text: Both yours and monica's comment are clear indicators of where our theological dialogue needs to go.  However, my one disagreement is that it should be about homosexuality specifically, but instead part of a somewhat broader topic of the re-working of the theology and the doctrines of human sexuality.  The Church is horribly deficient in updating its understanding  of it, has danced around the issues while modern science has increased out knowledge of humans and sex by the hundredfold.  Ignorance hurts way too many to be allowed to just continue because some clerics are frightened of what it might reveal (including about ordained life) and what it might lead to.  This is theology in pursuit of safety, not of God.  God's Creation is so much more calmly diverse and inclusive, and if the Church is to tear down its self-made divisions between believers in Christ, then it needs to open the window on all of the issues you mention for some fresh air per St. John XXIII.