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{{Short description|none}}
{{For|a wider perspective|Christianity and homosexuality}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2018}}
{{Roman Catholicism}}
{{Roman Catholicism|controversies}}
{{Christianity and sexual orientation}} {{Christianity and sexual orientation}}
{{For|a wider perspective|Christianity and homosexuality|Catholic theology of sexuality}}
] is considered by the Roman Catholic hierarchy to be "disordered" in the sense that it is said to be "ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil"<ref name="pastoral">{{cite web|url=http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19861001_homosexual-persons_en.html |title=Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons |publisher=Vatican.va |date= |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref> and is not directed toward what the Catholic Church believes to be the unitive and procreative purposes of sexual activity.<ref name="CCC2351">{{cite web|url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm#2351 |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church - The sixth commandment |publisher=Vatican.va |date=1951-10-29 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref><ref name="culture">{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/otc.cfm?id=633 |title=Homosexuality: 1. The Disorder Question |publisher=Catholic Culture |date= |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref><ref name="CCC2357">{{cite web|url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm#2357 |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church - The sixth commandment |publisher=Vatican.va |date=1951-10-29 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref> "Homosexual acts", which the church refers to as "homosexuality",<ref name="CCC2357"/> are considered ]ful<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholic.com/library/Homosexuality.asp |title=Homosexuality |publisher=Catholic.com |date=2004-08-10 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref><ref name="scborromeo.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2357 |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 2357 |publisher=Scborromeo.org |date=1951-10-29 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref> because "sexual acts, by their nature, are divinely intended to be both unitive and procreative".<ref>http://www.usccb.org/loveandlife/Love-and-Life-Abridged-Version.pdf {{Wayback|url=http://www.usccb.org/loveandlife/Love-and-Life-Abridged-Version.pdf|date =20110319232309}}</ref> The Church also believes the complementarity of the sexes to be part of God's plan.<ref>http://wayback.archive.org/web/20120101080134/http://foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/same-sex-unions/ {{Wayback|url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20120101080134/http://foryourmarriage.org/catholic-marriage/church-teachings/same-sex-unions/|date =20110726062310}}</ref> The Church holds same-gender sexual activities to be incompatible with this framework.
{{quote|"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. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved."|The ]<ref name="CCC2357"/>}}
These teachings are not limited to the issue of homosexuality, but form the philosophical underpinning for the Catholic teachings against, for example, ], other forms of ], as well as ], ], and ].<ref name="Cat2331">{{cite web | last =Paragraph number 2331–2400 | title =Catechism of the Catholic Church | publisher = Libreria Editrice Vaticana| year = 1994| url = http://wayback.archive.org/web/20070928055633/http://www.va/archive/catechism/p3s2c2a6.htm|accessdate=27 December 2008}}</ref>


The relationship between the '''Catholic Church and homosexuality''' is complex and often contentious, involving various conflicting views between the ] and some in the ]. According to Catholic doctrine, solely having ] itself is not considered inherently sinful; it is the ] with someone of the same sex that is regarded as a grave ] against ]. The Church also does not recognize nor perform any ]. However, the '']'' emphasizes that all same-sex individuals must "be accepted and treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity," and that all forms of unjust discrimination should be discouraged and avoided at all cost.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |url=https://www.usccb.org/sites/default/files/flipbooks/catechism/568/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.usccb.org}}</ref><ref name=":1" />
Many Catholics disagree with the official position of the Roman Catholic hierarchy on homosexuality, and in many locations, such as the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Northern and Western Europe, as well as much of South America (such as in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Uruguay), show growing and stronger support for ] (such as ] or ], or protection against discrimination) than the general population. In other locations, such as the Philippines, while the general populace is ambivalent on gay rights, younger Filipinos are more accepting.<ref>{{cite web|author=United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees |url=http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,IRBC,,PHL,4562d8cf2,440ed74ba,0.html |title=Refworld &#124; Philippines: Treatment of homosexuals and state protection available (2000-2005) |publisher=UNHCR |date= |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Toms |first=Sarah |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4463503.stm |title=Asia-Pacific &#124; Philippines rejoices at new Pope |publisher=BBC News |date=2005-04-20 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifop.com/?option=com_publication&type=poll&id=1956 |title=Les Français, les catholiques et les droits des couples homosexuels |publisher=Ifop.com |date=2012-08-14 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref><ref name="USAtoday">{{Cite news |work=USA Today |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2011/03/gay-marriage-catholic-church-/1 |title=U.S. Catholics break with church on gay relationships |date=March 23, 2011 |first=Cathy Lynn |last=Grossman}}</ref><ref></ref><ref>See

*{{cite web|last=Newport|first=Frank|title=For First Time, Majority of Americans Favor Legal Gay Marriage|url=http://www.gallup.com/poll/147662/First-Time-Majority-Americans-Favor-Legal-Gay-Marriage.aspx|publisher=]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}
The Church's teachings on this issue have developed over time, influenced by papal interventions and theologians, including the early ]. ] is provided through a variety of official and unofficial channels, varying from ] to diocese. In recent years, senior clergy and popes have called for the Church to increase its support for LGBTQ individuals.
*{{cite web|title=Survey&nbsp;– Generations at Odds: The Millennial Generation and the Future of Gay and Lesbian Rights|url=http://publicreligion.org/research/2011/08/generations-at-odds/|publisher=]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}

*{{cite news|title=Data Points: Support for Legal Same-Sex Marriage|url=http://chronicle.com/article/Chart-Support-for-Legal/64683/|accessdate=25 September 2012|newspaper=]|date=16 March 2010}}
Globally, the ], and its relationship with the LGBTQ community has been particularly strained during critical moments, such as the height of the ].<ref name="zgUFs" /> Some ], including priests and bishops, have been openly gay or bisexual. Catholic dissenters have argued that legally consensual relations between people of the same-sex is as inherently spiritual and valuable as the same for those of the opposite-sex.
*{{cite web|title=Pew Forum Part 2: Public Opinion on Gay Marriage|url=http://www.pewforum.org/PublicationPage.aspx?id=647|publisher=]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}

*{{cite web|title=Same-Sex Marriage: Let's Make a Change|url=http://www.montrealites.ca/justice/same-sex-marriage-lets-make-a-change.html|publisher=Montrealites Justice|accessdate=25 September 2012}}
On the other hand, some Catholic organizations and institutions that uphold church teachings on sexual activities campaigned against ], advocating for the promotion and encouragement of ] and ] among LGBT Catholics. ] has taken a notably different approach to these subjects than that of his predecessors. He became the first pope to support granting ] as a legal protection for ].<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last= |date=21 October 2020 |title=Pope Francis calls for civil union law for same-sex couples, in shift from Vatican stance |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/46295/pope-francis-calls-for-civil-union-law-for-same-sex-couples-in-shift-from-vatican-stance |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":37">{{Cite web |date=16 September 2021 |title=Same-sex civil unions 'good and helpful to many', says Pope Francis |url=https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/16/same-sex-civil-unions-good-and-helpful-to-many-says-pope-francis |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> He has also publicly denounced ]s.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=25 January 2023 |title=The AP Interview: Pope says homosexuality not a crime |url=https://apnews.com/article/pope-francis-gay-rights-ap-interview-1359756ae22f27f87c1d4d6b9c8ce212 |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Pullella |first=Philip |date=6 February 2023 |title=Pope Francis says laws criminalising LGBT people are a 'sin' and an injustice |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/pope-francis-says-laws-criminalising-lgbt-people-are-sin-an-injustice-2023-02-05/ |access-date=16 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=27 January 2023 |title=Pope Francis clarifies comments on homosexuality: "One must consider the circumstances." |url=https://outreach.faith/2023/01/pope-francis-clarifies-comments-on-homosexuality-one-must-consider-the-circumstances/ |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{cite web|title=Support for Same‐Sex Marriage in Latin America|url=http://www.vanderbilt.edu/lapop/insights/I0844.enrevised.pdf|publisher=]|accessdate=25 September 2012}}
*{{cite news|title=Most Irish people support gay marriage, poll says|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2011/02/24/most-irish-people-support-gay-marriage-poll-says/|accessdate=25 September 2012|newspaper=PinkNews|date=24 February 2011}}
*{{cite news|last=Jowit|first=Juliette|title=Gay marriage gets ministerial approval|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/jun/12/gay-marriage-receive-ministerial-approval|accessdate=25 September 2012|newspaper=]|date=12 June 2012}}
*{{cite web|title=Gay Life in Estonia|url=http://www.globalgayz.com/europe/estonia/gay-life-in-estonia/|publisher=globalgayz.com|accessdate=25 September 2012}}
*{{cite web|title=Public Opinion: Nationally|url=http://www.australianmarriageequality.com/wp/who-supports-equality/a-majority-of-australians-support-marriage-equality/|publisher=australianmarriageequality.com|accessdate=3 October 2012}}</ref>


==Church teaching== ==Church teaching==
The Catholic Church teaches that, as a person does not choose to be either homosexual or heterosexual, subjectively experiencing attraction for (a) person(s) of one's own sex is not inherently ].<ref name="CurranCurran1998" /><ref name="Martin" /> According to the ], all sexual acts must be open to ] by nature and express the symbolism of male-female complementarity.<ref name="reid" />{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} Sexual acts between two members of the same sex cannot meet these standards.<ref name="Linacre" /> Homosexuality thus constitutes a ].<ref name="Linacre" /><ref name="reid" />{{sfn|Jung|2007|pp=}} The church teaches that gay persons are called to practice ].<ref name="CCC" />
The official position of the Catholic Church on the issue of homosexuality is that while homosexual desires or attractions are not in themselves sinful, homosexual acts are.


The church also teaches that gay people "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity", and that "every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."<ref name="CCC" />{{efn|See also ], paragraph 11.<ref name="care" />}} whilst holding that discrimination in marriage,<ref name="Considerations" />{{sfn|Jung|2007|pp=}} employment, housing, and adoption in some circumstances can be just and "obligatory."<ref name="Homosexual Persons - July 1992" /><ref>{{cite web | url=https://en.unav.edu/web/humanities-and-medical-ethics-unit/bioethics-material/carta-sobre-la-atencion-pastoral-a-las-personas-homosexuales | title=Letter on the pastoral care of homosexual persons. Bioethics Material. Humanities and Medical Ethics Unit }}</ref>
The ] (para 2357) promulgated in 1992 accepts that the " psychological genesis remains largely unexplained". Nevertheless scripture presents homosexual acts as "acts of grave depravity" and "tradition has always declared that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered" as they are contrary to the natural law, and close the sexual act to the gift of life. Furthermore te catechism states that "they do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity", and thus under no circumstances can they be approved.
According to the ], "homosexual acts" are "grave sins against chastity" and "expressions of the vice of ]."<ref></ref> Homosexual acts are included among the grave sins against chastity in the ].<ref name=":1"></ref>


According to the Catechism, "homosexual acts" (i.e., sexual acts between persons of the same sex) are "acts of grave depravity" that are "intrinsically disordered." It continues, "They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved."<ref name="CCC" /><ref name="Dx2YJ" /> Regarding homosexuality as an orientation, the Catechism describes it as "objectively disordered."<ref name="CCC" />
However, while they are said to be disordered in the sense that they tempt one to do something that is sinful (viz. the homosexual act), temptations beyond one's control are not considered sinful in and of themselves. For this reason, while the Catholic Church does oppose attempts to legitimize same-gender sexual acts, it also urges respect and love for those who do experience same-sex attractions.


