The Catholic Church is caught in a whirlwind of questions and criticism after releasing to the public a document reaffirming its stance against allowing gay men to be priests.

The document, which was released Nov. 29, states that men with "homosexual tendencies" should be banned from the priesthood.

"In the light of such teaching, this dicastery, in accord with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, believes it necessary to state clearly that the Church, while profoundly respecting the persons in question, cannot admit to the seminary or to holy orders those who practice homosexuality, present deep-seated homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called 'gay culture'," the document states.

Support…

The Rev. Thomas Caldwell, an assistant professor of theology, said the term "gay culture" is a "rubber bag" term that could be expanded to mean a variety of things to different people and the church has not fully defined it.

Bishop William S. Skylstad, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has called the document "timely," according to his spokesman, Deacon Eric Meisfjord.

In a statement released by the conference, Skylstad said it is not acceptable for a candidate "to support the 'gay culture' and to be so concerned with homosexual issues that he cannot sincerely represent the Church's teaching on sexuality."

The Rev. Will Prospero, assistant director of University Ministry, said he agreed with the conference that the document was timely because "there is confusion about human sexuality everywhere."

"It's a pretty balanced document," Caldwell said. "People having lives of that particular orientation are not able to live a celibate life and be happy. They can be celibate but would be miserable.

"If a candidate practices homosexuality or presents deep-seated homosexual tendencies, his spiritual director, as well as his confessor, have the duty to dissuade him in conscience from proceeding toward ordination," he said.

The document sets a three-year time period in which a person must overcome his homosexual tendencies before ordination to the deaconate.

…and dissent

Not all Catholics are pleased with the document.

The Rev. Grant Garinger, an assistant professor in the College of Communication and a university minister, said he thought the document was discriminatory.

"This document draws a parallel to the 1930s and 40s when country clubs barred membership to Jews and blacks," Garinger said. "It's like, 'We accept you as a Jew or African-American but you're not allowed.'"

Garinger said he was concerned the document was released to divert attention from the sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic Church. In recent years, cases of child abuse at the hands of parish priests and alleged reshuffling of those priests to unsuspecting parishes have come to light.

"They'll never say that, but because of the timing it's a logical connection," Garinger said. "They are doing this to deflect attention from the fact that they're not doing anything concerning the sexual abuse. People are asking what's being done with the bishops who shuffled pedophile priests from one parish to another, so they're trying to find a scapegoat. Gays are an easy target and it's popular to hate gays right now."

Garinger said he is concerned the Catholic Church is not fully educated on the psychological effects of pedophilia.

"It would be more logical to issue a statement saying all heterosexuals with pedophile tendencies should not be allowed to enter the priesthood," he said.

Garinger interpreted the document as saying the "gay culture" should not be promoted, such as equal rights for gays.

"If that's what this document is saying, then that goes against every social teaching the Church has had from day one," Garinger said. "It is immoral to be unjust to any person."

Prospero said when he personally interpreted the document he identified the key issue as whether an individual should support the homosexual lifestyle.

"I think the document leaves room for some interpretation on a few issues, but is very clear that those who push the gay agenda should not be allowed in seminary," Prospero said. "The document forcefully addresses that issue."

"I fully support whatever the Holy Father publishes and teaches in an official manner," Prospero said.