“Living This Diversity Should Make Us Rejoice!”
In Fiducia Supplicans—and even more so in the pro-LGBTQ+ movements in Germany, Flanders, and elsewhere that brought it about—I see the lived diversity that Pope Francis says “should make us rejoice!”
Entries by Robert Shine, Managing Editor
You’re Invited! The Synod & LGBTQ+ Issues: Towards October 2024
Between now and October 2024, the Vatican has asked Catholics to both deepen and broaden their engagement with the Synod. To help LGBTQ+ people and allies respond to this invitation, New Ways Ministry is hosting a panel featuring two Synod delegates, Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns and Julia Osęka.
German and Flemish Bishops Warmly Welcome Vatican’s Declaration on Blessings
German church leaders have welcomed the Vatican declaration allowing blessings for same-gender couples. Today’s post is a collection of their responses, as well as from the Flemish bishops.
Advocates Keep Rejoicing Over Vatican Approval of Same-Gender Blessings
Today’s first post is a round up of reactions to “Fiducia supplicans” from LGBTQ+ advocates that have not yet been covered.
Vatican: Bishops May Not Ban Blessing Same-Gender Couples
The Vatican’s doctrinal office has issued a clarification that bishops may not bar priests from blessing couples in “irregular” situations, including same-gender couples, that it allowed in its recent declaration, Fiducia supplicans.
Archbishop Cordileone Partially Bans Blessing LGBTQ+ Couples
Contradicting Pope Francis, a U.S. archbishop has said priests may deny blessings to same-gender couples. Today’s post features that news, along with other U.S. prelates’ reactions to Fiducia Suplicans, the Vatican declaration allowing such blessings.
Pope Francis’ Blessing Document Revolutionizes All Pastoral Care
Pope Francis is bringing to an end the exclusionary practices of the previous two pontiffs by affirming that God’s mercy is not something humans can limit.
French Archbishop Will Bless Same-Gender Couples; More Positive Responses
Today’s post highlights positive responses from around the world to the Vatican’s declaration allowing blessings for same-gender couples.
Top Cardinal Responds to Global Bishops’ Swift Criticism of Blessings Declaration
In Pope Francis’ nearly-eleven year tenure, perhaps nothing he has done has prompted so many responses in such a short time as approving blessings for same-gender couples. Within a day or two of the Vatican declaration on blessings, titled Fiducia Supplicans, being released, dozens, if not hundreds, of church leaders and other Catholics spoke out—and strongly.
Jesus, The Man of Sorrows, Welcomes Outcasts in Advent, Writes Gay Catholic
With Advent concluding, one gay Catholic has offered a reflection on the way queer Catholics can related to the liturgical season’s themes of loneliness, darkness, and waiting—as a path to finding Jesus, the Man of Sorrows.