Posted on Dec 22, 2023
'A solid step forward' — LGBTQ+ Catholics react to same-sex blessing declaration
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https://www.npr.org/2023/12/19/ [login to see] /vatican-says-priests-can-bless-same-sex-couples
Samuel Smith didn't think he'd see this day in his lifetime.
A document released by the Vatican and approved by Pope Francis now allows priests to bless same-gender couples.
As a gay, transgender Catholic, Smith wasn't sure he'd be able to include any elements of his faith in his wedding.
"Now that we have the option of having a blessing, getting our relationship blessed, even outside of a marriage, even outside of matrimony, which is the sacred sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church," Smith told NPR's Morning Edition. "It's still a big deal to be able to get blessed and to be able to incorporate that Catholic tradition in our relationship."
Samuel Smith didn't think he'd see this day in his lifetime.
A document released by the Vatican and approved by Pope Francis now allows priests to bless same-gender couples.
As a gay, transgender Catholic, Smith wasn't sure he'd be able to include any elements of his faith in his wedding.
"Now that we have the option of having a blessing, getting our relationship blessed, even outside of a marriage, even outside of matrimony, which is the sacred sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church," Smith told NPR's Morning Edition. "It's still a big deal to be able to get blessed and to be able to incorporate that Catholic tradition in our relationship."
'A solid step forward' — LGBTQ+ Catholics react to same-sex blessing declaration
Posted from npr.org
Religion
Christianity
LGBTQ+
Posted 4 mo ago
Responses: 2
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0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Gay weddings in churches unlikely
Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest who founded a ministry for LGBT+ Catholics, doesn't believe the Vatican's latest teaching will lead to same-sex marriages in churches.
"I don't think so. It's an opening to seeing that these relationships are relationships of love and that they deserve God's help as much as anyone else does," Martin told Morning Edition.
Martin has met with Pope Francis to discuss LGBTQ+ issues on three separate occasions.
He wasn't surprised by the caveats in the document intended to avoid any confusion that a priest might be endorsing a same-sex marriage, but described it as "a dramatic turnaround" from the 2021 statement.
"It's really a historic step forward for LGBTQ Catholics," Martin added. "This is a response to a need of Catholics in the Church. And not just LGBTQ Catholics... but their friends and their families."
He's already been asked to bless same-sex couples and was preparing to do so, while following the document's guidance.
"I'll probably wear my collar, which is fine. I won't do it in a church, I won't be dressed in liturgical vestments," Martin explained. "We'll do it in the living room of my Jesuit community."
It's a great Christmas gift to LGBT+ Catholics, he agreed.
..."Gay weddings in churches unlikely
Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest who founded a ministry for LGBT+ Catholics, doesn't believe the Vatican's latest teaching will lead to same-sex marriages in churches.
"I don't think so. It's an opening to seeing that these relationships are relationships of love and that they deserve God's help as much as anyone else does," Martin told Morning Edition.
Martin has met with Pope Francis to discuss LGBTQ+ issues on three separate occasions.
He wasn't surprised by the caveats in the document intended to avoid any confusion that a priest might be endorsing a same-sex marriage, but described it as "a dramatic turnaround" from the 2021 statement.
"It's really a historic step forward for LGBTQ Catholics," Martin added. "This is a response to a need of Catholics in the Church. And not just LGBTQ Catholics... but their friends and their families."
He's already been asked to bless same-sex couples and was preparing to do so, while following the document's guidance.
"I'll probably wear my collar, which is fine. I won't do it in a church, I won't be dressed in liturgical vestments," Martin explained. "We'll do it in the living room of my Jesuit community."
It's a great Christmas gift to LGBT+ Catholics, he agreed.
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According to Catholic doctrine sex out side of marriage is a sin. How can Priests bless people practicing sin? What does that mean? https://www.deseret.com/2022/6/21/23176779/pope-francis-calls-sexual-abstinence-before-marriage-a-true-sign-of-love-catholic-guide-to-marriage#:~:text=While%20the%20pope%20has%20previously,be%20both%20fulfilling%20and%20enduring.
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