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HUMAN RELATIONS
"Man cannot live without love. He remains a being t h a t is incomprehensible for himself; h i s life i s s e n s e l e s s If. love is not revealed t o him, if he d o e s not encounter love, if he d o e s not experience i t and make i t h i s own, If he d o e s not participate Intimately i n i t " , (Pope John Paul I1 : Redemptor Homlnis) Human love I s supportive, enriching and healing; i t produces harmony, unity and fulfilment. The very revealing of true love t o another person i s a purifying and whole some experience.
A life without love i s incomplete and disappointing. This deprivation, e s p e c i a l l y i f i t s t e m s from childhood, i s the origin of s o c i a l m i s f i t s , either withdrawn and introspective or aggressive and disruptive.

Our human loving i s a l l part of longing for God a n d , in our human loving we are seeking out a point of contact between e a r t h and h e a v e n , between m a t e d and the Creator, between the many who are trying to love and the One who i s t o t a l love. This search for a meeting point between the human and the divine i s really a d e e p d e s i r e t o lift the loved one u p t o the source of love, God. O r , looking a t the loving relationship from a more human viewpoint, i t i s a longlng for the completely loving God t o e n t e r and uplift humanity and t t u s point of intersection of divine and human is the Incarnation and the sharing of the Incarnation with every person. I t i s only when the pastor h a s presented t h i s t o t a l meaning of interpersonal relationships t h a t those seeking his guidance c a n understand the s p e c i a l forms which t h e s e relationships c a n take and appreciate their appropriate expression. The s p e c i a l relationship between a woman and a man which we c a l l marriaqe is a n intensification of t h a t general affection we n u s t have for a l l who e n j o y G o d ' s love and are made in His image. I d e a l l y , the husband and wife focus their love more and more intensely on one another until there is t h a t uninhibited giving of e a c h other in the s e x u a l union. This i s more than a coming together of bodies. I t i s the union of minds and the complete trust of those who are prepared t o surrender everything t o one another. It i s the culmination of a loving relationship a n d , a t the same time the growth point from which the man and woman move on t o the d e e p e r sharing of love w h i c h , like a l l l o v e . h a s i t s origins in God. So t h i s God-designed a c t i s total and creative. I t i s e x c l u s i v e , not in the negative s e n s e of s e t t i n g a s i d e a l l love for other people, but it i s e x c l u s i v e in that such a n intense and unique a gift of oneself could only be shared with one other person. This form of love e x p r e s s e d in t h i s unique way must be t o t a l and irrevocable i f i t i s t o be true t o a l l i t claims to express. Friendship like marriage i s part of the overflow of G o d ' s love into h i s zreation. The love between f r i e n d s , like the love between wife and husband or between parents and children, finds i t s source in God a n d , i d e a l l y , should be seeking to uplift people t o experience and appreciate the divine Iove which e n l i v e n s a l l love. F r i e n d s b p implies a c l o s e n e s s ; a coming together of similar t a s t e s and outlook, a mutual attraction of spirit. Much h a s been written about the nobility of friendship and examples c a n be quoted from a l l history, including the l i v e s of the s a i n t s . Friendship between persons of the same s e x or different s e x e s i s part of the normal inter-psrsonal re iations h i p within the human r a c e . Within t h i s we c a n Identify the homosexual person and it is important for the pastor t o be s e n s i t i v e t o any s p e c i a l features which may be c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of the homosexual.

It is within t h i s setting t h a t the pastor must encourage those who s e e k h i s guidance. But the pastor must unfold a further dimension which is not a t first apparent. The love between people i s very s p e c i a l , but i t s origins and i t s worth are t o be found in God. God is the ultimate source of genuine love and when people experience love a t the human l e v e l they are absorbing something of the divine love. In turn, a true love between people, originating a s It d o e s from God, will lead those loving people back t o God. All human love i s a reflection of the love In God which i s the life of the Trinity. It i s t h i s divine dimension which not only ennobles human love but a l s o r e v e a l s something of G o d ' s love for u s .

Each person I s made in "the image and l i k e n e s s of God". The more we know and understand another person the more we should be able t o recognise something of God i n t h a t other person. True personal relations h i p s should develop t h i s " s e e i n g " of God i n one another, and loving relationships within marriage or family or friendship should reveal t h i s diving Imprint more e x p l i c i t l y than c a s u a l acquaintance. Even within friendships or family there c a n be a differing degree of t h i s revelation b e c a u s e human beings are different and they d o not respond in exactly the same way to e v e r y other person.

A l l this means that attraction between people within the accepted s e t t i n g s of marriage, family and friendship i s only p o s s i b l e , Initially, b e c a u s e of God's love for u s and b e c a u s e we are made for God. Love between human beings IS a l l part of being gathered up into t h i s divine love and the s e a r c h for union with another person i s e s s e n t i a l l y a s e a r c h for that t o t a l union with God t o which every person 1s invited. All human loving i s a seeking after the O n e who i s most lovable.

be h o m o s e x u a l m e a n s t h a t people of the same s e x a r e more a t t r a c t i v e ?.an t h o s e of the o p p o s i t e s e x and t h i s is a c o n d i t i o n o r d i s p o s i t i o n t o be found i n both women and men. To limit t h i s a t t r a c t i o n t o p h y s i c a l and a v s n just s e x u a l a t t r a c t i o n i s a m i s l e a d i n g g e n e r a l i s a t i o n and t h e term .-lomophilia" i s s o m e t i m e s preferred t o "homosexuality" b e c a u s e c l o s e f r i e n d s h i p s b e t w e e n people of t h e same sex may be c o m p l e t e l y f r e e of s r o t i c o r s e x u a l behaviour.
:3

