The Kansas City Star

About this series

How the survey was done

- Text of The Star's survey

- Results of The Star's survey

- A sampling of written comments made by survey participants

From Oct. 15 through Oct. 21, 1999, The Kansas City Star mailed a survey to 3,013 priests randomly selected from a list in the 1999 edition of The Official Catholic Directory. Surveys were sent to priests in all 50 states and all but one diocese in the country.

The Star received responses from 801 priests through December 1999, a response rate of 27 percent.

Given the sample size, the poll's margin of error is 3.5 percentage points, meaning that if the same poll were conducted 100 times, 95 of those times the results would be no more than 3.5 percentage points higher or lower than the results of this poll.

It is important to note that because this survey was mailed and anonymity was assured, The Star cannot ensure that the priests responding are demographically and geographically representative of all Roman Catholic priests. The priests who chose to respond to the survey may be different from those who opted not to reply.

However, responses to questions about the type of priest and the priests' ages indicate that the results should be fairly representative.

According to The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, two-thirds (67 percent) of the nation's 46,352 priests are diocesan priests, with the remaining third being religious-order priests. By comparison, 63 percent of the priests responding to this survey are diocesan priests. The average age of diocesan priests is 59, while the average age of religious-order priests is 63, according to The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. The Star's survey showed average ages of 58 for diocesan priests and 62 for religious-order priests

The Star's confidential survey for this series

What follows is the full text of the confidential survey The Star conducted as part of this series.

1. Are you a diocesan or a religious priest?

a. diocesan

b. religious

2. Please circle your age category

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80 or older

3. In your religious theological training, how do you feel that sexuality was addressed as an integral part of your psycho/social/spiritual being?

a. not addressed at all

b. addressed a little, but not enough

c. very much integrated into the process

d. other _________________________________

4. Do you know priests with HIV or AIDS?

a. yes

b. no

5. Did you personally know any priests who died of an AIDS-related illness?

a. yes

b. no

6. Do you have HIV or AIDS?

a. yes

b. no

c. possibly, but haven't been tested

7. How would you identify yourself sexually?

a. heterosexual

b. homosexual

c. bisexual

8. How would you describe the church's response in ministering to priests and religious with HIV and AIDS?

a. caring and compassionate

b. only took care of priests' basic needs

c. ignored priests

d. judgmental and uncaring

e. other _____________________________

9. Using a scale of 1 to 5, where 5=Extremely effective and 1=Not at all effective, please rate the ways you think the church can deal with priests' needs and concerns regarding HIV and AIDS in the clergy.

5 4 3 2 1 provide more education in the seminaries on sexual issues

5 4 3 2 1 encourage open dialogue/communication

5 4 3 2 1 change Church doctrine on homosexuality

5 4 3 2 1 eliminate celibacy requirements

Please feel free to add further thoughts or comments on the back

Results of The Star's survey

Are you a diocesan or religious-order priest?

Diocesan 62.5%

Religious order 37.5%

Do you know priests with HIV or AIDS?

No 68.4%

Yes 1.6%

Did you personally know any priests who died of an AIDS-related illness?

Yes 57.8%

No 42.2%

How was sexuality addressed during your theological training?

Addressed a little, but not enough 47.2%

Very much integrated into the process 28.1%

Not addressed at all 19.5%

Other response 5.2%

Do you have HIV or AIDS?

No 99.1%

Yes 0.5%

Possibly, but not tested 0.4%

How would you describe the church's response in ministering to priests with HIV and AIDS?

Caring and compassionate 65.4%

Other 19.0%

Only took care of priests' basic needs 12.0%

Judgmental & uncaring 1.8%

Ignored priests 1.8%

How would you identify yourself sexually?

Heterosexual 77.6%

Homosexual 14.9%

Bisexual 5.2%

Other 2.3%

Using a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 = Extremely effective and 1 = Not at all effective, please rate the ways you think the church can deal with priests' needs and concerns regarding HIV and AIDS in the clergy.

Provide more education in the seminaries on sexual issues

1 2.4%

2 3.8%

3 18.1%

4 23.6%

5 52.1%

Encourage open dialogue/communication

1 2.4%

2 4.0%

3 16.4%

4 22.1%

5 55.1%

Change church doctrine on homosexuality

1 60.3%

2 9.3%

3 10.8%

4 5.6%

5 13.9%

Eliminate celibacy requirements

1 54.8%

2 10.6%

3 15.1%

4 4.2%

5 15.3%

A sampling of written comments from the survey

We didn't seem to have many of these problems when I was first ordained. With morals going down the tube, society has become that if it pleases you, do it. Everyone is doing it. It's a sad commentary on our society today.

***

The Church is not monolithic, so there will be many variables in the future as there are now. In my opinion, most religious orders have dealt well with their men with AIDS in the past and are better preparing and screening seminarians to avoid problems in the future. I'm sure there are exceptions, but most dioceses do not seem to be doing a good job of either pastoral care or seminarian preparation.

