Not all LGBTQ groups praise rule on blessings
Leader of Houston political caucus says pope is ‘pandering’
Although some LGBTQ+ groups felt the pope’s decision to provide blessings for same-sex couples was a step toward progress, Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus President Austin Davis Ruiz believed this was “pandering, placation and continued dehumanization of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Houston Roman Catholic priests may have the ability to provide blessings for same-sex couples with the exception of a wedding ceremony after Pope Francis’ approval announcement Monday. Ruiz said he was raised Catholic and understood how LGBTQ+ individuals would feel conflicted when attempting to reconcile their faith with their identity.
“Many are praising Pope Francis for his ‘progressive’ move to allow same-sex couples to be blessed,” he wrote in an email. “While I agree that Pope Francis is the most progressive pope the Catholic Church has ever had, I do not believe there should be praise given here.”
The Associated Press reported the pope suggested the blessings could be offered without being confused with the ritual of marriage. According to the Vatican, marriage had to be an “exclusive, stable and indissoluble union between a man and a woman.”
Blessings within Catholicism are referred to as “sacramentals” because they’re meant for preparation to receive the grace of the sacraments and help grow to be more like Christ, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. However, the ritual of marriage focuses on the ceremony of exchanging vows and rings, music, worship and more.
The Vatican also emphasized in the declaration blessings for same-sex couples should not be in connection to Catholic celebrations or religious services. The church also prohibits any rituals or clothing used for weddings that could indicate a ceremony is being held.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement about the declaration, stating “The Declaration issued (Monday) by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives. The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting or pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.”
Archbishop Daniel Cardinal DiNardo with the Archdiocese Galveston-Houston released a short statement agreeing with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops statement due to it being “clear” and “succinct” about blessings.