Bishops vote for strong sex rules

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But. it does not permit change or suppress it.

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The statement condemns homosexual acts, but makes a distinction between such an act and homosexuals. It said that some persons are homosexuals through no fault of their own. but that they should refrain from sexual activity.

The letter said homosexuals also should be guaranteed basic human rights, should not suffer prejudices. and, that the church should provide them with pastoral care, not condemning them as long as they prac tice chastity.

The letter. written in the past three years. also touched on a wide

range of other issues affecting church and society.

It condemned mercy killing, but said that extraordinary medical means may not be taken to keep a terminally ill person alive, reiterated the church's opposition to abortion, called for strengthening of family life, and advised children to help care for elderly parents.

On national issues, the statement asked for respect for racial and ethnic groups. especially in cities, and the end of racial discrimination in housing, education, health care, employment and the administration of justice.

On housing, the bishops opposed redlining, which they defined as the actions of government. banks and the real estate business converging

to deprive some racial groups of financing for housing, and the manipulation of real estate values for the profit of insiders.

The bishops also criticized the exploitation of women and the denial of their equal rights. They noted prostitution and pornography are two areas in which women have been exploited.

The letter said that acts of war against civilians are gravely wrong: that U.S. citizens should have the right to selective conscientious objection to war, and that the threat of nuclear weapons must not be used even as weapons of deterrence.

The bishops also said that "when human rights are violated anywhere without protest. they are threatened everywhere."