Dear Leon:

Yes, all sexual unions, by definition, are carnal. Carnal simply means "of this world" and "of the flesh (physical)". The English word "carnal" is derived from the Latin carnalis and caro meaning "flesh."

Sex is of this world -- that is it is a physical (flesh) activity, thus by definition sex is carnal. Jogging or riding a bicycle is a carnal activity because it is a physical activity. There is nothing untoward, sinful, or evil about something carnal in-and-of-itself.

As with all things of this world a carnal activity can be morally neutral, morally acceptable, or morally evil. Jogging and riding a bicycle are morally neutral activities.

In the context of the Church teaching you quoted, carnal union refers to sexual intercourse. The Church is saying that sex within marriage of a man and a woman is morally acceptable and good and that sex outside of marriage is morally evil.

That is one reason, among several, why "trial marriage", or to use the old technical term, "concubinage", or if you will, "living together without marriage" is morally evil. Such an arrangement involves sex outside of actual marriage.

Sex (or carnal union) within marriage of a man and a woman is not a perversion of any sort; it is NOT a perversion of the "chaste union" of husband and wife; it is part of the chaste union. It is good, moral, and blessed by God when carnal union is between a husband and wife.

On the other hand, ALL sex (carnal union) outside of marriage of a man and a woman is evil, immoral, and condemned by God.

Sex (carnal union) even within marriage can be evil in certain circumstances, however, such as when contraceptives are used or any other activity that closes the possibility of life are employed.

This is where the term "chaste union" between husband and wife comes in. Such a union includes the carnal union, but not the carnal union merely. Chastity in marriage is not merely the commitment to remain loyal to one's spouse by avoiding adultery, it is also a act of love in that the sexual expression between spouses is to be a mutual self-giving. It is to be always open to life. It is to always be an expression of mutual love and respect.

Thus, things like contraceptives, sexual practices that prevent the possibility of life, sexual assault or abuse of one spouse to another, mutual masturbation, and sexual practices not by mutual consent violate the "chaste union" even though they are still "carnal union."

Bottomline: carnal union, in this context, just means sexual intercourse. The issue is the context of sexual activity. That context will determine whether or not the sex is moral or immoral.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary