I live in Atlanta. There is a local priest of the Catholic faith who is gay, and now, the church is apparently firing him, or at least not permitting him to remain the leader of that Church where he is. I am not sure, but I think that he just recently came out with the news that he is gay.
I have mixed feelings about this.
On the one hand, I know that God loves all of his children, and hence, I believe we should accept people despite their sins. In that respect, I am no better than he (this priest).
But when I consider his position of authority in the church, I question the morality of him occupying said position (no sexual pun intended whatsoever).
How can little kids be taught the Bible and the nature of God by this man without being confused by the psychosexually aberrant knowledge about the man's lifestyle?
Please tell me what you think. Be honest.
2007-02-09 05:41:03 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Anyone who can not follow the Bible should not lead a church
2007-02-09 06:00:44 · answer #1 · answered by Tanya Pants 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly as a priest you should uphold principle values of the Bible. God doesn't despise him but rather the sin, This would lead to much confusion and division in the church if he were to stay as a priest.Compromising will lead to other openings and people will think hey its ok to do what I want, and then the church becomes a free for all. God is not for homosexuality and never will be. Do you refer to acceptance of the priest as a human or as a homosexual? If you love someone and you believe they are committing wrong you tell them, don't let things slip by for the sake of pleasing others. Stand up even if you stand alone.
2007-02-09 13:59:34 · answer #2 · answered by Tae's Wifey 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will be a Priest for eternity.
However, I do believe that the Catholic Church is implementing a policy on homosexuals leading Parishes. Dunno exactly. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that homosexuals should be treated kindly. Since "Mass" is meaning all who gather for the Eucharist --- well homosexuals should be included. I'm sure that the Bishop would want to talk with this Priest to see what he belives Chist is leading him too. Certainly, the Bishop would then need to brainstorm pro's and con's and pray for a good solution.
Sacrements are the biggest thing for Priests & concern for the Church ... I found this and it may interest you although it's a little off your topic:
"Q: When celebrating Mass and the sacraments, must the priest be in the state of grace? If he is not, can he receive the Eucharist that he has been instrumental in consecrating? Would it be sinful?
Also, what are the implications of his actions for the layperson or penitent? I couldn't find answers in the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
A: The priest, deacon, couple to be married or layperson performing an emergency Baptism—all of these should be in the state of grace when they celebrate the sacraments. That is not required, however, for them to "work."
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, "From the moment that a sacrament is celebrated in accordance with the intention of the Church, the power of Christ and his Spirit acts in and through it, independently of the personal holiness of the minister. Nevertheless, the fruits of the sacraments also depend on the disposition of the one who receives them" (#1128).
In the fourth century, after the Roman persecution of Christians had ended, the Catholic Church squarely faced the issue of the connection between sacraments and the holiness of those who administer them. In time, the extreme assertion of the position that sacraments work only if their minister is holy at that time was called the heresy of Donatism (after its leader, Donatus).
The Catholic Church wants the ministers of God's sacraments to be in the state of grace when they act in its name. But requiring this for the sacrament to work opens all sacramental celebrations to doubt regarding their validity. This further suggests that human sin can overpower God's grace; this is certainly not true for the Sacrament of Penance—or any other sacrament.
A priest conscious of not being in the state of grace should try to make a perfect act of contrition, celebrate the sacrament in question and then seek absolution later. That is how moral theologians have usually resolved this apparent conflict of duties.
All the Church's members need to cooperate generously with God's grace—and thus become holy! " *
2007-02-09 13:53:25 · answer #3 · answered by Giggly Giraffe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think he would be setting a very good example by being homosexual. It depends on the priest's heart. Even Biblical heroes made mistakes. If we repent, then we can be forgiven. However, if the priest continues to sin and not get help, he shouldn't be a leader in the church.
2007-02-09 14:04:24 · answer #4 · answered by Me Encanta Espanol 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gay and celibate is one thing.
Gay and active is another.
Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy.
His removal from his pastorate would be the same if he was hetero and active with a woman or women.
One of the fruits of the spirit is temperance, or self-control. The priests removal from church must be based upon something more than just his orientation. Most likely it's his actual behavior.
2007-02-09 13:50:26 · answer #5 · answered by Bobby Jim 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sexual preference has no bearing on his ability to preach or teach or lead or whatever. One thing I've never understood about catholics is that their priests must be celebate. They never marry or have intimate relationships and yet they interview potential couples and approve the marriage. They counsel men and women on how to save their marriages... Based on what knowledge? The bible? O.K. So your mechanic says, I have never fixed brakes on a car before but the Chilton manual says you should do it like this.... Would you let him work on your car?
Why let these guys work on your marriage?
Gay straight bi or wearing heels, it makes no difference to me. I don't need a man in a dress to communicate with god on my behalf. My god is available 24/7 and I don't even need to know latin!
2007-02-09 13:53:23 · answer #6 · answered by mufflerbearings1967 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think a gay man would be far more in tune with Christ's teachings of not judging, doing unto others, doing unto the least of his brothers, etc. than a homophobic bigot--also coming out of the closet is a display of HONESTY. As for the children, they don't know about sex yet, and if they do I would wonder about their parents. I hope this preacher finds himself a church congregated with a better class of people
2007-02-09 13:48:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I honestly think it's a waste of a good homosexual to be a priest. Of all people, a homosexual should know what a crock religion is.
2007-02-09 13:51:38 · answer #8 · answered by vehement_chemical 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gay clergy is a secret centuries old tradition. Why stop now?
2007-02-09 13:54:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
No.
2007-02-09 13:50:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