.L Important d i s t i n c t i o n m u s t be made b e t w e e n t h e "pervert" a n d t h e "invert". This terminology is d i s t a s t e f u l t o some h o m o s e x u a l people b u t i t d o e s d i s t i n g u i s h b e t w e e n t h e p e r s o n w h o is predominantly h e t e r o s e x u a l 2u: I n d u l g e s i n h o m o s e x u a l a c t i v i t y (pervert) and t h e one who I s predom: a n t l y h o m o s e x u a l (invert).

h o m o s e x u a l. Unfortunately , t h e m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g frequently c o m e s from " r e l i g i o u s " people and o s t r a c i s m of and d i s c r i m i n a t i o n a g a i n s t t h e h o m o s e x u a l c a n frequently .result i n many p e o p l e w h o a r e p r a c t i s i n g C h r i s t i a n s being unwilling t o a d m i t t h a t t h e y a r e h o m o s e x u a l . Some attack: through r i d i c u l e and d e n u n c i a t i o n . O t h e r s withdraw from the company of h o m o s e x u a l s . N e i t h e r a p p r o a c h is helpful. A s i l e n t r e j e c t i o n , a s though t h e s u b j e c t is n o t t o be d i s c u s s e d and not v e r y " n i c e " is e q u a l l y unhelpful. S o c i e t y may be m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g and e v e n prejudging a large s e c t i o n of the community. The following p o i n t s may clarify some of the misunderstanding:(a)

--:ornosexuality i n t h e f e m a l e ( l e s b i a n i s m ) a p p e a r s t o differ from homosexa l l t y i n t h e male i n t h a t l e s b i a n s a r e l e s s i n c l i n e d t o indulge i n c a s u a l , - . p e r s o n a l h o m o s e x u a l a c t i v i t y . I t s e e m s t h a t more l e s b i a n s marry t h a n 2 male h o m o s e x u a l s and s o t h e l e s b i a n c a n become more i n v o l v e d i n r n a l family Life. Popular o p i n i o n and some r e s e a r c h s u g g e s t s t h a t .-.are a r e more male h o m o s e x u a l s t h a n l e s b i a n s .
1 is d i f f i c u l t if not i m p o s s i b l e t o d e t e r m i n e t h e number of h o m o s e x u a l s i n :

I t is untrue to s a y t h a t e v e r y h o m o s e x u a l is a t t r a c t e d t o c h i l d r e n and a d o l e s c e n t s a n d w i s h e s t o h a v e p h y s l c a l c o n t a c t w i t h them. There a r e , of c o u r s e , h e t e r o s e x u a l s with t h e s a m e i n c l i n a t i o n s . In f a c t . i t would s e e m t h a t proportionately t o t h e i r numbers in t h e p o p u l a t i o n , t h e h e t e r o s e x u a l s a r e more prone t o c h i l d mole s t a t i o n t h a n homosexua 1s.

(b) I t is i n a c c u r a t e t o claim t h a t a l l male h o m o s e x u a l s a r e e a s i l y identifiable a s effeminate or a l l female homosexuals a s masculine.


(c) It is misleading t o say t h a t homosexuals automatically recognise e a c h o t h e r a n d form q u a s i secret s o c i e t i e s . I t I s untrue t h a t h o m o s e x u a l p e r s o n s a r e a u t o m a t i c a l l y u n s t a b l e o r promiscuous. They a r e , i n f a c t , q u i t e c a p a b l e of forming good relationships which are lasting. It is a generai-isation t o c l a i m t h a t h o m o s e x u a l people s i m p l y require will-power t o c o r r e c t t h e i r c o n d i t i o n . There is n o e a s y method of t r a n s i t i o n from t h e s t a t e of h o m o s e x u a l i t y t o t h a t of h e t e r o s e x u a l l t y ; a s y e t no c o n s i s t e n t and r e l i a b l e method of t r a n s f e r e n c e I s known. The i n v e r t h o m o s e x u a l m u s t not t h e r e fore be t o o r e a d i l y blamed if h e o r s h e is h e s i t a n t a b o u t a n y attempt to adjust.

: g e n e r a l community. R e a s o n a b l e e s t i m a t e s s u g g e s t t h a t b e t w e e n 4 a n d
I n t e r m s of 5 5 of t h e t o t a l population a r e e x c l u s i v e l y h o m o s e x u a l . a b s o l u t e n u m b e r s t h i s c a n n o t be d i s m i s s e d a s t r i v i a l . Many more p a s s rough a h o m o s e x u a l p h a s e In t h e i r l i v e s a n d while s u c h s t a t i s t i c s are :o be t r e a t e d with r e s e r v e , t h e y d o I n d i c a t e a s i z e a b l e proportion of t h e .~3i-;lation.
-.

(d)

(e)

.-.e '.Volfsnden Report I s s u e d i n 1 9 5 7 c o n c l u d e d t h a t homosexuality i s n o t ,

. s o i t e of t h e wide 1 he Id belief t o t h e c o n t r a r y , peculiar t o members of :

-a-

2.-Jcular orofe s s i o n s o r s o c i a l c l a s s e s . The W o l f e n d e n Report c l a i m s : t h e e v i d e n c e p r e s e n t e d t o i t showed t h a t homosexuality e x i s t e d i n I t may be that w h i l e c e r t a i n 2 - c a l l i n g s a n d a t a l l l e v e l s of s o c i e t y . - i a l c l a s s e S o r p r o f e s s i o n s d o not produce a n u n u s u a l proportion of z o s e x u a l p e r s o n s , i t i s r e a s o n a b l e t o c o n c l u d e t h a t some s o c i a l > s s e S and p r o f e s s i o n s are -.ore prepared t h a n o t h e r g r o u p s t o a c c e p t

-,.-

(f)

