How can I defend the Church's teaching on homosexuality?
Full Question
How can I explain the Church’s teaching on homosexuality to my friend in a way that won’t make her hate the Church? She thinks it’s an issue of the Church being judgmental and exclusionary and that it is wrong to condemn homosexuals to a life of involuntary celibacy.Answer
Persons who suffer from homosexuality are called to chastity—as are we all. The Church recognizes that homosexuality is a disorder (see CCC 2357) and, while the desires are not in themselves sinful, acting out on them is clearly offensive to God (see Rom 1:26-27, 1 Cor 6:9-10). It is appropriate to judge homosexual acts as wrong. But far from being “exclusionary,” the Church teaches that persons suffering from homosexuality “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” (CCC 2358).Full Question
I am a lesbian but will not go to any other church besides the Catholic Church. I have been discouraged from going because I am living with my girlfriend. Is it possible for me to be a lesbian and receive the sacraments?Answer
There is no reason to be discouraged. The fact that you exist at this very moment is evidence of the Lord’s love for you. He continually expresses that love with every beat of your heart. He also was willing to allow his heart to stop as the result of much suffering on your behalf.It is very possible to have same-sex attraction, be celibate, and live a very fulfilling life. He can make that happen if you want him to. For a firsthand perspective from a person in a situation like yours, see “The Courage to Do What Herod Didn’t Do” (This Rock, March 2009, available at catholic.com).
Catholic Answers