The many meanings of "welcoming"

I'm still puzzling over the characterizations of the new document on those "inclined" to members of the same-sex as "welcoming," one voiced by both the media and the bishops themselves. Consider this from The Age: "Bishop Arthur Serratelli, of New Jersey, the chairman of the Conference of Catholic Bishops' committee on doctrine, stressed that the tone of the statement was intended to be 'positive, pastoral and welcoming,' even as it compared same-sex attractions to the temptations of 'envy, malice or greed.' "

So far, I haven't heard any gay Catholics identify this doc as welcoming, and I certainly don't think it is. So, as a service to the bishops, I'm going to attempt to outline a document that is actually welcoming yet still doesn't contain a change in teaching on this matter:

1. To our dear sisters and brothers in Christ who are gay or lesbian:

2. The Body of Christ has always had members with a same-gender sexual orientation and has no doubt been enriched by their presence among the baptized. Today as well, the church is enriched by the gifts of its gay and lesbian members who generously offer themselves in service to the gospel. Like all the baptized, lesbian and gay women and men are full members of the church, called by God into the Body of Christ.

3. Unfortunately, the relationship between the church's leadership and its gay and lesbian sons and daughters has not always been positive. Over the past decades, many lesbian and gay Catholics have felt persecuted and rejected by the language popes and bishops have used to describe same-sex sexual orientation and same-sex relationships, as well as efforts on the part of some church leaders to oppose civil laws favoring gay and lesbian people.

4. We regret the pain this has caused our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers, and realize that many have left the practice of their faith because of these statements and actions.

5. At the same time, scripture and tradition have historically judged same-sex sexual activity as inconsistent with the Christian life, a consistent judgment not easily dismissed. There has also, however, been a vigorous debate among clergy, theologians, and the people of God concerning this matter; some have suggested that the scriptural prohibitions and the church's teaching may reflect the prejudices of the past and need to be informed by the modern social sciences.

6. Though at this time we do not see error in the church's teaching on this matter, we invite gay and lesbian Catholics to participate in this ongoing conversation by fully participating in the life of the church in ways befitting the duties and privileges of their baptism and by engaging their pastors and bishops in continuing dialogue, that together we may continue on the path of salvation and the fullness of gospel truth.

7. Our tradition offers sage advice for this sometimes difficult journey: In essentials, unity; in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity. May charity guide us in this endeavor.

And it only took me 15 minutes. And, yes, it leaves open the possibility of change, but as anyone who has studied church history knows, doctrinal development--even the correction of error--is a part of our Catholic story.