A same-sex couple exchanging rings during a ceremony in Salt Lake City. (CNS/Reuters/Jim Urquhar)
In recent m there has been conversation amongst Roman Catholic leaders in different parts of the world about LGBTQ2 persons and their place within Christ's church. In January a group of bishops and several religious orders in the United States issued a statement of support for LGBTQ2 youth which says:
God created you, God loves you and God is on your side. As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBT people are to be treated with ‘respect, compassion and sensitivity...
A few weeks ago a discussion involving Germans bishops resulted in some endorsing the blessing of same-gender unions. While this is not the same as the sacrament of marriage, the blessing would be sacramental in tone.
Yesterday the Vatican issued a decree which is likely a response to this discussion stating "It is not licit to impart a blessing on relationships, or partnerships, even stable, that involve sexual activity outside of marriage."
While this was issued by the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, it was also endorsed by Pope Francis. Since he was elected as pope Francis eight years ago has made a number of comments and statements suggesting a change of tone regarding LGBTQ2 persons. They have created a stir within conservative RC circles and even accusations of heresy. Yesterday's decree seems to be a clear step back from some of his more conciliatory and welcoming comments.
Honestly, while this is disappointing it isn't surprising. Despite the horrendous legacy of sexual exploitation and what I call "soul murder" by clerics in the Roman Catholic church, the patriarchal hierarchy continues to prohibit LGBTQ2 orientation if it actually involves sex, let alone bless relationships. Jesus' teaching about removing the log in one's own eye before pointing out the speck in someone else's comes to mind.
The official message seems to be, God loves you and the church loves you -- just not like "normal" people. As you can see, the cartoonists have wasted no time offering their perspectives. It does seem absurd that a priest can bless your house but not your loving committed, same-gender relationship. Some priests have already been blessing these relationships and are vowing to continue doing so.
Meanwhile, a growing percentage of Roman Catholic laypersons (60+%) support LGBTQ2 persons and their inclusion in the church. What leadership will Francis or a successor provide? We'll see.
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