Catholic Bishops Oppose Move to Accept Gays

This was after the proposals failed to garner a two-thirds backing and therefore excluded in the final text.

A draft paper issued at a Catholic Church synod in the Vatican had included text calling for greater openness towards homosexuals and divorced Catholics who remarried.

Catholic Bishops Oppose Move to Accept Gays

The New Ways Ministry, a US Catholic gay rights group said it was very disappointing that the synod's final report had not retained the gracious welcome to lesbian and gay people that the draft of the report included.

However it added the synod's openness to discussion provides hope for further development down the road.

Another group, Dignity USA said that unfortunately the doctrine won out over pastoral needs.

“It is disappointing that those who recognized the need for a more inclusive Church were defeated” Dignity USA said.

Correspondents say the text welcoming gay people and remarried Catholics was watered down in the final version voted upon.

The synod will reconvene next year.

By Bonareri Samaha

Source: BBC News