The Vatican reminded Catholics that ‘we are more important to God than all the sins that we commit’ and that ‘God himself never ceases to bless each of his pilgrim children in this world’
The Catholic Church clarified that it will not bless the unions of same-sex couples in a statement that came at the request of church clergy and congregants looking for guidance “concerning an issue that might pose controversy.”
“Negative,” the Catholic Church responded when asked if it had “the power to give the blessing to unions of persons of the same sex?,” NBC News reported.
The church elaborated further, saying that it is “not licit” to give a blessing to relationships “that involve sexual activity outside of marriage,” or more clearly, outside unions that are “open in itself to the transmission of life.”
The “dubium” — or question — which prompted the Vatican’s response came from “pastors and faithful requesting clarification and guidance concerning an issue that might pose controversy,” reported Crux, a media outlet that covers the Catholic Church.
The first line of the church’s statement Monday also says that “in some ecclesial contexts, plans and proposals for blessings of unions of persons of the same sex are being advanced.”
Spanish Jesuit Cardinal Luis Ladaria signed the statement, which was also approved by Pope Francis, according to Crux.
“The Christian community and its pastors are called to welcome with respect and sensitivity persons with homosexual inclinations, and will know how to find the most appropriate ways, consistent with church teaching, to proclaim to them the Gospel in its fullness,” the church added in its statement. “At the same time, they should recognize the genuine nearness of the church — which prays for them, accompanies them and shares their journey of Christian faith — and receive the teachings with sincere openness.”
The Vatican statement on Monday reminds Catholics that “we are more important to God than all the sins that we commit” and that “God himself never ceases to bless each of his pilgrim children in this world.”
Last year, Pope Francis became the first pontiff to endorse civil unions of gay couples.
“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God,” Francis said during an interview for the documentary film “Francesco,” The Associated Press reported. “You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this.”
Before reaching the status of pontiff, then-Archbishop of Buenos Aires Francis had endorsed same-sex civil unions as an alternative for same-sex marriage, according to the AP.
The Catholic Church is not alone in prohibiting its leaders from performing same-sex weddings. In 2019, the United Methodist Church voted to reaffirm its ban on gay clergy and church participation in LGBTQ weddings, a decision that could lead the denomination to split in 2022.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also does not allow those with “ecclesiastical authority to perform marriages between two people of the same sex” and the church does not permit its properties to be used for ceremonies or receptions of same-sex weddings.
“We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully. The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility — even when we disagree,” the church stated.
from Deseret News https://ift.tt/3czpobg
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