Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat? This reads like something from a Roman Catholic version of the Onion. Yes I am an evangelical, yes I disagree with Roman Catholic teachings on some things, but yes I affirm they have at least been nominal believers, and yes I am personally grieved as a Christian if Francis really said something like this. Now I would not say that it’s impossible for such clergy to get their relationship right with Jesus Christ and be saved, for me to say that would be to sell the gospel short, but they are going to have to jettison their “gayness” in the process... it’s basic bible. And they shouldn’t be ministers until they get this problem under significant Holy Spirit control. Did I wake up in Bizarro World this morning???
Said something like what? The headline?
Read the article and ask the question "What is not mentioned"? How about the definition of the word "judge" for starters?
The media messaging of "not judge" tries to float the idea that there must be some uncertainty, since the Pope chose not to condemn.
Merely a cheap trick, but it made us look, didn't it?
Winfield is --- as is so common --- exploiting the ambiguity between "orientation" and "conduct" by using the word "gay" to cover both.
If Pope Francis were a bit more nimble on his verbal feet, he would have underlined this difference at the outset. He tried to make the same point by specifying someone who "searches for the Lord and has good will" --- which implies cooperation with grace and striving for ultimately perfect victory over sin; but don't expect Associated Press --- or hostile commentators --- to pick up on that.
This #160 (Link) may be of interest.
2358 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 trial. 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.