Gay Scouts

One of the events that happened while my computer was in the hospital is that the Boy Scouts of America changed their policy to permit gay youths to become scouts.  This sent some of my favorite loons of the blogosphere over the edge howling and screeching that the Scouts had “caved in” to the “lavender lobby.”  Father Derek Lappe, pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea parish in Bremerton WA is one of several priests to expel Boy Scout troops from his parish and he has received a lot of support from right-wing groups for his decision.   There have also been many voices raised questioning Father Lappe’s decision and claiming that his stated reasons betray an understanding of same-sex attraction that is consistent neither with contemporary scientific theory nor with Church teaching.   Pastor Brian Grady of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton parish in Crystal Lake has also terminated parish support of a Scout troop.   
Frankly I am surprised—and relieved—that more Catholic pastors haven’t followed Father Lappe’s example.  But when one reads the policy of the Church towards any form of discrimination against people with same-sex attraction, I don’t know how parishes could have supported troops unless the Scouts changed their policy.  Let me quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  
2358 The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.