<\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
What Does Christianity say about Homosexuality?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Contrary to arguments<\/strong> that the Bible doesn\u2019t comment on homosexuality or that it supports homosexual behaviors or lifestyles, there are many bible verses about homosexuality, condemning it as \u201cserious depravities\u201d. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nLearn more about Bible verses about homosexuality<\/a><\/p>\nAnd \u201c[a] significant number of men and women exhibit fundamental homosexual tendencies<\/strong>. It takes very variable forms across centuries and cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.\u201d (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n![\"Christianity](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Painting-of-St.-Augustine-of-Hippo-receiving-the-truth-as-he-writes-and-holding-a-flaming-heart.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Christianity has always condemned homosexuality, not homosexuals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
History of Christianity and Homosexuality<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Yet, throughout those millennia the Christian response has remained the same.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n“Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, [Gen 19:1-29<\/a>; Rom 1:24-27<\/a>; 1 Cor 6:10<\/a>; 1 Tim 1:10<\/a>] tradition has always declared that ‘homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered<\/strong>.’ (see Persona Humana, VIII<\/a>) They are contrary to the natural law\u2026Under no circumstances can they be approved.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\nThe Early Centuries<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
From the first century (The Didache) through the fifth century (Augustine) the early Church<\/strong> consistently thought that homosexual behavior was intrinsically wrong<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\nThe Didache<\/strong>, in AD 70, taught simply that \u201cyou shall not commit pederasty (sodomy)\u201d.
<\/span><\/p>\nClement of Alexandria<\/strong> (2nd Century) even reproached \u201cconversation about deeds of wickedness\u201d saying it \u201cis appropriately termed filthy [shameful] speaking, as talk about adultery and pederasty and the like\u201d (The Instructor, 6). <\/span><\/p>\nTertullian<\/strong> (3rd Century) said \u201call other frenzies of the lusts<\/strong> which exceed the laws of nature and are impious toward both [human] bodies and the sexes, we banish, not only from the threshold but also from all shelter of the Church, for they are not sins so much as monstrosities\u201d (Modesty, 4).<\/span><\/p>\nEusebius<\/strong> (early 4th Century) said \u201c[H]aving forbidden all unlawful marriage, and all unseemly practice, and the union of women with women and men with men<\/strong>, he [God] adds: \u2018Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for in all these things the nations were defiled\u201d. (Proof of the Gospel 4:10)<\/span><\/p>\nJohn Chrysostom<\/strong> (late 4th Century) wrote \u201c[The men] have done an insult to nature itself<\/strong>. And a yet more disgraceful thing than these is it, when even the women seek after these intercourses, who ought to have more shame than men\u201d. (Homilies on Romans 4)<\/span><\/p>\nAugustine<\/strong> (5th Century) found \u201cthose shameful acts against nature, such as were committed in Sodom, ought everywhere and always to be detested and punished<\/strong>. If all nations were to do such things, they would be held guilty of the same crime by the law of God, which has not made men so that they should use one another in this way\u201d (Confessions 3:8:15 [A.D. 400]).<\/span><\/p>\nAll of these quotes and more, from Justin Martyr, Novatian, Cyprian of Carthage, Arnobius and Basil the Great may be found at Catholic.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nEarly Middle Ages<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Under Charlemagne<\/strong>\u2019s \u201creign, church councils and synods issued at least seven ordinances<\/strong> condemning<\/strong> homosexuality<\/strong>. In 789, in a \u2018General Admonition\u2019 to his subjects, Charlemagne speci\ufb01cally endorsed heavy sanctions\u2026’for those who sin against nature with animals or with men’.” (Hist\u00f3ria Medieval, Pg 156, 157)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMiddle Ages<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
In the 11th century, St. Peter Damien<\/strong> railed against an epidemic of the vice of sodomy<\/strong> \u201craging like a cruel beast within the sheepfold of Christ\u201d. In a letter to Pope Leo IX and subsequent book (The Book of Gomorrah)<\/a> he denounced the rampant homosexuality<\/strong> within and without the Church.\u201d (See: Charlette Allen<\/a>, Matthew Cullinan Hoffman<\/a>, Carl Sundell<\/a>, Tom Bethell<\/a>). For his part Pope Leo IX<\/strong> (11th century) called love between men \u201cobscene,\u201d \u201cfilthy,\u201d and \u201can execrable vice.\u201d (Hist\u00f3ria Medieval, Pg 113)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nSt. Anselm<\/strong>, Archbishop of Canterbury denounced \u201cthat most shameful of crime of sodomy<\/strong>\u201d in the 12th century both in his writings and at the Council of London in 1102. (Hist\u00f3ria Medieval, Pg 36)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Third Lateran Council<\/strong>, in 1179, referring to homosexual behavior<\/strong>, called for clerics to \u201cbe expelled from the clergy<\/strong> or confined in monasteries to do penance; if they are laymen they are to incur excommunication and be completely separated from the society of the faithful\u201d.