Contrary to popular belief, the Church has never taught that it is wrong to be homosexual. What is wrong are genital acts between people of the same sex.

The following paragraphs are taken from the Church’s official teaching, found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

First, the Church is very clear about the distinction between homosexuality and homosexual acts: “Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity (see Gen 19.1-29; Rom 1.24-27; 1 Cor 6.10; 1 Tim 1.10), tradition has always declared that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered” (see CDF, Persona humana 8). They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357).

The Catechism continues: “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition” (CCC, 2358).

Finally, the Catechism outlines the challenge of holiness: “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. By the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace, they can and should gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection” (CCC 2359).

It can be difficult for people with homosexual tendencies. But it should also be remembered that everyone is called to be chaste. Chastity is the virtue by which we integrate our sexuality so that unity of body and spirit is achieved and the gift of ourselves arises from self-mastery and charity. Self-mastery is difficult for everyone, but it can be achieved with effort and, primarily, the grace of the Holy Spirit.

A good website to help those struggling with homosexual tendencies is www.couragerc.net.