This past week Pope Francis issued a statement that allows priests throughout the entire Roman Catholic Church to bless same-sex couples. This was not really a surprise, as a letter he had sent to two conservative cardinals laid the groundwork for this decision. Even so, his words sent shock waves throughout the religious community.
People on both sides of the gay marriage issue found things to applaud and things to criticize. Some were glad that Francis did not go so far as to allow what would basically be a marriage rite for gay couples. But these same people were disappointed that he made any change at all to his previous statement that you “cannot bless sin.” Some were thrilled with what they saw as a positive step forward, but upset that he did not go so far as to fully approve of gay marriage. All that said, what I found most interesting was the following quote:
“(The church) must avoid doctrinal or disciplinary schemes, especially when they lead to a narcissistic and authoritarian elitism whereby instead of evangelizing, one analyzes and classifies others, and instead of opening the door to grace, one exhausts his or her energies in inspecting and verifying.”
Basically, the Pope was saying church leaders must take care to prioritize reaching people with the Gospel and sharing God’s grace, instead of judging them in such a way that we feel better about ourselves and classify others as somehow more sinful than we are.
Many LGBTQ people know and have experienced exactly what the Pope is talking about. Seeking understanding and acceptance in the church, they instead have found scrutiny and legalism. Where they were hoping to find healing and encouragement they found words and actions that left behind wounds and scars.
The document further said:
“Ultimately, a blessing offers people a means to increase their trust in God. The request for a blessing, thus, expresses and nurtures openness to the transcendence, mercy, and closeness to God in a thousand concrete circumstances of life, which is no small thing in the world in which we live.”
People are looking to connect with the God that created them. They are looking for something to anchor them in the storms of life. They are seeking “a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.”
Faced with the opportunity to be people of blessing and grace, how can we do anything except leap at the opportunity to love and to care?
Something to think about! I struggle with this! I know sin is a sin, I can’t judge anyone! I’m no better! My question is can the LBGQ+ community serve in church? I mean if we are all sinners and sinful people are not able to hold a position, we would have no one serving! I recently talked with a family member who is a Pastor. He has a couple in his congregation that are two woman who are a couple, he told them they are welcome at church but can’t lead! Thoughts??
Ruth – there are so many variables to consider. What kind of serving or leading? How do the people involved understand God’s plan for their life, and how are they putting that into practice? Because every situation is unique I don’t believe you can set policies but need to consider each person and each situation, always applying God’s love and grace. I’d also note that Jesus put people into serving and leadership roles long before they knew the right things to believe and the right way to behave. Just look at his disciples!