Magisterial Teachings and Focus Articles

• Holy See Endorses Courage
• Eleven Church Teachings on Homosexuality
• JPII Speaks On Homosexuality
• Chastity and Homosexuality
• Statement of American Bishops
• Truth and Meaning of Sexuality
• Humanae Vitae
• On Pastoral Care
  
  

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  Magisterial Teachings

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The magisterial teachings are a means by which the Pope together with a counsel of Bishops (together called the magisterium)  interpreting the Holy Scriptures and Sacred Traditions, bring greater understanding and direction to us on current issues.   Out of this effort come series of documents.

There are many magisterial documents.   To get a complete listing, visit the Vatican website.  There you can search on any number of topics that you may be seeking clarification on.

Associated with the magisterial documents are focus articles of bishops and priests on single and groups of documents.   This is what comes most frequently to our parishes at sermons, notices in the bulletins and Diocese newspapers.

For the purpose of this Courage Website, we are presenting mixed groups of magisterial documents and focus articles specifically on homosexuality and sexuality.   From these you will see that the Church has for a very long time, instructed all to reach out to those struggling with homosexual feelings.  

Contrary to what many of us have at times thought, the Church has not abandoned those of us with same-sex desires.  She has instead stood firm on Spiritual truths that are meant to guide us toward our needed growth and maturity in Christ.  The following teachings provide sound guidance on this issue.

This list will be updated as documents come to our attention.

1. Holy See Endorses Courage
   Pope John Paul II expresses the Vatican's approval of Courage, a Catholic organization that offers guidance and fellowship for those struggling with homosexuality.
   
   
2. Eleven Church Teachings on Homosexuality
   Compiled by Courage and a Youth Minister this article provides a comprehensive and clear picture on the church's teachings on homosexuality and why.
   
   
3. Pope John Paul II Speaks On Homosexuality
   Pope John Paul II reminds us of what homosexuality is and what our responsibilities are as Catholics in living out the truths in this matter.
   
   
4. Chastity and Homosexuality
   In the Catholic Catechism the Vatican defines homosexuality and gives guidance.
   
   
5. Official Statement of American Bishops
   The American Bishops bring more clarity and direction while maintaining the stated truths about homosexuality.
   
   
6. Truth and the Meaning of Human Sexuality
   The Vatican brings definition and direction to our understanding of Human Sexuality in general.
   
   
7. Humanae Vitae
   Pope John Paul II describes the sacredness of human life.
   
   
8. On the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons
   Letter from the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith to the Bishops of the Catholic Church, describing the proper pastoral ministry approach for counsel of those struggling with homosexuality.
   
   
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