The Vatican’s recent assertion that God cannot “bless” same-sex marriages caught me by surprise, though I suppose it shouldn’t have. With billions of Roman Catholics worldwide, such statements from the Vatican carry significant weight and concern.
These declarations are not only hurtful to the LGBTQIA+ community but also seem contradictory to the progressive stance previously taken by Pope Francis, who advocated for civil unions and legal protections for same-sex couples. The Church’s position implies that recognizing civil unions could be misconstrued as sacramental marriage, a privilege automatically granted to heterosexual couples—this is a grave insult to same-sex couples who view their unions as sacred and blessed.
While the Catholic Church may not approve of blessing civil unions, it professes to welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals into the fold. How can one genuinely welcome people without embracing all aspects of their identities, including their love? The love between same-sex partners is no less significant than that of heterosexual couples.
Traditionally, the Catholic Church has defined marriage as a union between one man and one woman. As a gay woman, I fundamentally disagree with this outdated view, which fails to recognize the evolution of society and relationships over time. What should guide us are the values that God embodies: compassion, respect, honesty, and righteousness—even when church leaders, like Pope Francis, fail to uphold them.
In an October 2020 documentary, Pope Francis advocated for civil union laws for same-sex couples, stating, “What we have to create is a civil union law. That way they are legally covered. I stood up for that.” These statements, made merely months ago, starkly contrast the Vatican’s recent message.
If the Pope supports equal legal protections for gay couples, how can their marriages be deemed “unreal” in God’s eyes? This contradiction is perplexing.
For the Catholic Church to move forward, it must embrace inclusivity fully. True hospitality cannot be half-hearted. Living by biblical principles means understanding teachings like those in 1 Corinthians, which extol the virtues of love, compassion, and acceptance. This scripture resonates with my experience on the day my civil union was blessed in the Episcopal Church.
In 2011, I married my wife, a former Catholic, in a ceremony filled with love and joy. Our priest, a compassionate woman named Sarah, recognized our union as divinely blessed. We never doubted God’s love or presence in our lives, even as we faced discrimination. Our love is just as valid as anyone else’s, regardless of sexual orientation.
Love transcends gender and identity. When two people commit to sharing their lives and facing challenges together, they embody the essence of love. The Vatican’s claim that God disapproves of civil union blessings is fundamentally erroneous. Such statements perpetuate the harmful narrative that LGBTQIA+ love is inferior, fostering discrimination and hate.
These harmful messages can severely impact the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among youth. Research shows a direct correlation between a lack of acceptance and increased mental health struggles, including self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Religious institutions, especially the Catholic Church, have a duty to avoid causing harm. The recent statements from the Vatican are shameful and counterproductive.
On a positive note, some Catholic priests are standing against the Vatican’s stance, advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and blessings. Change cannot occur without individuals willing to challenge the status quo, and these priests are leading the way.
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In conclusion, the Catholic Church’s recent statements fail to acknowledge the reality of love in all its forms. True acceptance requires a commitment to embracing all individuals wholeheartedly, including their relationships.