The Church recognises the dignity of all people and does not define or label them in terms of their sexual orientation...

The particular orientation or inclination of the homosexual person is not a moral failing. An inclination is not a sin...it is homosexual genital acts that are morally wrong...

Friendship is a gift from God...a way of loving. Friendship is necessary for every person...

Sexual loving presupposes friendship but friendship does not require...sexual involvement...

The word 'love' must never be thought of as synonymous with the word 'sex'. Love can take many forms...love between two persons, whether of the same sex or of a different sex, is to be treasured and respected.

...that experience of love is spoiled, whether it is in marriage or in friendship, when we do not think and act as God wills us to think and act...

The Church is...aware that people may fail to live consistently what she teaches...the Church does not reject such people but wishes to walk with them in order to guide them to a fuller understanding and realisation of the teaching she holds to be God-given.

Cardinal Basil Hume
Archbishop of Westminster
April 1997

"If you would like to read Cardinal Hume's full statement on Homosexuality, you can find it by clicking here
It provides in a small space a wise, compassionate and authoritative summary of the Church's teaching on the subject. Cardinal Hume was a valued friend of EnCourage, and gave us his personal support."