The church points to several passages in the Bible as the basis for its teachings, including ] 19:1-11, ] 18:22 and 20:13, ] 6:9, ] 1:18-32, and ] 1:10.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} In December 2019, the ] published a book that included an ] on these and other passages.<ref name="Brockhaus" />
<blockquote>The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a ]. They 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 and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2358 |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 2358 |publisher=Scborromeo.org |date=1951-10-29 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref></blockquote>


Research conducted in the fields of ] and ] indicates that the Catholic Church's teachings on sexuality are "a major source of conflict and distress" to LGBT Catholics.<ref>{{cite book |author-last=Deguara |author-first=Angele |year=2020 |chapter=The Ambivalent Relationship of LGBT Catholics with the Church |editor1-last=Hood |editor1-first=Ralph W. |editor2-last=Cheruvallil-Contractor |editor2-first=Sariya |title=Research in the Social Scientific Study of Religion: A Diversity of Paradigms |volume=31 |pages=487–509 |location=] and ] |publisher=] |doi=10.1163/9789004443969_025 |isbn=978-90-04-44348-8 |s2cid=241116008 |issn=1046-8064}}</ref>
The first edition in 1992 containing the line "They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial" was changed in 1997 to say instead "This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial".<ref>Originally published in French in {{cite book |title=Catéchisme de l'Église Catholique |last= |first= |authorlink= |coauthors= |year=1992 |publisher=Mame/Plon |location=Tours/Paris |isbn=2-266-00585-5 |page=584 |pages= |url= |quote=Ils ne choisissent pas leur condition homosexuelle; elle constitue pour la plupart d'entre eux une épreuve}} The English translation is displayed when clicking "show the links to concordance" on the vatican website, English version: {{cite web |url=http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_P85.HTM |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church |author= |date= |work= |publisher=Libreria Editrice Vaticana |accessdate=11 May 2012}} See also {{cite web | url=http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/updates.htm | title=Modifications from the Edito Typica | accessdate=11 May 2012 | year=2009|publisher=Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church web site/Amministrazione Del Patrimonio Della Sede Apostolica}} and {{cite web |url=http://www.americamagazine.org/blog/entry.cfm?entry_id=4861 |title=Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity |author=James Martin, S.J. |date=12 January 2012 |work=blog |publisher=] |accessdate=11 May 2012}}</ref>


== Same-sex marriage ==
For those who do experience same-sex attractions and identify themselves with a ], the Catholic Church offers the following counsel:<blockquote>Homosexual persons are called to ]. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and ]al grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach ] perfection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a6.htm#2359 |title=Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 2359 |publisher=Scborromeo.org |date=1951-10-29 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref></blockquote>
The church opposes ] and ]. It also opposes same-sex ]s and does not bless them,<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56402096 |publisher=BBC |date=15 March 2021 |title=Catholic Church 'cannot bless same-sex unions'}}</ref> although some priests and bishops have offered blessings for same-sex couples or spoken in favor of priests being able to bless them.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123082352/https://novenanews.com/german-bishops-head-gay-couple-faithfulness/ |date=23 January 2021 }}, 14. April 2020</ref><ref name="847VB" /><ref name="Wimmer" /> Nevertheless, ] expressed support for civil-unions to protect gay couples in the documentary '']'' (2020),<ref name=":12" /> and in a press conference in September 2021.<ref name=":37" /> In that press conference, he said: "If a homosexual couple wants to lead a life together, the State has the possibility to give them safety, stability, inheritance; and not only to homosexuals but to all the people who want to live together. But marriage is a sacrament, between a man and a woman".<ref name=":37" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Jason |date=2020-10-21 |title=In Shift for Church, Pope Francis Voices Support for Same-Sex Civil Unions |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/21/world/europe/pope-francis-same-sex-civil-unions.html |access-date=2023-01-01 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-15 |title=Pope: No same sex marriage, but uphold other rights |url=https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-religion-pope-francis-marriage-a1db9c2a85852ef310c10ffc1c6f6531 |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref>


While the Catholic Church explicitly denies its blessing for marital union between two people of the same sex, the Catechism of the Catholic Church goes into great detail when describing the legitimacy of individuals who identify as gay as beloved children of God.<ref>{{cite web |date=13 October 2022 |title=The Catechism of the Catholic Church |url=http://archeparchy.ca/wcm-docs/docs/catechism-of-the-catholic-church.pdf |access-date=13 October 2022}}</ref>
==Dissent from official Church position==
A number of Catholics and Catholic groups oppose the position of the Church and seek to change it.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/pope-denounces-gay-marriage-annual-xmas-message-article-1.1225960 |work=NY Daily News |date=December 22, 2012 |title=Pope Benedict denounces gay marriage during his annual Christmas message |first=Carol |last=Kuruvilla}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9406E6D71138F935A1575AC0A964948260 | work=The New York Times | title=AROUND THE NATION; Catholic Group Provokes Debate on Homosexuals | date=26 September 1982 | accessdate=4 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20110708091658/http://www.boulderdailycamera.com/livingarts/religion/25pgay.html |title=Boulder DailyCamera.com: Colorado, News, Business, Sports, Homes, Jobs, Cars & Information |publisher=Boulder Daily Camera |date= |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2008/07/08/wyd-site-limits-gay-debate/533 |title=WYD site limits gay debate &#124; Star Online |publisher=Starobserver.com.au |date= |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref> Over 260 Catholic ]s, particularly from ], ] and ] signed in January/February 2011 a ] '']''. They want more ecclesiastical respect for gay couples, who live in ]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memorandum-freiheit.de/?page_id=518 |title=Memorandum:Church 2011 |publisher=Memorandum-freiheit.de |date= |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref>


In March 2021, the ] said that the church cannot bless ]s because "God cannot bless sin".<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=2021-03-15 |title=Catholic Church 'cannot bless same-sex unions' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-56402096 |access-date=2023-01-03}}</ref> On 18 December 2023, it published {{lang|la|]}}, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless people who are not considered to be married by the Church, including same-sex couples.<ref name=":53">{{cite web |title=Fiducia supplicans |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231218_fiducia-supplicans_en.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220220316/https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231218_fiducia-supplicans_en.html |archive-date=20 December 2023 |access-date=21 December 2023 |website=] |ref=Paragraph 31}}</ref>
A 2011 report based on telephone surveys of American Catholics conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 43% support ], 31% support ]s, and 22% oppose any legal recognition of a same-sex relationship. 56% believe that sexual relations between two people of the same sex are not sinful. 73% favor anti-discrimination laws, 63% support the right of gay people to serve openly in the military, and 60% favor allowing same-sex couples to adopt children.<ref name="USAtoday"/><ref name="PRRI">{{cite web |publisher=Public Religion Research Institute |url=http://www.publicreligion.org/research/?id=509 |title=Catholic Attitudes on Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Comprehensive Portrait from Recent Research |date=March 2011}}</ref> A 2012 Pew Forum survey which asked American Catholic respondents if they supported or opposed same-sex marriage found that 52% supported it and 37% opposed it.<ref name="pew">{{cite web |url=http://www.pewforum.org/Gay-Marriage-and-Homosexuality/Religion-and-Attitudes-Toward-Same-Sex-Marriage.aspx |publisher=The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life |title=Religion and Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage |date=February 7, 2012}}</ref> Catholic support of gay rights is thus higher than that of other Christian groups and of the general population.<ref name="USAtoday"/><ref name="PRRI"/><ref name="pew"/>


== Blessings for same-sex couples ==
A notable example of a theologian who has been critical of the Church's proclamations regarding homosexuality is ]. Curran was removed from the faculty at the ] following his contention that homosexual acts in the context of a committed relationship were good for homosexual people.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=benedicts_edicts |title=Benedict's Edicts |publisher=Prospect.org |date= |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref>
{{Main article|Fiducia supplicans}}
In March 2021, the ] said that the Church can not ] ] because "God cannot bless sin".<ref name=":2" /> On 25 September 2023, in a ''responsum'' to conservative ] before the ], Francis signalled the Church's openness to blessings for gay couples as long as they did not misrepresent the Catholic view of marriage as between one man and one woman.<ref name="McElwee-20232">{{cite web |last1=McElwee |first1=Joshua J. |date=2 October 2023 |title=Pope signals openness to blessings for gay couples, study of women's ordination |url=https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/vatican-news/news/pope-signals-openness-blessings-gay-couples-study-womens-ordination |access-date=16 October 2023 |website=] |publisher=Joe Ferullo |language=en |location=Kansas City}}</ref><ref name="Allen-20232">{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Elise Ann |date=2 October 2023 |title=Pope offers cautious 'yes' on blessing some same-sex unions, 'no' on woman priests |url=https://cruxnow.com/2023-consistory-and-synod-for-synodality/2023/10/pope-offers-cautious-yes-on-blessing-some-same-sex-unions-no-on-woman-priests |access-date=16 October 2023 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>


On 18 December 2023, the ] published {{lang|la|]}}, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless people who are not considered to be married by the Church, including people in same-sex relationships.<ref name=":53" /> These were to be "short and simple pastoral blessings (neither liturgical nor ritualized) of couples in irregular situations (but not of their unions)".<ref name="Clarifies">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-04 |title=DDF clarifies 'Fiducia supplicans' after 'understandable' bishops' reactions |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/ddf-clarifies-fiducia-supplicans |access-date=2024-01-06 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> The declaration does not permit the blessing of the same-sex relationships, only the people within it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foley |first=Ryan |date=26 January 2024 |title=Pope defends Vatican guidance on same-sex couples: Bless 'the people,' 'not the union' |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/pope-defends-vatican-guidance-on-same-sex-couples.html |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Connell |first=Gerard |date=26 January 2024 |title=Pope Francis defends blessings of couples in 'irregular situations,' including same-sex unions |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2024/01/26/pope-francis-same-sex-blessing-247031 |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tulloch |first=Joseph |date=26 January 2024 |title=Pope Francis: Bless the persons, not the union - Vatican News |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-01/pope-francis-dicastery-doctrine-faith-sacraments-dignity-faith.html |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref>
Roman Catholic priest ] argues that the teaching of the ] '']'' regarding persons with homosexual inclinations is incompatible with the Gospel, and states that "it cannot in fact be the teaching of the Church."<ref>{{cite web|last=Alison |first=James |url=http://www.courage.org.uk/articles/unbinding.shtml |title=Unbinding the Gay Conscience |publisher=Courage |date=2002-07-28 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref><ref>''On Being Liked'', (Alison, 2003) pp. 106 - 106</ref> In ''a Question of Truth'', the ] priest Gareth Moore states that: "... there are no good arguments, from either Scripture or natural law, against what have come to be known as homosexual relationships. The arguments put forward to show that such relationships are immoral are bad."<ref>''a Question of Truth'', (Moore, 2003)</ref>


While the declaration was welcomed by many Catholics,<ref name=":102">{{cite news |last1=Pullella |first1=Philip |date=18 December 2023 |title=Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/vatican-approves-blessings-same-sex-couples-under-certain-conditions-2023-12-18/ |access-date=19 December 2023 |work=]}}</ref> it also sparked considerable controversy and criticism,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Luxmoore |first=Jonathan |date=5 January 2024 |title=Episcopate gives Rome a rough ride over ''Fiducia Supplicans'' declaration |url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/5-january/news/world/episcopate-gives-rome-a-rough-ride-over-fiducia-supplicans-declaration |access-date=7 January 2024 |website=] |quote=Another former Vatican Prefect, German Cardinal Müller, rejected the Declaration on 21 December, however, branding it a "sacrilegious and blasphemous act against the Creator’s plan", which "directly contradicted" previous Vatican guidance and was "not based on any church doctrine, biblical teaching, writings by church Fathers or Doctors of the Church".}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Quiñones |first=Kate |date=8 January 2024 |title=Cardinal Sarah speaks out against clergy blessing same-sex unions |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256481/cardinal-sarah-speaks-out-against-clergy-blessing-same-sex-unions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110122754/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256481/cardinal-sarah-speaks-out-against-clergy-blessing-same-sex-unions |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> with several bishops' conferences barring the blessings in their jurisdictions or asking priests to refrain from them.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Arnold |first=Tyler |date=22 December 2023 |title=Polish bishops: Church does not have authority to 'bless same-sex unions' |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256357/polish-bishops-church-does-not-have-authority-to-bless-same-sex-unions |access-date=7 January 2024 |website=] |language=en |quote=Catholic bishops in Poland have ruled out the possibility of blessing "same-sex unions" but remain open to blessing individuals with homosexual tendencies, only if they are "living in complete abstinence" of sexual activities. The Polish bishops’ statement did not expressly criticize the Vatican declaration but appeared to conflict with the guidance contained within it.}}</ref><ref name=":410">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=12 January 2024 |title=African bishops reject same-sex blessings en masse |url=https://catholicherald.co.uk/schism-looms-as-african-bishops-reject-same-sex-blessings-document-en-masse/ |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=] |language=en-GB}}</ref>
There have also been some practical and ministerial disagreements within the clergy and hierarchy of the Church. Two notable examples of ordained Catholics who have attracted controversy because of their actions and ministry to homosexuals are Fr. Robert Nugent and ], who established ], and were both disciplined by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith because of their dissent from magisterial Church teaching regarding this issue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2010/10-028.shtml |title=Archived News Releases |publisher=Usccb.org |date= |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref> Similarly, the American Bishops ] of ] and Matthew Clark of ] were criticized for their association with New Ways Ministry, and their distortion of the theological concept of the ] as an alternative to the actual teaching of the Church.<ref>'''', (Catholic World News, 20 March 1997)</ref> Furthermore, the insistence of ] to preach a message about homosexuality contrary to that of the official stance of the Church is largely considered to be one of the factors that led to him being removed from his See.<ref>'''', (BBC News, 2 July 2000)</ref>


