Homosexuality Among Priests (Press, 19 April 1973)
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Summary: Homosexuality Among Priests (Press, 19 April 1973)
On 18 April 1973, Archbishop of York Dr Donald Coggan addressed the topic of homosexuality within the Church of England during a British Broadcasting Corporation radio programme. He acknowledged that many clergymen within the church were homosexual and expressed understanding for their struggles against acting on those tendencies. Dr Coggan stated that when clergymen succumb to their homosexual feelings, they should be met with sympathy and understanding, particularly given their significant responsibilities in caring for young individuals. Dr Coggan, who holds the second-highest position in the Church of England after the Archbishop of Canterbury, discussed the broader attitude of the Church towards homosexuality. He advocated for acceptance rather than ostracism, emphasising the importance of compassion and support. However, he also raised concerns about guiding young people whose sexual orientations are not yet formed, suggesting that the Church should direct them towards healthy heterosexual relationships. The Archbishop cautioned against encouraging youth to engage in homosexual relationships, stating, "I think that anything which would encourage a young person whose sexual tendencies are still unformed into homosexual relationships is to be deprecated at all costs." Additionally, Dr Coggan indicated that many young men may possess both homosexual and heterosexual feelings, implying that it is the Church's role to help channel these tendencies towards heterosexuality. Following his remarks, a Church of England spokesman clarified that while the Archbishop discussed the presence of homosexual clergymen with compassion, he did not mean to imply that there were many practising homosexuals among them, only that there might be some.
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