The recent statement from the Vatican claiming that God cannot “bless” same-sex marriages took me by surprise, though perhaps it shouldn’t have. With billions identifying as Roman Catholic worldwide, such declarations are particularly troubling. Their words are not only hurtful to the LGBTQIA+ community but also seem to contradict Pope Francis’s earlier support for civil unions and legal protections for gay couples. The Vatican’s stance implies that blessing a civil union might be misinterpreted as sacramental recognition of marriage, which is a painful dismissal for gay couples who see their unions as real blessings.
While the Catholic Church may not endorse civil unions, it claims to welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals. This contradiction is baffling. If the Church truly seeks to be inclusive, it must embrace all aspects of gay people’s lives, including the love shared between same-sex couples, which is just as valid as that of heterosexual couples.
Traditionally, the Church has defined marriage as a union between a man and a woman. As a gay woman who is married, I fundamentally disagree with the Vatican’s outdated perspective. Society has evolved since biblical times, and what should guide us now are the principles of compassion, respect, and righteousness—values that the Church must embody, even when its leaders may falter.
In a documentary released in October 2020, Pope Francis articulated the need 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.” Yet, this recent statement from the Vatican starkly contradicts those earlier sentiments.
If gay couples are entitled to legal protections, as endorsed by the Pope, how can their marriages be deemed “not real” in God’s eyes? This inconsistency is perplexing. If the Church aspires to be more progressive, it must fully embrace and accept LGBTQIA+ individuals. Genuine acceptance cannot be half-hearted. As reflected in 1 Corinthians 13, love is the supreme virtue: “Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This scripture resonates deeply with me, especially on the day my civil union was blessed in a welcoming church. My wife and I were married in 2011, in a ceremony that emphasized our worthiness as a couple, blessed by a priest who recognized our love as divine. We never doubted God’s presence in our union, which has carried us through challenges and discrimination, affirming our equal value as LGBTQIA+ individuals.
There is nothing wrong with loving someone—be it a man, woman, or anyone in between. Commitment to a partner signifies a profound understanding of love. The Vatican’s assertion that God considers blessing civil unions a sin is damaging. Such rhetoric undermines the dignity of LGBTQIA+ lives and love, potentially emboldening those who discriminate.
The harmful impacts of these declarations on mental health within the LGBTQIA+ community cannot be overlooked, especially for younger members. Numerous studies link acceptance to mental well-being, and religious institutions must strive to avoid inflicting harm through their words. Sadly, the recent statements from the Vatican are shameful.
However, there is hope. Reports indicate that some Catholic priests are standing up against the Vatican’s directives, continuing to bless LGBTQIA+ unions. Change within the Catholic Church requires courageous individuals willing to defy harmful edicts. It’s time for a reckoning, and the voices advocating for inclusivity are essential for progress.
For more thoughts on LGBTQIA+ topics, check out this engaging post. Additionally, if you’re considering starting a family, resources like this guide on donor insemination and Cryobaby’s home insemination kit can offer valuable support.
Summary
The Vatican’s recent statement against blessing same-sex marriages contradicts prior support from Pope Francis and harms the LGBTQIA+ community by invalidating their love. Genuine acceptance from the Catholic Church requires embracing all aspects of LGBTQIA+ lives. Change is possible through the brave actions of progressive priests who challenge harmful doctrines.
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