The
heated debates over the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment
and amendments to state constitutions across the country
prohibiting same-sex marriages reflect the emotionally
charged issue of homosexuality in our society. (In March,
the state Senate and Assembly passed a measure to clarify
the institution of marriage in Wisconsin, but before it
can be enacted as a constitutional amendment, the proposal
needs to pass both houses in the Legislature’s next
session and be approved by voters in a statewide referendum.)
So, too, do talk radio shows and editorial pages that
mix words like “sexual aberration” and “threat
to marriage” with “tolerance” and “homophobia.”
As Catholics, we may feel there is a fine line between
recognizing church teaching about homosexuality and treating
all human life with dignity. So, at times, we struggle
with our own feelings about homosexuals — particularly
if they are friends or even family members. Do we show
respect or aversion toward them? Fight for their rights
or protest their sexual expressions? And if we find it
difficult to reconcile these feelings in ourselves, how
do we teach our children what is right?
What does the
church say?
Most Catholics are aware of our faith’s teaching
that homosexual activity is morally wrong, but many may
believe the church condemns homosexuals themselves as
well. The “Catechism of the Catholic Church”
(no. 2358) states “(homosexual acts) are contrary
to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift
of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective
and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can
they be approved.”
Catholic
Herald Parenting is a supplement of the Catholic Herald
published eight times annually, September to May. It is
intended to help parents pass on the Catholic faith to
their children.
