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Amanda wrote:

Hi, guys —

  • Does the fact that I have gay friends mean that I accept homosexuality and if so,
    am I sinning?

I feel like my question needs some background as to why I am struggling with this issue.

Recently, I have been on chat sites chatting with other Catholics who are more old fashioned than I am. I started these conversations on topics where I am not even sure where I personally stand.

For example, some one asked how I feel about homosexuality, and I answered that I have friends who are gay and although I don't agree with there life style, they are still my friends and I care about them.

He said that because I accept homosexuality, I should consider converting to Protestantism and he even gave me the name of some denomination to consider. I do not consider myself to be a cafeteria Catholic, or one of those people who only goes to church only on Easter and Christmas.
In fact, I go every Sunday and go to Bible study once a week.

God bless,

Amanda

  { If I have gay friends who I care about, but don't accept their lifestyle, should I change churches? }

Eric replied:

Dear Amanda —

Ignore your friend. There is nothing in Catholic teaching which requires you to reject gay friends; in fact Jesus reached out to the worst sinners of his day and befriended them.

We take the attitude of love the sinner but hate the sin. If we never loved these people, they would never be attracted to the faith and consider reforming their lives to live lives of chastity.

Show your friends love and acceptance as human beings, while holding fast to your belief that homosexual behavior is objectively wrong. (Whether and to what degree you bring this up to them is up to your discretion.)

If your friend presses the issue ask him to produce a statement from the Catechism or the Magisterium that supports his position. He won't be able to.

Quote the Catechism paragraph 2358:

"The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."

Eric

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