Staff Reports
In a groundbreaking move, the Vatican has given the nod to blessings for gay couples, sparking mixed reactions from the faithful. Jesuit Father James Martin, a prominent pro-LGBT advocate, is cheering on this decision, hailing it as “a huge step forward.” He asserts that this historic declaration will be etched in the memory of LGBTQ individuals as it paves the way for official blessings of same-sex couples by the church’s ministers.
LGBT Catholics: Vatican Opening to Gay Blessings a ‘Huge Step Forward‘ https://t.co/SZtZ8tuqhn via @BreitbartNews
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Father Martin is quick to debunk the notion that “nothing has changed,” emphasizing that prior to this declaration, there was no authorization for bishops, priests, and deacons to bless same-sex unions in any setting. While these blessings were already prevalent in German-speaking countries, the significance of the Vatican’s embrace lies in giving official sanction to these unions.
Francis DeBernardo, the executive director of the “Catholic” LGBT group New Ways Ministry, echoes this sentiment, deeming the Vatican’s move as an early Christmas gift for LGBTQ+ Catholics. He celebrates the apparent shift in the Vatican’s stance, attributing it to Pope Francis’ inclusive worldview.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel “Tucho” Fernández, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office, supports the Vatican’s new position, describing it as “a real development.” However, some dissenting voices, like Franciscan Father Thomas Weinandy, decry the blessings as a charade, arguing that they implicitly endorse sinful behaviors rather than celibacy.
The Vatican’s decree, while emphasizing that these blessings should not be administered in liturgical settings or be equated with sacramental marriage, undeniably opens the doors to the concept of blessing homosexual couples. This progressive move has stirred a storm within the Catholic community, intensifying behind-the-scenes power struggles.
The Vatican’s newfound approach to blessing gay couples has stirred the pot in an already contentious debate, triggering a mix of elation, skepticism, and disapproval within the deeply divided Catholic fold.