== History ==
==Defense of official Church position==
{{main|History of the Catholic Church and homosexuality}}
Some bishops have obtained a reputation for a vocal defense of Church teaching regarding homosexuality. Notable examples include ] ] and ], who have insisted that the family as a unit is "mocked by homosexuality" and "sabotaged by irregular unions".<ref>'''', (The Hoya, 24 October 2003) {{Wayback|url=http://wayback.archive.org/web/20070812212625/http://www.thehoya.com/news/102403/news1.cfm|date =20110606080227}}</ref>
{{see also|History of Christianity and homosexuality|Catholic Church and HIV/AIDS}}


The Christian tradition has generally prohibited all sexual activities outside of ].{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} This includes activities engaged in by couples or individuals of either the same or different sexes.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} The Catholic Church's position specifically on homosexuality developed from the teachings of the ], which was in stark contrast to Greek and Roman attitudes towards same-sex relations, including ].<ref name="SacksMurray2014" /><ref name="Gagarin2010" /><ref name="Crompton2009" />
After ] was elected pope, the ] issued an instruction prohibiting any individuals who "present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called 'gay culture'" from joining the priesthood.<ref name=seminarydoc>'''', (Vatican Website, 4 November 2005)</ref>


Canon law regarding same-sex sexual activity has been shaped through the decrees issued by a series of ecclesiastical councils.<ref name="bailey" /> Initially, canons against sodomy were aimed at ensuring clerical or monastic discipline, and were only widened in the medieval period to include laymen.<ref name="Bailey2" /> In the '']'', ] maintained that homosexual practice was contrary to ], arguing that the primary natural end of the sexual act was procreation, and since said procreation is carried out from a process of sexual fertilization between a man and a woman, homosexuality is contrary to the very end of said act.<ref>Blankenhorn, Fr. Bernhard; Droste, Sr. Catherine Joseph; Jindráček, Fr. Efrem; Legge, Fr. Dominic; White, Fr. Thomas Joseph (2015). . ''Angelicum'' '''92''' (3): 297-302. {{ISSN|1123-5772}}.</ref> He also stated that "the unnatural vice" is the greatest of the sins of ].<ref name="summa" /> Throughout the Middle Ages, the church repeatedly condemned homosexuality, and often collaborated with civic authorities to punish gay people. Punishment of sexual "vice" as well as religious heresy was seen as strengthening the church's moral authority.<ref name="clark" />
An essay taking a clear position against gay marriage, written by the French rabbi ], found a great echo in Catholic circles culminating in Pope Benedict XVI quoting him at length in his annual address <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2012/12/21/97001-20121221FILWWW00363-benoit-xvi-dans-la-lutte-pour-la-famille-l-homme-est-en-jeu.php|title=Benoît XVI: "Dans la lutte pour la famille, l'Homme est en jeu"|work=Le Figaro|date=21 décembre 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2012/december/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20121221_auguri-curia_en.html|title= ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI ON THE OCCASION OF CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO THE ROMAN CURIA|work=Clementine Hall, Vatican City|date=Friday, 21 December 2012}}</ref>
to the Roman Curia, 21 December 2012.


===The modern church===
Some Catholics who oppose gay rights and the acceptance of gay people regard the church's teaching on the matter as definitive, infallible, and unchangeable as a magisterial ] of the Church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vatican.edu/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19861001_homosexual-persons_en.html |title=Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons |publisher=Vatican.edu |date= |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref> In an official brief called ] of May 19, 2008 made by ] the Cardinal Secretary of State reaffirmed the norms established by the Congregation for Catholic Education in the 2005 document entitled "Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocation with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders", as being of universal value and without exceptions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=12677 |title=Vatican says prohibition against gays in seminaries is universal |publisher=Catholicnewsagency.com |date=2008-05-19 |accessdate=2011-12-05}}</ref>
]
In the late 20th century, the Church has responded to gay rights movements by reiterating its condemnation of homosexuality while acknowledging the existence of gay people. In January 1976, the ] under ] published '']'', which codified the teaching against all extra-marital sex, including gay sex.<ref name="statesman" /> The document stated that acceptance of homosexual activity runs counter to the church's teaching and morality. It drew a distinction between people who were homosexual because of "a false education," "a bad example" or other causes it described as "not incurable," and a "pathological" condition which was "incurable."<ref name="hp" />{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=193}} However, it criticized those who argued that innate homosexuality justified same-sex sexual activity within loving relationships, and stated that the Bible condemned homosexual activity as depraved, "intrinsically disordered," never to be approved, and a consequence of rejecting God.<ref name="hp" />


Earlier, the controversially liberal 1966 ], which was the first post-Vatican II Catholic catechism and which had been commissioned by the Dutch bishops, had stated that "The very sharp strictures of Scripture on homosexual practices (Gen. 1; Rom. 1) must be read in their context" as condemning a trend for homosexuality among non-gay people, implying that people who were gay were not condemned for homosexual activity.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,917784-9,00.html |magazine=Time |date=September 8, 1975 |title=HOMOSEXUALITY: Gays on the March}}</ref>
===Chastity-promoting ministries===


In October 1986, the ] released a letter addressed to all the bishops of the Catholic Church entitled '']''.<ref name="YfE7C" /> This was signed by Cardinal ] as prefect. The letter gave instructions on how the clergy should deal with, and respond to, ], ], and ] people.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=193}} Designed to remove any ambiguity about permissible tolerance of homosexual orientation resulting from the earlier ''Persona Humana''&mdash;and prompted by the growing influence of gay-accepting groups and clergy&mdash;the letter was particularly aimed at the church in the United States.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=193}}<ref name="allen-benedict" /><ref name="jZxO2" /> It affirmed the position that while homosexual orientation is not in itself a sin, it is nevertheless a tendency towards the "moral evil" of homosexual activity, and therefore must be considered "an objective disorder",<ref name="Scarnecchia" /><ref name="Linacre" />{{rp|221}} which moreover is "essentially self-indulgent" since homosexual sexual acts are not procreative and therefore not genuinely loving or selfless.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=193}}<ref name="Scarnecchia" />{{rp|222}}
] of ] saw a need for a ministry which would assist Catholics with a ] to adhere to Catholic teaching on sexual behaviour. Cooke invited John Harvey to New York to begin the work of ] with Benedict Groeschel, of the ]. The first meeting was held in September 1980 at the Shrine of Mother Seton in ].


The letter also said that accepting homosexual acts as morally equivalent to married heterosexual acts was harmful to the family and society and warned bishops to be on guard against, and not to support, Catholic organizations not upholding the Church's doctrine on homosexuality&mdash;groups which the letter said were not really Catholic.<ref name="allen-benedict" />{{rp|201}}<ref name="Scarnecchia" />{{rp|223}}<ref name="Congregationfor" /> This alluded to LGBT and LGBT-accepting Catholic groups such as ] and ],<ref name="allen-benedict" />{{rp|201}} and ultimately resulted in the exclusion of Dignity from Church property.<ref name="1VcmJ" /><ref name="RqpYH" /><ref name="ZLH1k" /><ref name="2knT2" /> The letter condemned physical and verbal violence against gay people{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=193}} but reiterated that this did not change its opposition to homosexuality or gay rights.<ref name="Scarnecchia" />{{rp|222}}<ref name="Congregationfor" /> Its claims that accepting and legalizing homosexual behaviour leads to violence ("neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised" when anti-gay hate crimes increase in the wake of gay civil rights legislation) were seen as controversially blaming gay people for homophobic violence and encouraging homophobic violence.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=193}}<ref name="McNeill4" /> Referring to the ],<ref name="pVsyw" /><ref name="yWelX" /> the letter, McNeill writes, blamed AIDS on gay rights activists and gay-accepting mental health professionals:<ref name="McNeill4" /> "Even when the practice of homosexuality may seriously threaten the lives and well-being of a large number of people, its advocates remain undeterred and refuse to consider the magnitude of the risks involved".<ref name="Congregationfor" />
The ] has stated that same-sex attractions are preventable and a symptom of other issues. The goal of therapy should be "freedom to live chastely according to one's state in life."<ref>{{cite web
|title=Homosexuality and Hope
|publisher=Catholic Medical Association
|accessdate=2007-11-29
|url=http://www.cathmed.org/publications/homosexualityarticle.htm}}{{dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref>


In a statement released in July 1992, "Some Considerations Concerning the Catholic Response to Legislative Proposals on the Non-Discrimination of Homosexual Persons," the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reiterated its position from "On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons," and further stated that discrimination against gay people in certain areas, such as selecting adoptive or foster parents or in hiring teachers, coaches, or military service members, is not unjust, and thus can be permitted in some circumstances.<ref name="Homosexual Persons - July 1992" />
==Homosexuality and Catholic clergy==
===Estimating the number of homosexual priests===
{{Main|Homosexuality in the Roman Catholic priesthood}}


On 31 October 2023, a document from the ], responding to questions from José Negri, ]''',''' said that transgender people could be baptised, be godparents at a baptism, and be witnesses at weddings, so long as such situations would not cause ].<ref name=":38">{{Cite web |last1=Fernández |first1=Víctor Manuel |author-link=Víctor Manuel Fernández |last2=Francis |author-link2=Pope Francis |date=31 October 2023 |title=Answers to Several Questions from His Excellency, the Most Reverend José Negri, Bishop of Santo Amaro, Brazil, Regarding Participation in the Sacraments of Baptism and Matrimony by Transgender Persons and Homosexual Persons |url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_20231031-documento-mons-negri_en.html |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite news |date=9 November 2023 |title=Transgender people can be baptised and be godparents, Vatican says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67366198 |access-date=26 January 2024 |work=] |language=en-GB}}</ref> Moreover, the responses stated that under the prudence of the ], a cohabiting “homoaffective” Catholic can be a godparent, being understood that where that person is not merely “cohabiting” but notoriously doing so “''more uxorio''” (i.e. in a sexual relationship), the situation would be “different”. The responses were signed by both Pope Francis and ] of the ].<ref name=":38" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Coppen |first=Luke |date=2023-11-08 |title=Vatican Says Transgender People Can Be Baptized and Become Godparents |language=en-US |work=The Pillar |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/ddf-responds-to-transgender-dubia |access-date=2023-12-28 }}</ref> The Vatican stated that the document "simply clarified church teaching and did not constitute new policy or a change in policy."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Horowitz |first1=Jason |last2=Povoledo |first2=Elisabetta |last3=Graham |first3=Ruth |date=2023-11-09 |title=Vatican Says Transgender People Can Be Baptized and Become Godparents |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/world/europe/pope-francis-transgender-people.html |access-date=2023-11-24 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>
Homosexual clergy is not a modern phneomenon. In response to scandals among ordinary clergy, Saint ] wrote his '']'' (1050), which denounced, in ascending order of gravity, four varieties of sexual practice: masturbation, mutual masturbation, interfemoral intercourse, and anal intercourse.<ref name=halsall>Paul Halsall: Medieval Sourcebook. April 2006.</ref>


==Pastoral care for gay Catholics==
Evidence from several studies has shown that there are higher than average numbers of homosexual men (active and non-active) within the Catholic priesthood and higher orders; estimates presented in Donald B. Cozzens' book ''The Changing Face of the Priesthood'' range from 23–58%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=2297 |title=The Church and the Homosexual Priest |first=James |last=Martin |date=November 4, 2000 |work=]}}</ref>
{{main|Pastoral care for gay Catholics}}


Beginning in the 1970s, the ] taught that gay people "should have an active role in the Christian community" and have called on "all Christians and citizens of good will to confront their own fears about homosexuality and to curb the humor and discrimination that offend homosexual persons. We understand that having a homosexual orientation brings with it enough anxiety, pain and issues related to self-acceptance without society bringing additional prejudicial treatment."<ref name="Lifelong" /> In 1997, they published a letter entitled ''Always Our Children'', as a pastoral message to parents of gay and bisexual children with guidelines for pastoral ministers. Reiterating the church's opposition to homosexuality, it told parents not to break off contact with a gay or bisexual son or daughter; they should instead look for appropriate counseling both for the child and for themselves.<ref name="always" /><ref name="cornwell-breaking" />{{rp|131}} Gay Catholics, the bishops said, should be allowed to participate actively in the Christian community and, if living chastely, hold leadership positions.<ref name="always" /><ref name="cornwell-breaking" />{{rp|131}} It also noted "an importance and urgency" to minister to those with AIDS, especially considering the impact it had on the gay community.<ref name="always" /><ref name="Siker2006" /><ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=Raymond A. |title=Encyclopedia of AIDS: A Social, Political, Cultural, and Scientific Record of the HIV Epidemic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ats3BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA164|access-date=21 May 2020|date=27 August 1998|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-45754-9 |page=164}}</ref>
A 2002 nationwide poll in America by the '']'' of 1,854 Roman Catholic priests reported that 80% of them referred to themselves as "mostly" heterosexual, with 67% being exclusively heterosexual, 8% leaning toward heterosexual, 5% completely in the middle, and 6% leaning toward homosexual and 9% saying they are homosexual, for a combined figure of 15% on the homosexual side. Among younger priests (those ordained for 20 years or less) the figure was 23%.


