Vatican is to ban all gay men from joining the clergy

Posted by Bible Probe on September 23, 2005 at 18:34:03:

Even after the US priest-molestation scandal, which was perpetrated on young innocent people by mainly homosexual priests ---the Vatican only now wants to ban them? What's wrong with seeking them out in the present clergy in all Christian denominations and giving them all the boot--before any more young lives are hurt? I'd consider giving them the choice. Castration or the boot! Jesus said; "and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake". So if the impulse is too strong get psychiatric help, or--kindly do it! Steve

The Vatican is to ban all gay men from joining the clergy even if they accept a vow of celibacy, reports say.

The late Pope John Paul II ordered a review of the Catholic church's policy on homosexuality after US priests were involved in child sex abuse.

A formal announcement is expected in the coming months, but Vatican sources have confirmed US newspaper leaks.

The Vatican has regularly made clear its opposition to gay priests, calling homosexuals "intrinsically disordered".

The Papal "instruction" is expected to deal with concerns in Rome about the extent of a latent homosexual sub-culture at Catholic seminaries.

Practicing homosexuals are barred from the priesthood, but celibate gay men are commonly ordained, although many keep their sexual orientation secret.

Some estimate that more than 25% of US Catholic priests are non-practicing homosexuals.

Cultural shift

An inspection of the 229 Catholic seminaries in the US is due to begin this month.

The review, known as an Apostolic Visitation, will examine whether there is "evidence of homosexuality" within the seminary.

They can't believe that after centuries of explicit or implicit welcoming of celibate gay clergy that the church would turn its back on them

US Catholic priest
Speaking to the New York Times, an anonymous Vatican official said the new ruling would address the issue of temptation among those attending seminaries.

"The difference is in the special atmosphere of the seminary. In the seminary you are surrounded by males, not females."

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says that Pope Benedict is mindful of the splits which have been occurring in the Anglican church over the appointment of gay priests and bishops, and wants to clean up the Catholic church's image.

Observers say the Pope's willingness to tackle the issue just months after succeeding John Paul II demonstrates his commitment to a conservative, traditionalist Catholicism.

Alienation

But some Catholic leaders say there is no proof of any direct connection between the presence of gay clergy in the church's ranks and child abuse scandals.

Instead many priests appear to feel threatened by the Vatican's decision.

"I've heard straight priests say... they're embarrassed by it," one anonymous gay US priest told the Associated Press.

"I've heard priests both gay and straight seriously consider leaving.

"They couldn't believe that after centuries of either explicit or implicit welcoming of celibate gay clergy that church would turn its back on them."

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