Persons with "homosexual tendencies" in the priesthood

The recent statement of the Congregation for Catholic Education presumably was welcome for most, but by no means all, Catholic conservatives. I, no conservative, find it disturbing. At the outset there are questions about the nature of what is referred to as the "so-called homosexual culture," about the apparently assumed link between homosexuality and pedophilia, about what the statement says to gay priests particularly those who have always been faithful to their vows, the impact of the policy on the availability of the Eucharist (assuming prospective applicants are truthful), and the extent to which the policy might encourage dissembling at the outset of a priest's career (a culture of careerism at higher levels by hiding one's views has been remarked upon by Richard McCormick).
I pass over the question of the extent of deference that is owed to the position taken by Church leaders (albeit rejected by many Catholic theologians) on the immorality of same sex relations between committed couples. I will simply say that I was heartened by a recent NCR article,

http://natcath.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2005d/111105/111105m.php (subscription may be required)

 The article is mainly about Fr. John J. McNeill who wrote The Church and Homosexuality in 1976 in which he rejected Vatican teachings on same sex relations and became something of a celebrity. The article suggests that McNeill's intellectual successor is Daniel Helminiak, a 62-year-old psychotherapist and professor of psychology at the University of West Georgia. Helminiak is  the author What the Bible Really Says About Sexuality.  He is convinced "the old biblical, theological and psychological disputes have now been resolved in favor of gay and lesbian relationships."  He maintains the evidence is “incontrovertible.” [I wish it were that good!]

He is concerned about helping gays “live with a profound spirituality,” I regret that the Congregation's recent statement will be read to deny that gays can live such lives. It will be read alongside the statement of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith maintaining that gays and lesbians should not be able to adopt children because of their "disordered condition." The latter statement was issued when its moral authority to speak about the care of children was at a low ebb.

I understand the views of those who believe statements such as these reinforce the moral authority of the Church because of its integrity, consistency, and unwillingness to blow with the winds. But, if I am right, the Holy Spirit will keep those winds blowing.

My thanks to Rick and Michael for encouraging me to join the site and to Mark for issuing the invitation. I have been an engaged lurker for some time.
Steve