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Bishops Approve Guidelines on Gays Same-Sex Attractions ‘Disordered,’ Shouldn’T Be Discussed Publicly by Elizabeth A

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Bishops Approve Guidelines on Gays Same-Sex Attractions ‘Disordered,’ Shouldn’T Be Discussed Publicly by Elizabeth A B NDINGS Volume 27, No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Winter 2006-2007 Bishops approve guidelines on gays Same-sex attractions ‘disordered,’ shouldn’t be discussed publicly By Elizabeth A. Perry The Washington Blade November 17, 2006 from retired Auxiliary Bishop Joseph troubled some in the church. In summariz- has historically been referred to by the Sullivan of Brooklyn and Archbishop ing the guidelines for The Washington Post, United States bishops as homosexual “ori- The United States Conference of George Niederauer of San Francisco, who Serratelli said the church teaches that same- entation.” He said the Vatican has always Catholic Bishops this week overwhelmingly DeBernardo described as a “strong advocate sex attractions are considered “disordered” used “inclination.” approved its latest document on ministry of gay rights.” because they do not lead to procreation. He “It’s a word that therapists who believe to gays and lesbians, which maintains the “There were bishops who thought it was said homosexual “inclination” is not sin- in reparative therapy use,” said church’s long-standing a harmful docu- ful, but that same-gender sexual activity is DeBernardo. “Because it views homosexu- teaching that homo- ment,” he said. “They a sin, morally unacceptable and “[does] not ality only as an activity. If you have an in- sexual activity of any said it wouldn’t be lead to true human happiness.” clination, it’s a desire for an activity, but if kind is sinful. helpful and people “The document is certainly flawed right you have an orientation, it implies a direc- The bishops de- wouldn’t feel wel- from the title,” DeBernardo said. “Using the tion for relationship. In keeping with this creed that anyone min- come.” word ‘inclination’ rather than orientation inclination mode, the bishops are empha- istering to gay Catho- In a statement to shows the bishops do not have a good un- sizing the fact they view homosexuality lics must strictly adhere the Blade, Bishop derstanding of homosexuality.” only as an activity, not as a relational pos- to the teaching that Arthur J. Serratelli of He said the document’s use of the term sibility.” same-sex attractions Paterson, N.J., chair “inclination” represents a change from what Continued on page 7 are “disordered” and of the doctrine com- added that those with a mittee, said the pur- “homosexual inclina- pose of the guide- tion” not discuss it pub- lines is to “clarify the licly. whole truth of Long Island church pulls The vote passed church teaching in a Archbishop George Niederauer 194 to 37 with one ab- positive light.” He info on treating gays stention at a three-day meeting in Baltimore. also said it is important to keep in mind the The bishops engaged in a debate over document is designed for the bishops, so By Sophia Chang the draft document “Ministry to Persons they are able to evaluate their pastoral pro- Newsday with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines grams and programs of others engaged in Long Island, New York ter a parishioner called him seeking guid- for Pastoral Care,” written by the ministry to gays and lesbians. October 21, 2006 ance during a sexual identity crisis. The bishops’Committee on Doctrine. “Secondly, they challenge every person pamphlet, written by physicians with the Francis DeBernardo, director of the to a deeper understanding of the teaching The Curé of Ars church in Merrick has association, had been available to parishio- gay Catholic ministry group New Ways as a call to removed copies of a glossy green pamphlet ners for the past year and a half, Mangano said. Ministry, watched the debate unfold on holiness and called “Homosexuality & Hope” after re- closed-circuit television. DeBernardo is a thirdly, to call ceiving complaints about the brochure’s “The content of this pamphlet was in- former Catholic journalist. New Ways Min- forth people assertions that homosexuality was a disor- tended to offer direction to those who are istry exists to promote justice and theologi- to worship der preventable with psychotherapy. struggling with their sexual identity and cal dialogue between gays and the church. and to partici- Homosexuality is considered “intrin- those seeking guidance and conformity DeBernardo said of the 37 bishops pate in wor- sically disordered” in the Roman Catholic with the teaching of the church,” Mangano who rejected the guidelines, the majority ship in a wel- Church’s catechism. The pamphlet lists said. Mangano said he decided on Wednes- of them thought the document was not coming fash- possible causes of homosexuality in “at- day night to pull about 100 pamphlets from