The Vatican Releases a Document on Homosexuality

The Vatican releases a document, “Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons,” prepared by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. It described the inclination to homosexual activity as “an objective disorder” and declared that engaging in homosexual acts strengthened a “sexual inclination which is essentially disordered.” The statement also called on gay and lesbian Christians to lead “a chaste life” and ordered bishops to withdraw support from any organizations that support or encourage homosexuality.

1986-10-01