To the Editor:
The Feb. 10, 2022, issue of The Catholic Messenger had an article with the startling headline “Cardinal: Church teaching on gays ‘no longer correct.’” The article quoted Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg that “it is time for a fundamental revision of the doctrine” on homosexuality.
That doctrine, affirmed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, forbids homosexual acts but calls for compassion for persons experiencing homosexual tendencies. Moreover, regardless of one’s sexual orientation, all are exhorted to the virtues of chastity and purity.
No. 2357: “Basing itself on Sacred Scripture … tradition has always declared that ‘homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered.’ … Under no circumstances can they be approved.”
No. 2358: “[M]en and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies … must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.”
No. 2359: “Homosexual persons are called to chastity.”
It is unfortunate that Cardinal Hollerich’s comments might lead to a false expectation for fundamental change in moral teaching which, at least until today’s culture of relativism and sexual license, has been believed everywhere, always and by all.
Rather than anticipating a change in doctrine, let us seek to enlarge our hearts in supporting our LGBTQ brothers and sisters with Christ’s love, compassion, and sensitivity.
Steve Goebel
Milan, Illinois
