a transitory problem" like "that of an adolesence not yet superseded," then such a case would be "different," the document states. Nevertheless, "such tendencies must be clearly overcome at least three years before the ordination to the diaconate."
"It must be remembered that, in a relationship of sincere dialogue and mutual trust, the seminarian is obliged to reveal to his formators...doubts or difficulties he should have in this regard," The Gift of the Priestly Vocation continues.
Also, "the possibility of a candidate having homosexual tendencies" must be considered when a man is psychologically evaluated for entrance to the seminary. The candidate must have "self-control and a well-integrated sexuality" in order to be suitable.
Cardinal Beniamino Stella, prefect for the Congregation of Clergy, Congregation Secretary Archbishop Joël Mercier, Secretary for Seminaries Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patron Wong, and Undersecretary Monsignor Antonio Neri all signed the document. Pope Francis approved it.
The media and secular forces have long criticized the Church for its ban on ordaining homosexual men. Since the priestly sex abuse scandals and cover-up by the Church more than a decade ago, Catholic experts like Bill Donohue of the Catholic League have pointed out that the majority of the offending priests were preying upon young boys.
But women need someone to talk to.
That comment betrays a very low opinion of normal men. Are you a radical feminist troll?
what happens if they are already in ? don’t ask don’t tell ?
This is late. Gay pedopriests have seriously damaged the Church’s image.
That’ll pretty much decimate the Vatican, not?
Finally, something we can agree on.
Perhaps the first positive piece of news I’ve seen coming from the Vatican in five years.
I am not Catholic but if they are celibate does it really make any difference?
If someone abstains from sex all their life how does anyone really know if they heterosexual or homosexual?
Agreed! I am shocked! Is this #fakenews?
I AM Catholic and have wondered the same thing for years. Too little too late. This Pope is destroying the Catholic Church.
Rut roh.
Yes, it does matter. It matters in what words emanate from the mouth when personally involved with/about the subject!
Homosexuality is a mental disorder and would indicate other problems, including the likely inability of remaining chaste.
I am not Catholic but if they are celibate does it really make any difference?
If someone abstains from sex all their life how does anyone really know if they heterosexual or homosexual?
_________________
I could be wrong about this, but I think it’s easier for a heterosexual man to remain celibate than a homosexual man. With a gay priest, there are way too many opportunities for pedophilia.
Every domineering Mother’s dream crushed?
That this is news is pathetic. That there was the slightest expectation of Francis to admit homosexuals is pathetic. This should always have been a “dog-bites-man” story.
What is wrong with the world of news anyhow? Elsewhere we find a couple of posts about Megyn Kelly making the news instead of posting it.
I’m all for not giving attention to these attention beasts.
The pope should tell them directly to leave. I practicing homosexual CANNOT be a priest.
-—If someone abstains from sex all their life how does anyone really know if they heterosexual or homosexual?-—
I think that’s besides the point...
Homosexuality tendencies are un-natural and diamethically opposed to God’s plan for the sexes...
They should not be in a position of power to minister to people...
VERY true.
The Medici times weren't very good either for the Chruch's image.
But, Jesus had to use mere mortal men for priests so scandals were and are BOUND to happen.
Sometimes I think that Catholics, non-Catholic Christians AND non-Christians expect far more from Catholic priests than they do from ANY OTHER men (or women) of the cloth. That is, of course, foolish thinking.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.