The Quotable Queer

There is some glimmer of hope within this most recent discourse on homosexuality by the Catholic Church. There is far more concern though.

“These people must be received with respect and delicacy; one will avoid every mark of unjust discrimination with respect to them.� The Catholic Church appears to be standing against discrimination of homosexuals here. However, the wording could be particularly telling, barring any translation issues. The word “unjust� is of most concern as what is just and right for one is unjust to another. At least there is some progress here with the Church stating discrimination should not take place.

It seems unfathomable the separation of sexual acts with regards to the priesthood within this “Instruction” from the Vatican, stating that “such tendencies must be overcome at least three years before ordination to the diaconate.” This statement by the Catholic Church absolutely separates homosexual acts from that of other sexual acts. It declares that homosexual acts cannot take place during the three years prior to priesthood. It does not state, however, that the same can be said about heterosexual acts.

This just doesn’t make sense. A sexual act is a sexual act, regardless of who or what is involved. All sexual acts should be barred from the priesthood the three years prior to ordination if that is what the Vatican really desires in the diaconate. To separate one or more sexual acts from others seems silly at best. Those desiring to be and already in the priesthood are today misleading both the Church and the public. It seems that making some three year benchmark for no homosexual acts will not change the reality of the situation.

Considering Pope Benedict XVI’s previous statements and positions on homosexuality as Cardinal Ratzinger, the “Olive Branch” regarding discrimination of homosexuals seems a positive move. However, it is no positive sign to see the Church make such foolhardy statements as it does in this “Instruction” regarding the priesthood and homosexuality.

Are they really serious? Of course they are.

And you can Quote me on that. The Quotable Queer

Homosexuality and ordained ministry

Regarding acts, it teaches that, in Sacred Scripture, these are presented as grave sins. Tradition has constantly considered them to be intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law. These, consequently, may not be approved in any case.

Concerning profoundly deep-rooted homosexual tendencies, that one discovers in a certain number of men and women, these are also objectively disordered and often constitute a trial, even for these men and women. These people must be received with respect and delicacy; one will avoid every mark of unjust discrimination with respect to them. These are called to realize the will of God in their lives and to unite to the Sacrifice of the Lord the difficulties that they may encounter.

In light of this teaching, this department, in agreement with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, holds it necessary clearly to affirm that the Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, may not admit to the seminary and Holy Orders those who practice homosexuality, show profoundly deep-rooted homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called gay culture.

The above persons find themselves, in fact, in a situation that gravely obstructs a right way of relating with men and women. The negative consequences that may derive from the Ordination of persons with profoundly deep-rooted homosexual tendencies are by no means to by ignored.

If, however, one is dealing with homosexual tendencies that may be simply the expression of a transitory problem, such as for example an adolescence not yet complete, such tendencies must be overcome at least three years before ordination to the diaconate.
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If a candidate practices homosexuality or present profoundly deep-rooted homosexual tendencies, his spiritual director, like his confessor, must dissuade him, in conscience, from proceeding towards Ordination.

It remains understood that the candidate himself has the first responsibility for his own formation. He must offer himself with faith to the discernment of the Church, the bishop who calls to Orders, the rector of the seminary, the spiritual director, and the other teachers of the seminary to whom the bishop or the superior general has entrusted the duty of forming future priests. It would be gravely dishonest if a candidate were to hide his own homosexuality to enter, notwithstanding everything, to Ordination. An attitude so inauthentic does not correspond to the spirit of truth, allegiance, and availability that must characterize the personality of he who believes to be called to serve Christ and His Church in the priestly ministry.
–Catholic World News, November 27th, 2005; Excerpts from “Instruction”

With the re-emergence of an updated Human Rights Ordinance for Marion County and the City of Indianapolis, I thought it a poignant time to focus back on my initial comments after the defeat of these changes. I stand behind these words now as I did then.

It seems ridiculous to me that this issue still has not been resolved effectively by the City-County Council. Let us all hope that the forces of hatred and bigotry do not overwhelm the councilors once again.

And you can Quote me on that. The Quotable Queer

It seems pretty clear to me that the current traffic control systems, i.e. traffic lights, are in grave need of a modernatization that maximizes gas mileage for all drivers on the roads.

How many times have you found yourself sitting at a red stop light when no traffic is going through the green light? How many times did traffic arrive just when their light turns red and yours turns green?

It seems that all that sitting at stop lights when there is absolutely no necessity to do so is a big drain on gas mileage. Think of all the vehicles in your city, your state and in the country and the world that sit at red lights for no need.

The government needs to step up to its responsibility to decrease our dependency on oil and update and modernize our traffic control systems. Better traffic flow patterns will increase our overall gas mileage which will decrease our need for fuel. It’s better for the consumer, it’s better for the state and it’s better for the environment.

And you can Quote me on that. The Quotable Queer