For surely, inaction has at stake consequences which intend spiritual, and sometimes physical, death. No pogrom happens without first preparing a language capable of excusing its violence. Pastoral care must, by definition, include care of the soul, and this is the education that the church has steadfastly refused to acknowledge, or to engage in, except in the most superficial manner. On the other hand, even the most benighted protestant theology holds out that homosexuals can experience grace and conversion. But here our teachers must bear part of the blame, those who will not teach us, nor permit us to teach ourselves.
Homosexuals do have souls.
It seems silly to have to say it, and to apologize for it. We want to do well by our elders, parents, guides. Many of us, students and teachers alike, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, have spent years trying to please, and be pleasing to, our parents, our church, our friends. Indeed, so far as the church is concerned, this public silence means having no spiritual life whatsoever. I have a personal fondness and respect for the courage John Paul II has repeatedly demonstrated.