In a landmark statement on Monday, the Pope has approved blessings for same sex couples under certain conditions.
The Vatican’s policy towards same sex couples has been that of rejection up until now. Two years ago, Vatican’s congregation for the doctrine of the faith had outrightly dismissed the idea of blessing same sex unions citing that blessings cannot be given for sinful unions.
The ruling resulted in outrage from queer communities and allies and eventually the document was taken down. Reports suggest that even the Pope was blindsided by the document and the official in charge of it was fired. Later, it was heard that a new document reversing the statement was in the making.
Monday’s eight-page document whose subtitle is “On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings”, brought out specific situation for allotting blessings. An 11-point section was titled “Blessings of Couples in Irregular Situations and of Couples of the Same sex”.
The church has clarified that same sex attraction is not sinful but the homosexual act is.
Conditions for approval of blessings
The statement emphasizes the distinction between the blessing of same sex unions and the sacrament of heterosexual marriage. It encourages priests to assess each case individually and not to hinder the Church’s support for people seeking God’s help through a simple blessing in various situations.
The new document states the rationale for the distinction between same sex unions and heterosexual marriage, continuing to hold and emphasize the latter as a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman only. It underscores that blessings for same sex unions should not mimic weddings with specific rituals, attire, or gestures.
However, the document asserts that requests for blessings in such cases should not be categorically denied. It provides an expansive interpretation of the term “blessing” in Scripture arguing against the need for an “exhaustive moral analysis” as a prerequisite for individuals who are seeking a transcendent relationship with God.
The new document still continues to consider “irregular unions” as sinful but states that it should not be the reason to deprive them of the love and mercy of God after all.
Furthermore, the new document adds that, “doctrinal or disciplinary schemes, especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others, and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts his or her energies in inspecting and verifying.”
Document seen as an invitation to schism
Naturally, this step has been met with opposition by conservatives who find this to be an invitation to schism. They are sceptical regarding the usage of the new guidance which they believe would be used to permit what is forbidden.
The Pope is attempting to make the billion member Church more accepting of the LGBT community while not changing the doctrine explicitly. This has invited criticism and outrage from conservatives who are annoyed at the “liberal appeasement”.
On the other hand, there are priests and pastors who support LGBT unions that have welcomed the document. Jesuit Priest James Martin is one such person. Read his tweet below.
The new guidance document can be seen as historic considering the attitude of conservatives towards queer individuals. This landmark step can be seen as an extension of peace and acceptance of the existence of individuals despite their differences. It would help people become more accepting of people who are alienated by the majority when they feel that they can obtain God’s blessings as well.
Although the approval of blessings for same sex unions is still conditional this can be seen as a step in the progressive direction in mending differences.
