Expert: Edward Bode - 8/9/2006

Question
I am 17 and have been raised Roman Catholic from birth.  My problem with the Catholic church lies in some of our "differences in opinion" on several political/social issues.  One of these issues is homosexuality.  While I myself am heterosexual, I know a number of people both inside and outside the faith who do identify as gay/lesbian.  I have always been a supporter of gay rights and marriage in every way, including marching in rallies and publically declaring such support.  Consequently, I have recieved remarks from church members and clergy "concerned about my spiritual development,"  and that I am destroying my relationship with God.  My beliefs on equality are not up for compromise, and my feelings on this issue are affecting my ability to feel welcome at church, and rendering me unable to accept this part of "Christianity."  I would like to stay Catholic, but the anti-gay preaching (by clergy, and attendees) makes me angry.  

I have asked priests about the issue and have been told to pray for my friends, that they will become heterosexuals, the way God wants them and to pray for myself, that I will realize that homosexuality is unnatural and ungodlike.  I believe God does want them to be just the way they are, as he created them.  So I thought I'd ask for more opinions... In your opinion, Is there room for a gay rights activist in the Catholic church, and can my beliefs coincide with the teachings of Jesus?

Answer
Denise, I appreciate your concern and quandry.  I, of course, do not know what anti-homosexual rhetoric you have heard.
First, I would point out that equality of treatment has many aspects.  There are, for example, legal issues of non-discrimination.  These legal issues are ones that have been established by legislative bodies.  There are also moral [spiritual, religious] issues.  For example, not all moral positions are on the same footing, for example, we do not accept that persons advocating the killing of innocent persons have an equal position with those who hold the opposite position.
To get to the issue of homosexuality, the Church in its catechism says that persons with "deep seated homosexual tendencies" must be accepted with "respect, compassion, and sensitivity."  "Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."  The catechism also points out that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered; they are contrary to the natural law."  
I recommend that you read this section of the catechism, paragraphs 2357-2359.  Available on the net at:
www.nccbuscc.org/catechism/text/index.htm
The causes of homosexuality are still being debated.  Homosexual acts are wrong.  [Sexual acts by unmarried persons are wrong.]  Homosexual persons are called to chastity and to learn self-mastery through prayer and the sacraments and by uniting their difficulties with the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  
After reading the catechism paragraphs, then, maybe you can define what kind of activist you want to be. Is what you do in keeping with the church's teaching? Is what you do seen and understood as being in accord with the church's teaching?  You need to think and pray about these issues.
From what you have written, I am not sure exactly what you are advocating.  
If you would like more from me then, please feel free to write again.