Bishops around the world have held diocesan events with the goal of reaching out to gay Catholics and ministering to them, and more have spoken publicly about the need to love and welcome them into the church. ] asked "the bishops to support, with the means at their disposal, the development of appropriate forms of pastoral care for homosexual persons.”<ref name="msjc" /> Several assemblies of the ] have struck similar themes, while maintaining that same-sex sexual activity is sinful and that same-sex marriage cannot be permitted.<ref name="Gehring" /> In 2018, in a move regarded as a sign of respect to the community,<ref name="Gehring" /> the Vatican used the acronym LGBT for the first time in an official document.<ref name="Barnes" /> In several public statements, Francis has emphasised the need to accept, welcome, and accompany LGBT people,<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Spadaro SJ |first=Antonio |author-link=Antonio Spadaro |date=30 September 2013 |title=A Big Heart Open to God: An interview with Pope Francis |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2013/09/30/big-heart-open-god-interview-pope-francis |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=] |language=en |quote=In Buenos Aires I used to receive letters from homosexual persons who are ‘socially wounded’ because they tell me that they feel like the church has always condemned them. But the church does not want to do this.}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2 October 2016 |title=In-flight press conference of His Holiness Pope Francis from Azerbaijan to Rome |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2016/october/documents/papa-francesco_20161002_georgia-azerbaijan-conferenza-stampa.html |access-date=15 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Bordoni |first=Linda |date=9 May 2022 |title=Pope to LGBT Catholics: 'God is Father who does not disown any of his children' |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-05/pope-letter-fr-martin-lgtb-outreach-questions.html |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=] |language=en}}</ref> including LGBT children.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=26 August 2018 |title=Apostolic Visit to Ireland: Press Conference on the return flight from Dublin to Rome (Papal flight, 26 August 2018) |url=https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2018/august/documents/papa-francesco_20180826_irlanda-voloritorno.html |access-date=23 January 2024 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=":12" />
The same survey reported that 44% of the priests said "definitely" a "homosexual subculture", defined as a "definite group of persons that has its own friendships, social gatherings and vocabulary", exists in their diocese or religious order. A 2001 survey conducted by Dean Hoge for Catholic University of America found that 19% of priests said "clearly there is a subculture", 36% said there probably is and 17% said there is not.<ref>, June 27 to October 11, 2002</ref>


The 2014 ] and ] concerned themselves in part with "accepting and valuing their sexual orientation" and place in Catholic communities, "without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony."<ref name="Relatio" /> The reports of the synods were noted for their unusually mild language towards gay people,<ref name="Coleridge" /><ref name="playing" /><ref name="dismayed" /><ref name="stuns" /><ref name="compassion" /> such as the lack of use of phrases such as "intrinsically disordered."<ref name="Advocate" /> They also reiterated the church's opposition to same-sex marriage and suggested outreach towards gay people.<ref name="integrate" />
A number of anonymous studies have also suggested a prevalence of homosexual leanings in the Roman Catholic priesthood. Studies by Wolf and Sipe from the early 1990s suggest that the percentage of priests in the Catholic Church who admitted to being gay or were in homosexual relationships was well above the national average for the United States of America.<ref>J. Wolf, ''Gay Priests'', New York, 1989; R. Sipe, ''A Secret World: sexuality and the search for celibacy'', New York, 1990</ref> ], a former convener of the Catholic Caucus of the ] claimed, "It has been estimated that at least 33 percent of all priests in the RC Church in the United States are homosexual."<ref>Stuard, Elizabeth. ''Roman Catholics and Homosexuality'', quoted by Kate Saunders in ''Catholics and Sex''.</ref>


Beginning in the 1960s, a number of organizations have formed to minister to LGBT people. Organizations such as ], ] and ], which advocate for the rights of LGBT Catholics and dissent from Church teaching, and ], which encourages Catholics with same-sex attraction to live chastely and accept Church teaching, were established in the United States in response to the push within the United States for greater recognition within the church for ] and lesbian women. Courage also has a ministry geared towards the relatives and friends of gay people called Encourage.<ref name="Encourage" /> Courage is a recognized apostolate of the Church, while DignityUSA and New Ways Ministry have both been censured by the ] of the American Catholic Church.
One report suggested that since the mid-1980s Roman Catholic priests in the United States were dying from AIDS-related illnesses at a rate four times higher than that of the general population; with most of the cases contracted through same-sex relations, and the cause often concealed on their death certificates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.actupny.org/YELL/catholicpriests.html |title=Report: Priests hit hard by hidden AIDS epidemic|publisher=Actupny.org |date=2000-01-31 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref>


==Dissent from church teaching==
There has been some support for homosexual priests expressed by members of the clergy, including by Bishop ] of the ] , who has argued for the ordination of gay men.<ref>{{cite web | last = Gumbleton | first = Thomas | authorlink = Thomas Gumbleton | date = September 30, 2002 | title = Yes, Gay Men Should Be Ordained | work = ] | url = http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=2508 | accessdate = July 17, 2012 }}</ref>. "Gay priests and heterosexual priests didn't know how to handle their sexuality, their sexual drive. And so they would handle it in ways that were not healthy." Furthermore the report suggested that some priests and behavioral experts believe the church had "scared priests into silence by treating homosexual acts as an abomination and the breaking of celibacy vows as shameful".
{{main|Dissent from Catholic teaching on homosexuality}}


There have been practical and ministerial disagreements within the clergy, hierarchy, and laity of the Catholic Church concerning the church's position on homosexuality. Some Catholics and Catholic groups have sought to adopt an approach they consider to be more inclusive.<ref name="Kuruvilla" /><ref name="sept82" /><ref name="boulder" /><ref name="debate" /> Dissenters argue that the prohibition on extramarital sex emphasizes the physical dimension of the act at the expense of higher moral, personal and spiritual goals{{sfn|Allen|2013|p=125}} and that the practice of total, lifelong sexual denial risks personal isolation.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} Other arguments include that the teaching violates "the truth of God's unconditional love for all people", and drives "young people away from the Church".<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Salzman |first1=Todd A. |last2=Lawler |first2=Michael G. |title=Human Dignity and Homosexuality in Catholic Teaching: An Anthropological Disconnect between Truth and Love? |journal=Interdisciplinary Journal for Religion and Transformation in Contemporary Society |date=2020 |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=119–139 |doi=10.30965/23642807-00601008|doi-access=free}}</ref> Opponents argue that it is preferable to believe that this element of church teaching is mistaken.<ref name="McNeill4" /> The opinion of lay Catholics tends to be more supportive of gay marriage than the hierarchy.<ref name="Tausch" />
===Homosexuality and the episcopacy===
{{Main|Gay bishops}}
The existence of gay ]s in the ], ], ] and other traditions is a matter of historical record, though never, until recently, considered licit by any of the main Christian denominations.<ref>''Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality'', by John Boswell (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1980), pp. 211 f.</ref> Homosexual activity was engaged in secretly. When it was made public, official response ranged from inaction to expulsion from ].<ref name="Boswell, 214-15">Boswell, 214-15</ref> As far back as the eleventh century, Ralph, Archbishop of ] had his lover installed as ], yet neither ] ], nor his successor ] took action to depose either man.<ref name="Boswell, 214-15"/>


Upwards of 70 people have been fired from jobs at Catholic schools or universities because of their marriages to partners of the same sex<ref name="Gehring" /><ref name="huffingtonpost.com" /><ref name="deja" /><ref name="chaput" /><ref name="wrestle" /> or, in one case, support for LGBT rights campaigns.<ref name="fired" /><ref name="huffingtonpost.com" /> When ] refused to fire a teacher after he publicly entered into a gay marriage, ] designated the school as no longer Catholic; the school has appealed his decision.<ref name="burke" /> As of 2019, the ] has temporarily suspended the bishop's decree.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Herron|first=Arika|title=Vatican temporarily suspends Indianapolis archbishop's decision on Brebeuf Jesuit|url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2019/09/23/brebeuf-jesuit-vatican-temporarily-suspends-indianapolis-archdiocese-suspension-over-gay-teacher/2421202001/|access-date=2023-08-17|website=The Indianapolis Star|language=en-US}}</ref>
Although homosexual sexual acts have been consistently condemned by the church, a number of senior members of the clergy have been found to have had homosexual relationships. Archbishop ], who retired in 2002, was alleged to have been in a relationship with a former graduate student;<ref>{{dead link|date=February 2013}}</ref> ], the Bishop of ] in Argentenia, retired after video surfaced showing him engaged in homosexual acts;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=3332 |title=Queer:Bischof zurückgetreten (german) |publisher=Queer.de |date=2005-08-25 |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref> and ], the Bishop of ] in ], resigned in 2009 after it was alleged that he had broken his vow of celibacy.<ref>{{cite web|author=derStandard.at |url=http://derstandard.at/fs/1245820599221/Bischof-trat-nach-schweren-Vorwuerfen-zurueck |title=Der Standard:Bischof trat nach schweren Vorwürfen zurück (German) |publisher=Derstandard.at |date= |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref>


In response to church policy in the area of safe-sex education, AIDS, and gay rights, some gay rights activists have protested both inside and outside of Catholic churches, sometimes disrupting Masses. This includes at the ] in Washington,<ref name="arrested" /><ref name="sash" /> at an ordination of priests at the ] in Boston,<ref name="pilot" /><ref name="law" /><ref name="crimson" /> and during Mass at ] in New York<ref name="sash" /><ref name="arrested" /><ref name="pilot" /> where they ].<ref name="Wages" /><ref name="rude" /> Others have splattered paint on churches<ref name="soble" /> and drenched an archbishop with water.<ref name="femen" /> In 1998, ] died after setting himself on fire outside ] to protest the church's position on homosexuality.<ref name="fire" />
A number of Popes were rumored to have been ] or to have had male sexual partners, similar to the Roman Emperors.<ref>C. Falconi, ''Leone X'', Milan, 1987</ref><ref>Burkle-Young, Francis A., and Michael Leopoldo Doerrer. ''The Life of Cardinal Innocenzo del Monte: A Scandal in Scarlet'', Lewiston, N.Y.: Edwin Mellen, 1997</ref> In the 11th century, ] (1044-1048) was forced out of the papacy amidst a series of scandals, including his sexual orientation toward men.


On 9 September 2022, over 80% of German bishops at the ] supported a document calling for a "re-evaluation of homosexuality" and for making changes to the Catechism.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.pillarcatholic.com/german-synodal-way-members-back-permanent-synodal-council/ |title = German synodal way members back permanent 'synodal council' | first = Luke | last = Coppen | date = September 12, 2022 | publisher = The Pillar | accessdate = September 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name="synodalerweg"></ref><ref name="fnp"> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220915173018/https://www.fnp.de/hessen/deutsche-katholiken-wollen-neubewertung-homosexualitaet-zr-91777063.html |date=15 September 2022 }}, 9. September 2022 (German)</ref><ref name="zeit">, 9. September 2022 (German)</ref>{{efn|Supporting bishops are archbishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ], from ], archbishop ] from ], archbishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ], auxiliary bishop ] from ] and auxiliary bishop ] from ].<ref name="Namentliches">, September 15, 2022 (German)</ref>}}
{{see also|List of sexually active popes}}
On March 11, 2023, the Synodal Path with support of over 80 percentage of German Roman Catholic bishops allowed ] in all 27 German Roman Catholic diocese.<ref>, March 11, 2023</ref><ref></ref><ref>, March 11, 2023</ref>


==Catholic organizations==
==Political activity==
{{Further|Outreach Catholic}}
===Decriminalization of homosexuality===
The ], a Catholic fraternal organisation, has contributed over $14 million, one of the largest amounts in the United States, to political campaigns against ].<ref name="darrin" /> The ] of North America has stated that science "counters the ] that same-sex attraction is genetically predetermined and unchangeable, and offers hope for prevention and treatment."<ref name="cure" /> The Church, however, teaches that sexual orientation is not a choice.<ref name="CurranCurran1998" /><ref name="Martin" /> ], president of the ], has been criticized for describing the church child sex abuse crisis as a "homosexual" problem rather than a "pedophilia" problem.<ref name="Graham" /> Donohue based his claim on the fact that most of the incidents involved sexual contact between men and boys rather than between men and girls.
The ], an ] at the ], opposed a resolution urging the decriminalization of homosexuality, which is punishable by law in many countries, including some where it incurs a death sentence. Spokespeople claimed that the decriminalization resolution would lead to discrimination against heterosexuals,<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/2008/12/02/uk-vatican-homosexuals-idUKTRE4B13N020081202 |title=Vatican attacked for opposing gay decriminalisation |first=Philip |last=Pullella |date=December 2, 2008 |agency=Reuters}}</ref> and the Holy See representative's address stated that a government can and should regulate sexual behavior, comparing homosexuality to pedophilia and incest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zenit.org/article-32108?l=english |title=Holy See Statement on "Sexual Orientation" &#124; ZENIT - The World Seen From Rome |publisher=ZENIT |date= |accessdate=2013-02-11}}</ref>


] is a ] affiliated Catholic media site dedicated to LGBT advocacy. The site was founded by Fr. ] SJ under the affiliation of ], a Jesuit news site. The group hosts a yearly conference to bring LGBT Catholics and allies together in hopes to further dialogue between the Church and LGBT faithful. The site itself hosts a myriad of difference resources, news, and advocacy projects.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://outreach.faith/ |access-date=2023-12-08 |website=Outreach |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Campaign against same sex marriage and civil unions===
In recent years, the Catholic Church has resisted legislative efforts by governments to give equal rights to gay men and women through the establishment of either civil unions or same sex marriage. In June 2003 the ] published a document with the agreement of ] called "Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons" opposing same-sex marriage.


