PRISM

To Live in Christ Jesus

National Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1976

 

"Homosexuals, like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights. They have a right to respect, friendship and justice. They should have an active role in the Christian community."

 

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The Prejudice Against Homosexuals and the Ministry of the Church 

Washington State Catholic Conference, 1983

 

"Church teaching does not morally condemn homosexual orientation [...] the prejudice against homosexuals is a greater infringement of the norm of Christian morality than is homosexual orientation or activity."

 

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Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons 

Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, 1986

 

"It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the objects of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church's pastors wherever it occurs.” 

 

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The Many Faces of AIDS: A Gospel Response 

United States Catholic Conference, 1987

 

"Those who are gay or lesbian...should not be objects of discrimination, injustice or violence. All of God's sons and daughters, all members of our society, are entitled to the recognition of their full human dignity."

 

 

Catechism of the Catholic Church

1994

 

     "(Homosexual persons) must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every

      sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided [...] Homosexual persons are called to chastity [...] Chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being.”

 

 

Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers

NCCB Bishops’ Committee on Marriage and Family, 1998

 

     "God loves every person as a unique individual. Sexual identity helps to define the unique persons we are. One component of our sexual identity is sexual orientation...All homosexual persons have a right to be welcomed into the community, to hear the word of God, and to receive pastoral care."

 

 

Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2006

 

     "“It is important that Church ministers listen to the experiences, needs and hopes of the persons with a homosexual inclination to whom and with whom they minister. Dialogue provides an exchange of information, and also communicates a respect for the innate dignity of other persons and a respect for their consciences.”

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