"Whether we agree with people or not, we should respect them," he said. "I also see a call to gay and lesbian people to join in and try to live a life of faith."

The statement calls for "a welcoming stance of Christian love" and for "nurturing the bonds of friendship" to help bring gays and lesbians out of isolation.

"All people are created in the image and likeness of God and thus possess an innate human dignity that must be acknowledged and respected," the statement said.

However, it also reaffirms the church's position against same-sex marriage, or civil unions, and states that acting on homosexual tendencies is immoral. It encourages pastors to help gays and lesbians live healthy, chaste lives.

"While the Church teaches that homosexual acts are immoral, she does distinguish between engaging in homosexual acts and having a homosexual inclination," the statement said. "While the former is always objectively sinful, the latter is not."

The Rev. Bussen said there's no conflict with Catholic teachings to hold a Mass that "says it's OK to be gay."

"Whether they are sinners or not — probably, the answer is yes," he said. "Like the rest of the people who come into the church."

The Rev. Bussen said the Mass is monthly as an extra for gays and lesbians, who he hopes will integrate into weekly Masses. The next will be held March 17.

"We belong in the normal community," he said. "It's a place here to speak our hearts, to talk to what they need to hear."

For George Gamarra of South Salt Lake, that safe place is refreshing. Gamarra said it's difficult to be both gay and Catholic.

"The father is open-minded," he said. "It's not easy to find. ... Most people can't understand us."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com