Bishop Matthew Clark of Rochester:
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There was, as you know, a lot of attention given to that by the Holy See over the years, and one of their statements left the impression that under no circumstances could a person of gay orientation be ordained a priest. And that's not so.
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If a person's sense of himself as a gay individual inevitably leads him to campaign against the Church's formal teachings or live a lifestyle that is upsetting to the community or scandalous, such a person would not be an apt candidate for the priesthood. But if a person understands that and lives a lifestyle that is compatible with what we ask of all of our priests, then I'm happy to receive them.
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And then, and then....
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“The fundamental concern of formation for a life of celibate chastity is for sexual maturity, not sexual orientation,” he said at the time. “Good seminary formation needs to provide an environment in which both heterosexual and homosexual candidates can grow to commit themselves wholeheartedly, even joyfully, to chaste and faithful celibacy.” - Source
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It's always worked out so well in the past.
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Editor's Note: I removed the video of the drunk priest. My apologies - it was a huge error in judgement. I actually thought it was funny - which will most likely scandalize my readers even more. It wasn't my intention to make fun of the priest but rather to use it as a commentary on Bishop Clark's defense of ordaining gay men. I made a mistake in doing so, my sincere apologies.
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Homosexuals have always been part of the clergy. According to some, the post Vatican II Church has been over-run with them. Perhaps there are more today due to sexual liberalism, although it is more likely because homosexuality has become acceptable. But homosexual priests were around in the 'old' Church as well. One priest noted recently that it is the homosexuals who make fun of traditional liturgies and vestments, which struck me as the 'pot calling the kettle black' - because the trads have their share of gay priests too - just like the Byzantines and High Church Anglicans (some of whom even get married to women). So who is zooming who?
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Anyone who knows gay priests and bishops, abbots and rectors, most likely already know all of this: Bishop Clark's attitude/policy has been pretty much SOP in the Catholic Church stateside. There are always a few exceptions of course - but apparently relatively few. Even some very trad-loving Archbishops silently agree with Clark and continue to give a free pass to ssa individuals to Holy Orders - albeit on a case by case basis.
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H/T Pewsitters
