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What does the Catholic Church say about homosexuality and this curriculum?
This circular was included in the parishes’ bulletins in early October 2007. The Archdiocese of Washington informs Parishioners about the new currciulum.
The Church recognizes a basic distinction between homosexual orientation (or same-sex attraction) and homosexual behavior (see the Catechism, 2357-59). A homosexual orientation is usually not chosen and is a cause of suffering. Although this inclination is objectively disordered, it is not in itself sinful. Homosexual behavior, in contrast, is gravely sinful. Like all human actions, homosexual behavior is a choice, because we are not animals dominated by urges, but persons with free will. Like everyone else, homosexual persons are called to chastity, that is, the right ordering of their sexual desires.
God’s loving plan for sexuality is inscribed in our very bodies, in their complementarity as male and female. God has designed sexual union to be the bodily expression of a total and reciprocal gift of self between a man and a woman within the covenant of marriage. Any departure from this design distorts and cheapens sexuality, and reduces persons to objects.
Homosexual persons are owed as much respect and compassion as all other human beings, and must not be subject to unjust discrimination. But it does not follow that we are obliged to recognize the homosexual lifestyle as normal and morally equivalent to heterosexuality.
Homosexuality and Hope
Statement of the Catholic Medical Association
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