lize the Creator’s dual design, as an act of covenant love, with the potential of co-creating new human life. Therefore, homosexual genital activity is considered immoral" . In somewhat less pastoral, more philosophical terms, Vatican documents use the phrase "intrinsically disordered" when referring to homosexual genital acts. The Church calls all homosexual persons, like their single heterosexual counterparts, to be chaste, that is, sexually appropriate for their uncommitted, unmarried state in life. Various Church documents acknowledge that this may be a difficult challenge, even a lifelong cross to carry. This is particularly true since heterosexual couples may anticipate marriage-to-come, while for gay or lesbian couples such a future sacramental union is not available. The Vatican as well as Catholic bishops promise that the Church’s ministers will not be lacking in compassion. They counsel a measure of prudence in the confessional setting as well as a special degree of pastoral care . Church teaching shows a special concern regarding prejudice shown to homosexual persons. "Mindful of the inherent and abiding dignity of every human person" the Catholic bishops reaffirm that "homosexual persons, like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights. They have a right to respect, friendship and justice. They should have an active role in the Christian community" The Catechism of the Catholic Church goes on to state: "Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided" . In an even more sharply worded statement from the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith we read: "It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech, or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church’s pastors wherever it occurs" Thus, the Church challenges homosexual persons concerning their discovered orientati...
