The Importance Of Same Sex Relationships In The Catholic Church

Many verses in the Bible condemned gays, and the people strictly obeyed the holy texts to avoid sin and uncleanliness. Leviticus 18:22 states, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination," and is one verses of many that Christians use to persecuted and killed gays on the ground of biblical treason (Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition, Lev, 18.22).

Homosexuality is one of the most debated issues among Christians today, regardless of the denomination of their church. Some churches view homosexuality as a sin and have no tolerance for it, while other denominations are more accepting and consider it a non-sin. Even though some denominations have taken a stand on homosexuality, there seems to much discord within the governing bodies of the churches regarding this issue. It has moved from a topic rarely discussed and considered very personal and private, to a mainstream topic of conversation.

Now, when is talk about that there is ignorance in this type of situation, it is necessary to take into account that this ignorance came from the type of action that many usually takes when the they know about this issue in certain individuals who are facing this issue, and sadly the first action taken is to judge them, and discriminating against others. However, what is most unfortunately is when this comes directly from the church, which often does not give them any hope of restoration to their issue of same-sexual attraction.

Although DeBernardo admits that the church still opposes same-sex marriage, he believes the pope's effort to integrate gay people into the church more fully is an important first step in repairing the historically tense relations between the Catholic Church and the gay community.” The quote DeBernardo used is from Pope Francis, one of the most iconic leaders of Catholicism, leads his people to acceptance of the LGBTQ+ for her understands what differences they bring to the churches. Regardless, people are making effort to welcome non cis/heterosexaul people into their lives and churches. Even strict religions are becoming more aware of the fact that humans are being denied basic rights and the ability to live their lives, knowing this they are conforming to support the gay

Homosexuality, as defined in the Macquarie dictionary is, of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex or of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between persons of the same sex. There are countless arguments for and against the social acceptance of gay and lesbian couples and the morals, virtues and church teachings associated with them aren't exactly black and white. Homosexuality is an important issue as not only do numerous people of all ages struggle with finding their sexuality but they also struggle with accepting it and embracing it. Thus it is a relevant issue for everyone in society as the entire population is affected by it.

Homosexuality is a sin to Christians as the Bible clearly states that being gay is wrong and unnatural - a letter from the Corinthians taken from the New Testament: “Because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband” (7:2).

The issue of whether a loving, same-sex Christian marriage can exist under complete Biblical authority has been one fraught with debate and controversy. This disagreement has notably increased in the past century, with the advent of homosexuality being recognized as an exclusive sexual orientation and the recent Supreme Court decision to recognize homosexual unions as marriage. In these times, more than ever, the church needs to have a concrete and truthful stance on this matter.

The topic of homosexuality has been a very hot topic over the past several decades. The term homosexuality can be defined as the “sexual desire or behavior towards a person or persons of one’s own sex” (“Homosexuality”). There are many people who either agree or disagree with the aspect of homosexuality, and there are others who are indifferent. Many Christian churches around the world, especially in the United States, have stated their opinion against homosexuality. They based their beliefs in the verses in 1st Corinthians 6: 9-10, which says, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor

and shameful” (Spina, 2016, p. 38). In earlier times same-sex relationships was also viewed as a threat to family values and was condemned by churches around the world (Spina, 2016).

I should preface this by saying that I grew up in a home with two fathers that were in a committed relationship. In order to mitigate confusion I will refer to my adoptive uncle as “Frank” and his partner as “David.” Frank was a devout Catholic for years, he attended Catholic school and was even studying in the seminary around the time I was born. Despite giving up his dream of becoming a priest to raise me, he still maintained a strong relationship with the church. He took me to Our Lady of the Assumption—a local church with about 2,000 regular attendees—every weekend and enrolled me in catechism classes until I was 17. He loved the church. Thus I became confused when I sat in church and listened to the homilies of the various priests that contorted “gays should never be allowed to marry” and “we pray for those that are mislead into homosexuality and hope they find the light of God.” Even when Pope Francis spoke vaguely about accepting people for who they are, my church remained adamant in their opposition to the “homosexual lifestyle.” It was obvious that LGBTQ people were not highly regarded in my church. For me as a bisexual male with homosexual parents it was especially troubling. I can remember attending my confirmation retreat in which we were segregated by gender for “girl’s night” and “guy’s night.” It seemed harmless enough at first. A simple discussion was had about Catholic values that a young man should posses such as love for God and parents. Though the little discussion soon turned in a polemic against homosexuality as the guest speaker talked about how we should seek out Catholic women of faith and that it is ok to possibly marry someone of another religion but that it would be against God to even consider “becoming” a homosexual. It was visible to me that homosexuality was generally opposed by the Catholic

In the meantime, Pope Francis continues to object to accepting same sex marriage, but tolerates homosexuality by claiming we “should not be discriminated against,” and we should not “judge them” for their actions (McElwee). As the voice of God, I believe the Pope should object to any sin to include: homosexuality, murder, rape, slavery, pedophilic, sexual immorality, or marriage between homosexuals, but he takes a laid back approach. Certainly, I understand his intent to bring a larger group of sinners towards God, and Jesus also took this approach, but spoke against those same sins we face today. Throughout history, many cultures have remained very open, about shameful pleasures of the flesh, and many failed in the bible with these same pleasures.

If God wanted people to be homosexual, he would have created Adam and Steve not Adam and Eve. He would have also made it be possible for the same genders to have

I believe that homosexuals should be accepted by the Catholic Church and allowed to be married. Homosexuals do not choose to be the way they are. One of the main things the church preaches is love and acceptance. As long as the church refuses to acknowledge that homosexuality is something that is not wrong or sinful, people will continue to use it as an excuse for hatred and discrimination. I have chosen this particular topic, because my cousin is a homosexual. I was able to see firsthand that this was not something that he chose to be. Ever since he was a child it was obvious to all of us.

According to a Pew Poll, most religious communities believe same-sex marriage and even homosexuality in general are morally wrong and do not follow their religious beliefs (Waldman, 2003). There is no major religion in the world that has ever altered the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples (Barlow, 2003). In general, it can be said that many religious people have strong views on same-sex marriage, declaring it wrong because of their religious beliefs.

“If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord with good will, who am I to judge?” Pope Francis (Willey, 7). On July 29th, four months after he became pope, Pope Francis shocked the world with that statement. He called out to all Catholics and people to accept the homosexual community with grace and love. No pope before him had ever done that. Even though he has said this, some think that this is not far enough. When a specific denomination or church says that a same-sex couple cannot be married, that church or denomination is slapped with the accusatory terms of bigotry and/or homophobia. These churches become disgraced and tarnished all because of that one policy. To some, the greatest offender of “homophobia” is the Catholic Church. There needs to be more clarity when it comes to the Catholic Church’s position.