PRIESTS FOR LIFE CANADA
Homosexuality
In a world enticed by worldly pleasures, the push for the acceptance of homosexual behaviour and same-sex marriage seem to have has succeeded internationally. As a result, many advocates of the “Pride” movement have labelled anybody who opposes them as homophobic or haters. Fortunately, this could not be farther from the truth.
Catholic tradition has always taught the people who experience same-sex tendencies are to be loved because they are invaluable children of God. Therefore, any form of undue discrimination against these people is sinful because it foregoes a person’s dignity.
However, the Catholic Church teaches that homosexual behaviour “is intrinsically disordered.” (CCC, 2358) Sexual relationships must always be within the context of marriage, and marriage is ordered to the procreation of children and the union of spouses. Homosexual behaviour cannot accomplish these goals; procreation is impossible outside of a male-female relationship and the union is utilitarian as it uses the other person’s body as a means for pleasure.
All people are called to fully live the life of Christian chastity according to their state of life. Thus, A person with same-sex attractions should reorient these trials to unite in the perfect suffering of Christ’s crucifixion.
CCC
2357 Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.
2358 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.
Homosexuals and Chastity
2359 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.
Conjugal Love
2360 Sexuality is ordered to the conjugal love of man and woman. In marriage the physical intimacy of the spouses becomes a sign and pledge of spiritual communion. Marriage bonds between baptized persons are sanctified by the sacrament.