---> .... .. .- . .
. --

a-iis countr:-' in 1 8 6 1 tke d e a t h penalty w a s removed a s a punishment ..' a c o n v i c t e d ~ O C O S ~ X and ~ i ~ 1967 Imprisonment w a s removed a s I U n p o s s i b l e .wnlshrp.er.t for h o m o s e x u a l a c t i v i t y b e t w e e n c o n s e n t i n g a d u l t s . ,* .-.::ough the l a w h a s b e e n modified there r e m a i n s within our community s c z e misunderstanaincj and h o s t i l i t y , s o m e t i m e s h i d d e n , t o w a r d s t h e z o s e x u a l . a h o s t i h t y w h i c h i s f r e q u e n t l y t h e r e s u l t of grouping to- -. -e- r a l l n o m o s e x u a l s a s though they a r e s t e r e o t y p e d . <:::3l d i s a p p r o v a l a7.d r e j e c t i o n of t h e h o m o s e x u a l person simply ; : 3 u s e he o r s h e 5 2 s t h e s e t e n d e n c i e s I s a d i s t r e s s i n g problem for the

H o m o s e x u a l i t y i s o f t e n thought t o be anti-family - a t h r e a t t o t h e i n s t i t u t i o n of t h e family i t s e l f . Some organisations d o , i n f a c t , t h r e a t e n family l i f e i n t h e form i n w h i c h we u n d e r s t a n d i t t o d a y , but o t h e r homosexual o r g a n i s a t i o n s e x p r e s s l y aim t o promote t r a d i t i o n a l , a c c e p t e d s t a n d a r d s . There is a d a n g e r of our identifying a l l h o m o s e x u a l s with r a d i c a l and p r o g r e s s i v e p r e s s u r e grou-ps. I t I s i n c o r r e c t t o claim t h a t h o m o s e x u a l s h a v e a high i n c i d e n c e of m e n t a l d i s o r d e r . T h i s is simply n o t borne o u t b y r e s e a r c h .

(g) (h1

I t is i n a c c u r a t e to a s s e r t t h a t h o m o s e x u a l p e r s o n s a r e limited t o c e r t a i n s o c i a l c l a s s p s o r p r o f e s s i o n s . The e v i d e n c e of t h e W o l f e n d e n Report quoted a b o v e s u g g e s t s o t h e r w i s e .

The Causes of Homosexuality :


The pastor m u s t a p p r e c i a t e t h e complexity of the d e b a t e o n the c a u s e s of h o m o s e x u a l i t y . There a r e many c a u s e s and i t i s u s u a l l y i m p o s s i b l e t o i s o l a t e a n y s i n g l e o n e . Some people are u n a b l e t o e x p r e s s t h e m s e l v e s a d e q u a t e l y w h e n d i s c u s s i n g t h i s t o p i c and t h i s h e s i t a n c y I s a n a d d e d d i f f i c u l t y i n t h e s e a r c h for c a u s e s . Biological e x p l a n a t i o n s d o not a p p e a r to command a g e n e r a l a g r e e m e n t a l t h o u g h there a r e many b i o l o g i c a l t h e o r i e s . Heredity a s a c a u s e h a s n e v e r b e e n proved c o n v i n c i n g l y . At b e s t i t is only a p a r t i a l e x p l a n a t i o n of t h e h o m o s e x u a l c o n d i t i o n . I n g e n e r a l t e r m s the a c c e p t e d p o s s i b i l i t i e s a r e s o c i o - p s y c h o l o g i c a l c a u s e s . Environment. upbringing a n d e m o t i o n a l r e l a t i o n s h i p s w i t h i n t h e family, a n over-dominant o r p o s s e s s i v e mother and a w e a k o r a b s e n t f a t h e r - a l l t h e s e a n d s i m i l a r f a c t o r s are a c c e p t e d a s p o s s i b l e e x p l a n a t i o n s , but t h e r e is n o a g r e e d opinion. Seduction, especially a t a n early a g e , h a s been suggested a s a possible c a u s e . As f a r a s c a n be a s c e r t a i n e d s e d u c t i o n d o e s not a l t e r a s e x u a l pattern but i t may e n c o u r a g e and e x a g g e r a t e a n a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g s e x u a l t e n d e n c y . M o s t young people a p p e a r t o p a s s through a p h a s e w h e n the h o m o s e x u a l t e n d e n c y is dominant; but the e m o t i o n a l growth c a n be h a l t e d a t this stage. The pastor m u s t be a w a r e of t h e s e u n c e r t a i n t i e s a s s o c i a t e d with t h e s t a t e of h o m o s e x u a l i t y . The u n c e r t a i n t y a b o u t the c a u s e s l e a d s t o u n c e r t a i n t y a b o u t how t o r e - a d j u s t t h e s e x u a l t e n d e n c i e s . T h i s in turn l e a d s t o a f r u s t r a t i o n and a n x i e t y within t h e person w h o i s h o m o s e x u a l and c a n add t o h i s or her e m o t i o n a l d i s t r e s s . The p a s t o r m u s t a l s o b e aware of the v a r i e t y of m e d i c a l o p t i o n s , including h y p n o s i s , a v e r s i o n therapy and d r u g s , but i t is not for the p a s t o r or for t h i s d o c u m e n t to p a s s m e d i c a l juagement o n t h e s e m a t t e r s .

