Vatican youth conference discusses LGBT issues

Описание: (23 Oct 2018) A Cardinal involved in the youth synod at the Vatican said Tuesday that inclusiveness towards LGBT Catholics has been a frequent topic over the past month and likely to make it into the final document.
Speaking at a news conference at the Vatican, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the Philippnes said the question of LGBT issues was raised "many times" and there was a call for a "welcoming church" and concluded that he had a "hunch" it will be in the final document to be presented to Pope Francis.
Bishop Bienvenu Manamika Bafouakouahou from the Republic of Congo said the issue of inclusiveness towards LGBT Catholics was not a pressing issue in Africa but that perhaps it is growing.
The month-long youth synod of bishops ends next Saturday with the adoption by the 260-plus cardinals, bishops and priests of a final document and approval of a separate, shorter letter to the world's Catholic youth.
Some of the youth delegates to the meeting have insisted that the final document express an inclusive message to make LGBT Catholics feel welcome in a church that has often shunned them.
The Vatican took a step in that direction by making a reference to "LGBT" for the first time in its preparatory document heading into the meeting.
Catholic church teaching holds that gays should be loved and respected but that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered."
The Oct. 3-28 synod has unfolded against the backdrop of the clergy sex abuse scandal exploding anew in the US, Germany, Poland and other nations. Some conservatives have charged that a gay subculture in the priesthood is to blame, even though studies have shown that gays are not more likely than heterosexuals to abuse.
Many of the young delegates have insisted that the final document address the abuse scandal straight on.
Vatican analyst Father Thomas Reese says the synod has given the bishops a chance to discuss the issue of sexual abuse of children and it has been useful for some of them, who think it is not an issue in their country or diocese, to learn from others that it can happen anywhere and they need to be prepared to handle the issue.

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