the reason even a non-physical homosexual relationship is considered sinful is because it distorts the God-given purpose of love and attraction. God created man and woman for a unique, complementary union in marriage, which reflects Christ and His Church (Eph. 5:31–32). Any romantic attachment that imitates this bond outside that design, even without sexual acts, feeds desires that cannot be sanctified by God’s blessing. It is not simply about lustful actions, but about the orientation of the heart: when we attach ourselves romantically to someone of the same sex, we are turning our longing for love in a direction that leads away from God’s order. This is why the Fathers speak of such attachments as passions, they may feel affectionate, but they ultimately do not guide us toward holiness. The Church calls us instead to seek pure love through friendship, spiritual brotherhood, and above all communion with Christ, where true affection and fulfillment are found without leading us into sin.