Being Catholic and gay: a witness from Singapore
“There are many times I’ve found myself rejected,” but “I have found in equal and perhaps greater measure that I am entirely cared for, sought after and loved by this one very imperfect Church.” For the latte, those with homosexual tendencies must be “accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.” Like heterosexuals, gays are called to live chaste and holy lives.
Singapore (AsiaNews/Catholicfamily.org.sg) – What does it mean to be Catholic and homosexual at the same time? This is the content of a testimony, which the Family Commission of the Archdiocese of Singapore published yesterday on its website.
By an anonymous author, D, the story illustrates the journey of faith of a Singaporean Catholic who feels attraction for people of the same sex. Nevertheless, this person continues to live in "a Church that cares for and loves her sheep, however black, or pink.".
In a brief introduction, the Archdiocesan Commission reminds the faithful of some of the teachings of the Catholic Church concerning homosexuality. In particular, it emphasises that “men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies” must be “accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2358). At the same time, it notes that “like every other person, persons with SSA (same-sex attraction) are called to live chaste and holy lives because they can.”
The Church differentiates between a homosexual inclination or an attraction towards the same sex (which is not in itself a sin) and engaging in homosexual acts (which is contrary to the virtue of chastity). The Church teaches that every person is a child of God. This truth defines the identity and dignity of all people, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.
Biases and mutual misunderstandings often create divisions between Catholics and homosexuals, “yet I embody both identities,” says D. “Identity. Do I struggle with it? Yes. Primarily, I struggle with identity and loneliness. But I’m very sure this isn’t an issue faced by the LGBTQ community only. It is true I can find that listening ear amongst my gay friends and also within the Church community/ministry I have been in for many years. The difficulty is being able to just say it as it is without filters. I filter what I say among gay friends who aren’t exactly able to see the Church’s side, and I filter when I’m among Christian friends who try to understand and be there for me, but don’t know about the fear I have just talking about my sexuality.
“I fear I would wither away should I lose my place in the community and an opportunity to work in the ministry,” he explained, but the meeting with an international Catholic association has however represented a turning point in his life. Courage is a confidential, spiritual and pastoral support ministry that assists men and women with SSA in living chaste lives in fellowship, truth, and love. Members of Courage meet regularly to be edified through prayer, reflection and personal sharing, to grow deeper together in their faith and discipleship, and to support each other on their spiritual journey.
“Courage has been a godsend. But what’s really been a miracle for me is the acceptance by the guys in Courage. Now I try to live out the core principles of Christian chastity fully. I know I am a work of God that is in progress with God’s grace. It’s been over a year now. To say I’m at home is an understatement. I am welcomed, accepted and supported by God and others to live the Christian faith better.”
“Courage changed my perspective of life. Courage has shown me that I just have to be me, in the fullness of the reality that I live my life in, and where my holy desire to aspire, strive and seek to be that son of God I truly and rightfully am can be realised.
“However, it has not changed my perspective of the Church. I have always believed and lived in a Church that cares for and loves her sheep, however black, or pink. There are many times I’ve found myself rejected, uneasy with the words of the priest, Bishop or Pope, and at odds with the words, actions and deeds of those in my sheepfold. But I have found in equal and perhaps greater measure that I am entirely cared for, sought after and loved by this one very imperfect Church.”
(Photo credit: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore, Facebook page).
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26/10/2018 13:16