***

Because of attitudes in the church and in society, a gay person has difficulty integrating their sexuality. Without an integrated and wholesome attitude toward one's sexuality, how can a gay person -- or any person -- find healthy expressions of his/her sexuality? I do believe that for the gay person, organized religion, for the most part, is the biggest enemy. So much condemnation is based on religious teaching -- be it right or wrong.

***

I believe the celibacy issue is very important, but must be addressed in a holistic way, not simply to address the problems of homosexuality or heterosexuality among clergy today, but the whole issue of sexual integration in today's society and especially among today's religious leaders.

***

The Catholic Church's teaching on homosexuality is rooted in divine and natural law. It cannot change without the Church betraying its fundamental understanding of how God reveals Himself to humanity through sacred scripture and sacred tradition.

The problem of HIV/AIDS in both the homosexual and heterosexual communities is one of lifestyle. Sadly, this terrible disease is communicated through activities which stem from either addiction or low self-esteem. While I am fully aware that two heterosexual people who had formerly embraced immoral lifestyles but now lead moral lives could still risk communicating this illness to each other, the ``cure'' ultimately lies in personal conversion to Jesus Christ, or at least, to a philosophy which places sexual activity squarely within the context of marital love.

Admittedly, some of my brother priests, both gay and straight, who have fallen for the liberal mind-set, are the first who need to convert if we ever hope to preach a credible message of self-respect that flows from personal witness.

***

Thank you for tackling an important subject. The Church itself is in a grand silence mode. They are into denial. Rome's handling of the ``homosexual problem'' (lifelong celibacy) is absurd. The American Catholic Church, as usual, is in lock step with Rome's absurdity.

***

I have struggled with my sexuality. It has added to a clinical depression which I have sought help for, and received with the compassionate and concerned help of my diocesan officials. Every possible assistance, psychologically, spiritually, socially, etc., was extended to me and is still being extended.

As with all areas of life and in accord with its ministry, the church condemns sin but loves the sinner. The church sees no real difference between homosexual activity and pre-marital or extra-marital heterosexual activity. I don't see that teaching ever changing and I don't get people clamoring for change. For me, the healthy thing has been coming to grips with my sexuality in light of church teaching.

My personal experience with ``the church'' has been very positive in this area for me as a priest. I do wish, however, that the psycho/sexual aspect of spirituality and personhood were better addressed during the seminary experience.

***

Intimacy is a most important issue in the life of an individual. There is a great need of intimacy in the priesthood, and the reason for so little is due to the lack of trust and communication among priests regarding sexuality. There is an excessive amount of secrecy in the church and priesthood. A dysfunctional church, priesthood, and families feed on shame, isolation and secrets. The entire approach to sexuality, intimacy and honesty must be addressed in the Catholic church. I thank God that I am able to afford psychotherapy and receive support in the 12-step program of A.A. I am able to offer good ministry as a result of therapy, A.A., and the grace of God.

***

My seminary training was 15-20 years ago. I do know that seminaries are doing a better job today in dealing with issues of sexuality and AIDS. There are also more lay students studying in seminaries today. This creates a ``healthier'' atmosphere.

***

My Protestant clergy friends say drop celibacy and you start a new problem: divorced clergy. Making things ``easier'' will not make the problem go away.

***

I suspect education and church reform of celibacy could encourage strong candidates to the Roman Catholic priesthood. As it stands, the current situation attracts problems -- individuals unclear about their sexual identity. The present situation under John Paul II has not only avoided the central issues, but has closed down honest dialogue.

***

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in your survey. We Catholics regard the priesthood as a sacred reality -- a sharing in Jesus Christ's priestly love.

Celibacy is the sister of charity -- it helps us priests to love God and neighbor with undivided attention. If a priest tragically falls into sin, please do not blame his vow of celibacy. A wholesome unselfish life of charity in ministry, grounded in the love of God, is the healthiest and holiest way for priests to remain faithful to their sacred vocation.

***

The church is getting better at addressing sexual problems among the clergy -- but priests are sometimes reluctant to be open with bishops and other superiors. Most bishops have been extremely compassionate toward priests with HIV/AIDS. I have seen this firsthand. Celibacy is not the real problem. Good education, formation and self-acceptance are the keys.

***

The fundamental problem with the church's AIDS ministry is, I think, in the case of homosexual persons such as myself, that the church's stance toward homosexuality derives from bigotry in society and is utterly immoral. Homosexuals do not experience the church as a `loving community' -- quite the contrary, and no amount of caring for the sick or `loving the sinner but hating the sin' will change this. Homosexual loving (which includes sexual partnership) should be recognized as just as natural and wholesome as heterosexual loving. Celibacy may be a valid charisma within the church, but it should not be used as a callous weapon of society; bigotry against the homosexual, as it presently is, by the church.