of e n c o u r a g i n g a w a y of life w h i c h l e a d s t o u u e fulfilment. Homosexuality (or homophilia) a s s u c h is n e i t h e r morally good nor bad. H o m o s e x u a l i t y , like h e t e r o s e x u a l i t y , is a s t a t e o r c o n d i t i o n . I t is morally n e u t r a l and t h e Invert h o m o s e x u a l , l i k e t h e h e t e r o s e x u a l , c a n n o t be held r e s p o n s i b l e for h i s t e n d e n c i e s . There c a n be n o moral opprobrium a t t a c h e d t o homophile f r i e n d s h i p s a s s u c h . As h a s b e e n s t r e s s e d , f r i e n d s h i p i n i t s e l f i s g o o d . A f r i e n d s h i p c a n only be judged immoral if It w e r e the o c c a s i o n o f i m m o r a l a c t s . H a v i n g m a d e t h i s d i s t i n c t i o n c l e a r It is Important t h a t t h e moral t e a c h i n g c o n c e r n i n g h o m o s e x u a l a c t s be c l a r i f i e d e v e n i n a d o c u m e n t e m p h a s i s i n g p a s t o r a l care. The t r a d i t i o n a l t e a c h i n g of t h e C h u r c h o n t h e morality of h o m o s e x u a l a c t s i s r e p e a t e d in the 1975 D e c l a r a t i o n o n ' C e r t a i n Q u e s t i o n s c o n c e r n i n g S e x u a l E t h i c s ' , This w a s i s s u e d by t h e Sacred C o n g r e g a t i o n for the Doctrine of t h e Faith. There i t s a i d : "According t o t h e o b j e c t i v e moral o r d e r , h o m o s e x u a l r e l a t i o n s a r e a c t s w h i c h l a c k a n e s s e n t i a l and i n d i s p e n s a b l e f i n a l i t y . " W i t h regard t o homosexual a c t s , s c r i p t u r e and t h e on-going t r a d i t i o n of C h r i s t i a n i t y make i t q u i t e c l e a r t h a t t h e s e are immoral. W h a t e v e r p a s t o r a l judgement may c o n c l u d e c o n c e r n i n g p e r s o n a l r e s p o n s i b i l i t y In a particular c a s e , i t i s c l e a r t h a t i n the o b j e c t i v e o r d e r h o m o s e x u a l a c t s may not be approved. C h r i s t e m p h a s i s e d love a s t h e g r e a t commandment b u t t h i s m u s t be understood c o r r e c t l y . I n a d v o c a t i n g t h e l a w of c h a r i t y a s t h e supreme l a w , C h r i s t d i d not s e t a s i d e the t r a d i t i o n a l commandments but e s t a b l i s h e d love a s the b a s i s of a l l w h o l e s o m e r e l a t i o n s h i p s i n c l u d i n g t h o s e e x p r e s s l y l i s t e d in the commandments. One of the t e s t s of g e n u i n e love g i v e n by C h r i s t w a s t h e k e e p i n g of t h e commandments and w h i l e he d i d not s p e a k , a s f a r a s we know, a b o u t t h e s p e c i f i c problems of t h e h o m o s e x u a l , he did n o t r e v e r s e the Old T e s t a m e n t t r a d i t i o n . The t e a c h ing of the e a r l y C h r i s t i a n s a s e x p r e s s e d i n t h e New T e s t a m e n t re-affirms t h a t t r a d i t i o n . David Field i n t h e ' H o m o s e x u a l W a y ' s a y s : " D e s p i t e t h e very important modern d i s t i n c t i o n d i v i d i n g i n v e r t s and p e r v e r t s , i t s e e m s i m p o s s i b l e t o r e s i s t the c o n c l u s i o n t h a t t h e New T e s t a m e n t puts a t h e o l o g i c a l v e t o o n a l l h o m o s e x u a l behaviour - however w e l l motivated i t may be. " The c o n s t a n t tradition of the Church I s t h a t s e x u a l i n t e r c o u r s e i s proper t o the holy s t a t e of matrimony, in w h i c h i t c o n t r i b u t e s t o the s a n c t i t y of the married c o u p l e , being both a n e x p r e s s i o n of c o n v e n a n t love and the origin of new members t o t h e human r a c e . The s e x u a l union b e t w e e n husband and wife is the culmination of l o v e . a n d , a t the s a m e t i m e , l e a d s t o growth In l o v e , a l l part of t h e growth toward S God a s the s o u r c e and complete c e n t r e of love. The intimacy of married love

The Christian Tradition :


C h r i s t i a n morality is primarily c o n c e r n e d with h o l i n e s s of life. It is centred o n w o r s h i p and the p e r s o n a l union of the worshipper w i t h God and w i t h o t h e r people i n C h r i s t . The purpose of moral norms i s t o g u i d e people t o w a r d s God. Moral norms point out way S of living which impede union with God s o t h a t they may b e a v o i d e d , and e n c o u r a g e w a y s of living w h i c h bring p e o p l e n e a r e r t o God g i v i n g e x p r e s s i o n t o the life of g r a c e w h i c h t h e b e l i e v e r r e c e i v e s through C h r i s t . This m u s t be t h e e m p h a s i s w h e n d i s c u s s i n g homosexuality; not j u s t the imposlng of a n e g a t i v e law. The support and g u i d a n c e of the moral law i s n e e d e d by e v e r y o n e , w h e t h e r they be h o m o s e x u a l or h e t e r o s e x u a l but t h e moral law is not merely a n e g a t i v e imposition: it i s a w s i t l v e m e a n s

