Homosexuality in the Priesthood - The Vatican Position

Homosexuality in the Priesthood

The Vatican's Position

Its Implications

INTRODUCTION

The following letter was sent via Express Mail to Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments.

No further introduction is necessary.

miguel de Portugal

European Union and U.S.A.

December 11, 2002

His Eminence, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect
Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments
Piazza Pio XII, 10
00193 Rome
ITALY

Subject: Homosexuals and the Priesthood

Reference: Cardinal Jorge A. Medina Estévez Nota of May 16th, 2002, on this matter

May the Peace of God be upon you Cardinal Arinze!

We have taken note of the letter written and issued on May 16, 2002, by your predecessor Cardinal Medina Estévez regarding the ordination of men with homosexual tendencies [Published in the current November-December issue of your Congregation's bulletin.]

In it we read:

Ordination to the diaconate and the priesthood of homosexual men or men with homosexual tendencies is absolutely inadvisable and imprudent and, from the pastoral point of view, very risky. A homosexual person, or one with a homosexual tendency is not, therefore, fit to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.

We take note of Cardinal Medina Estévez' candor, and your support of his position, in labeling such ordination as "extremely risky".

Now that the Vatican has officially and unequivocally labeled a homosexual ordained priest "extremely risky", when should we expect to have all Roman Catholic priests, Bishops, Archbishops and Cardinals who have homosexual tendencies removed from active ministry?

Should we start a list of those who may fall in that category and are in active ministry/leadership?

miguel de Portugal
+by the Grace of God

Index of Letters To Church Hierarchy

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