New Catholic guidelines on pastoral care to homosexuals

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BALTIMORE (AP) The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has approved guidelines on ministering to gays which uphold the church teaching that homosexual inclinations are "disordered."

The document says it's not a sin to be attracted to someone of the same gender, only to act on those feelings. It also prohibits same-sex marriage and adoption by gay or lesbian couples.

At their national meeting in Baltimore, U.S. bishops insisted they're trying to be more "welcoming than condemning," although parishes must instruct gays and lesbians to remain celibate.

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The document states that "some have found therapy helpful" for overcoming homosexual inclinations. It goes on to state that "Catholics who experience homosexual tendencies and who wish to explore therapy should seek out the counsel and assistance of a qualified professional who has preparation and competence in psychological counseling and who understands and supports the Church's teachings on homosexuality."

Read the entire document at: http://www.usccb.org/dpp/Ministry.pdf