strong enough, though some opposed the ion,” he said. risk children,” including narcissism, alco- the church’s literature racks, with support language altogether. Some had reservations The 23- holic parents and poor body image. from the Diocese of Rockville Centre. about giving up autonomy with regard to page docu- It also says, “Current clinical therapy Mangano said he recently received two what goes on in their respective dioceses. ment was be shows that there is hope for prevention” and complaints about the brochure. “They are not infallible teachings,” he Bishop Joseph Sullivan gun in 2002 offers information on support groups and “It was a mixture of theory and Catho- said. “They are not rules or norms. Only a and released last month. The guidelines research. lic teaching,” said Sean Dolan, diocese bishop can determine the norms in a dio- state that according to church teaching, gays Critics said the pamphlet’s advice on spokesman. “And the theory in some places cese. Those 37 probably are not going to “must be accepted with respect, compas- therapy as a way to prevent homosexuality is dated.” follow them.” sion and sensitivity.” It also condemns “all is not scientifically proven. “I don’t think anyone knows what the Archbishop Peter Rosazza of Hartford, forms of violence, scorn and hatred, how- The Rev. Charles Mangano, the pastor causes of homosexuality are,” he added. Conn., proposed an amendment to the docu- ever subtle or overt.” of the church, said he had first ordered the Daniel Araoz, a human sexuality spe- ment to strike the word “disordered.” Use of the words “disordered” and “in- brochure from the Massachusetts-based cialist at Long Island University and former Some of the opposing votes came clination” to describe gay Catholics has Catholic Medical Association in 2005 af- Continued on page 2 Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 27, No. 2 B NDINGS Gay-Friendly Catholic Colleges Winter 2006-2007 Vol. 27, No. 2 Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic colleges Francis DeBernardo, Editor that have some type of gay and lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay and lesbian people, please let Board of Directors us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a club, support services, participation in gay community events, or Mary Byers simply the friendliness of faculty and staff. Frank O’Donnell, SM Rev. Paul Thomas Arizona Louisiana Buffalo: Canisius College Tempe: All Saints Catholic Newman Center New Orleans: Loyola University New New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Board of Advisors Orleans Iona College Mary Ann Coyle, SL California Poughkeepsie: Marist College Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur Maryland Riverdale: College of Mount Saint Patricia McDermott, RSM University Baltimore: College of Notre Dame of Vincent Barbara Regan, rc Goleta: St. Mark’s University Maryland, Loyola College of Maryland Rochester: Nazareth College of Rochester Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Syracuse: LeMoyne College Staff University Massachusetts Tarrytown: Marymount College Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director Moraga: Saint Mary’s College Boston: Emmanuel College, Boston College Matthew Myers Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount Chestnut Hill: Boston College Ohio Mary Parker College Easton: Stonehill College Cincinnati: Xavier University, University Betty Scholten San Diego: University of San Diego North Andover: Merrimack College of Cincinnati San Francisco: University of San Weston: Regis College Columbus: Ohio State University Co-Founders Francisco Worcester: Assumption College, Holy Cross Dayton: University of Dayton Sister Jeannine Gramick Santa Clara: Santa Clara University College Father Robert Nugent Pennsylvania Colorado Michigan Erie: Mercyhurst College Bondings is a seasonal publication designed to keep Denver: Regis University Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, our subscribers informed of issues that pertain to LaSalle University, Saint Joseph’s lesbian and gay people and the Catholic Church. Connecticut Missouri University Fairfield: Fairfield University, Sacred St. Louis: Saint Louis University Villanova: Villanova University Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry is an educational Heart Univ.ersity and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Minnesota Rhode Island the Catholic gay and lesbian community and institu- West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Collegeville: Saint John’s University Newport: Salve Regina University tional structures in the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Joseph: College of Saint Benedict District of Columbia St. Paul: St Thomas Univeristy Texas New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate prevalent Georgetown University Winona: Saint Mary’s University of Minne Austin: Saint Edward’s
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