\u00a0(Third Lateran Council, Canon 11)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nSt. Thomas Aquinas<\/strong> in the 13th century, pointed out that not all things to which a person is inclined are “natural”. Rather, only dispositions oriented toward the proper expression of human nature are natural. Contrary inclinations, he said, are perversions<\/strong> and destructive of the good.\u00a0 (Summa Theologiae, Prima Secundae Partis, Q. 94)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nHe subsequently called homosexuality an \u201cunnatural vice\u201d and “contrary to the natural order” as well as “contrary to right reason”. He found it to be “the greatest sin of lust<\/strong>“.\u00a0 (Summa Theologiae, Secunda Secundae Partis, Q. 154)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Renaissance<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Council of Trent<\/strong>, 16th century, produced a Catechism which sated \u201csodomites shall not possess the kingdom of God.\u201d (Catechism of the Council of Trent, pg. 259)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nModern Times<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
I<\/span><\/span>n the early 20th century the<\/strong> Catechism of Pope St. Pius X<\/strong> stated “The sins that are said to cry to God for vengeance are these four: (1) Willful murder; (2) The sin of sodomy; (3) Oppression of the poor; (4) Defrauding laborers of their wages.” (Catechism of Pope Pius X, 1908)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIn 1975 Pope St. Paul VI<\/strong> had published a Declaration saying, \u201cAt the present time there are those who\u2026have begun to\u2026excuse completely, homosexual relation\u2026This they do in opposition to the constant teaching of the Magisterium and to the moral sense of the Christian people.\u201d (Persona Humana, VIII)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIn 1986 Pope St. John Paul II<\/strong> had published a Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) the Letter removed any ambiguity<\/strong> regarding the Church\u2019s tolerance of homosexual behavior.<\/span><\/p>\nIt also affirmed homosexual orientation is not a sin<\/strong>. However, it is representative of an inclination towards the “moral evil” of homosexual behavior and must be considered “an objective disorder”.<\/span><\/p>\nIn 1993 homosexuality was referenced in an encyclical, Pope St. John Paul II<\/strong>\u2019s Veritatis Splendor<\/a><\/span> where he confirms that the Apostle Paul\u2019s declaration in 1 Corinthians is \u201cformally expressed by the Council of Trent (16th century), [and] places among the \u2018mortal sins\u2019, or \u2018infamous practices\u2019, certain specific behaviors<\/strong> whose voluntary acceptance prevents believers from sharing in the promised inheritance<\/strong>.\u201d (49)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Francis<\/strong> has clearly reiterated Church teaching<\/strong> on homosexual behavior. However, reflecting the pastoral approach which has marked his papacy, he emphasizes God\u2019s love and infinite capacity for forgiveness: \u201cGod is Father and he does not disown any of his children. And \u2018the style\u2019 of God is \u2018closeness, mercy, and tenderness. In this way (or along this path) you will find God.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWith this approach Pope Francis seeks to draw close to the Church homosexuals<\/strong> to experience God\u2019s love<\/strong> and become aware of the truth<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\nHomosexual Behavior, not Individuals, is Condemned<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tradition has always declared that “acts of homosexuality are intrinsically disordered\u2026They cannot receive approval under any circumstances.<\/strong>”\u00a0(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nThe Church is clear;\u00a0the \u201cacts\u201d are disordered<\/strong>. They must not be accepted or normalized. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nHowever, the Church\u2019s teaching is not meant to curtail love but to enable it<\/strong>. For those troubled with their identity, patience is called for. When a person is on a path seeking wholeness, their search must be encouraged and respected \u2013\u00a0in friendship. <\/span><\/p>\nSo, the Church is just as clear<\/strong> that individuals \u201cmust be welcomed<\/strong> with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Any form of unfair discrimination will be avoided against them. These people are called to carry out the will of God in their lives\u201d. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nThe Church points to the peace and life-giving path of Christ\u2019s commandments. We owe it to God, our brothers and sisters and ourselves to offer what is true \u2013 and why we believe it is true. \u201cAlthough she constantly holds up the call to perfection and asks for a fuller response to God, ‘the Church must accompany<\/strong> with attention and care the weakest of her children<\/strong>, who show signs of a wounded and troubled love, by restoring in them hope and confidence’\u201d. (Pope Francis, 291)<\/a>
