LOUISVILLE (KY)
The Courier-Journal
By Peter Smith
psmith@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
While a new Vatican document says men with "deep-seated homosexual tendencies" should not be priests, Archdiocese of Louisville officials say each applicant will be evaluated carefully and not by a "checklist, a litmus test, or simple yes or no questions."
The document, released by the Vatican yesterday after years of preparation, says those with a "transitory problem" with homosexuality may be ordained if they have overcome it for at least three years.
It states that those who support the "gay culture," which is not defined, should not be priests.
The document does not have the force of church law.
Supporters say the document brings the priest-preparation process in line with Roman Catholic teachings, which say homosexuality is a disorder.