Senior clerics taking part in a review of Catholic teachings on the family have called on the Church to adopt a more positive stance on homosexuality.
A preliminary report written by bishops during a Vatican synod said homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer".
The report does not challenge the Church's long-held opposition to same-sex marriage, but some gay rights groups hailed it as a breakthrough.
Conservative groups rejected the report, one labelling it a "betrayal".
More than 200 bishops have been taking part in the synod since 5 October. It was convened by Pope Francis to debate abortion, contraception, homosexuality and divorce.
Monday's report, issued half-way through the two-week meeting, said: "Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community.
"Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?"
The document adds: "Without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions, it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners."
Human Rights Campaign, a leading US gay rights organisation, said the document set a "dramatic new tone".
The London-based Catholic gay rights groups Quest called parts of it a "breakthrough".
However Voice Of The Family, a conservative Roman Catholic organisation, rejected the interim report as a "betrayal".
The group's co-founder John Smeaton called it "one of the worst official documents drafted in Church history".
Last year, a survey launched by Pope Francis suggested that the majority of Catholics rejected Church teaching on issues such as sex and contraception.
Missing a good market, losing money
Missing a good market, losing money
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
You're thinking that mere commercial prospects are going to change Christianity from religion based on exclusion and the killing of outsiders (Jews, Nonconformists, Pagans Homosexuals, people who don't accept the three-in-one thing &c) to a welcoming syncretic religion like Buddhism?
I think you are forgetting that the main attraction of exclusive monotheism is precisely the ability to whup on some outsider group you can exclude and oppress. A couple more dollars in the plate is not going to make up for a loss like that.
You're thinking you can convert pickup truck buyers to riding bicycles; not much you can't. You can get them on a bicycle and get them to ride it around but that truck is going to be there for them.
yrs,
rubato
I think you are forgetting that the main attraction of exclusive monotheism is precisely the ability to whup on some outsider group you can exclude and oppress. A couple more dollars in the plate is not going to make up for a loss like that.
You're thinking you can convert pickup truck buyers to riding bicycles; not much you can't. You can get them on a bicycle and get them to ride it around but that truck is going to be there for them.
yrs,
rubato
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MajGenl.Meade
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Re: Missing a good market, losing money
You are such a bigot.
For Christianity, by identifying truth with faith, must teach-and, properly understood, does teach-that any interference with the truth is immoral. A Christian with faith has nothing to fear from the facts
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
You forgot ignoramus...MajGenl.Meade wrote:You are such a bigot.
Though of course one could argue that in order to be a bigot one must be an ignoramus, so perhaps that's implied...
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
"Ignoranus", surely?
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
nevermind....
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Being homosexual is morally neutral.
Being a sinner is pretty much universal.
Publicly declaring one's intention to live an immoral life is incompatible with any organization that values virtue. E.g., marrying someone of the same gender.
Should one be surprised if the local school district shuns an applicant wearing a N. A. M. B. L. A. Pendant?
Being a sinner is pretty much universal.
Publicly declaring one's intention to live an immoral life is incompatible with any organization that values virtue. E.g., marrying someone of the same gender.
Should one be surprised if the local school district shuns an applicant wearing a N. A. M. B. L. A. Pendant?
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Hey Dave, good to see you!
“If you trust in yourself, and believe in your dreams, and follow your star. . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.”
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Come on Dave, that's like saying physicians should not reach out to treat sick people. Don't religions exist to minister to people and not to marginalize them?
The report is quoted as saying:
The report is quoted as saying:
Why not invite the "unrepentant sinners" (if that's what you believe they are) in and show them that you're willing to welcome them without condemning them for their beliefs. I think that's what jesus would have done.: "Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community.
"Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?"
"Without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions, it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners."
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
apparently rube needs to read the new testament....
...he seems to be confused about what it says. I know I was until I read it.
it took me awhile to be able to comment sensibly on this one, luckily RR was here to do it.
...he seems to be confused about what it says. I know I was until I read it.
it took me awhile to be able to comment sensibly on this one, luckily RR was here to do it.
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MajGenl.Meade
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Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Oh be fair wesw... I've just finished a good Christian weekend persecuting homosexuals, killed a couple of moslems, tortured a few non-Trinitarians, let a couple of RCs off with a stern warning. Don't pick on rube for goodness' sake.
For Christianity, by identifying truth with faith, must teach-and, properly understood, does teach-that any interference with the truth is immoral. A Christian with faith has nothing to fear from the facts
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Meade you know being RC is a sin punishable by death! How far you have fallen.
Okay... There's all kinds of things wrong with what you just said.
Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Au contraire...Crackpot wrote:Meade you know being RC is a sin punishable by death! How far you have fallen.
That's how we Roman Catholics deal with heretics like Meade...
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MajGenl.Meade
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- Joined: Sun Apr 25, 2010 8:51 am
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Re: Missing a good market, losing money
Whore... Beast of Babylon etc. Whose round is it?
For Christianity, by identifying truth with faith, must teach-and, properly understood, does teach-that any interference with the truth is immoral. A Christian with faith has nothing to fear from the facts