Catholicism and Same-Sex Relationships
Did the Pope recently endorse homosexual marriages?
January, 2024
This month's spotlight verse (Luke 11:35) warns about letting our supposed "light" become darkness when it's clouded by prejudice, ignorance, or misunderstanding. That obviously applies most directly to those who reject the gospel in favor of their own preferences. But there's even application in how we approach those with whom we disagree. Scripture commends us to be reasonable (Philippians 4:5) and accurate (Proverbs 18:13, 17), in all things (Titus 2:7–8). A recent controversy regarding the Catholic Church and same-sex relationships brings many of those issues to the fore. Bible-believing Christians should understand what was said—and any contrasts to what some think was said—so any criticisms can't be dismissed as partisan rumors.
In December, 2023, Pope Francis approved a new ruling regarding the "blessing" of persons involved in same-sex relationships. This was titled "Fiducia Supplicans." The new declaration is often misrepresented, even by accident, by media outlets and commentators on both sides of the issue. In the context of Catholic definitions of "blessings" as opposed to "sacraments," Fiducia Supplicans is a clarification, not an alteration, of Catholic doctrine. In brief, the decree does not allow blessing illicit relationships, themselves. It only clarifies that priests may offer a blessing to persons involved in such a relationship. This can only be done under certain circumstances.
While the new decree is less radical than some imply, it still creates confusion over an important point.
Scripture clearly indicates that we are not to applaud things which God condemns (Romans 1:31). We cannot legitimately approve or endorse things which contradict His nature and His Word (Isaiah 5:20). At the same time, Christians are called on to lovingly help those who sincerely seek God (2 Corinthians 4:3; Proverbs 24:11), even if they're struggling with sin (1 Corinthians 6:9–11; Galatians 6:1). Taken at face value, Fiducia Supplicans affirms the biblical concepts of marriage and ministering to the lost. Legitimate concerns regarding the decree involve practical issues, not to mention Catholicism itself.
Catholicism explicitly restricts "sacraments" to those who follow certain aspects of the faith. An avowed atheist cannot receive communion, for example. Likewise, most Catholic priests won't marry non-Catholics. In contrast, a "blessing" is relatively casual and very broad. Objects, events, animals, and virtually anything else can be blessed under that definition. In theory, this does not indicate approval of the blessed subject. Rather, it's an appeal for God's influence and benefit; any positive effects are contingent on the blessed subject being used according to God's will. Such is the theory, but in practice, blessings are typically interpreted as something of an approval and good luck booster.
According to Fiducia Supplicans, those who seek a blessing should not be subject to "exhaustive moral analysis" before being blessed. The edict also states that seeking a blessing proves the person is aware of their "need of God's saving presence in [their] life and one who asks for a blessing from the [Catholic] Church recognizes the latter as a sacrament of [salvation]." When all such conditions are true, it implies that those who sincerely seek God should be affirmed in their search, rather than being shunned for moral flaws.
The same declaration indicates that such blessings cannot be given in connection with an official religious service, holiday, or event. Nor can they include implements, clothing, or other aspects of weddings and other sacraments. This is meant to avoid giving the appearance that the person's sin, or their relationship, are being affirmed.
However, theory and practice often differ. Local congregations and officials are likely to stretch the applications of the edict and cause further blurring of doctrinal lines. The edict doesn't emphasize calling sinners to repentance. It operates under the flawed and unbiblical assumptions of Catholic theology.
The idea that "sinners" ought to be treated with love, respect, and kindness is certainly biblical. Christians can pray—even for those who reject faith outright—without any contradiction to the gospel. Those who express interest in God ought to be encouraged, not judged. But a truly biblical blessing cannot be bestowed on anything explicitly contrary to God's will. Nor should those who claim the name of Christ fail to show truthful love when discussing such things (Ephesians 4:15).
-- Editor
