U.S. Catholic (August 2003):
Vatican launches counter-strike against gay marriage, adoption
 

"The Vatican's continuing unwillingness to engage Catholic laity in a discussion about human sexuality weakens its positions," said Linda Pieczynski, spokesperson for Call to Action, a U.S. group seeking church reforms. "This new document does nothing to further a thoughtful discussion on homosexual unions, an important issue facing many churches,"

"We are in the midst of great social change regarding our understanding of homosexuality spurred by scientific studies about human sexuality. What is needed now is an intense dialogue among people of good will that will incorporate this new understanding of sexuality into our theology.

"Women used to be considered less human than men by theologians in past centuries because of ignorance about reproduction. No one would dare suggest such a concept now. The Vatican's harsh language . . . is very hurtful to our gay and lesbian relatives, friends, and their families."

Pieczynski specifically referred to the section of the document which claimed that supporting homosexual unions was the "approval or legalization of evil." She said, "There is tremendous evil in this world involving terrible violence against children, as we have seen in the clergy sex abuse scandal. When we think of our relatives and friends who are involved in committed same sex relationships, 'evil' is not a word that can ever be used to describe them."                (More...)