<\/span><\/p>\nRead more:<\/span><\/p>\nDr. Amy E. Hamilton: What the LGBTQ+ Community Needs from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nBible Verses About Homosexuality<\/a><\/p>\nWhat Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?<\/a><\/p>\nThe Sexual Revolution and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\nWhat Can I Do About Homosexuality?<\/a><\/p>\nCatholic and Gay<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/homosexuality\/” button_text=”Learn more about Church Teaching on Homosexuality” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Learn more about Bible verses about homosexuality<\/a><\/p>\n And \u201c[a] significant number of men and women exhibit fundamental homosexual tendencies<\/strong>. It takes very variable forms across centuries and cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.\u201d (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Christianity has always condemned homosexuality, not homosexuals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, [Gen 19:1-29<\/a>; Rom 1:24-27<\/a>; 1 Cor 6:10<\/a>; 1 Tim 1:10<\/a>] tradition has always declared that ‘homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered<\/strong>.’ (see Persona Humana, VIII<\/a>) They are contrary to the natural law\u2026Under no circumstances can they be approved.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a><\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n The Didache<\/strong>, in AD 70, taught simply that \u201cyou shall not commit pederasty (sodomy)\u201d. Clement of Alexandria<\/strong> (2nd Century) even reproached \u201cconversation about deeds of wickedness\u201d saying it \u201cis appropriately termed filthy [shameful] speaking, as talk about adultery and pederasty and the like\u201d (The Instructor, 6). <\/span><\/p>\n Tertullian<\/strong> (3rd Century) said \u201call other frenzies of the lusts<\/strong> which exceed the laws of nature and are impious toward both [human] bodies and the sexes, we banish, not only from the threshold but also from all shelter of the Church, for they are not sins so much as monstrosities\u201d (Modesty, 4).<\/span><\/p>\n Eusebius<\/strong> (early 4th Century) said \u201c[H]aving forbidden all unlawful marriage, and all unseemly practice, and the union of women with women and men with men<\/strong>, he [God] adds: \u2018Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for in all these things the nations were defiled\u201d. (Proof of the Gospel 4:10)<\/span><\/p>\n John Chrysostom<\/strong> (late 4th Century) wrote \u201c[The men] have done an insult to nature itself<\/strong>. And a yet more disgraceful thing than these is it, when even the women seek after these intercourses, who ought to have more shame than men\u201d. (Homilies on Romans 4)<\/span><\/p>\n Augustine<\/strong> (5th Century) found \u201cthose shameful acts against nature, such as were committed in Sodom, ought everywhere and always to be detested and punished<\/strong>. If all nations were to do such things, they would be held guilty of the same crime by the law of God, which has not made men so that they should use one another in this way\u201d (Confessions 3:8:15 [A.D. 400]).<\/span><\/p>\n All of these quotes and more, from Justin Martyr, Novatian, Cyprian of Carthage, Arnobius and Basil the Great may be found at Catholic.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n St. Anselm<\/strong>, Archbishop of Canterbury denounced \u201cthat most shameful of crime of sodomy<\/strong>\u201d in the 12th century both in his writings and at the Council of London in 1102. (Hist\u00f3ria Medieval, Pg 36)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n The Third Lateran Council<\/strong>, in 1179, referring to homosexual behavior<\/strong>, called for clerics to \u201cbe expelled from the clergy<\/strong> or confined in monasteries to do penance; if they are laymen they are to incur excommunication and be completely separated from the society of the faithful\u201d.\u00a0(Third Lateran Council, Canon 11)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n St. Thomas Aquinas<\/strong> in the 13th century, pointed out that not all things to which a person is inclined are “natural”. Rather, only dispositions oriented toward the proper expression of human nature are natural. Contrary inclinations, he said, are perversions<\/strong> and destructive of the good.\u00a0 (Summa Theologiae, Prima Secundae Partis, Q. 94)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n He subsequently called homosexuality an \u201cunnatural vice\u201d and “contrary to the natural order” as well as “contrary to right reason”. He found it to be “the greatest sin of lust<\/strong>“.\u00a0 (Summa Theologiae, Secunda Secundae Partis, Q. 154)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n In 1975 Pope St. Paul VI<\/strong> had published a Declaration saying, \u201cAt the present time there are those who\u2026have begun to\u2026excuse completely, homosexual relation\u2026This they do in opposition to the constant teaching of the Magisterium and to the moral sense of the Christian people.\u201d (Persona Humana, VIII)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n In 1986 Pope St. John Paul II<\/strong> had published a Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons<\/a><\/span><\/strong>. Written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) the Letter removed any ambiguity<\/strong> regarding the Church\u2019s tolerance of homosexual behavior.<\/span><\/p>\n It also affirmed homosexual orientation is not a sin<\/strong>. However, it is representative of an inclination towards the “moral evil” of homosexual behavior and must be considered “an objective disorder”.<\/span><\/p>\n In 1993 homosexuality was referenced in an encyclical, Pope St. John Paul II<\/strong>\u2019s Veritatis Splendor<\/a><\/span> where he confirms that the Apostle Paul\u2019s declaration in 1 Corinthians is \u201cformally expressed by the Council of Trent (16th century), [and] places among the \u2018mortal sins\u2019, or \u2018infamous practices\u2019, certain specific behaviors<\/strong> whose voluntary acceptance prevents believers from sharing in the promised inheritance<\/strong>.