Catholic Bishop supports gay priests in weekly column

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From the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat & Chronicle: Bishop supports gay priests in writing Clark asserts in weekly column that diocese still welcomes them Marketta Gregory Staff writer (November 15, 2005) — While the world awaits a controversial Vatican document that could ban gays from the priesthood, Bishop Matthew Clark assured gay priests and seminarians on Sunday that they are welcome in Rochester's Roman Catholic diocese. "We deeply value your ministry," Clark wrote in his weekly column in the Catholic Courier, referring to priests who are gay and dedicate their lives to service. And to gay men considering becoming priests: "We try to treat all inquiries fairly. You will be no exception." Clark was at a meeting of bishops in Washington, D.C., and couldn't be reached on Monday, but his column, which is distributed at parishes throughout the 12-county diocese, was apparently sparked by his concern over two recent events: Vatican officials visiting seminaries to study how students are being prepared for priesthood and a life of celibacy; and the soon-to-be-released Vatican document that deals with whether gay men should be allowed to become priests. The content of the Vatican document has provided grist for the rumor mill. Some media reports claim the document, which was years in the making, dissuades gays from joining the priesthood; others say it gives bishops authority to look at each applicant on a case-by-case basis. Regardless, people in the pews are talking about it. "I was really stunned that the bishop is basically saying that he is going to defy the Holy See," said Andrew Dick, a parishioner at St. John the Evangelist in Rochester who believes the document may state that gays can't be priests. "(The bishop is) obligated and all Roman Catholics are obligated to follow the directions of the pope. The thing that really struck me is he's pretty much saying, 'I'm not going to do that.'" To read the full article click here ======== WOW! Defying the Holy Father? Defying the Vatican? How does the Bishop intend to keep his job? I have no idea how he will. I thought, however, that I heard from someone about the US Catholic Church almost breaking from the Vatican years ago and that it might be close to it happening now. Correct me, someone, if I am wrong.