‘Blessings for Same-Sex Couples’ Officially Approved
The Vatican has officially approved the blessing of same-sex couples by Catholic priests.
On the 18th (local time), the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith made a groundbreaking decision through a doctrinal declaration titled ‘Fiducia supplicans,’ overturning the Catholic Church’s precedent of rejecting same-sex relationships.
This decision reverses the Catholic Church’s previous policy from 2021, which stated, “Since same-sex unions undermine the doctrine of the Church, which recognizes marriage only between a man and a woman, it is not possible to bless same-sex couples.”
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith stated, “The blessing is bestowed on those who seek the help of God, and God’s love is expressed on a much greater scale,” signaling a significant shift in the Church’s stance.
They continued, “Priests should not hinder or prevent the Church from approaching those in all situations who seek to receive blessings. Ultimately, blessings should nurture, not hinder, the growth of faith.”
Victor Manuel Fernandez, the Minister of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith who announced the statement, added, “Expanding the scope of those who can be blessed is a true development and an innovative contribution to the pastoral meaning of blessings.”
However, the declaration does not amend traditional doctrine, and it does not permit liturgical rites that could be confused with the celebration of a marriage between a man and a woman. It is interpreted as a change that enables blessings for same-sex couples.
Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest in the U.S. who cares for the LGBTQ+ community, welcomed the news, saying it “acknowledges the deep hope of many same-sex couples who wish for God’s presence in their loving relationships” and is “an important advancement in the pastoral activities of the Catholic Church.”
On the other hand, some traditionalists have shown opposition, arguing that this is contradictory to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Ulrich Lehner, a theologian at the University of Notre Dame, argued, “Some bishops will use it as an excuse to do things explicitly forbidden in the Church. This will sow seeds of confusion and bring division to the Church.”
Canadian media ‘LifeSiteNews’ also pointed out, “It contradicts the unchanging Catholic teaching that the Church cannot bless sinful relationships.”
Meanwhile, Pope Francis has not changed the moral doctrine on homosexuality since his election in 2013, but he has been making efforts to make the Church more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
By. Ji Myoung Han
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