Vatican Restricts Gays in Catholic Priesthood

From Reuters (via Yahoo):

In the first major ruling of Pope Benedict's reign, the Vatican on Tuesday imposed restrictions on homosexuals entering the Catholic priesthood, saying men must first overcome any "transitory" gay tendencies.

The ruling came in a long-awaited eight-page document that has already sparked controversy after widespread leaks in the past few weeks.

Its strict line on the place of gays in the clergy has won praise from conservatives and condemnation from liberals, and set off heated debate beyond the Catholic Church by confronting an issue that has divided Christian congregations worldwide.

The document says practising homosexuals should be barred from entering the priesthood along with men with "deep-seated" homosexual tendencies and those who support gay culture.

The "instruction" by the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education makes a distinction between deep-seated homosexual tendencies and "the expression of a transitory problem."

It says homosexual tendencies must be clearly overcome at least three years before admission to the deaconate, a position one step short of the priesthood which usually precedes ordination by about a year.

The document, released some seven months after Pope Benedict was elected, reinforces standing policy that many in the Church believe has not been properly enforced.

(emphasis added)

My Comments:
I cannot comment on this story without at least giving a tip of the hat to my friend Rick Lugari for noting that "one thing is for sure; whoever thought of using the term 'deep-seated' above all the other possibilities must have a good sense of humor."