I s e x p r e s s e d i n marital i n t e r c o u r s e , which i s fulfilling; a s i g n of true love which i s creative and maturing. For people who are not married, whether they are homosexual or heteros e x u a l , love and a f f e c t i o n c a n be given some fonn of e x p r e s s i o n . But there i s the need t o be aware t h a t perfectly legitimate e x p r e s s i o n s of affection c a n lead to g e n i t a l activity which could be not only wrong, but destructive of a worthwhile and supportive re la tlonship. There h a s been a n attempt t o e s t a b l i s h parity between a normal marriage and the on-going homosexual relationship. This is a f a l s e and unacceptThe pastor may d i s t i n g u i s h between irresponsible, able analogy. indiscriminate s e x u a l a c t i v i t y and t h e permanent a s s o c i a t i o n between two homosexual p e r s o n s , who f e e l i n c a p a b l e of enduring a solitary life devoid of s e x u a l e x p r e s s i o n . This distinction may be borne i n mind when offering pastoral a d v i c e and e s t a b l i s h i n g the degree of responsibi l i t y , but the pastor w i l l not be providing true and helpful advice if he g i v e s the impression that the "homosexual marriage" i s objectively moral. Of c o u r s e , pastoral c a r e d o e s not c o n s i s t simply In the rigid and automatic application of o b j e c t i v e moral norms. It c o n s i d e r s the individual in h i s a c t u a l s i t u a t i o n , with a l l h i s s t r e n g t h s and w e a k n e s s e s . The d e c i s i o n of c o n s c i e n c e , determining what should be done and w h a t avoided, c a n only be made after prudent consideration of the r e a l situation a s well a s the moral norm. Section 8 of the Vatican D e c l a r a t i o n s t a t e s : n o pastoral method c a n be employed which would give moral justification t o t h e s e a c t s " , but i t g o e s on to s a y "homosexuals must certainly be treated with understanding.. . . and their culpability judged with prudence". The pastoral counselling of homophiie persons cannot ignore the objective morality of homosexual g e n i t a l a c t s , but i t i s important to interpret them, to understand the pattern of life i n which they take p l a c e , t o appreciate the personal meaning which t h e s e a c t s have for different people. Some would claim t h a t , e s p e c i a l l y for the invert, the homos e x u a l drive i s almost i r r e s i s t i b l e . D e g r e e s of d e c i s i o n are impossible to e s t i m a t e accurately but t h e normal principles of diminished responsibility apply. If i t i s claimed that the homosexual i s completely incapable of self-control, t h i s may place homosexuality i n the category of a s e r i o u s d i s e a s e - a n opinion unacceptable t o many, If not m o s t , homosexual people. There i s some obligation on the homosexual person to s e e k guidance a n d , If p o s s i b l e , a re-adjustment of h i s o r her condition, but i t remains important pastorally to bear in mind that the homosexual condition Is

rarely, If e v e r , a matter of choice. Many homophiies find the l o n e l i n e s s of their l i v e s a burden. They long for intimate partnerships a s much a s h e t e r o p h l l e s , but cannot find i t i n marriage. I t i s t h i s longing for There Intimacy which l e a d s some t o form s t a b l e union with e a c h other. will frequently be a physical g e n i t a l e x p r e s s i o n i n s u c h unions. Objectively, t h i s i s morally unacceptable. The question i s : Are s u c h persons n e c e s s a r i l y c u l p a b l e ? That judgement c a n n o t be made i n the a b s t r a c t but i n the concrete c i r c u m s t a n c e s in which the a c t s take place. SO the Vatican Declaration s a y s : "It is true t h a t i n s i n s of the s e x u a l order, in view of their kind and their c a u s e s , i t more e a s i l y h a p p e n s t h a t true c o n s e n t is not fully given: t h i s i s a f a c t which c a l l s for c a u t i o n on a l l n judgements a s t o the s u b j e c t ' s responsibility. I t h i s matter It Is particularly opportune t o r e c a l l the words of Scripture: 'Man looks a t a p p e a r a n c e s but God looks a t the heart'. (1 Sam. 16:7).'
A s p e c i a l l y d e l i c a t e situation a r i s e s when homosexual persons are convinced t h a t , although they a c c e p t t h a t homosexual a c t s i n themselves cannot be justified, it i s found impossible in practice t o lead a c e l i b a t e life. They might then claim t h a t the choice remains between a s t a b l e union, i n which there i s a n e c e s s a r y and inevitable p h y s i c a l r e l a t i o n s h i p and a n obviously d i s t a s t e f u l promiscuous way of life. Such persons * argue t h a t i n their particular c a s e the stability of the union outweighs the disorder of the homosexual a c t s which take place within it. They would argue t h a t the g o o d n e s s or b a d n e s s of a n a c t c a n only be judged morally in p r a c t i c e when consideration h a s b e e n given to intention and circumstance S.

In a s s i s t i n g s u c h people t o apply their c o n s c i e n c e t o s u c h a situation the a c c e p t e d principles of morality must be used. While the objective norms are c l e a r - c u t the application of s u c h norms may be complicated. As quoted above the Vatican Declaration s t a t e s t h a t "no pastoral method c a n be employed which would give moral justification t o t h e s e a c t s " . Bearing t h i s In mind p a s t o r s must be alive to the genuine guidance of moral theology and be prepared t o apply i t to the particular n e e d s of the homosexual person.

PASTORAL GUIDELINES :
i n general terms the pastoral t a s k might be considered a s helping homos e x u a l persons, or t h o s e who consider t h e m s e l v e s t o be homosexual x r s o n s , t o understand and examine the meaning of their behaviour , sexual or otherwise, i n the light of the love of God and the love of neighhour, together with the moral and pastoral teaching of Christianity. There are s t i l l many unanswered q u e s t i o n s regarding the proper pastoral :are of homosexuals. In the wake of r e s e a r c h in the theological and s o c i a l s c i e n c e s and the e x p e r i e n c e of those already involved in pastoral care of homosexuals, the following g u i d e l i n e s could be offered:
The Church, i n her p a s t o r a l effort is concerned first of a l l with people. How people are c l a s s i f i e d i s secondary and i s Intended m l y to be a h e l p towards understanding people. Unfortunately, many :lassifications tend t o have judgemental connotations. I t i s unfortunate t^at the term 'homosexual' t e n d s to c l a s s i f y people principally by t h e i r sexuality. The pastor and counsellor must s e e a l l people, irrespective of their sexuality, a s children of God and d e s t i n e d for e t e r n a l life.
1.

