Letter Twenty-Two:
Same-Sex Attraction
My Dear Family,
As we begin this discussion on same-sex attraction it is necessary to emphasize that those whose sexual attractions are oriented to the same sex are not in a state of sin. It falls into the same category of males attracted to females. Jesus demands that we remain pure in mind and deed. To say that Jesus had nothing to say about homosexual activity or would even approve of it is not true. We must not reconstruct Jesus to our liking; He must reconstruct us if we are to be faithful disciples.
As for Jesus’ teaching, we once again go back to Matthew 19 when He addressed the burning issue of His time, divorce. By taking us back to the bedrock context of creation, He boldly declares that divorce is impossible because marriage is the union of a man and a woman, by God, resulting in “one flesh.” This extends naturally to the question of homosexual marriage; it is impossible because marriage must be, by nature, between a man and a woman. If there can be no homosexual marriage, there can be no permissible homosexual act; it is a sin like adultery and fornication.
The Catechism pronounces homosexual acts as “intrinsically disordered.” This does not mean that homosexuals are more “depraved” than other people who labor under any number of other sins. It simply means that homosexual acts are especially contrary to the created order regarding the original design of the human body.
We must also emphasize that Jesus loves all sinners. He is the doctor of souls and the Church is a hospital for all sinners. Jesus, especially in the Gospel of Luke, seems more comfortable with “sinners” than the religious elite who were law-abiding on the outside but corrupt within. Luke’s culture would identify “sinners” as those who break traditional moral boundaries, such as sexual sins of every kind, drunkenness, thievery, tax collecting, etc. They seemed to be drawn to Jesus in response.
Jesus loves us all, but He loves us too much to leave any of us where we are.
Yours in Christ,
Father John Worgul
Takeaway
It is not a sin to be sexually attracted to those of the same sex. Sexual acts are only permitted with marriage. Since the Church cannot recognize homosexual marriage, there can be no permissible homosexual act; it is a sin like adultery and fornication.
Discussion Questions
- How does this letter help you interact with people who are open about having same-sex attractions?
- What did you learn in this letter that is new or challenges you?