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Vatican's new rules on gay clergy leak

By wire services
Published November 23, 2005

ROME - A new Vatican document excludes from the priesthood most gay men, with few exceptions, banning in strong and specific language candidates "who are actively homosexual, have deep-seated homosexual tendencies, or support the so-called "gay culture."'

The long-awaited document, which has leaked out in pieces over the last few months, was published on Tuesday in its entirety in Italian by an Italian Catholic Web site, Adista.

The document appears only to allow ordination for candidates who experienced "transitory" homosexual tendencies that were "clearly overcome" at least three years before ordination as a deacon, the last step before priesthood. It does not define what is meant by "overcome." Several critics of the document worried that that language would make it nearly impossible for men who believe their basic orientation is gay - but who are celibate - to become priests.

The document puts the onus on local bishops, seminary leaders, and the seminaries' spiritual advisers "to evaluate all of the qualities of the personality and assure that the candidate does not have sexual disorders that are incompatible with priesthood."

A candidate for the priesthood, in turn, would have the obligation to be honest about his sexuality.

"It would be gravely dishonest for a candidate to hide his own homosexuality, regardless of everything, to arrive at ordination," the document states. "Such an inauthentic attitude does not correspond to the spirit of truth, loyalty, and availability that must characterize the personality of one who considers himself called to serve Christ."

Vatican spokesmen refused to comment on Tuesday, saying the document will be published officially Nov. 29.

UNITED NATIONS - U.S. Ambassador John Bolton accused Syria on Tuesday of "delaying and obstructing" an investigation into the assassination of Lebanon's former prime minister and demanded that Damascus allow six Syrian officials to be questioned.

Bolton said a resolution adopted by the U.N. Security Council on Oct. 31 was very clear in demanding "full and immediate Syrian cooperation" with the investigation led by German prosecutor Detlev Mehlis. It warned Syria of possible "further action" if it refuses to cooperate with the inquiry, which has been extended until Dec. 15.

Syria has objected to Mehlis' request to question six top Syrian officials in Lebanon, and has proposed alternative venues. It also has asked the U.N. investigating commission to formally detail the cooperation it requires in its interrogation and investigation.

Bolton said the council's resolution "does not give the Syrians leave to negotiate or ask for mediators or others to deal with Mehlis."

KABUL, Afghanistan - A roadside bomb tore through an American armored vehicle in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, killing a U.S. service member and an Afghan interpreter, the military said.

The vehicle was part of a military resupply convoy in Uruzgan province, an area wracked by Taliban rebel violence, the military statement said.

The death brought to 205 the number of U.S. troops killed in and around Afghanistan since the hard-line Islamic regime was ousted in 2001.

U.S.-INDONESIA TIES: The United States restored military ties with Indonesia Tuesday, ending a six-year ban imposed over human rights concerns, U.S. officials said.

U.S. EMBASSY WORKERS TO RETURN TO HAITI: The U.S. Embassy said Tuesday that security in Haiti has improved enough for diplomatic employees evacuated earlier this year to return in time for elections, which could happen as early as December.

GAMMA TOLL RISES: The death toll from a tropical storm that slammed Honduras over the weekend rose to 32 with 13 people missing, officials said Tuesday. Tropical Storm Gamma also killed three people in neighboring Belize, bringing the storms' overall toll to at least 35. Some 36,000 people were driven from homes or suffered property damage.

[Last modified November 23, 2005, 00:45:14]