More than 200 Roman Catholic bishops gathered in Rome this week for a Synod on Family that some are comparing to Vatican II. Why? Well the discussion will address core teachings of the Catholic church, including marriage, contraception, abortion, divorce, and homosexuality.
In his opening Pope Francis urged these bishops not to impose what he called "intolerable moral burdens" on believers. While there are RC's who are encouraged that this is one more step along a road that Francis has invited the faithful to travel toward greater openness and tolerance, others are in wait-and-see mode. Conversation isn't the same as a change in doctrine and there are conservative bishops who are already expressing opposition to the tenor of the discussions.
There is a good article in The New Yorker which addresses the "graduality" explored in this document, a change in outlook, if not in doctrine. http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/bombshell-document-vatican-synod
Here is the section on homosexuality.
Welcoming homosexual persons
50. Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community: are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?
51. The question of homosexuality leads to a serious reflection on how to elaborate realistic paths of affective growth and human and evangelical maturity integrating the sexual dimension: it appears therefore as an important educative challenge. The Church furthermore affirms that unions between people of the same sex cannot be considered on the same footing as matrimony between man and woman. Nor is it acceptable that pressure be brought to bear on pastors or that international bodies make financial aid dependent on the introduction of regulations inspired by gender ideology.
52. Without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners. Furthermore, the Church pays special attention to the children who live with couples of the same sex, emphasizing that the needs and rights of the little ones must always be given priority.
You may be thinking that this is hardly radical change or that the Roman Catholic church speaks out of both sides of its ecclesial mouth. I do hope that this is movement toward the Christian embrace of so many who have felt excluded and alienated by the church they have loved and often served. It's not just about the LGBTQ community. I have friends and acquaintances who have been ostracized over issues of divorce and remarriage and have never recovered.
What do you think about this Synod or do you care?
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