Does it matter to you that Pope Francis says that being an LGBTQ2S+ person in not a crime? Lots of people, including three Roman Catholic theologians and advocates for the LGBTQ community claimed it is on CBC Radio a few days ago. Father James Martin, who has taken a lot of heat for his support of LGBTQ2 persons in recent years pointed out that homosexuality is still a crime punishable by prison sentence and even death in a number of countries. One of them is Russia. He also noted that Roman Catholic bishops in some of those countries vocally support the criminalization and this will challenge their perspectives. So this reflection by the pontiff is important, in Father Martin's estimation.
“These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” Pope Francis said, adding that they should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us."
Francis did not say that homosexuality should no longer be considered a sin, although he has attempted to clarify by saying that the orientation is not a sin, but the sexual expression is. In other words, it seems to me, if you're gay you have no choice but to be celibate if you want to be a practicing Catholic. And he certainly didn't suggest that the Roman Catholic church will consider blessing or consecrating same-gender marriages.
I suppose it's good that Francis says that LGBTQ persons aren't criminals, and that they are loved by God, but it seems that in the view of the RC church they are not like "regular," aka straight folk, and can't expect that will be treated as such.
The panel members reminded listeners that we are all sinners, which is true. But as a heterosexual person my orientation and living as a straight person with the possibility of sexual expression (I'm married and have three adult children) does not exclude me from the rites of any church nor suggest I am a special sort of sinner.
Thirty one years ago I was on the working group for same-gender unions for the United Church General Council in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as we wrestled with these issues. We realized that there was inherent hypocrisy in what was then the UCC position. How could we say we were accepting without full inclusion, including unions blessed by the denomination?
Thanks, Pope Francis, but there is still a long way to go toward inclusion.
3 comments:
Thank you for this message Rev. Mundy.
I agree. It is not sufficient for a religious body, church or any other organization to suggest “acceptance or grace”, which of itself suggests something needs to be overlooked or forgiven. Nor to provide this “acceptance” with the provision that you aren’t to benefit from the same rights and expression enjoyed by straight, cisgender folks.
Thank you so much for your work three decades ago to advance 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and equity within the United Church! As you suggested, it’s not enough to make small allowances of grace or support, but instead we need to challenge past practice or heteronormativity in these spaces and align our physical spaces, policies, practices, communication and education (for leaders and members/staff) with these values. I feel so lucky to have grown up in a church surrounded by adults that advocated for representation and equity for women, 2SLGBTQ+ rights and so much more.
Lisa! I'm delighted to hear from you! And I really appreciate your insightful observations. You did grow up in a congregation where a number of us were trying to find our way forward, often with faltering steps. I attended General Council back then because I was trying to clarify my own perspective and I underwent a number of conversions along the way. Bye the bye, I'm quite comfortable with you ditching "Rev. Mundy" and calling me David.
Faltering steps is how big changes usually happen! We are just so lucky for humble, reflective leaders who are willing to take them! Thank you so much for the lovely reply - David :)
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