'A relentless obsession'

Below are the last three paragraphs of the editorial titled 'A relentless obsession' in The Irish Times of Monday, June 10.

In Tuesday's paper there was a letter from a Presbyterian minister pointing out an inaccuracy in the editorial.

The reference to an obsession with homosexuality 
is interesting.

Is there ever a discussion within Catholic priesthood, whether in religious congregations or at diocesan level,  of the numbers of priests who are closet homosexuals? 

Or is there ever a discussion why so many gay men join priesthood?

This obsession with human reproduction and sexual issues in general, but homosexuality in particular, is sundering churches at a time when wider society has moved to a more humane plane; one seemingly more in tune with a message of Christ who had little to say on these matters

The churches are entitled to apply their own rules and to minister to their flocks as they see fit. Yet it is unfortunate that this blindspot in the churches' vision continues to obscure the positive message they were founded to propagate.

Those who wonder why they are in decline and who prefer to blame secularism might find an answer - at least in part - closer to home