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The relationship between the Catholic Church and homosexuality is complex and often contentious, involving various conflicting views between the Catholic Church and some in the LGBTQ community. According to Catholic doctrine, solely having same-sex attractions itself is not considered inherently sinful; it is the act of engaging in sexual activity with someone of the same sex that is regarded as a grave sin against chastity. The Church also does not recognize nor perform any sacramental marriages between same-sex couples. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that all same-sex individuals must "be accepted and treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity," and that all forms of unjust discrimination should be discouraged and avoided at all cost.[1][2]
The Church's teachings on this issue have developed over time, influenced by papal interventions and theologians, including the early Church Fathers. Pastoral care for LGBTQ Catholics is provided through a variety of official and unofficial channels, varying from diocese to diocese. In recent years, senior clergy and popes have called for the Church to increase its support for LGBTQ individuals.
Globally, the Catholic Church is politically active on LGBTQ rights issues, and its relationship with the LGBTQ community has been particularly strained during critical moments, such as the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.[3] Some notable LGBT Catholics, including priests and bishops, have been openly gay or bisexual. Catholic dissenters have argued that legally consensual relations between people of the same-sex is as inherently spiritual and valuable as the same for those of the opposite-sex.
On the other hand, some Catholic organizations and institutions that uphold church teachings on sexual activities campaigned against LGBTQ rights worldwide, advocating for the promotion and encouragement of chastity and celibacy among LGBT Catholics. Pope Francis has taken a notably different approach to these subjects than that of his predecessors. He became the first pope to support granting civil union status for same-sex individuals as a legal protection for same-sex domestic partners.[4][5] He has also publicly denounced sodomy laws.[6][7][8]
- ^ "Catechism of the Catholic Church". www.usccb.org. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Cite error: The named reference
zgUFswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Pope Francis calls for civil union law for same-sex couples, in shift from Vatican stance". Catholic News Agency. 21 October 2020. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Same-sex civil unions 'good and helpful to many', says Pope Francis". Euronews. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "The AP Interview: Pope says homosexuality not a crime". Associated Press. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ Pullella, Philip (6 February 2023). "Pope Francis says laws criminalising LGBT people are a 'sin' and an injustice". Reuters. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Pope Francis clarifies comments on homosexuality: "One must consider the circumstances."". Outreach. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2024.