***

I don't think more information is going to help us religious to deal with our gift of sexuality. I do believe in programs, e.g. CPE, clinical pastoral education, 12 steps, or other self-help groups in dealing honestly with one's sexuality as to whether it is contributing to a wholesome relation with another person and a wholesome liking of oneself.

I also get a lot of understanding, compassion and help from God himself and my religious brothers.

***

While greater effort is being made to surface early issues of sexual, social and emotional concerns with the use of psychological testing, I am still concerned that discussion of something as intimate as one's sexuality is still something of a discomfort for all. Even one-on-one talks between a student and a staff member depend on the comfort of both parties and the feeling of safety (confidentiality) on the part of the student. Remember, it is often the same person who is making decisions about passing a person on to Vows and/or Ordination who is also engaged in such intimate talks. There definitely needs to be an open, honest and safe dialogue about sexuality and human relationship in general and also on a more intimate/personal level.

But more times than not, church leadership sounds like a broken record of ``NO'' to sex except in marriage without acknowledging or nuancing such a significant part of anyone's life and the discovery of what it means to be a sexual being. Specifically, the Catholic church's position on homosexuality is filled with pain, misunderstanding, prejudice and a fear of being perceived as ``soft'' on people who do not fit into the ``normal'' patterns of human sexuality. The inability of the church's leadership to nuance sexuality and human relationships serves not only to alienate Catholics whose sexuality does not fit what is ``normal,'' but it forces people into closets that are dangerous, because it oftentimes forces people as well as priests and religious to act out in unhealthy and unsafe ways.

***

I personally know of no one, priest or lay, who is suffering with this illness. Further, I know of no priests who are actively homosexual. Most priests, like myself, are quite happy in our calling to celibacy, lived as an offering to Jesus Christ. Believe it or not, I do not spend time wishing priests could marry, or even thinking about sex of any kind.

As regards the Church's teaching on homosexuality, it cannot be changed; it is a divine law, and the church hasn't the authority to change it. Heterosexual activity outside of marriage, along with homosexuality, masturbation, and oral sex, are all mortal sins. The answer is not to loosen our standards, but to tighten them up, especially as regards priests.

***

The two greatest helps to all this would be education and frank discussion in seminary -- and after -- and the elimination of the celibacy requirement. Personally, celibacy has been very difficult, although I have remained faithful to celibacy. As the years have gone on, I have become increasingly angry and resentful at being denied the option of wife and family.

***

The church seems capable of caring for clergy when we are hurting. However, it is woefully inadequate when dealing with healthy, creative, thinking clergy. This institution seems like a classic model or example of what the historian Barbara Tuchman described in her book March of Folly. She uses the term woodenheadedness to describe institutions which do not really listen even when the messages come from within its own ranks.

The Jesus of the Gospel would not recognize this as the followers of his teaching. He spoke strongly against hypocrisy and would do so now. Once again, he'd be crucified.

Fortunately, I have a support system which helps me cope with this bad reality. I take solace in the enabling and honest people and groups which do face reality. Too bad that the church, which should lead us, has lost its leadership.

***

Given the church's teachings about sex outside marriage and certainly about homosexual activity, candidates for the priesthood who are known to have engaged in either during their preparation for priesthood should be rejected for ordination. Priests who are discovered to be in immoral sexual relationships should be warned and offered help. If the relationship does not cease, he should be relieved of his ministry.

We should not even wait to withdraw from active ministry if we are not willing to repent and seek help to reform.

***

I refuse to participate in this survey. I strongly suspect your agenda in all this is an attack on the Catholic priesthood and the Catholic Church. If you have any professional ethics at all you will acknowledge in your ``story'' those of us who refused to participate in this anti-Catholic exercise.''

***

The best strategy I know of for dealing with sexuality in general under the current conditions for seminarians and priests is to encourage confidential forums in which total honesty is possible. The fact is that seminarians and priests in their social, psychological, and sexual development sometimes act out sexually or emotionally (dating, sexual experimentation). If the seminarian or priest (heterosexual or homosexual) can find someone he trusts to talk to (or an anonymous program such as Sex Addicts Anonymous or Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous to participate in), the emotional bond might be there enough so that the guy can grow and make good choices about a commitment to celibacy ``for the sake of God's Kingdom'' (as Jesus put it in Matthew 12).

Incidentally, this confidential survey might be such a forum! I would be very interested in the results. I would add that I think when a priest or seminarian acts out sexually, among the clergy there is still often present a certain bias against homosexuals that looks like this: a straight priest or seminarian who acts out is understood in a more sympathetic light (``gee, let's see if we can help the guy'') than are homosexual priests or seminarians who act out (``there THEY go again'').

***

My seminarian experience was very positive regarding sexuality. The formation process promoted healthy discussion on sexual issues, both in classes (e.g., Human Sexuality and Moral Theology) and in large group processes aimed at helping us think through our pending commitments to celibacy. I found it to be a balanced, healthy experience. My sense at the time was that seminarians with a homosexual orientation probably struggled the most with their sexuality, perhaps reflective of the homosexual experience in the general public.