Philippine prelates discuss same-sex attraction; transvestism ‘okay’

March 03, 2011

Lauding a book by the late Father John Harvey, two Philippine bishops urged Catholics who struggle with same-sex attractions to seek spiritual assistance and support. Father Harvey founded Courage, a group dedicated to helping loyal Catholics cope with a same-sex attraction, living chastely in accordance with Church teachings.

Contrary to media reports that suggested that the bishops urged such Catholics to “come out of the closet” publicly, Archbishop Paciano Aniceto of San Fernando said that seeking assistance “doesn’t mean publicly coming out. Confiding in a counselor is confidential.”

“It would be wrong only if you act on it,” added retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen-Dagupan. “The same thing with heterosexual if we act on it contrary to morals then it is wrong.”

“If a homosexual goes into partnership with another homosexual it is wrong. If it’s only attraction, (there’s nothing wrong). It is just a feeling.”

While praising Father Harvey’s book, Archbishop Cruz made two controversial statements: the former president of the nation’s episcopal conference called same-sex attraction a “natural disposition” and said he did not object to transvestism.

“It’s okay,” said Archbishop Cruz. “We don’t know their motive but they dress as a boy or as a girl and that is all that he does, I don’t see [a] problem with that.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishops urge homosexuals not to be afraid (CBCP News)
• Church leaders urge gays to ‘come out’ (UCA News)
• Father John Harvey, founder of Courage, dead at 92 (CWN, 12/28/10)