Posted on 10/07/2014 2:07:33 PM PDT by NYer
.- In what ways can the Church provide pastoral care for men and women of same-sex attraction that is compassionate and affirming in the faith – all the while remaining true to its teachings?
At the opening of the Synod on the Family, participants were reminded that the Church's pastoral approach towards persons with same-sex attraction is an issue worthy of attention.
Over the next two weeks, the Extraordinary Synod on the Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization will explore the various concerns faced by families today: among them, the pastoral care of individuals with same-sex attraction.
In his remarks on Oct. 6, general relator for the synod Cardinal Peter Erdo said there was “a broad consensus that people with a homosexual orientation should not be discriminated against,” and that most Catholics do not expect same-sex relationships to “be equated with marriage between a man and a woman.”
However, he noted that there is no “consensus among the vast majority of Catholics on the ideology of gender theories.”
The cardinal based his remarks on the data contained in the Instrumentum Laboris – a working document published earlier this year as part of the preparations for the synod. The document is a compilation of responses to a questionnaire sent out to families at the end of 2013 designed to assess the pastoral needs of the global Church with regard to the needs of the family.
Addressing a wide range of issues cited by the document which relate to the family, he noted how “the majority of human beings seek personal happiness in life with a permanent bond between a man and a woman, together with the children of their union.” However, “the specific aspects of doctrine and the Church's Magisterium on marriage and family are not always sufficiently well-known by the faithful.”
Although Cardinal Erdo spoke just briefly about the pastoral care of individuals with same-sex attraction in his intervention at the synod on Monday morning, the passages from the working document he referred to address the issues in greater length.
One of the themes addressed in the Instrumentum Laboris regards the civil recognition of same-sex unions as determined by “socio-cultural, religious and political” contexts. According to the episcopal conferences, one example includes those places where “repressive and punitive measures,” are taken against “homosexuality in all its aspects,” and public manifestation of homosexuality “is prohibited by civil law.”
In such contexts, according to the document, “the Church provides different forms of spiritual care for single, homosexual people who seek the Church's assistance.” Other circumstances include places where homosexuality is tolerated so long as it remains hidden, as well as states which recognize civil unions and – in some cases – so-called “marriages” between same-sex couples.
Every bishops' conference opposes the redefinition of marriage, according to the document. At the same time, they express a desire to find “a balance between the Church's teaching on the family and respectful, non-judgemental attitude towards people living in such unions.”
“On the whole,” the document states, “the extreme reactions to these unions, whether compromising or uncompromising, do not seem to have facilitated the development of an effective pastoral program which is consistent with the Magisterium and compassionate towards the persons concerned.”
An additional factor complicating the Church's pastoral care for those with same-sex attraction pertains to the promotion of “gender ideology” – a point highlighted by Cardinal Erdo during his intervention Monday morning.
Although aimed at eliminating homophobia, the introduction of this gender ideology (in some places at the elementary level) leads to the spreading of a mentality which “proposes, in fact, to undermine sexual identity.”
Finally, the Instrumentum Laboris addresses the concern surrounding the pastoral care of children of same-sex couples. The responses to the questionnaire, according to the document, indicate clear opposition “to legislation which would allow the adoption of children by persons in a same-sex union,” due to the “risk to the integral good of the child, who has the right to have a mother and father.”
Pastoral concerns arise, however, in cases where same-sex couples request baptism for the children in their care. The majority consensus from Catholics around the world is that children in these cases “must be received with the same care, tenderness and concern which is given to other children.” That being said, the document stressed the need to ensure children raised by same-sex couples would be properly instructed in the faith.
The Instrumentum Laboris also highlights some general pastoral guidelines with regard to persons with SSA, and the various issues which depend on whether or not have chosen to pursue a homosexual life style.
Many episcopal conferences have addressed the need for pastoral programs. Others expressed unease at the prospect of welcoming those with same-sex attraction in a spirit that is at once merciful and true to Catholic teaching, “all the while attempting to provide appropriate pastoral care which takes every aspect of the person into consideration.” Still others stress the importance of terminology, with some recommending against the use of terms such as “gay,” “lesbian” or “homosexual” as a way of defining a person's identity.
On the whole, however, “the great challenge will be to develop a ministry which can maintain the proper balance between accepting persons in a spirit of compassion,” the working document said, “gradually guiding them to authentic human and Christian maturity.”
The Government decided that there was “Church” and “State”
The “State” is not to interfere with the “Church” and the “Church” is not to interfere with the “State” so...
According to Government rule this to me means that “We” of the “Church” believe in OUR beliefs and the “State” can believe in THEIR decisions. Right? Right.
Exactly. There is an excess of drama and handwringing surrounding this particular group, and the type of "care" and "attention" they require. Is the incessant focus on homosexuals and how the Church should deal with them a consequence of the 15 - 58% of homosexuals in the priesthood? Whatever the reason, it's starting to get really old.
They should be told it’s a Mortal sin (damnation) to practice homosexual behavior.
The Catholic Church defines marriage as a sacrament. The state grants the license for legal purposes such as contracts and such. I have no problem if a same sex couple wants to have a civil ceremony for the same purpose, but I will not stand for them calling it a marriage. And by them I mean anyone.
It used to be called "the sin that dare not speak it's name." Now it is "the sin that will not sit down and shut up."
+1
So sick of hearing the whining of the drama queens.
Homosexuals are “simply messed up people”. Those that express alternative sexual orientations in general have a greater incidence of having been sexually abused so its not surprising that they are messed up.
Eliminating homophobia? What’s that even mean? If practicing homosexual acts is a sin, shouldn’t the faithful be abhorred by it?
At the same time, Christians are taught to love the sinner. So obviously we would work to love someone suffering from Same Sex Attraction and work to help them get on and stay on track.
Accuracy isn’t a requirement for dictionary definitions anymore. Even the definitions suffer from PC.
The Atonement overcomes all. Thanks for sharing.
Exclude them from Matrimony and Holy Orders. Cherish them as she does all sinners, but keep them away from children.
It is a caucus thread. The post should be removed.
There are several people on here that need removal from this thread. Mods must have the night off. Oh! I forgot, Catholics are fair game on here. Caucus or not!
I just reported it.
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