The director of the Mexican bishops' Family Ministry Office issued a
statement reiterating the Church’s teachings on homosexuality.
Bishop Francisco Javier Chavolla told CNA that he hopes his statement
will clarify what the Church teaches about those who have homosexual
tendencies and the pastoral care they should receive.
He noted that the teaching that homosexual acts are intrinsically
disordered is based on natural law because “(same-sex couples) do not
produce genital complementarity and are not ordered towards the
procreation of the human species.”
At the same time, he said, the Church distinguishes between
homosexual acts and homosexual tendencies, the latter which “does not of
itself constitute a moral disorder. The homosexual act, however, is
considered a moral disorder and objectively grave sin.”
In accord with the teaching of Jesus, he continued, the Church
extends mercy and understanding to practicing and non-practicing
homosexuals alike, “recognizing their personal dignity and status as
children of God, above all.”
The Church exhorts them to live in
chastity with the aid of penance and the sacraments, as “all Christians
are called to holiness” and “to follow the will of God.”
The Church’s stance against homosexual unions does not amount to
discrimination, the bishop said, but rather is part of her duty to guard
the institution of marriage and the family, “based on the marriage
between one man and one woman,” which is essential for stability in
society.
Bishop Chavolla said the Church’s pastoral ministry extends to all
the baptized regardless of their gender, age, civil status or condition.
“The moral status of a baptized person is private, and priests are
obligated to respect the seal of the sacrament or exercise prudence in
the case of a consultation, and such is the case with homosexuals who
approach the Church.
“In any case, the Church … will seek to accompany them in their spiritual journey,” he said.
“A ministry aimed directly at homosexual persons could expose someone
who would otherwise prefer to keep their struggle private, but the
Church reaches out to those who publicly manifest themselves as such,”
the bishop said.
The Church’s magisterium, summarized in the Catechism of the Catholic
Church, contains countless anthropological, biblical and theological
principals that can inspire and enlighten those engaged in pastoral
ministry, Bishop Chavolla said, but “it essential they be studied and
adapted to the concrete circumstances of individuals, communities and
their cultures.”
Bishop Chavolla’s statements contrast with the positions taken by
Bishop Raul Vera Lopez of
the Diocese of Santillo.
Bishop Vera has
repeatedly expressed his support of same-sex unions and of the San
Elredo Community, an organization that holds positions on homosexuality
contrary to the Church’s teachings.
In March of this year, Bishop Vera expressed support for a forum on
sexual diversity organized by the San Elredo Community, which promoted
the homosexual lifestyle and the adoption of children by same-sex
couples.
Fr. Robert Coogan, the American priest who founded San Elredo, told
CNA that the group’s work is not contrary to the teachings of the
Church.
“The only answer the Catechism gives is to tell them to be
celibate, and that is not enough.”
The priest expressed his own stance in favor of homosexual unions and
adoptions saying, “We have the firm support of the bishop.”