\u201d (49)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Pope Francis<\/strong> has clearly reiterated Church teaching<\/strong> on homosexual behavior. However, reflecting the pastoral approach which has marked his papacy, he emphasizes God\u2019s love and infinite capacity for forgiveness: \u201cGod is Father and he does not disown any of his children. And \u2018the style\u2019 of God is \u2018closeness, mercy, and tenderness. In this way (or along this path) you will find God.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n With this approach Pope Francis seeks to draw close to the Church homosexuals<\/strong> to experience God\u2019s love<\/strong> and become aware of the truth<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n The Church is clear;\u00a0the \u201cacts\u201d are disordered<\/strong>. They must not be accepted or normalized. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n However, the Church\u2019s teaching is not meant to curtail love but to enable it<\/strong>. For those troubled with their identity, patience is called for. When a person is on a path seeking wholeness, their search must be encouraged and respected \u2013\u00a0in friendship. <\/span><\/p>\n So, the Church is just as clear<\/strong> that individuals \u201cmust be welcomed<\/strong> with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Any form of unfair discrimination will be avoided against them. These people are called to carry out the will of God in their lives\u201d. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n The Church points to the peace and life-giving path of Christ\u2019s commandments. We owe it to God, our brothers and sisters and ourselves to offer what is true \u2013 and why we believe it is true. \u201cAlthough she constantly holds up the call to perfection and asks for a fuller response to God, ‘the Church must accompany<\/strong> with attention and care the weakest of her children<\/strong>, who show signs of a wounded and troubled love, by restoring in them hope and confidence’\u201d. (Pope Francis, 291)<\/a> Read more:<\/span><\/p>\n Dr. Amy E. Hamilton: What the LGBTQ+ Community Needs from the Church<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Bible Verses About Homosexuality<\/a><\/p>\n What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?<\/a><\/p>\n The Sexual Revolution and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\n What Can I Do About Homosexuality?<\/a><\/p>\n Catholic and Gay<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/homosexuality\/” button_text=”Learn more about Church Teaching on Homosexuality” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.24.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
Contrary to arguments<\/strong> that the Bible doesn\u2019t comment on homosexuality or that it supports homosexual behaviors or lifestyles, there are many bible verses about homosexuality, condemning it as \u201cserious depravities\u201d. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\nHistory of Christianity and Homosexuality<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Yet, throughout those millennia the Christian response has remained the same.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Early Centuries<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
From the first century (The Didache) through the fifth century (Augustine) the early Church<\/strong> consistently thought that homosexual behavior was intrinsically wrong<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n
<\/span><\/p>\nEarly Middle Ages<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Under Charlemagne<\/strong>\u2019s \u201creign, church councils and synods issued at least seven ordinances<\/strong> condemning<\/strong> homosexuality<\/strong>. In 789, in a \u2018General Admonition\u2019 to his subjects, Charlemagne speci\ufb01cally endorsed heavy sanctions\u2026’for those who sin against nature with animals or with men’.” (Hist\u00f3ria Medieval, Pg 156, 157)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMiddle Ages<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
In the 11th century, St. Peter Damien<\/strong> railed against an epidemic of the vice of sodomy<\/strong> \u201craging like a cruel beast within the sheepfold of Christ\u201d. In a letter to Pope Leo IX and subsequent book (The Book of Gomorrah)<\/a> he denounced the rampant homosexuality<\/strong> within and without the Church.\u201d (See: Charlette Allen<\/a>, Matthew Cullinan Hoffman<\/a>, Carl Sundell<\/a>, Tom Bethell<\/a>). For his part Pope Leo IX<\/strong> (11th century) called love between men \u201cobscene,\u201d \u201cfilthy,\u201d and \u201can execrable vice.\u201d (Hist\u00f3ria Medieval, Pg 113)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Renaissance<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
The Council of Trent<\/strong>, 16th century, produced a Catechism which sated \u201csodomites shall not possess the kingdom of God.\u201d (Catechism of the Council of Trent, pg. 259)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nModern Times<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
I<\/span><\/span>n the early 20th century the<\/strong> Catechism of Pope St. Pius X<\/strong> stated “The sins that are said to cry to God for vengeance are these four: (1) Willful murder; (2) The sin of sodomy; (3) Oppression of the poor; (4) Defrauding laborers of their wages.” (Catechism of Pope Pius X, 1908)<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHomosexual Behavior, not Individuals, is Condemned<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Tradition has always declared that “acts of homosexuality are intrinsically disordered\u2026They cannot receive approval under any circumstances.<\/strong>”\u00a0(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2357)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n
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