Gay and lesbians from Catholic backgrounds have struggled to reconcile their sexual orientation with the Church's strong anti-homosexual stance for generations. Some leave the church in despair while others suppress their sexuality in order to remain in the Church. Priest Shinnick argues that homosexuality should be seen as a gift from God, not a curse. He shows how attitudes to homosexuality have developed in different Christian denominations around the world and offers a careful re-reading of Catholic teaching. He calls for a genuine dialogue between the Church and gay and lesbian people and offers a guide to the paths such a dialogue could follow.