22 percent of US bishops support ordaining men with homosexual attraction, survey finds

A recent report says 22 percent of bishops in the United States are "comfortable" with ordaining men who experience deep-seated homosexual attraction, provided they make a firm commitment to celibacy. The figure comes from a survey of the views of Church leaders on the question.

The survey has prompted wide debate within the Church. The ordination of men with homosexual attraction has been a sensitive and disputed question among Catholics, and celibacy remains a requirement.

Church restructuring

The finding comes as the Church addresses issues including a shortage of priests and the need to adapt to contemporary realities. Some dioceses have recently decided to reorganize their parishes because they do not have enough clergy.

The report was published at a time when the Catholic Church faces a range of internal and external challenges, including questions about attracting and retaining new members of the clergy. A commitment to celibacy remains a requirement in the formation of new priests.