A gay subculture?

Regarding Gerard Thomas's article on gay priests ("A Gay Priest Speaks Out," January 28): I confess deep conflict about this matter. I believe the church's teaching on homosexuality is misguided and misinformed. Nonetheless, I also believe that there is a problem with the gay clerical culture. It has little to do with being sexually active and more to do with a certain sensibility. Diocesan priests are not required to live in community, usually, after ordination and assignment to a parish. Religious order priests, however, continue to live in community. It can be disconcerting to live in a house where a majority of men are homosexual. I know straight men who simply could not live in a community that was predominately gay. This issue needs to be openly discussed, yet even to broach the topic is to risk being labeled homophobic. I hope that "Gerard Thomas" will consider my concern as he lives out his God-given charism.

(DEACON) JAMES ANDERSON MURPHY

Spokane, Wash.

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