Homosexuality and Roman Catholicism - Compassion For Those With Homosexual Attractions

Compassion For Those With Homosexual Attractions

The Church has stated that homosexual desires or attractions are not themselves sinful. They are said to be disordered in the sense that they tempt one to do something that is sinful (viz. the homosexual act), but temptations beyond one's control are not considered sinful in and of themselves. For this reason, while the Church does oppose attempts to legitimize same-gender sexual acts, it also urges respect and love for those who do experience same-sex attractions; thus the Catholic Church is also opposed to persecutions and violence against persons with same-sex attractions, and the 1997 edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that:

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They 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.

The first edition, promulgated by John Paul II in 1992 with the apostolic constitution Fidei Depositum, contained the line "They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial" instead of "This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial".

The church has also issued a statement that "urges States to do away with criminal penalties against ," calling it "grave violations of human rights." It opposes all forms of violence against homosexual people and believes it should be confronted at all levels, but especially at the state level.

For those who do experience same-sex attractions and identify themselves with a homosexual orientation, the Catholic Church offers the following counsel:

Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection.