It's a major shift in tone by the Catholic Church regarding gays and lesbians.<br/> <br />Following a week-long meeting of 200 bishops, the Vatican released a new document which says homosexuals have "gifts and qualities to offer."<br/> <br />This same document also challenged the Church to accept gays and lesbians and recognize the positive aspects of same-sex couples.<br/> <br />The language --- less judgmental and more compassionate --- is dramatically different from previous statements under different popes.<br/> <br />While there is nothing to suggest the Church is changing its opposition to gay marriage, the document will be discussed by bishops during their final week of meetings -- also known as the synod.<br/> <br />The move opens the door to greater acceptance of gays and lesbians by the church -- a historic shift inside an organization famed for being slowly to change.