==Homosexuality in relation to clergy==
In the United States, the Catholic Church has taken an active and financial role in political campaigns across all states regarding same-sex marriage, spearheading in 2012 a failed effort to repeal Washington's same-sex marriage law and a failed effort to enact a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Minnesota.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.npr.org/2012/06/06/154408067/deadline-nears-for-gay-marriage-referendum-in-washington|title=Seattle Catholics Divided On Repealing Gay Marriage|author=Liz Jones|agency=NPR|date=2012-06-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=154455516|date=2012-06-06|title=Prayers Divided Over Gay-Marriage Ban In Minnesota|agency=NPR}}</ref>
{{Main|Homosexual clergy in the Catholic Church|Gay bishops#Roman Catholic Church}}Homosexual clergy, and homosexual activity by clergy, are not exclusively modern phenomena, but rather date back centuries.<ref name="halsall" /> ] estimated the percentage of gay priests in 2000 to be 23–58%, suggesting more homosexual men (active and non-active) within the Catholic priesthood than within society at large.<ref name="homosexualpriest" />


Instructions from Vatican bodies on admitting gay men to the priesthood have varied over time. In the 1960s chaste gay men were allowed but in 2005, a ] banned gay men "while profoundly respecting the persons in question."<ref name="Richard Scorer 2014, p20" /><ref name="Criteria" />
Church figures have also criticized attempts to legalize same-sex marriage. In Scotland, Cardinal ] described these legislative efforts as "madness", saying it would "redefine society since the institution of marriage is one of the fundamental building blocks of society".<ref>Comment. "We cannot afford to indulge this madness". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2012-04-29</ref> In 2013, Cardinal ], the Archbishop of Paris, warned that government efforts to legalise same sex marriage in France would split society and lead to violence.<ref>http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/04/16/archbishop-of-paris-warns-that-equal-marriage-will-lead-to-a-more-violent-society/</ref> In Spain, Catholic leaders also tried unsuccessfully to get followers to block the passage of a bill to legalise same sex marriage. ], president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, said the Church was making an urgent call for freedom of conscience for Catholics and appealing to them to resist the law. He said every profession linked with implementing same-sex marriages should oppose it, even if it meant losing their jobs. In 2005 several Spanish bishops joined a march in ] in opposition to the changes.<ref>"". BBC News. 2005-04-22. Retrieved 2007-01-08</ref> In Portugal, Catholic bishops led the opposition to same-sex marriage, suggesting it was an attack on the traditional family and urging followers to block legislative efforts - again unsuccessfully.<ref>http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=636715</ref> In May 2010, during an official visit to Portugal four days before the ratification of the law, ], affirmed his opposition by describing it as "insidious and dangerous".<ref>http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=5721&MediaType=1&Category=24</ref> In response to efforts to introduce-same sex marriage in ] in 2013, Pablo Galimberti, Bishop of ] on behalf of the Uruguayan Bishops Council, said that marriage was "an institution that is already so injured", and that the proposed law would "confuse more than clarify." The proposal nevertheless became law, with strong public support.<ref>http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/02/world/americas/uruguay-same-sex-marriage</ref>


Although homosexuality was at variance with Catholic teaching during the Middle Ages, official penalties for homosexual behavior within the clergy, both by the church and temporal authorities, were rarely codified or enforced.<ref name="LiQ96" /> Historian ] noted that several bishops in the ] were thought by their contemporaries to have had gay relationships, and noted a potentially romantic or sexual tone to the correspondence of others with "passionate" male friends.{{sfn|Boswell|1980|p=211, 214-215}} Some other historians disagree, and say that this correspondence represents friendship.<ref name="Classen" /> Although homosexual acts have been consistently condemned by the Catholic Church, some senior members of the clergy have been found or alleged to have had homosexual relationships, including ], ], ], and ].<ref name="natrev" /><ref name="Bischof" /><ref name="derstandard" /><ref name="Deveney" /> Some popes are documented to have been homosexual or to have had male sexual partners, including ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="Falconi" /><ref name="Burkle" />
There has been some dissent expressed by figures in the Church on whether support shouldn't at least be given for homosexual civil unions. Most notably by ], the Cardinal Archbishop of Vienna; but also the former Papal Master of Ceremonies, ], and ], the former Primate of ]. It has even been suggested that when ], as Archbishop of ], urged fellow Argentine bishops in 2010 to signal support for civil unions, this was a compromise response to calls for same-sex marriage.<ref>Romero, Simon; Schmall, Emily (19 March 2013). "On Gay Unions, a Pragmatist Before He Was a Pope". New York Times. Retrieved 27 March 2013</ref>

==Political activity==
{{main|Political activity of the Catholic Church on LGBT issues}}
The church has historically been politically active in local, national, and international fora on issues of ], typically to oppose them in keeping with ] and ].

In various countries, members of the Catholic Church have intervened on occasions both to support efforts to decriminalize homosexuality, and also to ensure it remains an offence under criminal law. The Catholic Church has been described as sending "mixed signals" regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation:{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} a 1992 teaching said that because sexuality "evokes moral concern," sexual orientation is different from qualities such as race, ethnicity, sex, or age, which do not.<ref name="Homosexual Persons - July 1992" />{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}} It added that efforts to "protect the common good" by limiting rights were permissible and sometimes obligatory, and did not constitute discrimination. The church therefore opposes the extension of at least some aspects of civil rights legislation, such as nondiscrimination in public housing,<ref name="WaPoVatican" /> educational or athletic employment,<ref name="WaPoVatican" /> adoption,<ref name="WaPoVatican" /><ref name="Blade" /> or military recruitment,<ref name="WaPoVatican" /><ref name="CatholicExchange" /> to gay men and lesbians.{{sfn|Jung|2007|p=}}{{sfn|Allen|2013|p=179}}<ref name="Homosexual Persons - July 1992" /><ref name="NCRENDA" /> The ] published a statement that was characterized by two theologians as claiming that "nondiscrimination legislation protecting LGBT people promotes immoral sexual behavior, endangers our children, and threatens religious liberty."<ref name="NCRENDA" /> It also campaigns against ].

==Notable lesbian, gay, and bisexual Catholics==
{{See also|List of LGBT Catholics}}

There have been notable gay Catholics throughout history. Writers such as ],<ref name="gwoods" /> ], ], and ],<ref name="gwoods" /><ref name="unenglish" /> and artists such as ] and ]<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Elie |first1=Paul |title=Andy Warhol's Religious Journey |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/andy-warhols-religious-journey |magazine=The New Yorker |date=7 December 2021}}</ref><ref name="fritscher" /> were influenced by both their Catholicism and their homosexuality. Gay Catholic academics such as ],<ref name="Margalit" /> who was further on expelled from the Society of Jesus in 1987 at the request of the Vatican, and ] have produced work on the history and theological issues at the intersection of Christianity and homosexuality. Some notable LGBT Catholics are or were priests or nuns, such as McNeill, ], and ], who was a Roman Catholic ] before becoming a ].


==See also== ==See also==
{{Portal|Catholicism|LGBT}} {{Portal|Catholicism|LGBTQ}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* ]
* ]
* ]
* '']''
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]{{div col end}}
* ]
<!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->
* ]

