Date: Wed, 01 Oct 97 18:53:03 EST From: "NGLTF" Subject: NGLTF Cites Mixed Message in Bishops' Letter NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Mark F. Johnson, Media Director mfjohnson@ngltf.org 202/332-6483 x3314 pager 1-800-757-6476 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 http://www.ngltf.org ................................................ NGLTF CITES MIXED MESSAGE IN BISHOPS' LETTER Homosexual behavior still considered "immoral" Washington, DC---October 1, 1997-- In a pastoral letter to American Catholics, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops yesterday urged parents of homosexual children to accept their childrens' sexual orientation. The statement, a self-described "out-stretched hand," still condemned sexual behavior outside of heterosexual marriage. In the message entitled "Always Our Children," the Bishops stress that the Church's teachings on human dignity and respect be extended to all regardless of their sexual orientation. It provided suggestions for parents coming to terms with their children's sexual orientation and integrating it with their religious beliefs. The statement, however, makes a clear separation between sexual orientation and sexual behavior. While condemning discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, the statement reasserts the Church's belief that homosexual behavior is "objectively immoral. " It reiterates that sexual relations are exclusively reserved for a married man and woman for the purpose of creating a new human life. The following statement is attributable to Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: "I welcome the open acknowledgement by the Bishops that a person's sexual orientation should not be the basis of discrimination or injustice. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people face discrimination every day, despite eleven states having outlawed such activity. I hope this open discussion within the Catholic Church will ease the pain of young people coming to grips with their sexual orientation. I reject their notion, however, that our behavior is immoral. We call on the Church to end its mixed message and recognize and affirm the loving relationships we have which cannot be separated from sexual expression. -30- The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them to one of the contacts at the top of this message If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to .