Bishops debate whether Vatican document is total ban on gays

Published: 2005-12-05

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Vatican document restricting admittance of homosexuals to seminaries has sparked a debate as to whether it is a total ban or the door is left open for some men with homosexual tendencies to be accepted. "It bans anyone with a same-sex orientation," said Bishop John M. D'Arcy of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Ind. Other bishops have said it does not prohibit candidates for the priesthood who are sexually and emotionally mature and can make a faithful commitment to living a celibate life. Bishops who hold this position add that this is something that has to be determined in each individual case. "Once it is determined that there is no 'deep-seated' (homosexual) tendency then the decision is up to the local bishop," said Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., who is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Vatican document was issued Nov. 29 by the Congregation for Catholic Education. It said that the church "cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies or support the so-called 'gay culture.'"

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