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A homosexual orientation is not a sin, but it is a source of grave, persistent, temptation and --- even when the temptation is faithfully resisted --- can be the source of chronic inner turmoil. A man with this kind of problem ought not to be placed in "near occasions of sin" --- in close association with persons, places, or things likely to lead him into violating God's commandments.

I do think it might be good for men who bear this particular cross to seek the friendship of godly women. I don't know whether it's true or not that St. Charles de Foucauld had a difficulty in this area, but I know he chose to be a kind of groundkeeper/handyman for a convent of nuns for a couple of years, before he decided to be a hermit.

I agree with much of what you said, but I also think the homosexual desire is a sin. That's that whole heart thing, where desiring sin is sin.

I am not saying that temptation is a sin, but I would argue that homosexual "orientation" in the context it is frequently used -- this one definitely applies -- is well beyond just temptation. Once you actually identify yourself as being so "oriented" then you have validated normality and lessoned the seriousness of the sin.

Let's choose another example. Is it a sin to be an alcoholic? That's a complicated question. Sin accomplished the state of alcoholism, but at the point a person is an alcoholic, they have lost control of their choices in many ways. But their sin got them there, so you can't entirely separate the two. Certainly it disqualifies a person to be Shepherd of a Church.

I just think anyone who is so sexually disordered that they term themselves as being homosexually oriented is not fit to be a Church leader. Let them repent and turn to God, and thereby have fellowship as a member of the church. But they are unqualified for leadership. Scripture is quite specific about qualifications for leadership.

For a priest who has taken a vow of celibacy to be tempted with sexual desire for a woman (before it hits a lust level) is at least a desire for something normal and not sinful in and of itself. But that's not the case with homosexuality. There is no context in which homosexuality is not sinful. So the desire is a desire for something which is at all times sinful.