The Catholic Church’s view on:

1. The Catholic Church’s view on: Homosexuality

2. Agenda Introduction Homosexuality in Scripture Role of Catholic Schools and Safe Communities Path to Holiness: Chastity Invitation to Personal Reflection Small Group Activities Discussion

3. Catechism of the Catholic Church Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex...Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared that "homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.” They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. Under no circumstances can they be approved. “ “

4. There is a difference between sexual desire and the decision to act on it. • A tendency, desire or inclination are not choices and are therefore not wrong in themselves. • The Church clearly teaches that homosexual acts are immoral. Included under homosexual acts are genital sexual activity and erotic relational behaviour with a person of the same sex. Act versus Tendency Resource: Education Commission of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops

5. Scripture Interpretation The book of Genesis gives a context for the whole issue of homosexuality. God’s creation mirrored his goodness. He made man and woman in his own image. The image of God the Creator can be found in the procreative powers of the man and woman in union. Man and woman creating life together, is a powerful symbol of God’s unity. As humans were made male and female in God’s image and able to create life from their union, those are two necessary aspects of marriage. The realization of that special union was obscured by the sin of homosexual acts as taught in the case of the men of Sodom.

6. "Genesis" 19:1-11 When the two angels reached Sodom in the evening, Lot was sitting at the gate of Sodom. As soon as Lot saw them, he stood up to greet them, and bowed to the ground, 'My lords,' he said, 'please come down to your servant's house to stay the night and wash your feet. Then you can make an early start on your journey.' 'No,' they said, 'we shall spend the night in the square.’ But he pressed them so much that they went home with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking unleavened bread, and they had supper. They had not gone to bed when the house was surrounded by the townspeople, the men of Sodom both young and old, all the people without exception. Calling out to Lot they said, 'Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so that we can have intercourse with them.’ Lot came out to them at the door and, having shut the door behind him, said, 'Please, brothers, do not be wicked. Look, I have two daughters who are virgins. I am ready to send them out to you, for you to treat as you please, but do nothing to these men since they are now under the protection of my roof.’ But they retorted, 'Stand back! This fellow came here as a foreigner, and now he wants to play the judge. Now we shall treat you worse than them.' Then they forced Lot back and moved forward to break down the door. But the men reached out, pulled Lot back into the house with them, and shut the door. And they dazzled those who were at the door of the house, one and all, with a blinding light, so that they could not find the doorway. “ “

7. Scripture Interpretation The Catholic Church believes that the passage shows very clearly the position in the Bible that homosexual relations are immoral. Another example is given by St. Paul in the New Testament:20 ever since the creation of the world, the invisible existence of God and his everlasting power have been clearly seen by the mind's understanding of created things. And so these people have no excuse: 27 why their women have exchanged natural intercourse for unnatural practices; and the men, in a similar fashion, too, giving up normal relations with women, are consumed with passion for each other, men doing shameful things with men and receiving in themselves due reward for their perversion. 28 In other words, since they would not consent to acknowledge God, God abandoned them to their unacceptable thoughts and indecent behaviour. "Romans" 1:20, 27-28 In the context of the confrontation of Christianity and paganism of his time, St. Paul uses homosexual behaviour to describe how humanity is becoming lost from God’s way. According to St. Paul, the union of God and humans is weakened by homosexual acts.

8. Catholic schools are representations of the Church. • Responsible for the education and formation of Catholic children. • Provide an educational experience within the Catholic faith. • Create environments where students can experience what it is like to be welcomed, cared for, loved unconditionally, included and taught values they can commit to. • Create a safe environment where students who feel rejected, discriminated against or vulnerable can experience safe, nurturing inclusive communities of faith. Role of Catholic Schools

9. Building Safe, Nurturing, Inclusive Communities Catholic schools have a legal obligation to provide equal access to education and protection under the law for students. All Catholic schools are responsible for providing a positive environment for staff and students. Each student has the right to be free of harassment, violence or hatred in speech or in action. Catholic schools have a larger obligation to protect the most marginalized in their care because they are faith-based communities. Theology and spirituality of communion provides useful ways to inform and guide those caring for individuals who have same sex attractions.

