The Courier-Journal
The Vatican's new policy on homosexual priests has set off intense debate among Roman Catholics, into which we wouldn't presume to intrude our views.
But the very openness of that debate and the terms in which it is being conducted are so striking that they should command the attention of non-Catholics, too.
First, and most obvious, is the frank acknowledgement that gays not only constitute a significant presence among seminarians, priests and even bishops but also have been fulfilling those roles successfully.
Second, the policy continues to allow some -- those who can persuade church authorities that their homosexuality was "only the expression of a transitory problem" -- to enter the priesthood.
Yet, third, by barring others "who present deep-seated homosexual tendencies" even though they are prepared to take the vow of chastity, the policy seems to concede that homosexuality is not simply an immoral choice of behaviors that can be unchosen at will.
And, finally, whatever the logic or illogic of these rules, the distinctions upon which they rest or the attempt to link them to preventing sexual abuse of children, at least some church authorities are discussing them with a degree of candor, complexity and humility that has been notably absent from much of the religious gay-bashing of recent years.