Can you receive communion if you are lesbian?

Answer 1

Please note, NOBODY takes Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, you may only receive it, if you are Catholic and in a state of grace; this is THE gift of God, Almighty: God, Himself, NOBODY takes it.

In the Catholic Church, people with a homosexual orientation are allowed to participate in the Eucharist and receive communion, assuming they meet the same requirements as people with a heterosexual orientation:

• they are fully initiated Christians, normally Catholics*
• they believe in the Real Presence
• they are properly disposed (eg, not committed an unforgiven mortal sin)
• they are in good standing with the church (ie, not excommunicated)

*there are exceptions. Non-Catholics may receive under certain circumstances, outlined in Canon 844.4. Catholics who are not fully initiated may be admitted to communion before both baptism and confirmation if the local bishop or national bishops' conference has decided to allow this - which is very common in the Latin Rite.

Further clarification: If by "gay" you mean leading and following the gay culture and lifestyle, then no. The answer above is correct, that people with an homosexual orientation may receive Holy Communion provided they are trying to lead a Christian life and are receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly (i.e. you should be going to confession). If you have any doubts or questions about all of this, especially as to receiving Holy Communion, you should definitely discuss this with your priest in confession. You must be trying to lead a holy life with God's help and trying to overcome sinful inclinations. Homosexuality is not a sin. Leading a gay lifestyle and/or not being chaste are sins and would disqualify you from receiving Holy Communion until you had made a good Confession and done your penance. God wants all people to be saved, and all of us have inclinations, from our fallen human condition, and original sin, which are contrary to God's Law (which is Love, God only wants what is best for us, note: what is best for us, NOT what we think is good!). As long as we are honestly trying to be good, and to live the life He wants for us, then the sacraments are a great help on our journey to God. Above all, pray, acknowledge that you (along with the rest of us) are weak, and ask God for His help. He *always* gives all the help they need if they are sincere. The important is not to worry so much about being gay as to worry about leading a fervent holy life and following Christ. If you are sincere in following Jesus and worshipping God you should be able to deal with everything. Above all, go to confession regularly, the grace of this Sacrament can not be over estimated!

Answer 2

That's something for you to decide. Jesus' words were "Do this in memory of me". He didn't add "unless you're a lesbian". If you are doing your best to live a good life then I think you can make the right choice for yourself.