April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
EDITORIAL

Always God's children, too

Recent incidents have aroused legitimate concerns about bullying or attacks on youths or young adults based on their actual or alleged homosexual identity. During discussions of such incidents, sadly, many people claim that the Catholic Church "hates gay people" and thus is one of the institutions to blame.

This falsehood reminds us to reaffirm our Christian attitude toward all God's children.

The "Catechism of the Catholic Church" acknowledges that many people have deep-seated same-sex attraction or tendencies. But it is the homosexual act, not the person, that is called "contrary to natural law." The Church counsels chastity but also insists, "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity."

Many homosexual Catholics find a home in the Church; they are our brothers, sisters, friends and neighbors. In 1997, the American bishops issued "Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers."

In it, they write, "The teachings of the Church make it clear that the fundamental human rights of homosexual persons must be defended and that all of us must strive to eliminate any forms of injustice, oppression, or violence against them."

The bishops call us to act in the most sacred, social and intimate of settings - our parish: "Welcome homosexual persons into the faith community, and seek out those on the margins." In so doing, we can curb prejudice and spread God's love.

(10/28/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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