t o a d e e p e r alienation. In a s o c i e t y that c a n s e e them a s o b j e c t s of c r u e l jokes and contempt, homosexuals commonly suffer from lack of self-esteem and a l o n e l i n e s s that heterosexuals find difficult, if not i m p o s s i b l e , to comprehend. In ordinary mixed s o c i e t y , homosexuals f e e l like strangers. They are shunned and d e s p i s e d by people who may have an inaccurate or distorted knowledge of the homosexual person. Many homosexuals are reserved and e v e n withdrawn, not anxious to draw attention t o their difficulties. However, among both he terosexuals and homosexuals there are people who are exhibitionists - e x p l i c i t and vulgar. In both c a t e g o r i e s t h e s e are a minority and the attention they a t t r a c t i s out of proportion t o their numbers. Before 1 9 6 7 the constant f e a r a s s o c i a t e d w i t h homosexual a c t s w a s that of blackmail, but since the law h a s withdrawn the penalty for homosexual a c t s between consenting a d u l t s there have been e x p l i c i t portrayals of the homosexual a s ridiculous and bizarre. This means that the judgement of many people, including C h r i s t i a n s . i s b a s e d o n a limited knowledge which is unaware of the d e e p e r , d i s t r e s s i n g t e n s i o n s which b e s e t the person who i s homosexual. I t I s the role of the pastor to offer encouragement and support. Many good people who are homosexual are constantly struggling against the demands of their condition and they must not be allowed t o despair. I t i s unworthy of a pastor to offer only superficial advice for s u c h a n intractable problem. Pastors c a n be e s p e c i a l l y helpfulin the 'corno u t ' process. This i s the point a t which the homosexual person admits o ~ n l ty h i s or her homoo sexuality and i t i s frequently the first stage of being able to c o p e , The pastor s e e m s t o be a n obvious person with whom to share t h e s e confidences and h i s own response must be s e n s i t i v e and sympathetic. A clear r e - a f f l m a t i o n of moral standards may berequlred but th1s must not be a bluntreJecti.on based on prejudice and Ignorance. Rejection c a n force homosexuals t o rely e x c l u s ively on the companionship of fe How homosexua Is where a t l e a s t they will be met with the understandlng which h a s been denied by the gastor, Some would argue that s o c i e t i e s s p e c i f i c a l l y for homosexuals are the i d e a l setting for allowing people with the same tendencies to understand and cope with shared a n x i e t i e s . I t i s difficult to a s s e s s the value of such a s s o c i a t i o n s . The pastor must advise a g a i n s t the homos e x u a l society which h a s a s i t s main purpose the introduction of, or a meeting with, people with a t l e a s t the implied, i f not e x p l i c i t , purpose of encouraging homosexual a c t ~ v ~ t k e s This form of group i s quite . unacceptable .
8.
7. 6.

Before attempting t o provide spiritual guidance or moral counselling to a homosexual person, pastors need t o be aware of the homosexual a u d i t i o n itself. Homosexuality i s commonly understood t o imply only a n e r o t i c , s e x u a l a t t r a c t i o n of a person towards members of the same s e x . I t sometimes a l s o means the a b s e n c e of attraction t o members of the o p p s i t e sax e v e n to the e x t e n t of positive d i s g u s t for s e x u a l relatlonshlps with L-e opposite s e x .
2.

I t i s difficult t o c a t e g o r i s e people a s simply heterosexual or homosexual. Empirical e v i d e n c e s u g g e s t s that s e x u a l orientation in a United number of individua Is i s totally e x c l u s i v e . In t h o s e individuals in whom heterosexual disposition i s dominant, there s e e m s to e x i s t a l a a n t potentiality for homosexual Interest of which the person may not Le aware.
3.
4.

Before attempting to provide spiritual guidance or counselling for a homosexual person the pastor must be aware of h i s own limitations. -c- o n s c i o u s prwudice resulting from a b i a s e d , s o c i a l tradition does Lajustlce t o the homosexual and renders effective counselling impossible. S o real benefit c a n be expected u n l e s s the pastor c l e a r s away a l l t r a c e s of the misunderstandings that make r e a l communication Impossible. One of the most important a s p e c t s of homosexuality i s the awaren e s s of being ' d i f f e r e n t ' from the maJority of people. This conscio u s n e s s of being 'different , of belonging to a minority, leaves the samosexual person suffering from the same problems a s a l l minority groups with the added f a c t o r t h a t their 'difference' i s s e c r e t . This l e a d s

5.

1 0

On the other hand. the e x i s t e n c e of s o c i e t i e s for homosexuals who are a l s o C h r i s t i a n s means that certain moral standards must be recognised. There are Christian groups e x ~ l i c i t l yformed for the encouragement of homos e x u a l s to cope with their difficulties. The goodwill of t h e s e s o c i e t i e s must not be ai-iiornat~callyquestioned, ?ioeciall because their very

