Homosexually Oriented Candidates for the Priesthood

Statement of the National Federation of Priests' Councils
Rev. Robert Silva, President

Taken From: www.nfpc.org/this_week/week_twenty
February 16th - 23rd, 2003

A final word on the sensitive issue of an anticipated document from Rome on the suitability of homosexually oriented persons for candidacy for priesthood: Some have wanted a public statement from the NFPC on the document. However, the document does not exist. We cannot comment on something which does not exist. While we have not made a public press release on this issue, we have been very much in dialogue with many who are engaged in the discussion and are not dismissing the concerns of priests around the country.

Because of the feedback I have received from many priests and the NFPC Executive Committee and National Board, I have been able to present priests' concerns about any future action that might be in the making. On an added note, the Bishops' Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry, of which I am an ex officio member, has taken this issue very seriously and has devoted considerable time during its last three meetings to address the priests' concerns.

Our stand is:

1. There are and have been outstanding priests who have done excellent pastoral ministry since the earliest days of the Church's life who have been of a homosexual orientation.
2. A homosexual orientation does not negate a person's ability to live the celibate life.
3. A homosexual man is able to develop a deep spiritual life, and to grow into a good and holy priest.
4. Simply stating that homosexuality precludes one from entrance into the seminary does not mean that homosexual men will not enter the seminary. It does mean that they will keep silent about their homosexuality, or worse, remain unaware of their sexual self through a failure to confront this aspect of their person. Consequently, formation for celibacy is hindered if not rendered impossible.
5. Before a statement or policy is made, we ask bishops and those responsible for the development of policy at an international level, to do broad consultation with priests.
6. Finally, heterosexual and homosexual priests must understand that they are priests together in the community of presbyters. Priests' behaviors must not in any way witness to a disunity or indicate an unwillingness to share in a certain common life together in the presbyterate.