Priest says Being a Gay Catholic is A-OK!
Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City supports the monthly “gay” mass as an opportunity to extend Christian love and respect to those with same-sex attraction, with the hope of welcoming them into the Church. In a statement on the monthly Mass, the Monsignor acknowledged that the Church teaches that a homosexual inclination is not a sin, but believes pastors should also help gays and lesbians live healthy, chaste lives because of the objectively sinful nature of engaging in homosexual acts.
Unfortunately, Father Busen, the openly “it’s O.K. to be gay” priest believes in his heart that there is no conflict with Catholic teachings and the gay lifestyle. The Church, in all of her wisdom and compassion, understands the burden of the cross that some men with “deep-seated” homosexual tendencies must carry, and therefore affirm, they should not be ordained priests. Sadly, Father “B” himself, has a strong desire to feel a part of and belong to the normal community which, I believe, confirms the above mentioned Church’s criteria for priests, and also disqualifies him from ministering to those with same-sex attraction. Father “B”’s blog (internal link to previous post) is now password protected, so you will not have the opportunity to read some of his posts; some of which are beautifully done, while others illustrate how his battle with same-sex attraction has taken a toll on his heart and intellect.
.jpg)
What does it mean to be chaste in a same sex relationship? How cozy can one be without going across the line of impropriaty? Can you be chaste and hold hands? Can you be chaste and give hugs? Can you be chaste and cuddle?
It is not improper for a hetero to hug and kiss and pat the back of someone of the opposite or same gender even if they are in a married state.
At what point does the action of ssa become improper and unchaste?
Comment by Elizabeth — February 26, 2007 @ 12:40 pm
Elizabeth,
I think the context of chaste which is used with those who have a same-sex attraction is abstaining from sexual behaviors. Aside from the obvious physically sexual activities, I believe that an improper and unchaste behavior (i.e. a hug or kiss on the cheek, etc…) is largely subjective to the individual. In other words, what may “turn on” one person, may not another. If an individual actively participates or engages in behaviors that they suspect may lead to the narrow occasion of sin or produce a sexually gratifying end onto itself, I think that would be considered as being improper and unchaste.
Living a chaste life should be seen more as a process of a perfection and purification of the heart and soul than just a check list of do’s and don’ts; where one may initially carry their cross with the objective of avoiding sin, in time through perseverance and God’s graces, some may eventually embrace the cross they were given with a purified and selfless love for God because He is God.
I just re-read your question and wanted to add, if two individuals with same-sex attraction have an attraction towards each other, as difficult as it may be, it would probably be considered scandalous if they continued to have any type of relationship, and therefore should not continue to have any type relationship.
It is not improper for a hetero to hug and kiss and pat the back of someone of the opposite or same gender even if they are in a married state.
That’s not necessarily true, it all depends on the individual’s intentions and relationship with that person.
Comment by shelray — February 26, 2007 @ 2:36 pm
[...] to Mark Shea. Knowing he has a huge reading audience, I hoped someone involved with the situation, given Fr. B’s ministry to those with same-sex attraction and his opinion on homosexuality bein…, would eventually know best how to handle the situation. I just hope I did the right thing for the [...]
Pingback by COSMOS~LITURGY~SEX » C~L~S Guilty as Charged - After Fr. Bussen began celebrating the Mass for gays and lesbians, some people concluded that he was the author of the blog and circulated it - he acknowledged he was the author. — March 5, 2007 @ 12:54 pm