ll

e x i s t e n c e may be d u e to t h e i n s e n s i t i v i t y of the g e n e r a l public. On the :t-her .-.and, there a r e o b v i o u s d a n g e r s . Moral s u p p o r t may e a s i l y be ti-rned to moral d a n g e r a n d the p a s t o r m u s t e n c o u r a g e t h e person w h o s e e k s t u s a d v i c e t o f a c e u p t o t h i s r e a l p o s s i b i l i t y . In a d d i t i o n , a s o c i e t y formed originally f o r the m o r a l s u p p o r t of t h e h o m o s e x u a l m i g h t , e v e n unw i t t m g l y , d e e p e n a n a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g problem. It might tend t o r e l a x s t a n d a r d s r a t h e r than s u p p o r t e f f o r t s t o c o p e with d i f f i c u l t i e s a n d homos e x u a l a c u v i t y may be nurtured r a t h e r t h a n a v o i d e d . However, t h e s i t u a t i o n m u s t be k e p t i n proportion. A c o m p a r i s o n with a c c e p t e d s o c i a l o c c a s i o n s might h e l p t o avoid e x a g g e r a t e d or p r e j u d i c e d d e c i s i o n s . To c o n d e m n a s o c i a l g a t h e r i n g simply b e c a u s e of p o s s i b l e moral d a n g e r s c o u l d lead t o r i d i c u l o u s r e s t r i c t i o n s . It c o u l d condemn a parish d a n c e o r a y o u t h c l u b . I t would forbid t h e s h a r i n g of a f l a t . I n f a c t , s u c h a n e x t r e m e a t t i t u d e of mind would be s o u n r e a s o n a b l e t h a t a l l s o c i a l f r i e n d s h i p s c o u l d be u n d e r s u s p i c i o n . T h i s is a n u n h e a l t h y a t t i t u d e w h c h d e s t r o y s human r e l a t i o n s h i p s and f r u s t r a t e s t h a t unity w i t h i n the s o c i e t y w h i c h the p a s t o r i s s u p p o s e d t o be promoting. M a m a g e h a s n o t proved t o be a s u c c e s s f u l a n s w e r f o r m o s t homos e x u a l s . Marriage i n t h e s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s c a n be unfair t o t h e aart-ner and e v e n e x t e n d t h e d i s t r e s s of t h e h o m o s e x u a l t o t h e whole family. I t may be marriage f o r t h e wrong r e a s o n s a n d , i n a n y c a s e , a a r r i a g e m u s t not be t h o u g h t of a s t h e o n l y g a t e w a y t o God and t h e o n l y way t o fulflllment.
9.

p s y c h o l o g i c a l l y a d j u s t e d , sometime S e v e n b e t t e r , than the average heterosexual, (b) t h o s e h o m o s e x u a l s who h a v e p s y c h o l o g i c a l problems, e g n e u r o s i s and a l c o h o l i s m . T h i s g r o u p h a s more i n common w i t h o t h e r n e u r o t i c s t h a n with o t h e r homosexuals; t h o s e h o m o s e x u a l s who h a v e p e r s o n a l i t y d i s o r d e r s which l e a d t o d e v i a n t b e h a v i o u r , e g c r i m i n a l o f f e n c e S. This g r o u p have more i n common with o t h e r s o c i a l d e v i a n t s t h a n w i t h w i t h o t h e r homosexuals.

(c)

13. The C h u r c h . h a s a s e r i o u s r e s w n s i b i l i t y t o work t o w a r d s t h e e l i m i n a t i o n of a n y i n j u s t i c e s perpetrated o n h o m o s e x u a l s by s o c i e t y . A s a g r o u p t h a t h a s suffered more t h a n its s h a r e of o p p r e s s i o n a n d c o n t e m p t , t h e h o m o s e x u a l community h a s particular c l a i m u p o n t h e c o n c e r n of the Church. H o m o s e x u a l s have a right t o e n l i g h t e n e d and e f f e c t i v e p a s t o r a l c a r e w i t h p a s t o r a l m i n i s t e r s who a r e properly t r a i n e d t o m e e t t h e i r pastoral needs.
1 4 . H o m o s e x u a l s have t h e s a m e n e e d for t h e S a c r a m e n t s a s the heteros e x u a l . They a l s o have t h e s a m e r i g h t t o r e c e i v e t h e S a c r a m e n t s . I n d e t e r m i n i n g whether or n o t t o a d m i n i s t e r Absolution o r g i v e Conimunion t o a h o m o s e x u a l , a p a s t o r m u s t be g u i d e d b y the g e n e r a l p r i n c i p l e s of f u n d a m e n t a l t h e o l o g y t h a t only a c e r t a i n moral o b l i g a t i o n may be i m p o s e d . An i n v i n c i b l e d o u b t , w h e t h e r of law o r f a c t , permits one t o follow a true a n d s o l i d l y "probable opinion" i n f a v o u r of a more l i b e r a l i n t e r p r e t a t i o n .

10. P r o f e s s i o n a l p s y c h i a t r i c t r e a t m e n t o r p s y c h o l o g i c a l c o u n s e l l i n g is by n o m e a n s the proven remedy for the h o m o s e x u a l c o n d i t i o n . Very o f t e n it p r o v e s t o be a f r u s t r a t i n g e x p e r i e n c e t h a t only h e i g h t e n s a n x i e t y . P a s t o r s and C o u n s e l l o r s may s u g g e s t p s y c h o l o g i c a l t e s t i n g t o d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r a p e r s o n i s e x c l u s i v e l y o r predominantly h o m o s e x u a l , a s o p p o s e d t o a 'transitions l ' h o m o s e x u a l , w h o i s p a s s i n g through a temporary p h a s e of p s y c h o l c g l c a l d e v e l o p m e n t . I n t h e c a s e of true h o m o s e x u a l s o r ' i n v e r t s ' , p r o f e s s i o n a l t h e r a p y may be h e l p f u l t o a s s i s t them In a c c e p t i n g t h e i r zondit-ion p o s i t i v e l y , but t h e r a p y should n e v e r be s u g g e s t e d In a way t h a t r a i s e s f a l s e e x p e c t a t i o n s of a r e v e r s e or modification of t h e h o m o s e x u a l condition. 11. A p o s i t i v e h e l p t o the h o m o s e x u a l i s t h e c h a n n e l l i n g of h i s e n e r g y i n t o a v a r i e t y of i n t e r e s t s , but t h i s s u b l i m a t i o n m u s t b e p o s i t i v e and g e n u i n e . An a r t i f i c i a l d i v e r s i o n is unconvincing. 12. However much i s u n c e r t a i n a b o u t the s u b j e c t of h o m o s e x u a l i t y , i t s e e m s t h a t the g e n e r i c term d o e s i n c l u d e t h r e e more s p e c i f i c and important c a t e g o r i e s ;
(a) t h o s e who a r e w e l l a d j u s t e d , s t a b l e m l e who h a v e come t o t e r m s with t h e i r h o m o s e x u a l i t y , w h o n e v e r s e e k h e l p and who a r e n e v e r in trouble w i t h the law. T h e s e people a r e

