A BRAVE STEP AWAY FROM OLD CONDEMNATION

OVER the last few weeks, there have been many and varied reactions worldwide to the recent declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, “On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings.” At best, this document attempts to bring fresh thinking about how to bless couples in irregular relationships. When can they receive blessings, and under what circumstances?

Most people have welcomed the statement that there is no theological reason to withhold a blessing from a person seeking one, especially when the church already sanctions the blessings of animals, cars and even warships. Yet others think the church has caved in to the demands of society today. Some are convinced that blessing a same-sex couple will be confused with a sacramental marriage, which is not true.

Bishops in Africa insist their culture is totally opposed to homosexuality. They argue that sincere Catholics may drop off to other Christian denominations that are hostile to LGBTQ+.

POWERFUL

They even object to using “couple” to describe two people of the same sex in a relationship. They would want the Vatican to use “objectively disordered”.

The document clearly shows the difference between a blessing and a sacrament. For years, couples who know they cannot receive the sacrament of marriage look for an impromptu blessing or a prayer. They genuinely find it a powerful spiritual help in a complicated situation.

I would argue that anyone who remains “confused” or “unclear” about what this declaration on blessings permits is either reading the text in bad faith or not reading the text at all.

The document reassures the gay community that they are part of the Christian community. God loves them; they don’t need to feel marginalised. They are real human beings in love, despite the keyboard warriors who dehumanise those they see as different.

Pope Francis (below) clearly wants to affirm couples and make them feel valued, heard and understood. For me, this small gesture by the Pope is a brave step away from earlier popes’ narrow-minded condemnations.

Before a person will share their personal life story, they need to know we respect their personal revelations. For too long, the LGBTQ+ community have been greeted with: “You are not welcome here.” No wonder so many walked away from religion.

Fiducia Supplicans does not change much. We could always bless people, just as we bless other things. The church has not changed who can be admitted to a sacramental marriage.

But it does allow us to welcome good people in their time of need – which is what Jesus always did and continues to do.