10. Path to Holiness As humans we are born with the desire to be relational and want to be loved and feel connected to something greater than ourselves. People that have deep relationships with others are healthier and live more fulfilled lives. The ultimate goal as adults is to form and sustain meaningful relationships with others. The Catholic Church states that one does not have to engage in sexual acts in order to experience intimate relationships and that homosexual persons can still live a fulfilled life with intimate but non-sexual relationships.

11. Path to Holiness The Church also states that homosexual persons are called to chastity and to use the support of prayer and sacramental grace to resist acting on sexual urges. It is important to remember that the Church believes a person’s identity transcends sexual orientation and that all people share the right to freedom, happiness. The Church also states that the intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law.

12. Homosexual persons are made in the image and likeness of God. • A homosexual orientation is not in itself morally wrong as it is not freely chosen. • All Christians are called by God to be chaste and honor the gift of sexuality. • Sexual behavior outside of marriage is morally wrong and a sin. Call to Chastity

13. Reflection Questions • What is your own experience of respectful and honest conversations about human sexuality and homosexuality? • From your own experiences what do you find is the most difficult in a discussion regarding homosexuality? • What do you feel are the benefits of discussing human sexuality in the context of faith? • Do you know of anyone struggling with homosexuality? Do you feel faith can help this person in their struggle?

14. Discussion Case studies

15. Guidelines for working with students with a same-sex orientation: Familiarize yourself with Catholic teaching on human sexuality. Examine your own attitudes and get access to accurate information about same-sex orientation. Provide a safe place to discuss the concerns of the student. Listen calmly and offer non-judgmental responses that will encourage further dialogue ie: “tell me what you are concerned about”. Be aware of your own comfort level and limitations. Your role is to be a good listener and let the student do the talking. Do not tolerate derogatory remarks or jokes, name-calling or harassment anywhere on school property and act immediately when this happens. If you are uncomfortable dealing with issues of homosexuality, guide students to others on staff who can provide pastoral care (ie: chaplain, guidance counsellor).

16. Issues to Keep in Mind Always be respectful, compassionate, and caring when discussing this sensitive issue with gay students. Keep in mind that: Becoming aware of one’s same-sex orientation sometimes carries with it feelings of mistrust, anxiety and fear. Discovering a same-sex orientation can be very difficult for some, and these individuals will need support. Homosexual individual are often subjected to hatred and abuse à the primary setting for such hatred to be expressed is at school. If bullying and prejudice is not addressed, or there is no support, schools can become a very hostile place for these individuals. Without support, they may become fearful of being discovered and rejected. There is often a deep sense of isolation felt by homosexual individuals in the school environment. Without support, feelings of isolation, fear and anxiety may cause some students to run away from their home, school and community to live on the streets. Living on the streets leaves them vulnerable to violence, exploitation and illness. Even for those that do not run away from home, they can experience severe depression. These students are thus at a much higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts then their peers. YOUR SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING IS IMPORTANT!

17. Main Points from the article: • The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association’s open support of homosexual clubs and safe areas in Catholic schools has put them at odds with the Ontario bishops. • OECTA, which represents 45,000 teachers across the province, has partnered with Egale, Canada’s most influential homosexual lobby group. • OECTAs donated money to Egale through teacher union fees because of Egales commitment to fighting bullying through the formation of ‘safe’ environments in schools for LGBT students. • In January of 2010: Ontario bishops stated that gay-straight alliances are not permitted in Catholic schools. • OECTA’s support of Egale has been denounced by many Catholic teachers, who are forced to pay union dues for OECTAs cause.  • Many are concerned also because OECTA has been given oversight of the certification process for religion teachers in the Catholic system. Article “Catholic teachers union vs. Ontario bishops: who will win on gay clubs?” By: Patrick B. Craine January 7th, 2011. Lifesitenews.com