Same-Sex Attraction and Homosexual Acts
"What does the Catholic Church really teach about homosexuality?"
The Short Answer
While homosexual inclinations are not sinful in themselves, homosexual acts are contrary to natural law as Scripture teaches (Romans 1:26-27). Persons with same-sex attraction are called to chastity and are to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
Quick Overview
The Church teaches two things that often get confused: First, having same-sex attractions isn't a sin. These feelings aren't chosen. Second, acting on those attractions is considered wrong because God designed sexuality for the complementary union of man and woman in marriage. People with same-sex attraction are called to chastity, just as unmarried heterosexual people are. They're also to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity—never with hatred or discrimination. This teaching is challenging, but the Church believes it's what's truly best for human flourishing.
Biblical Evidence
What the Scriptures say
"For this cause God delivered them up to shameful affections. For their women have changed the natural use into that use which is against nature. And, in like manner, the men also, leaving the natural use of the women, have burned in their lusts one towards another."
Why This Matters
Paul describes homosexual acts as 'against nature'—contrary to the natural design of sexuality for complementary union and procreation.
"Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind... shall possess the kingdom of God."
Why This Matters
Paul includes homosexual acts among sins that exclude from the kingdom—but also notes that some Corinthians 'were' such things but have been washed and sanctified (v.11).
What the Church Teaches
Official Catholic doctrine
The Catechism distinguishes between homosexual inclinations and acts. The inclination 'is objectively disordered' but is not itself sinful (CCC 2358). Homosexual acts 'are intrinsically disordered' and 'contrary to natural law' (CCC 2357). Persons with this inclination 'must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity' (CCC 2358).
Common Objections
Questions answered
Early Church Fathers
What the first Christians believed
St. John Chrysostom
c. 390 AD
"All passions are dishonorable... but [this passion] is the most disgraceful of all... not only because of the disgrace, but also because of the damage it does to its very selves."
— Homily 4 on Romans
St. Augustine
c. 400 AD
"Those shameful acts against nature, such as were committed in Sodom, ought everywhere and always to be detested and punished."
— Confessions, 3.8.15
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