Flawed and biased documents form basis of USCCB discussions

Flawed and biased documents to form the basis of USCCB discussions of homosexuality next week: Commentary by Dr. Gerard J. M. van den Aardweg outlines solutions
By Dr. Gerard J. M. van den Aardweg, Ph.D

ORTHODOXY, ITEMS FROM THE GAY AGENDA, AND LITTLE REAL HELP

Analysis of the Proposed Guidelines for Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination, by the Committee on Doctrine of the USCCB, November 2006

Gerard J. M. van den Aardweg Ph.D.

These Proposed Guidelines will first impress as being solidly "orthodox." They reiterate Church moral doctrine on sexuality and homosexuality, underline the "necessity for training in virtue," especially chastity (for "every person," it is said with emphasis, including the homosexually inclined; p. 26)[1]. A good start for a Catholic document. According to it, ministry to homosexual people comes down to teaching and training the virtues, chastity in the first place. Now the reader is curious about what practical advice is given on how to do that.

What practical advice is given?

Some such advice is indeed contained or implicit in the subsequent sections, but in a very general way. It is too vague to offer more than any reader can deduce by himself: Don't engage in homosexual behavior[2], receive the sacraments. Absolutely correct and laudable Catholic advice. But this, plus a few other suggestions, are all in the way of concrete counsel that can be found in this official document purportedly on ministry to homosexuals. It is a repetition of the theoretical teachings of the CCC, but there is virtually nothing specific on how homosexuals may be helped to bridle their "passions," or to train the virtues that are most important or useful to them. Thus the document more or less stops at the point one would expect real guidelines to begin, remaining" a kind of sketchy introduction to the question of ministering to homosexuals.

Dramatization of the homosexual

But it is a flawed sketch. About half of the statements do not concern the homosexual person himself but rather others in his environment, that is the average faithful or citizen. These must "prayerfully examine their own hearts in order to discern any thoughts or feelings that might stand in need of purification" (p. 20) of the sins of unjust discrimination, lack of respect, etc. For "we recognize that [homosexuals] have been, and often continue to be, objects of scorn, hatred, and even violence..." (20) and "Unfortunately, it remains true that some homosexual persons continue to be victims of violence, while others live in fear of violence" (32).

All of this is well-known gay propaganda sloganeering. Homosexuals have always been persecuted, are victims of all kinds of violence (and therefore have a right to special respect and privileges, to special protection by hate-crime and other laws). It is however a gross dramatization, historically incorrect and certainly untrue today. Objective, not pro-gay biased, studies do not show that practicing homosexuals are more often than heterosexuals victims of violence, but that most violence they suffer results from their promiscuous lifestyle and sexual relationships. Proposed Guidelines reinforces a myth and points a moralistic finger at the Christian who perhaps feels aversion to homosexual behavior, irritation with or disapproval of certain aspects of unmasculine (unfeminine), or narcissistic or exhibitionistic etc. demeanor: You must "purify" yourself of such feelings and thoughts! In other words, our society and Church must be purified of "homophobia."

Another analysis of the proposed USCCB document.