CHAPTER 12
Catholicism and Homosexuality
What's the answer for the person who has a homosexual orientation? As we've seen, acting on that orientation is never permissible because homosexual acts are gravely sinful. The answer, then, for homosexuals is the same as it is for heterosexuals -- the virtue of chastity
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One of the more difficult conversations of Keith's life occurred after a youth group meeting when he was still in high school. During the meeting, Tim had asked for a ride home. On their way to the car, Tim told Keith that he needed to talk badly. When they reached the car, Keith put the keys in the ignition. But before he could start the car, Tim dropped the bombshell.
Tim revealed that he was gay. He was confused, angry, scared, and worried about his relationship with God. He wanted to know what he should do.
What would you tell him?
With the increasing spread of AIDS, we hear a lot these days about homosexuality. Movies and TV sitcoms are more bold these days in portraying the homosexual lifestyle as a valid alternative.
What Is Homosexuality?
What should a Catholic think of all this, and how should we respond to homosexuality when confronted with it?
Before we answer that question, let's define what we mean by homosexuality. Homosexuality refers to sexual relationships between members of the same sex. There can be a distinction made between a homosexual orientation and homosexual actions. The homosexual orientation is an ongoing sexual attraction for members of the same sex.
Homosexual actions refer to the carrying out of these desires in a physical relationship. The homosexual orientation is not sinful. Homosexual actions are gravely sinful.
Catholic tradition has always been very clear about what it teaches about homosexual actions. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it like this: "Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that 'homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.' They are contrary to the natural law" (No. 2357).
One of the Bible passages to which the Catechism is referring is found in the Letter to the Romans. Here, St. Paul describes homosexuality as a perversion of the natural order of creation and as the result of disobedience to God. Listen to how St. Paul describes homosexual actions: "So God let these people go their own way. They did what they wanted to do, and their filthy thoughts made them do shameful things with their bodies.... Women no longer wanted to have sex in a natural way, and they did things with each other that were not natural. Men behaved in the same way. They stopped wanting to have sex with women and had strong desires for sex with other men. They did shameful things with each other, and what has happened to them is punishment for their foolish deeds" (Romans 1:24-27; CEB).
Because of Bible passages such as this one, the Church teaches that homosexual acts can never be tolerated -- no matter what the circumstances are. (Cf. CCC 2357.) Men were created for sexual relations with women and vice versa. Homosexuality is a perversion of this natural order. It's contrary to God's design.
Does this mean that Catholics should ostracize and mock homosexuals? Of course not. After pointing out that many homosexuals don't choose their homosexual orientation and that their homosexuality is a real trial to them, the Catechism is quick to say that homosexuals must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives" (No. 2358).
Orientation Versus Action
What's the answer for the person who has a homosexual orientation? As we've seen, acting on that orientation is never permissible because homosexual acts are gravely sinful. The answer, then, for homosexuals is the same as it is for heterosexuals -- the virtue of chastity.
Again the Catechism gives clear guidelines. It says simply, "Homosexual persons are called to chastity" (CCC 2359); this same citation goes on to explain that chastity is possible for homosexuals by developing self-mastery, supportive friendships, a prayer life, and grace through the sacraments.
One Catholic organization that is significantly helping Catholic homosexuals to practice chastity is called Courage. Courage was founded by Father John Harvey in 1980. Its headquarters are in New York, but there are numerous chapters across the United States.
Courage is a spiritual support group for homosexual Catholics who desire to practice chastity. For those wishing to find out where the closest Courage chapter is, call or write: Courage Headquarters, St. Michael's Rectory, 424 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 (telephone 212-421-0426).