* ]
==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
<ref name="clark">Anna Clark, Desire: A history of European Sexuality, Routledge, 2012. pp74-75</ref>
<ref name="allen-benedict">John L. Allen, ''Benedict XVI: A Biography'', Continuum, 2005, p201</ref>
<ref name="hp">{{cite web|url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19751229_persona-humana_en.html|title=Persona Humana - Declaration on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics|website=www.vatican.va}}</ref>
<ref name="Scarnecchia">{{cite book|last=Scarnecchia |first=D. Brian|title=Bioethics, Law, and Human Life Issues|year=2010|publisher=Scarecrow Press|isbn=978-0-81087423-7}}</ref>
<ref name="Graham">{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bill-donohue-catholic-sex_n_520187 |date=May 31, 2010 |title=Bill Donohue: Catholic Sex Abuse Scandal Is Not A Pedophilia Crisis But A Homosexual Crisis|first=Nicholas |last=Graham}}</ref>
<ref name="cure">{{cite web |url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/homosexuality-cure-masters-johnson/ |title=Can Psychiatrists Really "Cure" Homosexuality? |author=Thomas Maier|website=] |date=22 April 2009|access-date=23 July 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="Brockhaus">{{cite news | first = Hannah | last = Brockhaus | date = December 20, 2019 | url = https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/43144/cdf-official-anthropology-and-scripture-document-is-not-open-to-same-sex-unions | title = CDF official: Anthropology and Scripture document is not 'open' to same-sex unions | access-date = December 29, 2019 | publisher = Catholic News Agency}}</ref>
<ref name="Considerations">{{cite web|title=Considerations regarding proposals to give legal recognition to unions between homosexual persons|url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20030731_homosexual-unions_en.html|work=Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith|publisher=The Vatican|access-date=2 August 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="care">{{cite web | url = https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_19861001_homosexual-persons_en.html | title = LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ON THE PASTORAL CARE OF HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS | publisher = ] | last = Ratizinger | first = Joseph | date = 1 October 1986 | access-date = July 16, 2019}}</ref>
<ref name="burke">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/20/us/jesuit-school-indiana-gay-teacher/index.html|title=An Archbishop told a Jesuit school to fire a gay teacher. They said no|last=Burke|first=Daniel|website=CNN|date=20 June 2019|access-date=2019-06-21}}</ref>
<ref name="Margalit">Margalit Fox, "Priest who pushed Catholic Church to welcome gays, dies at 90", New York Times, 25 September 2015</ref>
<ref name="gwoods">{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofgaylite00wood |url-access=registration |page= |title=A History of Gay Literature: The Male Tradition |last=Woods |first=Gregory |publisher=Yale University Press |year=1999|isbn=0300080883}}</ref>
<ref name="unenglish">{{Cite journal |url=http://anglicanhistory.org/academic/hilliard_unenglish.pdf |last=Hilliard |first=David |journal=Victorian Studies |year=1982 |title=Un-English and Unmanly: Anglo-Catholicism and Homosexuality}}</ref>
<ref name="fritscher">Jack Fritscher, ''Gay San Francisco: Eyewitness Drummer'', San Francisco, Palm Drive Publishing, 2008, {{ISBN|1890834386}}, p. 473, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705011149/https://www.jackfritscher.com/PDF/Drummer/Vol |date=5 July 2021 }}, retrieved 29 September 2014.</ref>
<ref name="halsall">{{cite web | first = Paul | last = Halsall | url = http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/homo-damian1.html | title = Medieval Sourcebook: Peter Damian: Liber Gomorrhianus | date = April 2006 | access-date = June 9, 2019 | archive-date = 4 January 2009 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090104200146/http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/homo-damian1.html | url-status = dead }}</ref>
<ref name="homosexualpriest">{{cite web|url=http://www.americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=2297 |title=The Church and the Homosexual Priest |first=James |last=Martin |date=4 November 2000 |work=]}}</ref>
<ref name="Criteria">{{cite web| url=https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccatheduc/documents/rc_con_ccatheduc_doc_20051104_istruzione_en.html| title=Criteria for the Discernment of Vocation for Persons with Homosexual Tendencies| website=www.vatican.va| access-date=20 July 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="natrev">{{cite news | publisher = National Review | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090515135544/http://www.nationalreview.com/dreher/dreher052402.asp | url=http://www.nationalreview.com/dreher/dreher052402.asp |date=15 May 2009 |archive-date = May 15, 2009 | title = Weakland's Exit | first = Rod | last = Dreher}}</ref>
<ref name="Bischof">{{cite web|url=http://www.queer.de/detail.php?article_id=3332 |title=Queer:Bischof zurückgetreten (german) |publisher=Queer.de |date=25 August 2005 |access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="Deveney">{{cite news | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/feb/23/cardinal-keith-o-brien-accused-inappropriate | first = Catherine | last = Deveney | title = UK's top cardinal accused of 'inappropriate acts' by priests | work =The Guardian | date = 23 February 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="Falconi">{{cite book|first=Carlo |last=Falconi |title=Leone X: Giovanni de' Medici |publisher=Rusconi |year=1987 |location=Milan}}</ref>
<ref name="Burkle">{{cite book| last1=Burkle-Young | first1=Francis A. |first2= Michael | last2=Leopoldo Doerrer | title = The Life of Cardinal Innocenzo del Monte: A Scandal in Scarlet | location =Lewiston, N.Y. | publisher = Edwin Mellen | year = 1997}}</ref>
<ref name="derstandard">{{cite web|author=derStandard.at |url=http://derstandard.at/fs/1245820599221/Bischof-trat-nach-schweren-Vorwuerfen-zurueck |title=Der Standard:Bischof trat nach schweren Vorwürfen zurück (German) |publisher=Derstandard.at |access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref>
<ref name="fired">{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/religion/2015/07/21/fired-priest-pope-listen-lgbt-catholics-concerns|title=Fired Priest to Pope: Listen to LGBT Catholics' Concerns|date=21 July 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="deja">{{cite web| url=http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20150717_Deja_vu__Gay_Catholic_teacher_recalls_his_firing.html#kX1iYHG86vV2GuY1.99|title=Déjà vu: Gay Catholic teacher recalls his firing|date=16 July 2015 }}</ref>
<ref name="huffingtonpost.com">{{cite news| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/warren-hall-pope-francis_55ad6324e4b0caf721b39e2c | work=Huffington Post | title=Gay Priest Fired From Chaplain Job Asks Pope To Meet LGBT Catholics In U.S | date=20 July 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="chaput">{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2015-07-16/news/64454387_1_pope-francis-chaput-catholic-church|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724161915/http://articles.philly.com/2015-07-16/news/64454387_1_pope-francis-chaput-catholic-church|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 July 2015|title=Archives - Philly.com|website=]}}</ref>
<ref name="wrestle">{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/catholics-wrestle-with-teachings-as-gay-employees-dismissed/321174451/ |title=Catholics wrestle with teachings as gay employees dismissed - StarTribune.com |website=] |access-date=2 September 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813003114/http://www.startribune.com/catholics-wrestle-with-teachings-as-gay-employees-dismissed/321174451/ |archive-date=13 August 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="msjc">{{cite web | title = Addressing LGBT Issues: A Resource for Educators | url = http://www.msjc.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Marianist-LGBT-Final-2-15.pdf | access-date = June 25, 2018 | archive-date = 16 November 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171116102649/http://www.msjc.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Marianist-LGBT-Final-2-15.pdf | url-status = dead }}</ref>
<!-- UNUSED REF <ref name="home">{{cite news|url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/world/2018/08/don-t-throw-gay-children-out-of-home-pope-francis-urges-catholic-parents.html|title=Don't throw gay children out of home, Pope Francis urges Catholic parents|newspaper=Newshub|date=28 August 2018}}</ref> -->
<ref name="bailey">{{cite book| first = Derrick S. | last = Bailey | title = Homosexuality and the Western Christian Tradition | location = London | publisher = Longmans, Green | year = 1955 |page = 185}}</ref>
<ref name="Bailey2">{{cite book| first = Derrick S. | last = Bailey | title = Homosexuality and the Western Christian Tradition | location = London | publisher = Longmans, Green | year = 1955 |page = 185}} cited in </ref>
<ref name="Linacre">{{cite book|last=Dempsey|first=Robert J. |title=The Linacre Quarterly|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pmshAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA77|volume=75|year=2008|publisher=Catholic Medical Association|page=77|id=IND:30000125071534}}</ref>
<ref name="reid">{{cite news | url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/charles-j-reid-jr/lets-banish-talk-about-intrinsic-disorder_b_4174863.html| title = Let's Banish Talk About 'Intrinsic Disorder' | first = Charles J. Jr. | last = Reid | date = October 30, 2013 | access-date = July 18, 2018 | publisher = Huffington Post}}</ref>
<ref name="CurranCurran1998">{{cite book|last1=Curran|first1=Charles E. |last2=Curran|first2=Charles A.|last3=McCormick|first3=Richard A. |title=John Paul II and Moral Theology|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jjGwZ_38gSAC&pg=PA178|access-date=January 29, 2019|year=1998|publisher=Paulist Press|isbn=978-0-8091-3797-8|page=178}}</ref>
<ref name="statesman">{{cite news |last=Hitchens |first=Christopher |title=Christopher Hitchens on the death of Pope Paul VI |work=New Statesman |date=28 February 2013 |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/02/christopher-hitchens-death-pope-paul-vi}}</ref>
<ref name="summa">{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/summa/3154.htm#article3|title=SUMMA THEOLOGIAE: The parts of Lust (Secunda Secundae Partis, Q. 154)|website=www.newadvent.org}}</ref>
<ref name="Crompton2009">{{cite book|last=Crompton|first=Louis |title=Homosexuality and Civilization|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TfBYd9xVaXcC&pg=PA118|access-date=January 29, 2019|date=July 2009|publisher=Harvard University Press|isbn=978-0-674-03006-0|page=118}}</ref>
<ref name="Gagarin2010">{{cite book|last=Gagarin|first=Michael |title=The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lNV6-HsUppsC&pg=RA2-PA110|access-date=January 29, 2019|year=2010|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-517072-6|page=2}}</ref>
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<ref name="arrested">{{cite web | url = https://www.dignityusa.org/article/104-activists-arrested-roman-catholicism’s-national-shrine | title = 104 Activists Arrested at Roman Catholicism's National Shrine | access-date = 12 March 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="Barnes">{{cite web|last=Barnes |first=Tom|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vatican-lgbt-gay-religious-acceptance-pope-francis-trans-lesbian-a8408286.html |title=Vatican officially uses term 'LGBT' for first time in its history |work=The Independent |date=20 June 2018|access-date=2018-06-23}}</ref>
<!-- UNUSED REF <ref name="sharman">{{cite news | first = Jon | last = Sharman | date = 28 August 2018 | title = Vatican clarifies Pope Francis comments on psychiatric help for gay children | work = The Independent}}</ref> -->
<ref name="crimson">{{cite news | url = http://www.thecrimson.com/article/1990/11/30/catholic-students-protest-tactics-of-gay/ | title = Catholic Students Protest Tactics of Gay Activists | first = Ivan | last = Oransky | date = 30 November 1990 | newspaper = The Harvard Crimson | access-date = 12 March 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="darrin">{{cite web |last=Kurwitz |first=Darrin |date=12 March 2013 |title=Knights of Columbus: Standing on the Wrong Side of History, for a Change |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/darrin-hurwitz/knights-of-columbus-stand_b_2854800.html |website=The Huffington Post |access-date=6 March 2018}}</ref>
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<ref name="femen">{{cite news | url = https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/24/topless-femen-protest-andre-jozef-leonard_n_3146609.html | date = 24 April 2013 | title = Topless FEMEN Protesters Drench Belgian Archbishop André-Jozef Léonard, Protest Homophobia In Catholic Church | access-date = 12 March 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="fire">{{cite web | title=Man sets himself on fire in Vatican | work=BBC News | date=December 19, 2013 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-25453307 | access-date=July 25, 2018}}</ref>
<!-- UNUSED REF <ref name="Gallagher">{{cite web|last=Gallagher |first=Delia |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/21/europe/pope-francis-gay-comments-intl/index.html |title=Pope Francis tells gay man: 'God made you like that' |publisher=CNN |date=2018-05-21 |access-date=2018-06-12}}</ref> -->
<ref name="Gehring">{{cite news | title = Can the Catholic Church 'Evolve' on L.G.B.T. Rights? | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/05/opinion/pope-francis-catholic-church-lgbt.html | first = John | last = Gehring | newspaper = The New York Times | date = July 5, 2018 | access-date = July 5, 2018}}</ref>
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<ref name="law">{{cite news | title = Hundreds protest Cardinal Law at ordination | newspaper = The Boston Sunday Globe | page = 25 | first = Irene | last = Sege | date = June 17, 1990}}</ref>
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<ref name="Richard Scorer 2014, p20">{{cite book | first = Richard | last = Scorer | title = Betrayed: The English Catholic Church and the sex abuse crisis | publisher = Biteback | year = 2014 | page =20}}</ref>
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<ref name="Classen">Albrecht Classen, Marilyn Sandidge, ''Friendship in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Age'', </ref>
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<ref name="Blade">{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonblade.com/2018/08/31/supreme-court-wont-hear-challenge-to-philly-pro-lgbt-adoption-policy/ | title = Supreme Court rebuffs Catholic agency seeking to reject LGBT couples | newspaper = ] | date = August 31, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="CatholicExchange">{{cite web | url = https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/marriage-and-family/sexuality/dont-ask-dont-tell-dont-change.html | title = Don't Ask; Don't Tell; Don't Change | author-link = Russell Shaw (writer) | first = Russell | last = Shaw | publisher = ]}}</ref>
<ref name="CCC">{{Cite CCC|2.1|2357-2359}}</ref>
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<ref name="zgUFs">Lulu Garcia-Navarro, "How The Catholic Church Aided Both The Sick And The Sickness As HIV Spread", PBS, 1 December 2019 {{full citation needed|date=May 2020}}</ref>
<ref name="Dx2YJ">Stewart 2003, p. 184</ref>
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<ref name="Advocate">{{cite web|title=The Advocate's Person of the Year 2013|url=http://www.advocate.com/year-review/2013/12/16/advocates-person-year-pope-francis|publisher=The Advocate Magazine|first=Lucas|last=Grindley|date=16 December 2013|access-date=3 June 2015}}</ref>
<ref name="Coleridge">{{cite news |url=http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/10/07/archbishop-coleridge-says-synod-6535-against-communion-for-the-divorced-and-remarried/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008235334/http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/10/07/archbishop-coleridge-says-synod-6535-against-communion-for-the-divorced-and-remarried/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 October 2015 |title=Archbishop Coleridge says synod 65/35 against Communion for the divorced and remarried |work=Crux |date=7 October 2015 |access-date=8 October 2015 |author1=Allen Jr. |author2=John L. }}</ref>
<ref name="compassion">{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2014/10/13/vatican-meeting-see-the-positive-even-in-irregular-families/ |title=Church must show more compassion, respect for same-sex couples, Vatican document says |first=Michelle |last=Boorstein |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=13 October 2014 |access-date=20 October 2014}}</ref>
<ref name="dismayed">{{cite news |title=Conservative bishops dismayed by opening to gays |url=http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2014/10/14/rollback-bishops-seek-to-balance-opening-to-gays/ |work=Crux |access-date=20 October 2014 |date=14 October 2014 |last=Winfield |first=Nicole |archive-date=18 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018060906/http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2014/10/14/rollback-bishops-seek-to-balance-opening-to-gays/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
<ref name="integrate">{{cite news |url=http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/10/24/bishops-integrate-remarried-catholics-into-church-life/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025125140/http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/10/24/bishops-integrate-remarried-catholics-into-church-life/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 October 2015 |title=Bishops: Integrate remarried Catholics into Church life |first1=Michael J. |last1=O'Loughlin |first2=Inés |last2=San Martín |work=Crux |date=24 October 2015 |access-date=24 October 2015 }}</ref>
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<ref name="Relatio">{{cite web |url=http://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2014/10/13/0751/03037.html |title=Eleventh General Assembly: "Relatio post disceptationem" of the General Rapporteur |last=Erdő |first=Péter |date=13 October 2014 |access-date=27 October 2014 |author-link=Péter Erdő |publisher=Holy See Press Office}}</ref>
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<ref name="847VB">"Catholic Herald, "German bishop suggests blessing same-sex unions"(22 January 2018) - http://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2018/01/12/german-bishop-suggests-blessing-same-sex-unions/</ref>
<ref name="Wimmer">{{cite news | publisher = Catholic News Agency | first = Anian | last = Wimmer | date = February 7, 2018 | title = Cardinal Marx discusses blessings for same-sex couples | url = https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/37678/updated-cardinal-marx-discusses-blessings-for-same-sex-couples}}</ref>
<ref name="always"></ref>
<ref name="cornwell-breaking">{{Cite book |title=Breaking Faith: The Pope, the People and the Fate of Catholicism |url=https://archive.org/details/breakingfaithpop00corn |url-access=registration |first=John |last=Cornwell |year=2001 |publisher=Viking|isbn=9780670030026 }}</ref>
<ref name="Siker2006">{{cite book|last=Siker|first=Jeffrey S. |title=Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N6nYCeP_w8YC|access-date=25 May 2020|date=November 2006|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-01431-4|page=54}}</ref>
}}


