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Homosexual Unions: A Synopsis of the Vatican Document
"Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons"
by Brian
Over the past few weeks there has been a lot of talk over homosexual unions. First it was the gay Episcopalian priest who was nominated to be a Bishop. Then in our local Sunday newspaper there was a section about the various new reality television shows, which involve homosexual participants. To top it off, Bobbi told me there would be a new television sitcom, which will feature a gay couple raising a child.
Added to the above, I have read a number of alarming reports from Canada. It seems that Canada may shortly be on the way to legalizing homosexual unions. I also read that the head of the UN, Kofi Annan, recently attended a "homosexual activist conference" at the UN. He mentioned to reporters that he saw no problem with homosexual unions, but kindly added that the UN should not get involved in the debate.
It is no wonder that in early June of this year the Vatican published a short document entitled Considerations Regarding Proposals to Give Legal Recognition to Unions Between Homosexual Persons.
The document states nothing new about the Church's position regarding homosexual unions, but rather "reiterates" certain fundamental truths that Bishops, Priests, Laity and Catholic politicians cannot ignore. The document is divided into four sections.
Section 1: "The Nature of Marriage"
This section focuses on Scripture. Reference is made to the first two chapters of Genesis where God created man and woman, Ephesians 5, where the love of husband and wife represents Jesus' love for His Bride the Church and several passages that condemn homosexual acts (Rom. 1:24-27; 1 Cor. 6:10).
Section 2: "Positions on the Problem of Homosexual Unions"
Some of the positions that the faithful are called to take against homosexual unions are to state clearly the immoral nature of homosexual unions, reminding the government of the need to contain "this phenomenon within certain limits" and the need to protect young people from false ideas about sexuality and marriage.
Section 3: "Reason Against Legal Recognition of Homosexual Unions"
This section is the longest in the document and presents four "arguments" against homosexual unions.
1. The order of right reason - the Church believes that "legal recognition of homosexual unions would obscure certain basic moral values and cause a devaluation of the institution of marriage".
2. The biological and anthropological order - homosexual unions lack the reproductive qualities of a married couple as well as the concept of fatherhood and motherhood.
3. The social order - if homosexual unions were legally recognized it would mean that marriage and family would have to be redefined.
4. The legal order - From a legal standpoint, the family contributes to the common good of society through procreation. Since homosexual unions are not capable of procreation they do not need "specific attention from the legal standpoint…"
Section 4: "Positions of Catholic Politicians"
The Church calls on Catholic politicians to be witnesses of the truth and openly oppose any legislation that legalizes homosexual unions. To favor such legislation that is "harmful" to the common good of society is considered "gravely immoral".
Conclusion
The document concludes by stating: "respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in anyway to approval of homosexual behavior or to legal recognition of homosexual unions". Legalizing homosexual unions would jeopardize the common good of society and undermine both marriage and family life.
I could never do justice to this document, but I hope this little synopsis will encourage all of you to read it. It is not hard to discern that the "media", along with other groups, are attempting to promote an agenda that will undermine the family and the teachings of Holy Mother Church. This is why all Catholics must stay informed and be educated on issues such as homosexual unions.