The recent statement from the Vatican took me by surprise, even though it shouldn’t have. On Monday, they declared that God would not “bless” same-sex marriages, as if they had received a divine call on the matter. This declaration is particularly alarming given that there are billions of Roman Catholics around the globe.
The Vatican’s words are not only painful to the LGBTQIA+ community but also contradict Pope Francis’s earlier advocacy for civil unions and legal protections for same-sex couples. The Church’s stance that the blessing of a civil union might be mistaken for sacramental recognition—a privilege automatically granted to heterosexual couples—is a dismissive blow to those of us who cherish our unions as blessings from God.
While the Catholic Church hesitates to bless civil unions, it claims to embrace LGBTQIA+ individuals. This inconsistency is baffling. How can one truly welcome gay people into the Church without accepting their love? The love shared by same-sex couples is just as valid as that between heterosexual couples.
The Church’s traditional view that marriage is solely between a man and a woman is an outdated perspective that fails to consider the realities of today. As a gay woman in a committed marriage, I reject the notion that love can be confined to one definition. Our understanding of God should reflect values like compassion, respect, and honesty—principles that transcend historical norms.
In a documentary released in Rome in October 2020, Pope Francis advocated for civil union laws for same-sex couples, asserting the need for legal protections. His recent statements, however, seem to contradict this, creating confusion about the Church’s stance on marriage equality. If the Pope supports legal protections for gay couples, how can their marriages be deemed “unreal” in the eyes of God?
If the Catholic Church seeks to modernize its approach, it must fully embrace inclusivity. To genuinely follow the Bible means to appreciate teachings that celebrate love, such as in 1 Corinthians 13. This passage eloquently conveys the essence of love: it is patient, kind, and enduring, reminding us that love should not be limited by gender.
I married my wife, a former Catholic, in 2011. We wed in the Episcopal Church, which we affectionately refer to as “Catholic light.” Religious traditions are significant to us, and despite the lack of recognition for same-sex marriage in the Episcopal Church at the time, we received a heartfelt blessing from our priest. She recognized our union as a sacred bond, affirming that we were equally deserving of love and commitment. We never doubted God’s presence in our journey, even amid societal discrimination.
The Vatican’s assertion that God condemns the blessing of civil unions sends harmful messages. It implies that LGBTQIA+ lives and love are somehow lesser, which can encourage discrimination and hatred. This rhetoric has dire consequences for the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly young people, leading to increased rates of mental illness and self-harm.
Religious institutions, especially the Catholic Church, carry the weight of responsibility in their messages. They must strive to uplift rather than harm. Thankfully, some Catholic priests are challenging the Vatican’s statements and standing in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ individuals. Change is possible, but it requires courage and a willingness to embrace all forms of love.
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In summary, the recent Vatican statement regarding same-sex marriage is not only hurtful but also contradictory to the acceptance that many within the Church strive for. Acknowledging and supporting love in all its forms is essential for a compassionate faith.