text: I have a question concerning Mr. DeBernardo's statement about gay orientation being a gift from God. I'm not sure what grounds exist for such a statement. I'm certain he doesn't mean that the mere existence of any sexual orientation is a gift from God. Is he saying that there are people who are gay who love God, therefore their orientation must be a gift from God? That sounds like a generalization from one's own experience. 
  
  I'm not sure any sexual orientation can be said to be a gift from God. I think the gift consists in the ability to put one's sexuality at the service of God's people, not in the orientation per se. In that view, the distinction would be between people who, regardless of orientation, attempt to make their lives sacraments of God's presence and those who do not.  Am I missing something?