In a conversation with a member of PRIDE, I once mentioned the word "Pope" and observed her shudder with disgust.  When inquiring about the reason for her distaste for the Pope and Catholicism, she could only make general statements about "not liking what they believed" or that they were very "intolerant" to homosexuals.

And yet, there she was, having an engaging conversation with a devout Catholic.

It is my opinion that much of the animosity that exists between homosexuals and Catholics today stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of each other.  This isn't to say that after understanding what the Church teaches all homosexuals will accept Catholicism with arms wide open.  But with a little effort, perhaps some of that unnecessary hostility can be extinguished.  They think the Church hates them.  Condemns them to hell.  Yes, there are many branches of Christianity that are very "intolerant" to homosexuals to the point that there is open hatred between so-called Christians and non-heterosexuals.

The Church isn't one of them.

With regard to homosexuality, the Church teaches the following:  "The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2358)

Gee, that sure sounds like the Church hates homosexuals, doesn't it?  That part about accepting them with respect, compassion, and sensitivity just makes you want to tie up a homosexual and beat them like a piñata, doesn't it?  Could it be that the Catholic Church actually sees homosexual individuals as PEOPLE and is teaching everyone to treat them like PEOPLE?  YES.

Then why the hell is the Church against gay marriage?  Isn't it a little hypocritical for the Church to say "treat gays with respect" but then are against gay marriage?  In a word, no.  The Church teaches that all human beings, born and unborn, are made in the image and likeness of God.  They have eternal souls.  Therefore, they deserve dignity, respect, and they should be treated with love and compassion.  Since homosexuals are human beings and not simply sexual urges that must be alleviated through sex, they, too, are to be loved in the same way Jesus loves us.  With regard to marriage, the Church's teachings remain consistent with the rest of its beliefs about humans, their nature, the effects of original sin, humans' role in creation, and their role in relation to God.  It would actually be hypocritical to condone gay marriage.

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