Catholics believe that same sex attraction is not evil but "objectively disordered"

"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. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition."

-- CCC 2358

Catholics believe "issues that are moral questions before they become political remain moral questions when they become political"

"The challenge to governing effectively and pastorally as bishops and priests is to be public without being co-opted and to be who we are without being isolated. We approach every issue from the perspective of the natural moral law and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for issues that are moral questions before they become political remain moral questions when they become political. To limit our teaching or governing to what the state is not interested in would be to betray both the Constitution of our country and, much more importantly, the Lord himself."

-- Cardinal Francis George,
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
2009 FALL MEETING OF THE US CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS
BALTIMORE, 16 NOVEMBER 2009

Catholics believe in the grace of "Exodus" from homosexuality

Interview: Former Gay Youth Leader Re-Emerges to Tell His Dramatic Conversion Story

By Patrick B. Craine

November 11, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Two years ago Michael Glatze sent shockwaves through the homosexualist establishment when he declared publicly that he had left his life as a prominent homosexual activist, become Christian, and embraced "normal human sexuality."

However, after being subjected to intense criticism and ridicule following his conversion, Glatze decided to "go inside," "be silent," and "process" for a time, but now says he feels compelled to share his story anew. In an interview with LifeSiteNews.com (LSN), Glatze said that, far from reverting back to his old lifestyle (as many of his critics in the homosexual community said he would) he is "extremely happy, and able to have a very good, normal, healthy life."

Click here to read the rest of the story.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/nov/09111207.html

Catholics believe that true health care protects all life

Bishops: True Health Care Protects All Life!

By FR. KEVIN M. CUSICK

“ Genuine health care reform that protects the life and dignity of all is a moral imperative and a vital national obligation” — Bishop William F. Murphy, chairman, USCCB Committee on Domes­tic Justice & Human Development.

The bishops of the United States recently asked that all Catholics be informed of their position on the current health care reform proposals. Plans be­ing debated by Congress include coverage for abortions. Abortion is not health care; abortion is murder. Any health care plan that includes paying for abortions is not health care and cannot be sup­ported by the bishops or any Catholic in good con­science. The most recent letter from the bishops dated October 8, 2009 is reprinted here.

+ + + Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the United States Conference of Cath­olic Bishops (USCCB), we are writing to express our disappointment that progress has not been made on the three priority criteria for health care reform that we have conveyed previously to Congress. In fact, the Senate Finance Committee rejected a conscience rights amendment accepted earlier by the House En­ergy and Commerce Committee. If final legislation does not meet our principles, we will have no choice but to oppose the bill. We remain committed to work­ing with the administration, congressional leader­ship, and our allies to produce final health reform legislation that will reflect our principles.

We continue to urge you to: 1. Exclude mandated coverage for abortion, and incorporate longstanding policies against abortion funding and in favor of conscience rights. No one should be required to pay for or participate in abor­tion. It is essential that the legislation clearly ap­ply to this new program longstanding and widely supported federal restrictions on abortion funding and mandates, and protections for rights of con­science. No current bill meets this test.

2. Adopt measures that protect and improve people’s health care. Reform should make quality health care affordable and accessible to everyone, particularly those who are vulnerable and those who live at or near the poverty level.

3. Include effective measures to safeguard the health of immigrants, their children, and all of so­ciety. Ensure that legal immigrants and their fami­ly members have comprehensive, affordable, and timely access to health care coverage. Maintain an adequate safety net for those who remain uncovered. We sincerely hope that the legislation will not fall short of our criteria. However, we remain ap­prehensive when amendments protecting freedom of conscience and ensuring no taxpayer money for abortion are defeated in committee votes. If accept­able language in these areas cannot be found, we will have to oppose the health care bill vigorous­ly. Catholic moral tradition teaches that health care is a basic human right, essential to protect­ing human life and dignity. Much- needed re­form of our health care system must be pursued in ways that serve the life and dignity of all, never in ways that undermine or violate these fundamental values. We will work tirelessly to remedy these central problems and help pass real reform that clearly protects the life, digni­ty, and health of all.

Sincerely, Bishop William F. Murphy ( Diocese of Rockville Centre, chairman: Committee on Do­mestic Justice & Human Development); Justin Cardinal Rigali ( Archdiocese of Philadelphia, chairman: Committee on Pro-Life Activities); Bish­op John Wester ( Diocese of Salt Lake City, chair­man: Committee on Migration).

+ + + Take Action! Join the efforts of the U.S. Catho­lic bishops in supporting health care that respects the life and dignity of all people. You are invited to visit the National Committee for a Human Life Amendment web site at http:// actions. nchla. org and use the online form to send a message to your representatives that you stand up for life and against abortion coverage masquerading as health care. Thank you.

+ + + (See coverage of my journey in Italy and my run­ning in the 34th Marine Corps Marathon at apriestlife. blogspot. com.)

Catholics believe "It's called Christmas"