Homosexuality

Question 1

Roman Catholic Church

Answer 1

Recommends that homosexuals should remain celibate
Based on biblical teachings, being homosexual is not a sin, but having homosexual sex is
“Homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered…Under no circumstance can they be approved.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357)
“Every sign of unjust discrimination, in their regard should be avoided.” (Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church)
Sex should only take place within a marriage, for procreation - homosexuals cannot marry or produce children therefore homosexual sex is a sin

Question 2

The Church of England

Answer 2

More sympathetic although divided - some Anglicans agree with the Roman Catholic Church, others have more liberal views
Jesus taught that love matters most
Homosexual partnerships are judged on the strength of the love and commitment of the partners - God created us all in his image
Homosexuals might enter a relationship, with the hope of love and companionship similar to that found in marriage

Question 3

Liberal Protestants (such as Quakers)

Answer 3

“An act … does not seem to us to be sinful by reason alone of the fact that it is homosexual.” (Quaker faith and practice 22:15)
31 July 2009 - Quakers became the first Christian group to agree to allow religious marriage ceremonies for homosexuals
Religion is a spiritual issue not a sexual one
The Bible needs to be interpreted to today’s society
There are admired homosexual relationships in the Bible such as David and Jonathan, and Ruth and Naomi
Same-sex marriage and relations are allowed - Quakers: “It is the nature and quality of a relationship that matters;”

Question 4

Many Evangelicals, Conservative Christians

Answer 4

Strongly oppose homosexuality and believe homosexuals can be changed by prayer
“No man is to have sexual relations with another man; God hates that.” (Leviticus 18:22)
God created men and women to be in a marriage relationship together
Homosexuals can’t procreate through natural means
In the New Testament, Paul writes: “Neither the sexually immoral… nor the homosexual offenders will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

Question 5

Quote from The Old Testament

Answer 5

“No man is to have sexual relations with another man; God hates that.” (Leviticus 18:22)

Question 6

Quote from The New Testament

Answer 6

Paul writes: “Neither the sexually immoral… nor the homosexual offenders will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)