SAN BERNARDINO - For gays and lesbians of faith seeking to worship in the area, options are slim. Options for Catholics who seek an affirming church? None.

Homosexuality long has been viewed as sinful in the Roman Catholic Church. However, there seemed to be more of a "don't ask, don't tell" mentality until recently, Breton said.

Before the election of Pope Benedict XVI, homosexuality was seen in the Catholic Church as no worse than any other sin, such as adultery or premarital sex, he said.

Some of the pope's earlier writings as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger define homosexuality as an intrinsic evil and morally disordered, Breton said.

In such an atmosphere, many homosexuals feel unwelcome to attend Mass, and either turn to other congregations or question their faith, Breton said.

The new church is intended to minister to those who feel discouraged about the chances of being welcomed into a congregation. It's geared toward anyone, including gays, who has ever been excluded.

The community center is run by Arrowhead Alliance, a nonprofit organization. A variety of community groups use the building as a meeting place, said Mark Weswood, president of the alliance.

Weswood, who is gay, said he's talked with many gays and lesbians who have a void in their lives because they have been discouraged from attending services.

Breton said he began ministering to gays and lesbians in 1971. Many priests at the time refused to let him use their chapels for services, believing that homosexuality is sinful.

On Sunday, a small group gathered for worship at the community center, reciting liturgy, prayers and taking Communion in a service led by the Rev. Karen Bolton, associate pastor at Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino.

Afterward, Highland resident Bob Watson, who is gay, said he's finding that churches are becoming more welcoming. Watson, 70, was raised Catholic.

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