==Bibliography== ==Works cited==
* {{cite book |last=Allen |first=John L. |author-link=John L. Allen Jr. |title=The Catholic Church: What Everyone Needs to Know |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6i-VaE8aD6MC |access-date=January 29, 2019 |date=May 30, 2013 |publisher=OUP USA|isbn=978-0-19-997510-5 }}
* {{cite book | title = Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality | url = https://archive.org/details/christianitysoci00boswrich | url-access = registration | first = John | last = Boswell | location = Chicago | publisher = University of Chicago Press | year = 1980 }}
* {{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Homosexuality and Religion: An Encyclopedia |editor-last=Siker |editor-first=Jeffrey S. |title=The Roman Catholic Tradition |last1=Jung |first1=Patricia Beattie |url=https://archive.org/details/HomosexualityAndReligion-AnEncyclopedia/page/n203 |year=2007 |publisher=] |location=Westport, Connecticut |isbn=978-0313330889 |oclc=803676004 |pages=191–200}}


==Further reading==
* {{cite book| author = David Berger| title = Der heilige Schein| url = http://books.google.com/?id=TcPOcQAACAAJ| date = 2010-11| isbn = 978-3-550-08855-1 }}
* {{cite book| author = Kate Saunders| coauthors = Peter Stanford| title = Catholics and sex| url = http://books.google.com/?id=hRovAAAAYAAJ| date = 1992-04-06| publisher = Vintage| isbn = 978-0-434-67246-2 }} * {{cite book |first=David |last=Berger |title=Der heilige Schein |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TcPOcQAACAAJ |date=November 2010 |publisher=Ullstein |isbn=978-3-550-08855-1}}
* {{cite book| author = Elizabeth Stuart| title = Chosen| url = http://books.google.com/?id=fCqJAAAAMAAJ| date = 1993-07| publisher = Geoffrey Chapman| isbn = 978-0-225-66682-3 }} * {{cite book |last=Cameli |first=L.J. |title=Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality: New Paths to Understanding |publisher=Ave Maria Press |year=2012 |isbn=978-1-59471-348-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=s5xUDwAAQBAJ}}
* {{cite book| author = Atila Sinke Guimara̋es| title = The Catholic Church and homosexuality| url = http://books.google.com/?id=DYn_AAAACAAJ| date = 1999-12| publisher = TAN Books| isbn = 978-0-89555-651-6 }} * {{cite book |first=Atila Sinke |last=Guimarães |title=The Catholic Church and homosexuality |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DYn_AAAACAAJ |date=December 1999 |publisher=TAN Books |isbn=978-0-89555-651-6}}
* {{cite book| author = Randy Engel| title = The Rite of Sodomy| url = http://books.google.com/?id=kd5UAAAACAAJ| year = 2006| isbn = 978-0-9778601-3-5 }} * {{cite book |first=Kate |last=Saunders |author2=Peter Stanford |title=Catholics and sex |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hRovAAAAYAAJ |date=6 April 1992 |publisher=Vintage |isbn=978-0-434-67246-2}}
* {{cite book |first=Elizabeth |last=Stuart |title=Chosen: Gay Catholic Priests Tell Their Stories |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fCqJAAAAMAAJ |date=July 1993 |publisher=Geoffrey Chapman |isbn=978-0-225-66682-3}}
* {{cite book |first=Eve |last=Tushnet |author-link=Eve Tushnet |title=Gay and Catholic: Accepting My Sexuality, Finding Community, Living My Faith |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B1sEoQEACAAJ |year=2014 |isbn=978-1594715426}}
* {{cite book |editor-first=Barbara |editor-last=Zanotti|title=A Faith of One's Own: Explorations by Catholic Lesbians |publisher=Crossing Press |url=https://archive.org/details/faithofonesownex00zano |url-access=registration |quote=catholic lesbians. |year=1986 |isbn=978-0895942098}}
* . BBC News. from the ] on 19 June 2022. Pope Francis: CDF statements "not intended to be a form of unjust discrimination, but rather a reminder of the truth of the liturgical rite".


{{Religion and LGBT people|state=collapsed}}
==External links==
{{Authority control}}
{{Commons category|Homosexuality and Christianity}}
{{Wikiquote}}
*
{{Religion and LGBT topics}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Homosexuality And Roman Catholicism}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Homosexuality And Roman Catholicism}}
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    For a wider perspective, see Christianity and homosexuality and Catholic theology of sexuality.

    The relationship between the Catholic Church and homosexuality is complex and often contentious, involving various conflicting views between the Catholic Church and some in the LGBTQ community. According to Catholic doctrine, solely having same-sex attractions itself is not considered inherently sinful; it is the act of engaging in sexual activity with someone of the same sex that is regarded as a grave sin against chastity. The Church also does not recognize nor perform any sacramental marriages between same-sex couples. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that all same-sex individuals must "be accepted and treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity," and that all forms of unjust discrimination should be discouraged and avoided at all cost.

    The Church's teachings on this issue have developed over time, influenced by papal interventions and theologians, including the early Church Fathers. Pastoral care for LGBTQ Catholics is provided through a variety of official and unofficial channels, varying from diocese to diocese. In recent years, senior clergy and popes have called for the Church to increase its support for LGBTQ individuals.

    Globally, the Catholic Church is politically active on LGBTQ rights issues, and its relationship with the LGBTQ community has been particularly strained during critical moments, such as the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Some notable LGBT Catholics, including priests and bishops, have been openly gay or bisexual. Catholic dissenters have argued that legally consensual relations between people of the same-sex is as inherently spiritual and valuable as the same for those of the opposite-sex.

    On the other hand, some Catholic organizations and institutions that uphold church teachings on sexual activities campaigned against LGBTQ rights worldwide, advocating for the promotion and encouragement of chastity and celibacy among LGBT Catholics. Pope Francis has taken a notably different approach to these subjects than that of his predecessors. He became the first pope to support granting civil union status for same-sex individuals as a legal protection for same-sex domestic partners. He has also publicly denounced sodomy laws.

    Church teaching

    The Catholic Church teaches that, as a person does not choose to be either homosexual or heterosexual, subjectively experiencing attraction for (a) person(s) of one's own sex is not inherently sinful. According to the Catholic theology of sexuality, all sexual acts must be open to procreation by nature and express the symbolism of male-female complementarity. Sexual acts between two members of the same sex cannot meet these standards. Homosexuality thus constitutes a tendency towards this sin. The church teaches that gay persons are called to practice chastity.

    The church also teaches that gay people "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity", and that "every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." whilst holding that discrimination in marriage, employment, housing, and adoption in some circumstances can be just and "obligatory." According to the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "homosexual acts" are "grave sins against chastity" and "expressions of the vice of lust." Homosexual acts are included among the grave sins against chastity in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

    According to the Catechism, "homosexual acts" (i.e., sexual acts between persons of the same sex) are "acts of grave depravity" that are "intrinsically disordered." It continues, "They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved." Regarding homosexuality as an orientation, the Catechism describes it as "objectively disordered."

    The church points to several passages in the Bible as the basis for its teachings, including Genesis 19:1-11, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, I Corinthians 6:9, Romans 1:18-32, and I Timothy 1:10. In December 2019, the Pontifical Biblical Commission published a book that included an exegesis on these and other passages.

    Research conducted in the fields of social sciences and study of religion indicates that the Catholic Church's teachings on sexuality are "a major source of conflict and distress" to LGBT Catholics.

    Same-sex marriage

    The church opposes same-sex marriage and is active in political campaigns against it. It also opposes same-sex civil unions and does not bless them, although some priests and bishops have offered blessings for same-sex couples or spoken in favor of priests being able to bless them. Nevertheless, Pope Francis expressed support for civil-unions to protect gay couples in the documentary Francesco (2020), and in a press conference in September 2021. In that press conference, he said: "If a homosexual couple wants to lead a life together, the State has the possibility to give them safety, stability, inheritance; and not only to homosexuals but to all the people who want to live together. But marriage is a sacrament, between a man and a woman".

    While the Catholic Church explicitly denies its blessing for marital union between two people of the same sex, the Catechism of the Catholic Church goes into great detail when describing the legitimacy of individuals who identify as gay as beloved children of God.

    In March 2021, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said that the church cannot bless same-sex relationships because "God cannot bless sin". On 18 December 2023, it published Fiducia supplicans, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless people who are not considered to be married by the Church, including same-sex couples.

    Blessings for same-sex couples

    Main article: Fiducia supplicans

    In March 2021, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said that the Church can not bless same-sex relationships because "God cannot bless sin". On 25 September 2023, in a responsum to conservative cardinals before the 16th World Synod of Bishops, Francis signalled the Church's openness to blessings for gay couples as long as they did not misrepresent the Catholic view of marriage as between one man and one woman.

    On 18 December 2023, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published Fiducia supplicans, a declaration allowing Catholic priests to bless people who are not considered to be married by the Church, including people in same-sex relationships. These were to be "short and simple pastoral blessings (neither liturgical nor ritualized) of couples in irregular situations (but not of their unions)". The declaration does not permit the blessing of the same-sex relationships, only the people within it.

    While the declaration was welcomed by many Catholics, it also sparked considerable controversy and criticism, with several bishops' conferences barring the blessings in their jurisdictions or asking priests to refrain from them.

    History

    Main article: History of the Catholic Church and homosexuality See also: History of Christianity and homosexuality and Catholic Church and HIV/AIDS

    The Christian tradition has generally prohibited all sexual activities outside of sexual intercourse. This includes activities engaged in by couples or individuals of either the same or different sexes. The Catholic Church's position specifically on homosexuality developed from the teachings of the Church Fathers, which was in stark contrast to Greek and Roman attitudes towards same-sex relations, including pederasty.

    Canon law regarding same-sex sexual activity has been shaped through the decrees issued by a series of ecclesiastical councils. Initially, canons against sodomy were aimed at ensuring clerical or monastic discipline, and were only widened in the medieval period to include laymen. In the Summa Theologica, Saint Thomas Aquinas maintained that homosexual practice was contrary to natural law, arguing that the primary natural end of the sexual act was procreation, and since said procreation is carried out from a process of sexual fertilization between a man and a woman, homosexuality is contrary to the very end of said act. He also stated that "the unnatural vice" is the greatest of the sins of lust. Throughout the Middle Ages, the church repeatedly condemned homosexuality, and often collaborated with civic authorities to punish gay people. Punishment of sexual "vice" as well as religious heresy was seen as strengthening the church's moral authority.

    The modern church

    Toronto Catholic school flying pride flag for June

    In the late 20th century, the Church has responded to gay rights movements by reiterating its condemnation of homosexuality while acknowledging the existence of gay people. In January 1976, the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith under Pope Paul VI published Persona Humana, which codified the teaching against all extra-marital sex, including gay sex. The document stated that acceptance of homosexual activity runs counter to the church's teaching and morality. It drew a distinction between people who were homosexual because of "a false education," "a bad example" or other causes it described as "not incurable," and a "pathological" condition which was "incurable." However, it criticized those who argued that innate homosexuality justified same-sex sexual activity within loving relationships, and stated that the Bible condemned homosexual activity as depraved, "intrinsically disordered," never to be approved, and a consequence of rejecting God.

    Earlier, the controversially liberal 1966 Dutch Catechism, which was the first post-Vatican II Catholic catechism and which had been commissioned by the Dutch bishops, had stated that "The very sharp strictures of Scripture on homosexual practices (Gen. 1; Rom. 1) must be read in their context" as condemning a trend for homosexuality among non-gay people, implying that people who were gay were not condemned for homosexual activity.

    In October 1986, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith released a letter addressed to all the bishops of the Catholic Church entitled On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons. This was signed by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as prefect. The letter gave instructions on how the clergy should deal with, and respond to, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Designed to remove any ambiguity about permissible tolerance of homosexual orientation resulting from the earlier Persona Humana—and prompted by the growing influence of gay-accepting groups and clergy—the letter was particularly aimed at the church in the United States. It affirmed the position that while homosexual orientation is not in itself a sin, it is nevertheless a tendency towards the "moral evil" of homosexual activity, and therefore must be considered "an objective disorder", which moreover is "essentially self-indulgent" since homosexual sexual acts are not procreative and therefore not genuinely loving or selfless.

    The letter also said that accepting homosexual acts as morally equivalent to married heterosexual acts was harmful to the family and society and warned bishops to be on guard against, and not to support, Catholic organizations not upholding the Church's doctrine on homosexuality—groups which the letter said were not really Catholic. This alluded to LGBT and LGBT-accepting Catholic groups such as DignityUSA and New Ways Ministry, and ultimately resulted in the exclusion of Dignity from Church property. The letter condemned physical and verbal violence against gay people but reiterated that this did not change its opposition to homosexuality or gay rights. Its claims that accepting and legalizing homosexual behaviour leads to violence ("neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised" when anti-gay hate crimes increase in the wake of gay civil rights legislation) were seen as controversially blaming gay people for homophobic violence and encouraging homophobic violence. Referring to the AIDS epidemic, the letter, McNeill writes, blamed AIDS on gay rights activists and gay-accepting mental health professionals: "Even when the practice of homosexuality may seriously threaten the lives and well-being of a large number of people, its advocates remain undeterred and refuse to consider the magnitude of the risks involved".

