Confessors’ Guidelines (Press, 18 March 1974)
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Summary: Confessors’ Guidelines (Press, 18 March 1974)
On 17 March 1974, the National Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops in Chicago published a new set of guidelines for priests who hear the confessions of homosexuals. These guidelines aim to reinforce traditional Roman Catholic doctrine while encouraging a more pastoral and less judgmental attitude towards homosexuals during the sacrament of confession. According to the newly released booklet, homosexual acts are deemed a serious violation of the intended purposes of human sexuality and are incompatible with God’s will, as they are neither procreative nor reflective of the mutual love expected in a marriage between a man and a woman. The guidelines emphasise the importance of individualised approaches for different homosexuals, advising priests to consider factors such as the person's age, gender, and the extent of their engagement in homosexual behaviour. The intention is for confessors to adopt a more nuanced perspective when guiding these individuals, promoting a focus on helping them to forge meaningful relationships based on love and friendship that do not involve overt homosexual activity. The overarching goal for the priest-counsellor is to support homosexuals in developing deeper connections that align more closely with the teachings of the Church.
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