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Zenit had an article today that reiterated what I said about this scandal several weeks ago. My blog on the topic

here

here

here

and

here

Here are excerpts



Q: What programs for priests, religious and seminarians need to be developed in response to the findings of the John Jay study?

Fitzgibbons: The most pressing need is not for programs for elementary school children but for human and spiritual formation programs for priests and seminarians on the topic of the crisis in Church, priesthood and sexuality. HELLO!!! Ms. Albertone!! Did you see that?

Such conferences could present the causes of same-sex attractions, particularly loneliness and a lack of male confidence, and ways in which these attractions can be resolved with the Lord’s help.

Chastity should be presented as a healthy way of life. Farther John Harvey’s book “The Truth About Homosexuality” could be an excellent resource, as well as the Catholic Medical Association’s statement “Homosexuality and Hope.” Also, issues related to heterosexual acting-out should be discussed.

Also, priests would benefit from ongoing pastoral formation programs on the Church’s complete teaching on sexual morality in order to present this truth to parishes, high schools and Catholic universities. The priest who preaches this truth is more likely to live it.

Also, because the John Jay study reports a growing incidence of homosexual behavior in priests over the past three decades, those priests with same-sex attractions have a serious responsibility to protect the Church, her children and the priesthood from further shame and sorrow by addressing their emotional pain. The same applies to priests who are tempted strongly to act-out heterosexually.

Seminarians would benefit from formation programs on growth in affective maturity that address the emotional conflicts that lead to homosexual and heterosexual temptations. Seminarians should learn the truth about homosexuality, specifically that there is not a genetic cause and that it is preventable and treatable.

Seminarians with same-sex attractions should work to face and resolve their emotional conflicts in psychotherapy and with a spiritual director. They should not be ordained until these conflicts have been healed and they no longer identify themselves as being homosexual.

Q: In view of the John Jay report what do you think the Catholic laity can do?

Fitzgibbons: The laity should ask priests to preach chastity and the fullness of the Church’s truth on sexual morality. Also, we can model and communicate to our children the beauty of God’s plan for human love and

sexuality. Wow, he didn’t even mention VIRTUS training??!!Imagine that!

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