Brazilian bishop describes homosexuality as ‘gift from God’
August 09, 2017
During a recent homily, a Brazilian bishop characterized homosexuality as a “gift from God” and lamented “prejudices that kill.”
“If it is not a choice, if it is not a disease, in the perspective of faith it can only be a gift,” Bishop Antônio Carlos Cruz Santos of Caicó preached on July 30. “When you look at homosexuality, you cannot say it’s an option … It’s given by God. But perhaps our prejudices do not get the gift of God.”
“The Gospel par excellence is the Gospel of inclusion,” he continued. “The Gospel is a narrow door, yes, it is a demanding love, but it is a door that is always open.”
The 55-year-old prelate, who is a member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, stated that a sexual orientation can be lived out “in a dignified, ethical way, or in a promiscuous one. But promiscuity can be lived in any of the orientations.”
He added, “Just as we were able to leap, in the wisdom of the Gospel, and overcome slavery, is it not the time for us to leap, from a perspective of faith, and overcome prejudices against our brothers who experience same-sex attraction?”
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Posted by: unum -
Aug. 10, 2017 8:59 AM ET USA
The fascination of Catholic clergy with homosexuality continues to confuse and trouble the people of God.
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Posted by: brenda22890 -
Aug. 10, 2017 6:02 AM ET USA
Another poor, benighted soul supposedly leading the faithful. May Christ have mercy on us.
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Posted by: timothy.op -
Aug. 09, 2017 9:22 PM ET USA
Which pope named this man a bishop?
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Aug. 09, 2017 9:05 PM ET USA
Given this bishops comments and wrong headed teachings perhaps he leans in that direction. Would not be the first time.
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Posted by: bill129 -
Aug. 09, 2017 7:32 PM ET USA
I don't think the bishop is contracting the Church teaching. He is not saying sexual acts are gifts. "However, he said, a person can chose how to live his or her sexual orientation, “in a dignified, ethical way, or in a promiscuous one. But promiscuity can be lived in any of the orientations.”" The sexual urge and how to respond are common to everyone. Attraction, which we have no control over, is irrelevant. Taking on an identity associated with sin obscures the inviolable dignity of the person
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Posted by: feedback -
Aug. 09, 2017 6:33 PM ET USA
That "gift" caused very tragic spiritual and moral devastation in the Church.
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Aug. 09, 2017 6:24 PM ET USA
More of the "Francis Effect".
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Posted by: Lucius49 -
Aug. 09, 2017 1:12 PM ET USA
The bishop is contradicting the teaching of the Church. The Catechism teaches that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered. The attraction is out of order while not morally culpable at that point. The attraction to fornication is out of order. God does not gift disorder. Disorder is man's "gift" the result of original sin. This bishop's comment is out of order.
