The Same Old Yada-Yada
Bishop J. Terry Steib of Memphis, Tenn., is setting up a ministry for “gay and lesbian” Catholics. Yes, in Tennessee. This could be helpful, but Steib’s outfit won’t be. In his announcement (Origins, June 9), he repeats all the homophile “Catholic” clichés.
He makes no distinction between homosexual “inclinations” and homosexual “acts,” although the Catechism does (#2357-2359). He proclaims all “gay and lesbian” Catholics to be “wonderful, good Catholic people.” How would he know that? Gosh, not even all “straight” Catholics are “wonderful, good Catholic people.”
Steib held meetings with homosexuals and with parents of homosexuals. Of the latter, he says, “These parents of gay and lesbian Catholics are extremely proud of their children.” The Catechism says that those with homosexual inclinations are “objectively disordered” and those who are actively homosexual commit “acts of grave depravity.” What’s to be extremely proud of?
Homosexual acts are mortal sins, and if they’re not repented of, you’re likely to go to Hell for ever and ever. Are parents of homosexuals “extremely proud” that their children may go to Hell?
Of course, Steib speaks of “the unique gift” of homosexuality. But this “gift” is either disordered and/or depraved. It’s possible that God could give a “disordered” gift — in your silent suffering you can give glory to God, and you can always offer it up. But God does not give depraved gifts.
You May Also Enjoy
Among the nations of the Old World only the Vatican raises her lonely voice against the enshrinement of immorality into law and as a result becomes the target of public scorn and ridicule.
Fr. Harvey combines loyalty to traditional Catholic moral teaching with genuine sympathy for the plight of homosexuals.
Your 19-year-old son announces out of the blue that he's homosexual. St. Anthony Messenger to the rescue!