I S . H o m o s e x u a l s may f e e l t h a t n a t u r e i n some way c h e z t e d them a n d p r o d u c e d t e n s i o n s w h i c h are u n d e s e r v e d . The h o m o s e x u a l c a n be s h a t t e r e d o n d i s c o v e r i n g t h a t he o r s h e h a s permanent t e n d e n c i e S through n o p e r s o n a l f a u l t w h i c h a r o u s e a n t a g o n i s m , r i d i c u l e and r e j e c t i o n i n s o c i e t y . The C h r i s t i a n t a s k i s t o u n d e r s t a n d the h o m o s e x u a l s and r e s t o r e r e s p e c t for them a s p e r s o n s . They may w e l l f e e l t h a t t h e C h u r c h i s demanding i m p o s s i b l e s t a n d a r d s . T h i s c h a l l e n g e may l e a d t o a n abandonm e n t of f a i t h , but i t a l s o o f f e r s a n a d d e d opportunity and r e s o u r c e . Truth is n e v e r r e a c h e d by turning d o w n t h e c l e a r d i r e c t i v e S of God and t h e G o s p e l . Such a- c o u r s e could only c o m p l i c a t e the a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g conf u s i o n . God s e t s c e r t a i n s t a n d a r d s , but h i s power of s u s t a i n i n g is comp r e h e n s i v e . C h r i s t e m p h a s i s e d h i s c o n c e r n for t h o s e whom s o c i e t y h a s r e j e c t e d . The many d i f f i c u l t i e s w h i c h t h e h o m o s e x u a l e n c o u n t e r s e n s u r e s t h a t t h e s t r e n g t h of God w i l l be a t h a n d . C h r i s t a s k s t h a t w e t a k e u p our C r o s s a n d follow him and t h i s may m e a n t h a t t h e h o m o s e x u a l person is very n e a r t o true C h r i s t i a n i t y if h e r e s p o n d s t o t h i s i n v i t a t i o n .
The problem of the h o m o s e x u a l is part of a g r e a t e r problem of t h e human i m c o m p l e t e n e s s of a people who a r e on t h e way t o G o d . Maturity c o m e s w h e n problems a r e acknowledged and f a c e d . Only c o n f u s i o n a r i s e s when t h e problems a r e allowed t o d i c t a t e o r there is a p r e t e n c e t h a t they d o not exist.

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1 6 . The pastor will help s o u l s If he introduces them t o a n understanding of t h a t love which i s more comprehensive than s e x u a l i t y . H i s role is t o introduce people t o C h r i s t i a n life in a l l i t s f u l l n e s s . This d o e s not mean instant serenity. There must be gradual purification and r e a l growth in h o l i n e s s . Every person with spiritual ambitions n-iust cope with h i s personal Limitations. These vary from person t o person and are frequently complex and discouraging, but a l l people who, in spire of Umita t l o n s and even f a i l u r e , continue t o struggle and grow In h o l i n e s s of life deserve encouragement. Such people are very near t o God.

Book List (Cont) Nationwide Festival of Light: National Council of Social Service : Pittenger ,l4 : Scholfield , M G : The Truth in Love

Counselling Homosexua 1s . Time for C o n s e n t . Sociological Aspects of Homosexuality. Bosten, U t t l e , Brown , Sexual Deviation: Baltimore. Penguin

ER READING:
Declaration on Certain Q u e s t i o n s concerning Sexual Ethics (Vatican City 19751, CTS. The following bibliography h a s been compiled from many source S . Some of the books listed t a k e a moral s t a n c e unacceptable t o the Christian tradition but they give sociological and pastoral comment which might be helpful i n the understandlng of the homosexual condition. "Anomaly The Invert and h i s Social Adjustment. London: Balliere. Tindall & C o x . We speak for O u r s e l v e s : Experiences i n Homosexual Counse 1111-19: London S PCK HornosexuaUty: Time t o t e l l the Truth. London: G o l l a n c z , We're Here: Conversations with Lesbian Women. The Homosexual Way - A Christian Option? Grove Booklet on E t h i c s , No 9 . The Other Love. Mayflower Books Ltd. Sexuality and Homosexuality. Homosexuality: BMA Booklet Human Sexuality Search P r e s s , 1977, The Church and t h e Homosexual Christian and Homosexuality.

Von HiIdebrand , D : Weeks,!:

In Defence of Purity: Sheed and W a r d . Coming Out: Homosexual Politics i n Britain from the 19th Century t o the Present London, Quartet Books
~

Society and the Healthy Homosexual Gerards C r o s s , Col-in Smythe Homosexuality. Penguin. We ltge ,R W (Ed): The Same Sex: An Appraisal of Homosexuality. Pilgrim Press

'l:

Babuscio, J : Barnett, L: Cassidy, J & Stewart- Park: F i e l d , D: Hyde, HM: Karlen, A: Kenyon, FE; Kosnik,A (Ed):

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