"The propositions of gender theory converge in the concept of 'queer', which refers to dimensions of sexuality that are extremely fluid, flexible, and as it were, nomadic."
The result of this ideological trend, according to the Congregation's assessment, is an undermining of the family.
"[In gender theory] the only thing that matters in personal relationships is the affection between the individuals involved, irrespective of sexual difference or procreation which would be seen as irrelevant in the formation of families."
"Thus, the institutional model of the family (where a structure and finality exist independent of the subjective preferences of the spouses) is bypassed, in favor of a vision of family that is purely contractual and voluntary."
The document said that despite the challenges, dialogue remains possible. It also called for protection of human and family rights, decried unjust discrimination, and noted points of unity among people of divergent perspectives on gender ideology.
"For instance, educational programs on this area often share a laudable desire to combat all expressions of unjust discrimination, a requirement that can be shared by all sides," the document said.
"Indeed, it cannot be denied that through the centuries forms of unjust discrimination have been a sad fact of history and have also had an influence within the Church. This has brought a certain rigid status quo, delaying the necessary and progressive inculturation of the truth of Jesus' proclamation of the equal dignity of men and women, and has provoked accusations of a sort of masculinist mentality, veiled to a greater or lesser degree by religious motives."
The aim of the Church at the institutional and individual level must be the education of children in line with authentic principles which defend and instil authentic human dignity, the Congregation explains.
"In practice, the advocacy for the different identities often presents them as being of completely equal value compared to each other."
"The generic concept of 'non-discrimination' often hides an ideology that denies the difference as well as natural reciprocity that exists between men and women."
Referencing classical philosophy, historic Church teaching, Vatican Council II and the writings of several popes, the document explains the Church's understanding of a Christian anthropology, insisting that it be at the heart of human formation.
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For Christians working in schools, both religious and secular, the radical individualism of gender theory should be avoided in favor of teaching children "to overcome their individualism and discover, in the light of faith, their specific vocation to live responsibly in a community."
Above all, the document says, the family remains "the primary community" to which the students belong and the fundamental vehicle for preserving, understanding, and transmitting human dignity.
"The school must respect the family's culture. It must listen carefully to the needs that it finds and the expectations that are directed towards it."
In the modern context, however, the essential alliance between school and family "has entered into crisis," the Congregation notes.
"There is an urgent need to promote a new alliance that is genuine and not simply at the level of bureaucracy, a shared project that can offer a 'positive and prudent sexual education' that can harmonise the primary responsibility of parents with the work of teachers."
"Although ideologically-driven approaches to the delicate questions around gender proclaim their respect for diversity, they actually run the risk of viewing such difference as static realities and end up leaving them isolated and disconnected from each other," the document concludes.