“However, it is unclear if Archbishop John J. Myers will reassign Hall to a public ministry after his public dispute with the archdiocese and revelation that he is gay.

“But the church remains opposed to gay marriage and says people should not act on homosexual desires. Priests are expected to uphold those teachings.”

“It is unclear how many gay priests are in the clergy worldwide. Some surveys and studies have estimated less than 10 percent are gay. Other studies estimate the number could be as high as 60 percent.”

“There are many good priests who are out to a large audience or a select group,” Bretzke said.”

“Rev. Donald Cozzens, author of “The Changing Face of the Priesthood,” estimates more than half of priests are gay, based on research he did for his book.”

“I believe these men are some of the most gifted priests  serving the church today. But they are in a very tough situation. They sense their superiors and bishops prefer they keep their sexual orientation to themselves,” said Cozzens, writer in residence at John Carroll University in Ohio.”

“He compared the current culture in the church to the military’s now-abandoned “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy for gay soldiers. But, a priests’ sexual orientation probably has minimal impact on church members, Cozzens said.”

Reality is that the Pope’s verbal expressions of compassion and tolerance lack power, if the Church does not come to terms with highly valuing the openly gay, competent, caring, hard working priest who is true to his vows of celibacy. Words without action mean little. 

Priests are crucially needed to advise LGBT YOUNG PEOPLE  in how to deal with bullying, harassment and their other pertinent issues in order to lower suicide rates. Priests will require guidance and clear rules as to how they, as openly gay, celibate clerics can help this flock within the constraints of Church teachings.

This is all set in the background of recent scandals where many children were harmed for years by pedophilic priests while the Catholic Church turned a blind eye. Both seem to be protected if they practice the unwritten rule of remaining silent. Dear Catholic Church Leaders, How well has this policy served the Church?

This is what Jesus says about those who hurt little ones:

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. (Mark 9:42)