The pope and gay priests
In the news: Pope Francis 'worried' about homosexuality in the priesthood
Pope Francis has said that homosexuality in the clergy is a "serious matter" that "worries" him. The comments were made in an interview about religious vocations, given to a Spanish missionary priest as part of an upcoming book. The pontiff described homosexuality as "fashionable", and urged clergy to observe their vow of celibacy .... "For this reason, the Church urges that persons with this rooted tendency not be accepted into ministry or consecrated life." ......
Pope Francis seems to believe that gay priests are more likely than straight priests to be sexually active, and he also seems to believe that sexual orientation is just a fashionable choice. For some people, the pope saying this is surprising, given his past comment about gay priests - "Who am I to judge?" But if you've been paying attention to the negative things the pope has been saying about marriage for LGBT people and about gender theory, this latest opinion of his, while depressing, would not be a shocker.
There is a high percentage of gay Catholic clerics - perhaps one third to one half of the priesthood. And it has been estimated that about 50% of priests, both straight and gay, are sexually active despite their vow of celibacy. The problem is not homosexuality, the problem is mandatory celibacy. I think that as long as the church refuses to ditch that doctrine, one chosen for primarily economic reasons, the institution will continue to be dogged by hypocrisy, secrecy, lies, and stuff like child sex abuse and priests living double lives.
Here's a pretty good article on the pope's comments from America Magazine ... Understanding Pope Francis’ controversial remarks on homosexuality in the priesthood
Pope Francis has said that homosexuality in the clergy is a "serious matter" that "worries" him. The comments were made in an interview about religious vocations, given to a Spanish missionary priest as part of an upcoming book. The pontiff described homosexuality as "fashionable", and urged clergy to observe their vow of celibacy .... "For this reason, the Church urges that persons with this rooted tendency not be accepted into ministry or consecrated life." ......
Pope Francis seems to believe that gay priests are more likely than straight priests to be sexually active, and he also seems to believe that sexual orientation is just a fashionable choice. For some people, the pope saying this is surprising, given his past comment about gay priests - "Who am I to judge?" But if you've been paying attention to the negative things the pope has been saying about marriage for LGBT people and about gender theory, this latest opinion of his, while depressing, would not be a shocker.
There is a high percentage of gay Catholic clerics - perhaps one third to one half of the priesthood. And it has been estimated that about 50% of priests, both straight and gay, are sexually active despite their vow of celibacy. The problem is not homosexuality, the problem is mandatory celibacy. I think that as long as the church refuses to ditch that doctrine, one chosen for primarily economic reasons, the institution will continue to be dogged by hypocrisy, secrecy, lies, and stuff like child sex abuse and priests living double lives.
Here's a pretty good article on the pope's comments from America Magazine ... Understanding Pope Francis’ controversial remarks on homosexuality in the priesthood
posted by crystal | 10:27 PM
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