Group Rejects Vatican Sex Declaration (Press, 19 January 1976)

A group of Roman Catholics gathered in London for a conference on homosexuality and Catholicism has openly rejected a recent Vatican declaration regarding sexual ethics. Organised by the Catholic Renewal Movement, the conference featured strong critiques of the Vatican's stance. The Rev. John Ashton, a Jesuit theologian, was particularly vocal in his assessment, arguing that the declaration would only result in harm and would likely alienate three specific groups: disenchanted Catholics, those who had reconciled with their homosexuality, and liberal-minded priests unwilling to challenge the document. He stated, "I cannot see that any good can come out of it at all." The Rev. Giles Hibbert from Oxford echoed this sentiment, encouraging Catholics to consider that love should define their relationships, suggesting that love itself legitimises their actions. Alan Clarke, secretary of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality and a Roman Catholic, aimed to bridge a divide between the Church’s high authorities and grassroots supporters by advocating for the acceptance of homosexuals as individuals rather than "intrinsically disordered creatures." Criticism of the Vatican's declaration extended beyond the UK. In the United States, the Rev. Charles Larsen, a homosexual priest and director of the Council on Religion and the Homosexual in San Francisco, expressed his displeasure with the Vatican's viewpoint, particularly the assertion that homosexuality is an "incurable" condition. He believed that many homosexuals were well-adjusted and that their sexuality could be seen as a divine gift. The Rev. John Barbone, representing the Metropolitan Community Church which has a significant homosexual congregation, noted that the declaration contained some truthful elements but fell short in its scope and understanding of the issues at hand. He argued that the document did not sufficiently explore the positive aspects of sexuality and failed to reconcile the Church's teachings with contemporary understanding. Most Rev. Edward Murray from St Paul’s Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, indicated that the Vatican felt compelled to reaffirm its traditional stance in response to evolving societal norms. He acknowledged the beauty of sex when approached in a dignified manner, countering the Church’s rigid perspective. The conversations at the London conference reflect a growing tension within the Catholic Church over issues of sexuality, as some modern-day theologians and activists seek a more inclusive approach. The discussions signify a desire for a re-examination of the Church’s traditional views in light of contemporary societal changes.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand