"... The Catholic Church teaches that those who experience same-sex attraction are always to be treated with dignity and respect""
That means that those who experience same-sex attraction, but not those who in word or deed approve or engage in sodomy.
The NCCS then references the Catechism, which states that "homosexual acts are objectively and intrinsically disordered and contrary to natural law, and cannot be approved under any circumstances."
I think that makes it clear that the acts wich define active homosexuality are completely unacceptable.
Which is what you said.
However, I fault whoever wrote the Catholic letter for the NCCS for being altogether too sketchy, since they didn't quote the Catechism, but only referenced it.
I presume that's why the excellent Cathleen Ruse thought it necessary to write her commentary, which hit harder on the essential points. I wish she did all the writing for these guys. She talks straight in every sense of the word, and is not inclined to lose her point in the nuance.
In fact, it would have been better had the Catholics just signed onto the LCMS statement, which was far better thought-out, IMHO.
I presume that's why the excellent Cathleen Ruse thought it necessary to write her commentary, which hit harder on the essential points. I wish she did all the writing for these guys. She talks straight in every sense of the word, and is not inclined to lose her point in the nuance.
Agreed. I wonder if the NCCS sounds squishy because of the disagreement within the RCC rank & file membership regarding the issue of homosexual marriage. Remember the Quinnipiac University Poll released back on 3/08/2013? It caused quite the discussion on FR.
1. Catholic voters support for same-sex marriage is 54 - 38 %. “Catholic voters are leading American voters toward support for same-sex marriage," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. Among all voters, there is almost no gender gap, but a big age gap. Voters 18 to 34 years old support same sex marriage 62 - 30 %; voters 35 to 54 years old are divided 48 - 45 % and voters over 55 are opposed 50 - 39 %.
2. Among all adult Catholics, 52 % say the Church is moving in the right direction, while 31 % say it is going in the wrong direction.
3. All Catholics say Church leaders are out of touch with the views of Catholics in America today, 52 - 40 %. Men say out of touch by 54 - 37 %. Women agree by a smaller 49 - 43 % margin.
4. American Catholics say 62 - 30 % that the next pope should allow priests to marry and say 64 - 28 %, including 68 - 24 % among women, that he should relax the church ban on contraception.
5. Under the next pope, Catholics say 81 - 13 %, the Church should do more to combat sexual abuse of young people by priests.
6. By a 51 - 41 % margin, Catholics support POTUS #44 BHO’s position that religious-based institutions, such as hospitals and universities, must arrange for their insurance companies to provide birth control coverage for employees.
7. Among Catholics, 16 % have a very favorable opinion of Pope Benedict XVI, with 58 % favorable, 15 % unfavorable and 3 % very unfavorable.
8. Religion is very important in their life, 57 % of Catholics say, while 33 % say fairly important and 9 % say not very important.