I was taken aback by the recent statement from the Vatican asserting that God cannot “bless” same-sex marriages — as if God had personally communicated this news to them. With billions of individuals identifying as Roman Catholic globally, such pronouncements are deeply troubling.
These words are not only painful to the LGBTQIA+ community, but they also contradict previous support from Pope Francis for civil unions and legal protections for same-sex couples. The Vatican’s position implies that blessing a civil union could be misinterpreted as recognizing a sacramental marriage, a privilege automatically granted to heterosexual couples by the Church. This notion feels like a denial of the genuine blessings found in same-sex unions, which are just as valid as any heterosexual marriage.
While the Catholic Church may not support the blessing of civil unions, it professes to welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals into its community. This inconsistency is perplexing. How can you truly welcome someone while simultaneously rejecting the love they share with their partner? The Church’s long-standing assertion that marriage is solely between a man and a woman is outdated and disregards the evolving understanding of love and partnership in our society today.
In a documentary released in October 2020, Pope Francis advocated for civil unions 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.” This statement starkly contrasts the Vatican’s recent declarations. So, if the Pope supports legal protection for same-sex couples, why does he imply that their marriages are not “real” in the eyes of God?
For the Catholic Church to embrace a more progressive stance, it must begin by genuinely accepting all individuals, including those in same-sex relationships. True welcome is not something that can be done half-heartedly. Living by the Bible means embracing its teachings, particularly the passages in 1 Corinthians that emphasize love as the greatest gift.
1 Corinthians 13
1 Corinthians 13 beautifully articulates: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This scripture resonates deeply with our experience as a couple on the day our civil union was blessed in the Episcopal Church.
I married my partner, a former Catholic, in 2011. Our wedding took place in the Episcopal Church, a denomination we affectionately refer to as “Catholic light.” Our religious traditions are significant to us, and when we wed a decade ago, gay marriage was not yet recognized in the Episcopal Church. However, our civil union was blessed, and the legal aspect was secured through a justice of the peace.
Our priest, Sarah, a woman who recognized our relationship as divinely blessed, made us feel cherished on our special day. We never doubted that God loved us and walked alongside us in our journey. He supported us through the challenges of discrimination we faced as a same-sex couple, reminding us that we are His children, equal to anyone else. Our love is just as significant as that of heterosexual couples.
There is nothing inherently wrong with loving someone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. When two individuals commit to sharing their lives, facing challenges together, and creating memories, they embody the essence of love.
The Vatican’s claim that God deems it a sin to bless civil unions is misguided. Such statements have damaging consequences, leading LGBTQIA+ individuals to feel that their lives and loves are inferior to those of heterosexuals. This can incite further discrimination and hate, which is unacceptable.
Moreover, the mental health implications of such declarations cannot be ignored, especially for younger members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between feeling rejected and increased rates of mental illness, self-harm, and suicide.
Religious institutions like the Catholic Church have a responsibility to their followers to avoid causing harm. The recent statements from the Vatican are shameful and hurtful.
Fortunately, some Catholic priests are taking a stand against the Vatican, advocating for LGBTQIA+ individuals and blessing civil unions. Change within the Catholic Church is possible, but it requires courageous individuals willing to defy orders that perpetuate discrimination. Now is the time for the Church to reflect on its values.
For more insights on this topic, check out this related blog post about the significance of love in marriage. Additionally, for those exploring their fertility journey, Make a Mom provides valuable resources, and the Womens Health website is an excellent reference for pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- What is a home insemination kit?
- How to perform self insemination?
- Benefits of civil unions for same-sex couples
- LGBTQIA+ marriage rights
- Understanding infertility resources
In summary, the Vatican’s recent statements about same-sex marriage are not just misguided; they are damaging to the LGBTQIA+ community. True love transcends gender, and the Church must embrace this reality by welcoming all forms of love.
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