Catholics' revised report shows 'deep division'

Differences between the interim and final reports from a meeting of Catholic bishops in Rome reflect "deep division" within the church's hierarchy regarding homosexuality, a seminary professor has noted.

"Deep division appears obvious," Jeffrey Riley, professor of ethics at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, told Baptist Press in written comments. "How broad the division is difficult to say. ... Some bishops appear captured by western cultural notions that stress sexual freedom rather than a freedom that comes by obeying the clear teaching of Scripture."

Riley, a research fellow with Southern Baptists' Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said culturally conservative bishops generally come from the global south and east while liberal bishops tend to come from the north and west. Read more

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