Fr. John Adamski, Catholic priest speaks on LGBT issues and the Catholic church
On Sunday, November 20, Father John Adamski, recently retired pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, spoke at the monthly PFLAG Atlanta meeting. His topic was “The Catholic perspective on LGBT Issues.” In his casual and honest style, Father Adamski touched many of the issues, beginning with handouts from the Catholic Catechism and ending with sensitive and realistic answers to questions posed by the more than fifty persons in attendance.
Referring to the handout from the Catholic Catechism, Fr. Adamski stated that, according to church teaching, “sexual action is supposed to lead to procreation,” hence making same-sex sexual acts unacceptable in all circumstances. Such a restriction would also seem to limit much heterosexual behavior, although this implied application was not specifically discussed. Also noted was the statement that “homosexual persons are called to chastity.” The Catholic Catechism defines chastity as “the integration of one’s sexuality, promoting the unity of one’s bodily and spiritual dimensions” (as paraphrased by Fr. Adamski). Father affirmed that all of us, gay or straight, are called to chastity, unity and integrity of self, which is not the same thing as celibacy. Each of us is called to holiness in every area of life, including sexuality.
With Vatican II, the Catholic Church experienced a new openness and desire to embrace Jesus’ message of love and acceptance. But, as with most organizations, the church has progressed through many cycles, with the current climate becoming more legalistic and conservative. According to Fr. Adamski, this “circling of the wagons” is not the purpose for which Jesus came to earth.
Despite the 1997 Bishops’ letter, “Always Our Children,” the message of loving acceptance of our LGBT children has not been taught and promoted by the church. Few parishioners have even heard of the document and few parishes seem interested in disseminating the information contained within it. Instead, many conservative priests are now advising the old maxim of “hate the sin, love the sinner.” How conflicting for parents so advised! We as parents recognize that such words do not apply to “real world, non-compartmentalized love,” the love that most parents have for their children, whether they are gay or straight.
Despite some advances seen in his lifetime, Fr. Adamski stated that we are certainly “not there yet.” If the essential message of Jesus and Catholic Christianity is love and justice, why are we so negative and afraid to speak the truth? Why do we see a movement away from Vatican II reforms and back toward conservatism among the clergy? Why does the Catholic Church remain obsessed with sexual issues, not simply but including gay sex? Why are American Catholic bishops so defensive and gravitating toward the political right wing? Why are so many people leaving the Catholic Church?
What are we, who cherish our Catholic roots and yet deplore many of the current attitudes and teachings, to do? How are we to work within the church to encourage the pendulum to swing back to more loving, nonjudgmental, moderate and honest attitudes? We must question and challenge when confronted with injustice, misinformation and even hatred. We must do so with steady and firm love so as not to fall into the negative reaction mode. We must continue to affirm the worth of each person, including our beloved LGBT sons and daughters, as a precious child of God. No bureaucratic institution can assault that essential core, our worth in God’s eyes. Let us celebrate that rock of our faith and work in hope and love to bring changes within the Catholic Church.
Father Adamski covered most of these issues in his responses to questions. He also noted that in the same sex marriage debate, it would be helpful to separate the legal and the sacramental elements of the commitment. With the sacred and the legal so intertwined, a solution and consensus will be much more difficult to reach. The meeting was quite beneficial for all in attendance since most of the issues applied to all faith traditions. What a blessing to listen to a wise and loving priest on this subject!
Write-up by Kathy Farrell
