Ran across an interesting article in the Detroit Free Press
titled: CATHOLIC GROUP AIMS TO HELP GAYS STAY CHASTE; Archdiocese fights trends
on same-sex marriage.
This is interesting and disturbing at the same time
especially with the cultural sea change about homosexuality and gay marriage
evident in the feelings of a majority of Americans including Catholics.
These programs from COURAGE INTERNATIONAL and called “EnCourage”
basically promote mandatory celibacy for gays and lesbians as a way to remain
good Catholics. The Church loves gays and lesbians as people but considers
their sexual orientation and practice as “disordered”. As long as gays and lesbians
do not engage in sexual practices, they are right with God…according to the
Catholic Church which obviously knows what actions are “right” with God and
which are not.
The subject matter falls into the big discussion among
Catholics of today as to how the Church must change its pronouncements in
response to new evidence from science; something the Church says it would do.
The evidence today points to the fact that homosexuals are
born homosexuals and do not choose that life style. This then leads to the
assumption that if God creates all that is good, than he created homosexuals
which makes them “good” creations.
As far as sexual acts, the Church has admitted that sex is
not only for procreation when it allowed Catholic partners to use the “rhythm
method” as a means to prevent pregnancy which means basically having sex for
fun and pleasure. This has to translate to homosexual sex which is for fun and
pleasure and obviously not for procreation.
Recently, Pope Francis hinted that the Catholic Church may
be open to civil unions between gays as a means of not discriminating against
homosexuals wanting the emotional and economic benefits of a legally recognized
union between two adults of the same sex.
Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron recognizes the fact that “we
are swimming against the tide” on this issue but he maintains “it’s part of our
duty” which labels him as a staunch conservative, someone willing to support
ideas and opinions no longer valid in today’s society.
The fact that the new pope is willing to explore the
possibility of changing historic Church positions on issues that he sees as
needing change, is very welcome especially to progressive Catholics that no
longer wish to just be sheep following a shepherd that has lost his way.
I have heard that there will be Catholics protesting this so
called informational session at Detroit’s Sacred Heart Seminary…power to the
people.
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