    In a statement released in July 1992, "Some Considerations Concerning the Catholic Response to Legislative Proposals on the Non-Discrimination of Homosexual Persons," the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reiterated its position from "On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons," and further stated that discrimination against gay people in certain areas, such as selecting adoptive or foster parents or in hiring teachers, coaches, or military service members, is not unjust, and thus can be permitted in some circumstances.

    On 31 October 2023, a document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, responding to questions from José Negri, Bishop of Santo Amaro, said that transgender people could be baptised, be godparents at a baptism, and be witnesses at weddings, so long as such situations would not cause scandal. Moreover, the responses stated that under the prudence of the priest, a cohabiting “homoaffective” Catholic can be a godparent, being understood that where that person is not merely “cohabiting” but notoriously doing so “more uxorio” (i.e. in a sexual relationship), the situation would be “different”. The responses were signed by both Pope Francis and Cardinal Fernández of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. The Vatican stated that the document "simply clarified church teaching and did not constitute new policy or a change in policy."

    Pastoral care for gay Catholics

    Main article: Pastoral care for gay Catholics

    Beginning in the 1970s, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops taught that gay people "should have an active role in the Christian community" and have called on "all Christians and citizens of good will to confront their own fears about homosexuality and to curb the humor and discrimination that offend homosexual persons. We understand that having a homosexual orientation brings with it enough anxiety, pain and issues related to self-acceptance without society bringing additional prejudicial treatment." In 1997, they published a letter entitled Always Our Children, as a pastoral message to parents of gay and bisexual children with guidelines for pastoral ministers. Reiterating the church's opposition to homosexuality, it told parents not to break off contact with a gay or bisexual son or daughter; they should instead look for appropriate counseling both for the child and for themselves. Gay Catholics, the bishops said, should be allowed to participate actively in the Christian community and, if living chastely, hold leadership positions. It also noted "an importance and urgency" to minister to those with AIDS, especially considering the impact it had on the gay community.

    Bishops around the world have held diocesan events with the goal of reaching out to gay Catholics and ministering to them, and more have spoken publicly about the need to love and welcome them into the church. Pope John Paul II asked "the bishops to support, with the means at their disposal, the development of appropriate forms of pastoral care for homosexual persons.” Several assemblies of the Synod of Bishops have struck similar themes, while maintaining that same-sex sexual activity is sinful and that same-sex marriage cannot be permitted. In 2018, in a move regarded as a sign of respect to the community, the Vatican used the acronym LGBT for the first time in an official document. In several public statements, Francis has emphasised the need to accept, welcome, and accompany LGBT people, including LGBT children.

    The 2014 Synod on the Family and Synod on the Family in 2015 concerned themselves in part with "accepting and valuing their sexual orientation" and place in Catholic communities, "without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony." The reports of the synods were noted for their unusually mild language towards gay people, such as the lack of use of phrases such as "intrinsically disordered." They also reiterated the church's opposition to same-sex marriage and suggested outreach towards gay people.

    Beginning in the 1960s, a number of organizations have formed to minister to LGBT people. Organizations such as Outreach Catholic, DignityUSA and New Ways Ministry, which advocate for the rights of LGBT Catholics and dissent from Church teaching, and Courage International, which encourages Catholics with same-sex attraction to live chastely and accept Church teaching, were established in the United States in response to the push within the United States for greater recognition within the church for gay men and lesbian women. Courage also has a ministry geared towards the relatives and friends of gay people called Encourage. Courage is a recognized apostolate of the Church, while DignityUSA and New Ways Ministry have both been censured by the hierarchy of the American Catholic Church.

    Dissent from church teaching

    Main article: Dissent from Catholic teaching on homosexuality

    There have been practical and ministerial disagreements within the clergy, hierarchy, and laity of the Catholic Church concerning the church's position on homosexuality. Some Catholics and Catholic groups have sought to adopt an approach they consider to be more inclusive. Dissenters argue that the prohibition on extramarital sex emphasizes the physical dimension of the act at the expense of higher moral, personal and spiritual goals and that the practice of total, lifelong sexual denial risks personal isolation. Other arguments include that the teaching violates "the truth of God's unconditional love for all people", and drives "young people away from the Church". Opponents argue that it is preferable to believe that this element of church teaching is mistaken. The opinion of lay Catholics tends to be more supportive of gay marriage than the hierarchy.

    Upwards of 70 people have been fired from jobs at Catholic schools or universities because of their marriages to partners of the same sex or, in one case, support for LGBT rights campaigns. When one Jesuit high school refused to fire a teacher after he publicly entered into a gay marriage, the local bishop designated the school as no longer Catholic; the school has appealed his decision. As of 2019, the Holy See has temporarily suspended the bishop's decree.

    In response to church policy in the area of safe-sex education, AIDS, and gay rights, some gay rights activists have protested both inside and outside of Catholic churches, sometimes disrupting Masses. This includes at the National Shrine in Washington, at an ordination of priests at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, and during Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York where they desecrated the Eucharist. Others have splattered paint on churches and drenched an archbishop with water. In 1998, Alfredo Ormando died after setting himself on fire outside Saint Peter's Basilica to protest the church's position on homosexuality.

    On 9 September 2022, over 80% of German bishops at the Synodal Path supported a document calling for a "re-evaluation of homosexuality" and for making changes to the Catechism. On March 11, 2023, the Synodal Path with support of over 80 percentage of German Roman Catholic bishops allowed blessing ceremonies for same-sex couples in all 27 German Roman Catholic diocese.

    Catholic organizations

    Further information: Outreach Catholic

    The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organisation, has contributed over $14 million, one of the largest amounts in the United States, to political campaigns against same-sex marriage. The Catholic Medical Association of North America has stated that science "counters the myth that same-sex attraction is genetically predetermined and unchangeable, and offers hope for prevention and treatment." The Church, however, teaches that sexual orientation is not a choice. Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, has been criticized for describing the church child sex abuse crisis as a "homosexual" problem rather than a "pedophilia" problem. Donohue based his claim on the fact that most of the incidents involved sexual contact between men and boys rather than between men and girls.

    Outreach Catholic is a Jesuit affiliated Catholic media site dedicated to LGBT advocacy. The site was founded by Fr. James Martin SJ under the affiliation of America Magazine, a Jesuit news site. The group hosts a yearly conference to bring LGBT Catholics and allies together in hopes to further dialogue between the Church and LGBT faithful. The site itself hosts a myriad of difference resources, news, and advocacy projects.

    Homosexuality in relation to clergy

    Main articles: Homosexual clergy in the Catholic Church and Gay bishops § Roman Catholic Church

    Homosexual clergy, and homosexual activity by clergy, are not exclusively modern phenomena, but rather date back centuries. Donald Cozzens estimated the percentage of gay priests in 2000 to be 23–58%, suggesting more homosexual men (active and non-active) within the Catholic priesthood than within society at large.

    Instructions from Vatican bodies on admitting gay men to the priesthood have varied over time. In the 1960s chaste gay men were allowed but in 2005, a new directive banned gay men "while profoundly respecting the persons in question."

    Although homosexuality was at variance with Catholic teaching during the Middle Ages, official penalties for homosexual behavior within the clergy, both by the church and temporal authorities, were rarely codified or enforced. Historian John Boswell noted that several bishops in the Middle Ages were thought by their contemporaries to have had gay relationships, and noted a potentially romantic or sexual tone to the correspondence of others with "passionate" male friends. Some other historians disagree, and say that this correspondence represents friendship. Although homosexual acts have been consistently condemned by the Catholic Church, some senior members of the clergy have been found or alleged to have had homosexual relationships, including Rembert Weakland, Juan Carlos Maccarone, Francisco Domingo Barbosa Da Silveira, and Keith O'Brien. Some popes are documented to have been homosexual or to have had male sexual partners, including Benedict IX, Paul II, Sixtus IV, Leo X, Julius II and Julius III.

    Political activity

    Main article: Political activity of the Catholic Church on LGBT issues

    The church has historically been politically active in local, national, and international fora on issues of LGBT rights, typically to oppose them in keeping with Catholic moral theology and Catholic Social Teaching.

    In various countries, members of the Catholic Church have intervened on occasions both to support efforts to decriminalize homosexuality, and also to ensure it remains an offence under criminal law. The Catholic Church has been described as sending "mixed signals" regarding discrimination based on sexual orientation: a 1992 teaching said that because sexuality "evokes moral concern," sexual orientation is different from qualities such as race, ethnicity, sex, or age, which do not. It added that efforts to "protect the common good" by limiting rights were permissible and sometimes obligatory, and did not constitute discrimination. The church therefore opposes the extension of at least some aspects of civil rights legislation, such as nondiscrimination in public housing, educational or athletic employment, adoption, or military recruitment, to gay men and lesbians. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops published a statement that was characterized by two theologians as claiming that "nondiscrimination legislation protecting LGBT people promotes immoral sexual behavior, endangers our children, and threatens religious liberty." It also campaigns against same-sex marriage.

    Notable lesbian, gay, and bisexual Catholics

    See also: List of LGBT Catholics

    There have been notable gay Catholics throughout history. Writers such as Oscar Wilde, Lord Alfred Douglas, Marc-André Raffalovich, and Frederick Rolfe, and artists such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Andy Warhol were influenced by both their Catholicism and their homosexuality. Gay Catholic academics such as John J. McNeill, who was further on expelled from the Society of Jesus in 1987 at the request of the Vatican, and John Boswell have produced work on the history and theological issues at the intersection of Christianity and homosexuality. Some notable LGBT Catholics are or were priests or nuns, such as McNeill, Virginia Apuzzo, and Jean O'Leary, who was a Roman Catholic religious sister before becoming a lesbian and gay rights activist.

    See also

    Notes

    1. See also On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, paragraph 11.
    2. Supporting bishops are archbishop Reinhard Marx from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, bishop Karl-Heinz Wiesemann from Roman Catholic Diocese of Speyer, bishop Franz Jung, from Roman Catholic Diocese of Würzburg, archbishop Heiner Koch from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Berlin, archbishop Stefan Heße from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hamburg, bishop Heinrich Timmerevers from Roman Catholic Diocese of Dresden–Meissen, bishop Michael Gerber from Roman Catholic Diocese of Fulda, Gerhard Feige from Roman Catholic Diocese of Magdeburg, bishop Helmut Dieser from Roman Catholic Diocese of Aachen, bishop Heiner Wilmer from Roman Catholic Diocese of Hildesheim, bishop Franz-Josef Hermann Bode from Roman Catholic Diocese of Osnabrück, bishop Felix Genn from Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster, bishop Georg Bätzing from Roman Catholic Diocese of Limburg, bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck from Roman Catholic Diocese of Essen, bishop Stephan Ackermann from Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier, bishop Peter Kohlgraf from Roman Catholic Diocese of Mainz, bishop Gebhard Fürst from Roman Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, auxiliary bishop Josef Holtkotte from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paderborn, auxiliary bishop Karl Borsch from Roman Catholic Diocese of Aachen, auxiliary bishop Ludger Schepers from Roman Catholic Diocese of Essen, auxiliary bishop Christoph Hegge from Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster, auxiliary bishop Gerhard Schneider from Roman Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, auxiliary bishop Karl Heinz Diez from Roman Catholic Diocese of Fulda, auxiliary bishop Peter Birkhofer from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Freiburg, auxiliary bishop Reinhard Hauke from Roman Catholic Diocese of Erfurt, auxiliary bishop Udo Bentz from Roman Catholic Diocese of Mainz, auxiliary bishop Christian Würtz from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Freiburg, auxiliary bishop Franz Josef Gebert from Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier, auxiliary bishop Heinz Günter Bongartz from Roman Catholic Diocese of Hildesheim, auxiliary bishop Herwig Gössel from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bamberg, auxiliary bishop Horst Eberlein from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hamburg, auxiliary bishop Johannes Wübbe from Roman Catholic Diocese of Osnabrück, auxiliary bishop Matthäus Karrer from Roman Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, auxiliary bishop Matthias König from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Paderborn, auxiliary bishop Robert Brahm from Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier, auxiliary bishop Thomas Maria Renz from Roman Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, auxiliary bishop Ulrich Boom from Roman Catholic Diocese of Würzburg, auxiliary bishop Wilfried Theising from Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster, auxiliary bishop Wilhelm Zimmermann from Roman Catholic Diocese of Essen and auxiliary bishop Wolfgang Bischof from Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising.

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