Aelred of Riveaulx – to write openly about same-sex desire, and ongoing emotional and physical relationships with other men. Prior to the 12th century, it was possible for priests – even celebrated ones like the 12th-century abbot and spiritual writer St.
Additionally, over centuries, the church only sporadically chose to investigate or enforce its prohibitions.
While the church’s official stance prohibiting sexual relations between people of the same sex has remained constant, the importance the church ascribes to the “sin” has varied.
