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.
Entries by Robert Shine, Managing Editor
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.
In Reversal, Saint Mary’s College Ends Policy Welcoming Transgender Students
A Catholic women’s college has reversed its decision to admit transgender students after facing backlash from the local bishop.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Celebrate Pope’s Approval of Same-Gender Blessings
On Monday, the Vatican issued a declaration, approved by Pope Francis, that made blessings for same-gender couples possible in the church. In posts this week, Bondings 2.0 will detail various reactions from Catholic LGBTQ+ advocates, secular groups, church leaders, and others.
Blessing LGBTQ+ Couples Is “Real Development” in Church Teaching, Says Vatican
Pope Francis has approved blessing same-gender couples in what the Vatican’s doctrinal office referred to as a “real development” in church, emphasizing now that “God never turns away anyone who approaches him!”
“Out 100” List for 2023 Includes Papal Advisor Juan Carlos Cruz; And More News
Juan Carlos Cruz, a close friend to Pope Francis, is honored by an LGBTQ+ publication, one theologian remembers a DignityUSA founder, and more news.
Sister Jeannine Gramick, Co-Founder of New Ways Ministry, Named “Newsmaker of 2023”
Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL, co-founder of New Ways Ministry, has been named “Newsmaker of 2023” by the National Catholic Reporter, whose year-end review highlighted Catholics on the margin.
Massachusetts Bishop, Faithful Jointly Publish Call for Greater LGBTQ+ Inclusion
A Massachusetts bishop and Catholic LGBTQ+ advocates have co-authored a call for their diocesan church to be more inclusive, inviting the faithful to become involved.
As Church Debates LGBTQ+ Issues, Catholic Sisters Forge Ahead
The Catholic Church’s dialogue about LGBTQ+ issues has advanced greatly under Pope Francis, yet whether and how to provide welcome and inclusion remains controverted. As has often been the case, women religious are not waiting in their outreach. Today’s post highlights how Catholic sisters are forging ahead on LGBTQ+ inclusion.