A recent contributor took issue with the Catholic Church for terminating the services of a nun and a priest who had been ministering to the homosexual community for many years. (Severe Sanctions Unwarranted, July 22). The secular press is not the place to air religious disagreements, but the letter was so full of ambiguity, it demands clarification.

The writer hints that the action was taken as an expression of animosity toward homosexuals. He is mistaken. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that those with deep-seated homosexual tendencies do not choose their condition and must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. However, it adds that homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered and cannot be approved under any circumstances.

As Catholic clerics, Father Nugent and Sister Jeannine must not promote errors or ambiguities about church teaching in their pastoral work. The confusion they caused was found to be harmful to the homosexual community. They exhibited serious deficiencies in their writings and pastoral activities (of which the letter writer is apparently unaware). Twelve years of dialogue with Father Nugent and Sister Jeannine certainly indicate that the decision was not taken lightly.

Anyone wishing further information on this unfortunate situation can consult the above-mentioned catechism or the public notification released by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith on July 13.

Catherine N. Dillon