The bishop of the New York diocese of Rochester has dismissed a
statement from the Vatican banning individuals with “deep-seated”
homosexual tendencies from entering the priesthood, saying that he has
“always tried to be open” to such persons.
“I know some magnificent gay priests,” said Bishop Matthew Clark,
according to the Rochester City Newspaper.
“If they are openly gay in
terms of living a lifestyle that is incompatible with their basic
commitments, we have to intervene. But I have always tried to be open to
such candidates.”
Clark referenced a Vatican document, presumably the 2005 document
discussing homosexuals and the priesthood put out by the Congregation
for Catholic Education (CCE), saying that it “left the impression that
under no circumstances could a person of gay orientation be ordained a
priest.”
He added that “that’s not so.”
“If a person’s sense of himself as a gay individual inevitably leads
him to campaign against the church’s formal teachings or live a
lifestyle that is upsetting to the community or scandalous, such a
person would not be an apt candidate for the priesthood,” said the
bishop.
“But if a person understands that and lives a lifestyle that is
compatible with what we ask of all of our priests, then I’m happy to
receive them.”
While stating that persons with homosexual tendencies “must be
accepted with respect and sensitivity” and that “every sign of unjust
discrimination in their regard should be avoided,” the CCE document
stated that “this dicastery, in accord with the Congregation for Divine
Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, believes it necessary to
state clearly that the Church, while profoundly respecting the persons
in question, cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who
practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or
support the so-called ‘gay culture.’”
Catholic World News notes that Bishop Clark had criticized the CCE document shortly after its release.
“The fundamental concern of formation for a life of celibate chastity
is for sexual maturity, not sexual orientation,” Clark had said. “Good
seminary formation needs to provide an environment in which both
heterosexual and homosexual candidates can grow to commit themselves
wholeheartedly, even joyfully, to chaste and faithful celibacy.”
In 2004 Bishop Clark was named
one of the most “gay friendly” bishops in the United States by the
Rainbow Sash Movement, members of which challenge Catholic Church
leaders by approaching the Communion rail while wearing a symbol of
solidarity with the homosexualist movement.
The bishop has in the past
welcomed members of the movement in his diocese.
Contact information: Diocese of Rochester, 1150 Buffalo Rd., Rochester, NY 14624