Francisco in May, 1960, to a Daughters of Bilitis Convention by Episcopalian Rev. Fordyce Eastburn, who said that homosexuality was "a primary disorder of the Divine Plan," and should be cast out forthwith.

Few Congregationalists have rallied to support Long Island's Rev. Robert F. Wood, author of Christ and the Homosexual; nor was any standard publisher willing to publish the book, or reviewer to herald its appearance. So far as is known Rev. Wood is the first and only clergyman to have seriously explored new approaches to the theological problems involved in homosexuality. A single quotation will illustrate his thinking. "It is quite possible for homosexual love to become sacramental and thus moral."

Roman Catholics. Persons of many different religious persuasions come to ONE's offices seeking help in solving their problems. Of these it seems safe to say that none are more disturbed than those having Roman Catholic backgrounds, also that the ratio of Catholics in this condition is greater than the percentages from other denominations.

Can this be explained? An answer must be sought in the teachings of this religion regarding homosexuality. A clear and official statement of these teachings has been made by the Rev. Michael J. Buckley in his book Morality and the Homosexual. Following Thomistic lines he writes, "that homosexual acts are intrinsically sinful," and that it is impossible to believe "that the natural and divinely ordained human condition is other than uniquely heterosexual . . ." Fr. Buckley also states that "The aim of the homosexual should be ultimately his re-orientation to heterosexuality and where this is impossible an adjustment to his condition is the only way acceptable to Catholic moral theology-a life of

chastity."

Catholic homosexuals tell us that they find themselves caught between two apparently irreconcilable demands those of their church and the equally urgent pressures of what they describe as their own inborn feelings. While it often happens that Catholics, particularly Latins, are able to resolve this conflict for themselves many others are unable to do so and suffer untold anguish.

Some of them break under the strain. Others rebel defiantly, pointing out the undeniable historical evidence that their church has often had in its seminaries, priesthood, and on up to the highest levels homosexuals whose condition is neither denied nor to all appearances curbed. "Why should I go to confession," is the argument of such persons, "and take a beating for what the priests themselves are doing?"

Quite clearly there is little that a neutral observer can offer to individuals citing such arguments. Despite repeated requests to the Roman Catholic Church for speakers and cooperation in helping to meet the needs of its communicants ONE has yet to receive any response from that source. This seems to be the uniform behavior pattern of religious bodies, Protestant, Catholic or other, when homosexuality is the topic. Can homosexuals be blamed then for using the phrase "the failure of the churches"?

Other Denominations. The Jewish position has been little, if any better. Rabbi Alvin Fine, of San Francisco, has said, "The problem of homosexuality is one of serious concern that bears directly upon the integ rity of family life, and the moral foundations of our society. . . it is my interpretation of Judaism that homosexual practice is still held to be immoral, but moral problem that it is, we should regard and treat it

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