News.va the official website of the Vatican released a preparatory document for next years (2014) Synod of Bishops on the Family. The document included 39 questions for both the Bishops and members of the Church. One part of the planned conversation is about gay marriage.
From the?PASTORAL CHALLENGES TO THE FAMILY IN THE CONTEXT OF EVANGELIZATION Preparatory Document (this is how the title appeared on the Vatican web site so I figured if it’s good enough for God I’ll just leave this the way it is):
5. On Unions of Persons of the Same Sex
a) Is there a law in your country recognizing civil unions for people of the same-sex and equating it in some way to marriage?
b) What is the attitude of the local and particular Churches towards both the State as the promoter of civil unions between persons of the same sex and the people involved in this type of union?
c) What pastoral attention can be given to people who have chosen to live in these types of union?
d) In the case of unions of persons of the same sex who have adopted children, what can be done pastorally in light of transmitting the faith?
Firstly, being an American I find it odd than any religious group can, even on the surface, have a conversation about anything without devolving into “good vs. evil” stance. But, what I really find odd is that, unlike other Pope’s when discussing this issue or even the issue of heterosexual relationships not blessed by the church, that Francis seems to be trying to move the conversation from the old way of US versus THEM or labeling anyone as evil. Even those he may not agree with.
The Popes already famous gay statement, “Who am I to judge?” doesn’t mean he is pro-gay rights, or for gay marriage. It means something deeper than that. This Pope doesn’t seem to be concerned about all the evils, real or imagined, right or wrongs, that the Church has spent most of the fifty years fighting. Rather, for him, the issue is very simple; can the Church help this person come closer to God? And as we all know attacking people and labeling them as evil is not the way to minister to them.
Pope Francis is on the verge of becoming one of the most revolutionary leaders of our age. What I find amazing is that he is doing this without contradicting ANY of the previously stated church doctrine. What he does is much more important than attacking sacred cows or trying to change prejudiced minds. He subtly shifts the conversation to one of service, love, and preaching the gospel to those who need it.
Pope Francis seems to love people. He loves families, even the gay ones.
Edited by SS
