Gays and the priesthood

Let me say in the beginning that the Catholic position on homosexuality, at least the American Bishops position, is far more understanable than the "fundamantalist Christian" position. Let me make several comments, however.

1. There is little resarch on whether homosexuality is inborn, learned, or a combination of both.

2. Unfortunately the question of homosexuality has become a political issue mainly, not a science issue. Most of the google and book results on the issue are from those with a vested interest in homosexuality being a learned behavior. I have no objection to people of religious persuasion having an opinion on this issue, but I do discount those who start with their religious convictions and try to find scientific evidence that supports their religious views.

3. Their is a difference, which is sometimes blurred, between sexual behavior and sexual orientation. Behavior can change, of course, but orientation is a different matter.

4. There is no reputable evidence that homosexual orientation can be changed.

5. If learned, there is no reliable evidence as to how it is learned. Also it must be asked if heterosexual behavior is learned, then how?

6. Assuming such behavior is learned, all seem to agree that it was learned quite early in life. And at a time when the person had little or no control over the circumstances.

7. Assuming 6 to be correct, it seems illogical to blame a person for their homosexual orientation.

8.Thus to bar homosexuals from the priesthood, based on their orientation, seems prejudicial.

9. I see a difference , to a degree, between the American bishops and the Vatican on these issue.

Knowing that long posts are often not read, I have only outlined my position. Jack