Avast ye mateys! Catholic bishops 'round the globe be givin' no blessings to same-sex shipmates, arr!
2023-12-21
Arrr, me hearties! Singular bishops and grand episcopal conferences from diverse lands be raisin' their voices in worry o'er the Vatican's accord on sanctifyin' the unions of swashbucklin' same-sex mates. Aye, a stormy sea 'tis, with the Church navigatin' uncharted waters.
Catholic bishops in conservative countries are opposing the Vatican's document allowing blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships. The most vocal opposition has come from Episcopal conferences in African nations. They argue that implementing the document would cause confusion and go against their cultural heritage and national laws. The document, called "Fiducia supplicans," reaffirms the Church's stance on marriage as a union between a man and a woman. However, it does make allowances for blessings given to individuals in same-sex relationships who are seeking to lead moral lives. Despite criticism, the majority of bishops worldwide have supported the document, stating that it aligns with church teaching and tradition. Some bishops, however, have accused the Vatican of allowing too much ambiguity in the guidelines, while others outright reject the document. Bishop Athanasius Schneider took a particularly harsh tone against the document, stating that blessing same-sex couples goes against Divine Revelation and the uninterrupted doctrine of the Catholic Church. The bishops of Ukraine expressed concerns about potential confusion and misunderstandings but did not indicate whether they would implement the document in their country. They argued that the document does not clearly distinguish between accepting the person and disapproving of their sin. Overall, the document has caused divisions among Catholic bishops, with some embracing it and others vehemently opposing it.