Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 295.  Mon  5-04-92 18:48  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Steve Wells
 Subject: homosexuality

SW|Father Mateo,
  |  I am asking this question because I am a Protestant and I am making an
  |attempt to learn more about my Catholic brothers and sisters.
  |  I have been reading the Ethics conference on this catholic BBS and have
  |seen messages that have bothered me. I have read in the Bible where
  |homosexuality is condemned by God and by the Apostle Paul. God says in
  |Leviticus 18:22 that it is an abomination. Paul condemns it in Romans
  |1:26-27 and in 1 Corinthians 6:9 Paul says that these people are
  |unrighteous and will not inherit the kingdom of God.
  |  But yet it appears that many of my Catholic brothers do not believe that
  |homosexuality is a sin or that the Bible condemns it. So my question to
  |you is this...What stance does the Church take on homosexuality. Does the
  |Church teach that "gay is OK" or does the church follow the Bible on this.
  |I have admired the strength of the Church in defending the rights of the
  |unborn and find it unthinkable that the Church would not speak out against
  |homosexuality as a sin and an abomination. Could you please clear this up
  |for a Christian brother, Thanks....and God bless.
  |       Steve Wells



Dear Steve,

As a Protestant, you ask, "Does the Church follow the Bible" on the
issue of homosexuality?  As Catholics, we affirm that the Bible
follows the Church.  We were a going concern for a generation after
the first Pentecost (Acts 2) before the first New Testament book was
written in 51 A.D. (1st Thessalonians).  But whoever asks the
question, the answer in this matter is the same: homosexual acts are
seriously wrong and gravely sinful.  Any use of sexuality outside of
heterosexual, monogamous marriage is contrary to God's will and the
Church's teaching.  The Bible, of course, confirms this.

It is necessary to distinguish clearly between disordered inclination
(here sometimes called "homosexual orientation") and sinful will and
behavior.  Mere orientation is not sin.  If one is inclined to steal,
is surrounded by tempting opportunities to steal, and yet does not steal,
he does not sin.  By prayer and God's grace, he overcomes self, grows
in virtue, and follows Christ more closely. In his weakness, he draws
strength from Christ.

Thank you for your question, Steve, and for your concern.

                                        Sincerely in Christ,


                                                Father Mateo