Gay In A Catholic World (Press, 29 March 1980)

A group in Christchurch called “Ascent,” formed about six months prior to a news article published on 29 March 1980, is designed for homosexual Roman Catholic men to meet, share their experiences, and worship together. The name “Ascent” reflects the struggles these individuals face in balancing their sexual orientation with their faith. This group has around 25 members, with a core of 17 attending weekly meetings. Many members have a Catholic upbringing, some have left the church due to disappointment over its views on homosexuality, while others have converted to Catholicism. The official mission of “Ascent” is to harmonise the teachings of Christ and the church with the personal and spiritual wellbeing of homosexual Catholics. Despite the church’s official position, which sees homosexual activity as morally wrong, the members of “Ascent” report that many clergy adopt a significantly more accepting attitude on a personal level. They note that while official doctrines may sound rigid, the practical experiences of homosexuals in the church can differ vastly depending on the individual priest. This sentiment highlights the complexity and variability within the church's approach to homosexual relationships, especially concerning sacramental confessions and moral accountability. One member stated he does not confess his sexual activities because he does not regard them as sinful and is accountable to God. Other members touched on the understanding shown by some priests, contrasting it with more punitive experiences reported elsewhere, such as in a Chicago parish. Members of “Ascent” drew parallels with the attitudes towards contraception among Catholic couples, noting that many practicing Catholics disregard official teachings. They expressed a desire for the church to reassess its positions on homosexuality, arguing that research since the 1950s shows that homosexuality is not a choice. They emphasise that changes in the church's stance on other moral issues, like usury and its previous condemnation of Galileo, demonstrate that interpretations are subject to evolution. They contend that traditional biblical interpretations condemning homosexual acts often misrepresent the nature of sexual orientation. They argue that many scriptural references may pertain to specific acts rather than a blanket condemnation of homosexuality itself. Still, they acknowledge that many practicing Catholics will likely hold tighter to conservative interpretations of Scripture. Ultimately, the members of “Ascent” affirm that individual conscience plays a pivotal role in navigating their faith and sexuality. They point out that the church teaches each person is accountable to their own conscience, reflecting a broader shift within the church toward more compassionate engagement with such sensitive issues. A notable perspective from Brian McNaught of a similar American group, “Dignity,” encapsulates the gamble of living authentically as both gay and Catholic, suggesting that the interpretation of God’s Will remains a matter of personal belief and understanding in the face of traditional doctrines.

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