This document is a blessing to all faithful parents, teachers, administrators and trustees that are looking for support from the Catholic hierarchy in their ongoing efforts to ensure Catholic schools operate in an authentically Catholic environment.
The following are some highlights from the document that are particularly relevant given the recent debates regarding Gay-Straight Alliances and the implementation of the Equity Strategy in our schools.
In this first quote below the CCCB is sticking with the term "persons with same-sex attraction" and rejecting the words "gay" and "lesbian". Great move -- language matters.
The terms “gay” and “lesbian” are not used to define people in the Church’s official teachings and documents. Although these words are common terms in current speech, and many people use them to describe themselves, they do not describe persons with the fullness and richness that the Church recognizes and respects in every man or woman. Instead, “gay” and “lesbian” are often cultural definitions for people and movements that have accepted homosexual acts and behaviours as morally good.
Next they explain the difference between same-sex inclinations and actions. Solid stuff. Wouldn't it be great if students learned this in their sex-ed (Fully Alive) classes, instead of the idea that homosexual crushes are normal and leave it at that?
In her teaching, however, the Church never condemns persons with same-sex attraction. She carefully distinguishes between an individual’s inclinations or feelings – some of which are transitory and/or situational and others which are deep-seated or permanent – and one’s actions. While homosexual acts are always objectively wrong, same-sex inclinations are not in themselves sinful or a moral failing. To the extent that a same-sex attraction is not freely chosen, there is no personal culpability in having such an inclination. Nonetheless, when oriented toward genital activity, this inclination is “objectively disordered.” This does not mean that the person as a whole is somehow defective or “badly made,” or that he or she has in some way been rejected by God. Inclinations to homosexual acts in no way diminish the full human dignity or intrinsic worth of the person.
In the following quote they touch on who should be counselling our kids. I'm certain there is no screening process currently in place that takes into account a counsellor's commitment to the Church's teaching on sexuality. Would be a great addition to a school board policy (hint..hint for any trustees reading this).
Ensure that professional counsellors or psychologists who see young people are distinguished by their sound human and spiritual maturity. They must be committed to the Christian vision of the human person and sexuality, as well as the Church’s teaching on homosexuality and chastity.
The next quote is a great one and really points to the root of the problem with religious education in our schools today.
Avoidance of difficult questions or watering down the Church’s teaching is always a disservice. Such attitudes could lead young people into grave moral danger.“ Moral conscience requires that, in every occasion, Christians give witness to the whole moral truth, which is contradicted both by approval of homosexual acts and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons.”
This final quote ties in with recent attempt to force gay clubs in our schools. Check out this story on how a group of Catholic students are trying to pull other students into the "gay culture" via their high school approved club "Open Arms".
Second, help them avoid involvement in a “gay culture” opposed to the Church’s teaching, with its often aggressive and immoral lifestyle.I encourage everyone to read the document in its entirety. It should really be the basis for any discussions or debates related to the implementation of the Equity Strategy in our schools.
We should also note that our very own Archbishop Prendergast was on the commission that was responsible for producing this document. Send him a quick note at: archbishop@archottawa.ca and thank him for his contributions.
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