Sexual orientation in itself 'is not a moral disorder'

Joe Zammit

Feb 16th 2009, 21:05

All of us have been born with Original Sin and so all of us have some evil tendency. But here we must be careful. The tendency, as Mgr Grech has said, is no sin at all. If we succumb to that tendency is a grievous sin. What we must do is not to sin and deceive ourselves by saying that it is no sin at all, but ask God for his grace and his grace will give to our will a power greater than our tendency. We must keep in mind that we are living to please God. He loves us so much, why don't we love him in return and experience his joy which by far surpasses the momentary lust that sin can passes us through. God's grace is wonderful! God's love is for all of us. Let's love God and use all created things in so far as they draw us nearer to God!

rev. george frendo

Feb 3rd 2009, 19:57

To say that the topic under the spotlight, given its highly-charged personal, subjective emotive content, tends to controversy, is stating the obvious. A reference to the recently updated Cathecism of the Catholic Faith, par. 2357 - 2359, would clarify the Church's teaching, and obviate misunderstandings. The thrust of the articles in question is definitely not in any way exclusive or offensive. It is indeed very worrying when one comes across contributions laced with bitterness and ridicule. It is hoped that the Church's underlying pastoral care, deep understanding and readiness to accompany one and all in their following the Lord of Mercy, is acknowledged and embraced.

Charles Sammut

Feb 3rd 2009, 11:38

What the bishops say has lost a lot or relevance recently. Like other so called authorities in Malta, they are out of touch with reality.

martin portelli

Feb 3rd 2009, 11:24

Catholic Universality and the Maltese/Gozitan church were always a questionable affair. History gives us enough proof. Why one is considered a sinner (worse than a murderer at that) when his or her sexual orientation was never a matter of choice is intriguing. Their choice it is not, reason tells us as much. They were never the primary movers; they have no hand in the building blocks of life on earth. They are not the authors.. Faith decrees paradoxically now, that while sexual orientation is not, expressing that sexuality is a moral wrong; gay human beings are forced into unnatural celibacy on pain of mortal sin. Homosexuality is a cross gay human beings have to bear How they come to abuse this orientation by following natural order is puzzling.

NB Does the church officially designate a saint as protector of homosexuals who have to reject their sense of self and carry the cross of celibacy ? Will the church be funding support groups for those in psychological pain and trauma that comes along with denying one’s sense of self in denying one’s sexual orientation and being forced into celibacy? Families with gay members and their friends would sincerely like to know.

Christopher Pollard

Feb 3rd 2009, 11:12

Thank you - that makes everything very clear!

Joe Zammit

Feb 3rd 2009, 10:34

Mgr Mario Grech is on the right track again. Dear bishop, continue to enlighten us on the TRUTH. Truth will make us free. Our passions will make us slaves. You are completely right, dear Mgr. Grech. We have to insist on the possibility of conversion. Many homosexuals have converted and thank God and the Catholic Church for having raised them from their sinful and filthy life. They tell you repeatedly - so I can't leave it out - "Nirringrazzja 'l Alla li bl-ghajnuna tal-Knisja Kattolika qalaghni mill-hama li kont fih". This is how homosexuals themselves describe the state of homosexual life: filth, 'hama'. Conversion is possible to one and all. In the meantime homosexuals are advised to remain in the Catholic Church for their own good.

Ramon Casha

Feb 3rd 2009, 10:31

PS: What exactly were "Christ's teachings" concerning homosexuality?

Ramon Casha

Feb 3rd 2009, 10:31

So, who is "abusing this orientation"? Is it those who are naturally homosexual and who can no more change that than they can grow wings and fly, or the church which takes every opportunity to grind them into the dust?

Paul Smith

Feb 3rd 2009, 10:16

I am sick about hearing about homophobic Clergy, these People are stuck in a fantasyland.
They ignore all known science on everything from Population control to evolution which is proven by hard science.

Some of the things coming out of vatican city are darn right dangerous, will this bunch of old men take there heads out of ancient scripture written before a time of science and enlightenment and read a science book Please!

Jean-Pierre Aquilina

Feb 3rd 2009, 09:55

These words are welcome especially from a Bishop being a leader. Unfortunately, Christ's teachings are often misinterpreted, and such clarifications surely do help one to reflect on such teachings, even when such teachings have been abused frequently for some personal gain (as in the Inquisition). The foundation of Christianity is love and that should form the basis and focus of any discussion.

I agree that abuse of sexual orientation also goes against moral order - regardless of whether such orientation is homo- or heterosexual.