Misunderstanding in need of clarification

With 325 votes in favour, 124 against and 150 abstentions, the European Parliament approved on 26 April the Resolution on homophobia in Europe, presented by Socialists, Liberal-Democrats, Greens and the European Left. Noting that “homophobia and racist and homophobic violence are increasing in Europe”, the Resolution appeals to the 27 member states “to recognize same-sex couples and press for a world-wide de-penalization of homosexuality. It asks member countries to publicly condemn and take specific measures against the statements made by political leaders inciting discrimination and hatred on the basis of sexual orientation”. The document also condemns “the discriminatory comments made by political and religious leaders on homosexuals … even if later retracted, and ask the leaderships of the organizations involved to condemn them”. Lastly, the Resolution proposes that 17 May be declared “World Day on Homophobia”. On the question we publish below a note by Marco Doldi, head of the Faculty of Theology in Genoa. THE CHURCH DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE. A campaign aimed at promoting the acceptance of the homosexual person is worthy of approbation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that “homosexuals… must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided”. The homosexual has all the dignity due to him as a human person. The Catholic Church does not insult, attack, or incite to discrimination anyone; on the contrary, it defends, respects and promotes the dignity of each and every person, including homosexuals. However there is a misunderstanding that needs to be clarified. The Resolution of the European Parliament condemns “the discriminatory comments made by political and religious leaders about homosexuals, in that they foment hatred and violence, even if later retracted, and asks the leaderships of the organizations involved to condemn them”. What is meant by “discriminatory comments”: defamatory remarks? Attitudes of condemnation? Acts of persecution? All this is to be rejected; at the same time, vulgar manifestations that glorify the homosexual condition and end up offending public decency are to be avoided. If persons are not to be discriminated against, it is clear that the evaluation of homosexual acts cannot be prohibited; that would be tantamount to asking people not to think and to impose on them what others consider the norm. HUMAN NATURE. John Paul II taught that sexuality belongs to the original design of the Creator, and that the Church cannot but have a great esteem for it. At the same time she cannot but ask each to respect human sexuality in its essential nature. Respecting this structure and this indivisible connection is not “biologism” or “moralism”: it is attention to the truth of the human person. It is by virtue of this truth, perceivable also in the light of reason, that the practice of homosexuality is morally unacceptable. For it is a form of conduct that misrepresents the profound significance of sexuality, preventing it from placing itself at the service of the person, communion and life. Once this is made clear, the Christian community is called not only not to condemn homosexuals, but also to actively devote itself to them: not out of compassion or Christian charity, but to help them to live their life in a true and fulfilling way. The Church invites the promotion of a genuine pastoral ministry of homosexual persons. VATICAN DOCUMENT . In 1982 the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith published a document on the question (Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons) to urge a genuine pastoral programme, to be conducted under the bishop’s guidance and by trained and competent personnel, of whom not only fidelity to the Church’s teaching, but also a high level of spiritual and psychological maturity is required. “Homosexual persons are called, like other Christians, to live in chastity”, says the document. And with realism the Congregation concludes: “Even if any invitation to bear the cross or intend the Christian’s suffering in this way will predictably be derided by someone, it ought to be recalled that this is the way of salvation for all those who are followers of Christ”. A lot of furore surrounds the question of homosexuality today: some pronouncements end up by marginalizing them even more and are a cause of suffering for those who strive with dignity and discretion to live their life according to God’s design. Few know that these people belong to the Church: they feel her to be Mistress and Mother, also thanks to the silent work of many priests and spiritual directors.