The experience of welcoming homosexual Catholics into the Ingniatian Community of Christian Life (CVX) in Chile

Article by Noelia Zunino published in the Magazine La Tercera (Chile) On 13 June 2015, page. 6, freely translated by Dino

In October last year, the same month in which the Synod of Bishops published a document in which it was stated that homosexuals "had gifts and qualities" to offer and that they had to be accepted (without compromising the Catholic doctrine of the family), the Chilean (Jesuit) priest Pedro Labrin went to Rome together with members of the Pastoral Care of Sexual Diversity (PADIS). “We are Catholics and homosexuals,” said some of the signs raised in St. Peter's Square. Shortly afterwards Labrin showed Pope Francis a photo of the pastoral ministry he has led since 2010, the year in which he was approached by a group of homosexuals who asked him to be part of the CVX, the association of Catholic believers linked to the Jesuits. “I admire you for your resistance, especially for not leaving, as many others did.”

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How was the integration of homosexuals into the community?

The change in the members of the CLC, especially the adults, never ceases to amaze me. Some are 40 years old and you would think that perhaps they might have a hostile attitude and the truth is that in the CLC we have not encountered any resistance.

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And outside?

It's more difficult outside. Sexuality hides fears and anxieties. Some people react moved by prejudice, by the stigma of repulsion, or by the feeling that this pot should not be uncovered because it would infect and pervert educational models and the family. This is irrationality that we have inherited culturally.

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Has this entry of homosexuals broken any prejudices within the CLC?

Yes. He broke them and continues to do So. one aim Of padis is to dismantle the imaginary triple-X Concept we have of homosexuality, to understand them as absolutely normal Human beings. thus irrational fear loses consistency and trust grows. I am convinced that the inclusion of sexual Diversity in the church produces more mature, more self-aware, happy and less involved people. In other words, better human beings.
The priest explains that last year they had the inclusion dinner for the first time. "It was the first time in history that the CLC was paraded and homosexual and heterosexual families sat together sharing. It was an unforgettable image of the Kingdom of Heaven."

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What advantages has the inclusion of homosexuals brought to heterosexuals?

Many have realized the responsibility we all have to keep alive a centuries-old injustice and to work for change. It's incredible how the people I know have transformed themselves into promoters of change in the most diverse realities, after having met homosexuals who have joined the CLC, from changing the vocabulary in the family to interrupting a meeting of delegates because they see a discriminatory attitude. The effect is to push for action.

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How would you like the Church to include homosexuals?

I would like it not to be necessary for a pastoral care of sexual diversity and that it was not necessary to resolve responsibilities in the Church according to sexual orientation. That it wasn't an issue that needed to be addressed.

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But how can true inclusion be achieved if the Church has its own limitations, due to Catholic doctrine regarding issues such as marriage or family?

I want to take charge of the limits. Let's take off our dark glasses: the Church is full of homosexuals. They are found in the Church for the simple fact that they are also found in the country and throughout the world. Wanting to make this reality invisible certainly doesn't make it disappear. The definition of the Christian is not a function of the Law, but of a person: Jesus Christ. Our rule is Jesus.

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Will there be a same-sex marriage in the Church?

It is a very long journey due to other theological dimensions to be resolved, but the recognition of sexual diversity, yes, there will be. Recognize the enormous social, human and spiritual capital represented by homosexuals and give them the space they deserve.
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Original text: Priest Pedro Labrín: “We know the dark lenses: the Church is full of homosexuals”