I have often wondered, during the past few weeks, what this whole discussion on same-sex marriage must be like for priests who themselves are gay. One man, who wishes to remain anonymous, sent me the following:
On my journey to some level of self-acceptance, like many another person, I’m sure, I did a lot of questioning, agonizing, worrying, dealing with shame and guilt, fear, and confusion. I grew up in a traditional Irish family, and was very drawn to mystery and faith.
In February last, after a discussion on my situation had taken place at our Provincial Chapter, I had a meeting with the new Irish administration and the Superior General. It was felt at the meeting that things are changing in Rome under Francis, and that the CDF is not quite so dogmatic or united as before. So it was suggested to me that, if I was willing to give a further statement, maybe with somewhat more general content, that it might be more acceptable now than before.
This is the link to an excellent article on the Letter to the Pope and the Limerick Conference, from the National Catholic Reporter
http://ncronline.org/news/global/reform-groups-letter-francis-stop-combining-parishes-megaparishes
