Washington D.C., Sep 23, 2013 / 16:47 pm
In ministering to gay individuals, Catholic chaplains must share Christ's love and mercy, without being forced to condone same-sex relationships, said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. military archdiocese.
"The current situation makes it necessary to reiterate with clarity the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding homosexuality," said Archbishop Broglio in a Sept. 17 statement, "Renewed Fidelity in favor of Evangelization."
"The Church must minister to all regardless of their sexual inclination. While the invitation to conversion cannot be diluted, the door to the mercy of Christ, obtained through His Cross, must be kept open."
At the same time, he added that "no Catholic priest or deacon may be forced by any authority to witness or bless the union of couples of the same gender."