The Indiana Daily Student recently published an article highlighting issues members of the LGBT community have faced in the Catholic Church and, specifically, in the St. Paul Catholic Center in Bloomington. It’s true that the Catholic Church teaches that those who experience same-sex attractions must not pursue those relations. And, those outside of the Catholic Church often see the Church’s teachings on homosexuality as problematic or outdated. However, this article unfairly and maliciously points to several specific experiences of Catholic students and uses them to vilify the church. The story, of which the subtitle is, “Members of the LGBTQ community say Catholic Bloomington ministry promoting chastity is unwelcoming, traumatizing and disturbing,” specifically refers to and disparages the Bloomington chapter of Courage International, an approved apostolate of the Catholic Church. The tenets of Courage International are as follows:
- To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality (Chastity);
- To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist (Prayer and Dedication);
- To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone (Fellowship);
- To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships (Support);
- To live lives that may serve as good examples to others (Good Example/Role Model)
All of these are in line with Catholic teachings, and the last four can apply to anyone regardless of sexual orientation. I cannot speak from personal experiences with Courage, but according to the information available about the organization, there is nothing indicating that there are any conflicts with the Church’s teachings. The piece from the IDS, therefore, is meant to criticize fundamental Christian principles of sex.
Based on the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sex outside marriage is always immoral, sex within marriage is for both pleasure and reproduction, and marriage is between a man and a woman. The Church also teaches that attraction outside of these parameters is not a sin and should not be changed, but acting on it is sinful. These teachings and beliefs are not variable based on parishes or priests, despite the IDS’s claim that “many Catholics are very accepting of LGBTQ Catholics and same-sex relationships.” There is nothing the Church can or should change regarding these teachings, because changing theology or accepting same-sex relationships as good is harmful to souls in the afterlife. The only thing the Church should do is to continue to educate its members on these issues and promote its teachings rooted in holy scripture.
The church recognizes that it is a burden for those who experience same-sex attraction to live chaste lives, but it is necessary for spiritual redemption. It does not teach members to reject or hate others because of orientation, nor does it teach that for any sin. Everyone is called to love each other regardless of sin. It is also an act of love to tell people when they are acting in sin and to help them to overcome their sin.
Ultimately, the IDS examines LGBT issues in Christianity through a secular lens. The Church calls us to follow God’s commands, not those of the world. Churches can and should have a community to help lift people out of sin. In a world where identity is so important, perhaps Christians should focus on their identities as sons or daughters of God more than any secular labels society can put on them.