THE CRISIS OF SEXUAL IDENTITY

When the equality of men and women is misread to mean that men and women are essentially the same or interchangeable, we violate common sense. We negate the mystery of sexual difference.  Sexual identity cannot simply be relegated to the demands of political ideology. Sexual differences are real; and they are more than simply physical or simply spiritual. They are grounded in the origins of the human person, for as the book of Genesis says: "male and female God made them."

Another very important issue surfaced last fall in the long-awaited Vatican Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders. Though contested and flatly disregarded by some, this document is timely in terms of the greater picture of world, cultural, and ecclesial issues.

The instruction is not saying that men of homosexual orientation are not welcome in the priesthood. But it is making clear that they must be capable of affective maturity, have a capacity for celibacy and not share the values of the eroticized gay culture. We simply cannot underestimate the power and influence of such a culture on people today. Bishops and religious superiors must ensure that men are not admitted to the priesthood for whom its requirements and demands will be too burdensome or impossible to fulfill. The question of "affective maturity" in seminaries and formation houses is a very complex one and deserves utmost attention and care. All priests and candidates for the priesthood need to live lives of celibate chastity, whatever their sexual orientation. We must live and model celibacy and chastity that are unambiguous, hopeful, joyful and inviting to others.

Continue to "The Crisis of Ideologies"

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