Vatican ban on blessings of same-sex unions “deeply flawed”, say theologians
Immediate release: Monday, March 15th 2021
The Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research regrets the decision by the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to maintain the current ban of church blessings to same-sex unions.
The justification given is that such unions are “objectively disordered” and not conducive to God’s grace, and that you cannot bless “sin”.
We are appalled that the Catholic hierarchy is choosing to demonise gay people again through its repetition of such toxic theology. Gay people worldwide are still the target of discrimination that regularly results in verbal and physical abuse, employment discrimination, firing, and death. Given the global reach of the Catholic Church, this latest decision signed off by Pope Francis himself is likely to add fuel to the fire.
The forthcoming interdisciplinary report by the Wijngaards Institute for Catholic Research has shown the Vatican arguments to be based on a deeply flawed theology, contrary to the evidence from relevant disciplines and the experience of many who have lived in, or witnessed, loving and life-giving same-sex unions.
The report is summarised in an “Academic Statement on the Ethics of Free and Faithful Same-Sex Relationships” (pdf here) endorsed by more than sixty high-profile academics, including a former official of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith itself. The report also includes a set of recommendations to enact change. We will be sending a copy of our report to Pope Francis to aid him in his efforts to eliminate prejudice.
Contact:
Miriam Duignan: T +44 7970 926910 E miriam.duignan@wijngaardsinstitute.com
Dr. Luca Badini Confalonieri: T: + 44 7446 283699 E luca.badini@wijngaardsinstitute.com