They would like the profound influence that Church leaders have on their lives to be more sensitive and more positive. We counsel respect for the consciences of homosexual persons. Neither scripture nor tradition nor the human sciences nor personal experience seems to support the official Catholic teaching about homosexuality. Accordingly, and usually after much soul- searching, many gay and lesbian Catholics have formed consciences that differ from that teaching. In this respect they are like many married couples who cannot accept the official teaching on contraception or those who do not accept the official teaching on masturbation.
Catholic teaching defends the ultimacy of responsibly formed conscience in every moral decision.
All Catholics would welcome recognition of their personal integrity and respect for their consciences. We counsel healing and nurturing ministry for gay and lesbian persons. Homosexuals who come to the Church for ministry often feel wounded by a hurtful and prejudiced society. But they may perceive the Church as trying to alienate them from the God who made and loves them. To be effective, ministry to such persons needs to concentrate on the healing of these hurts.