Church Inconsistencies Regarding Homosexuals

Church Inconsistencies Regarding Homosexuals

The call for justice is not a new phenomenon, but is sometimes even an action that is used rather oftenly. Almost everywhere, some people are getting more than they should from others. There is usually a distinction between powerful, less powerful and even powerless human beings. People are oppressed as others gain wealth and power. It has, unfortunately, become a tolerated system in society in the modern world. There is always injustice, and people always try to protest and set things straight. It is a battle wherein the end cannot even be visualized at present.

In the Church’s attempt to contribute to the call for justice, Justitia in Mundo , a Synod of Bishops in 1971, was issued. The synod practically called for structural change to address the different problems of injustice in the world (Dorr). It dealt with many injustices, how to view them, and even gave suggestions on how to avoid them.

Although the synod was talking generally about all forms of injustices, its specific points seemed to be directed towards the issue of injustice to women (McNeill, 1988). By looking at the development of the Church’s reaction to homosexuality in McNeill’s book, it seem apparent that the Church was not prepared to deal with the issue. Even up to now, the Church’s stand on homosexuality is rather vague, and different representatives of the Church have very contrasting opinions about it. This leads to an inaction on the problem and leaves a hanging injustice for homosexuals.

Justice

The Church’s participation in the lives of people becomes controversial when it talks about justice, a matter that almost always directly affects the government. In these situations, the Church becomes a political figure, a reality that politicians refuse to accept, especially if they are the perpetrators of injustice. That is why the Church came up with a synod that speaks mainly about justice.

Justitia in Mundo

In 1971, the Church produced JIM, a synod of bishops putting an emphasis on structural injustice. This indicates that so much of the injustice in the world is cause by the defective systems in society (Dorr). The social structures are actually placing obstacles to hinder the conversion of hearts; thus, personal conversion becomes very difficult. The following are some key areas of the synod, which will be used in discussing the thesis.

JIM sees the Church as having a mission for the redemption of the human race and its liberation from every oppressive situation (JIM: 6). The Church may not always have the right to meddle, depending on the government’s laws, but the Church feels