HOMOSEXUALS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN VIETNAM

Cao Dương Cảnh

Abstract

Abstract: Homosexuals have existed, are existing, and will continue to exist throughout human history. In every nation, local culture, and religion, there are different views on the human dignity of homosexuals. This article shows that Catholicism respects the human dignity of homosexuals as they bear the image of God, and condemns individuals or organizations that discriminate against homosexuals. However, Catholicism condemns homosexual sexual acts because they violate the theology of the body and do not fulfill the characteristics and purpose of the Catholic sacrament of marriage. Balancing theology and pastoral care is an issue facing the Catholic Church in general, and the Catholic Church in Vietnam in particular. The pastoral care of homosexuals by the Catholic Church in Vietnam is very flexible, neither violating established norms nor being overly rigid.

Keywords: Catholicism, homosexual, pastoral care, theology.