It’s not the big shift people think it is
The Catholic world and the media were riled Monday (13/10/2014) by a Vatican document interpreted by many as signaling a softer church stance toward homosexuality, but the inclusive tone of the document is a long way from actual policy change.
At issue are three words most people have never heard of: Relatio post disceptationem. That’s the name of the document the Catholic Church’s Extraordinary Synod of the Bishops released Monday, one week into the Synod’s gathering to discuss the state of the family in the modern world. It translates, “Report After Debate,” and it was read aloud in the Synod hall to kick off the Synod’s second week. One of the report’s 58 sections—the one causing the biggest stir—is titled, “Welcoming homosexual persons.” However, the document goes on to pose questions highlighting the obvious reality that this is a mission impossible
Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?”
Again, the relatio reaffirms at several points that marriage is between a man and a woman. Substance on that point is not changing. The Vatican has been repeatedly clear that this Synod will bring no changes to doctrine, or even a final document with new rites. To “welcome gays” does not mean the Church is no longer equating “gay” with “sin.” The Bible which is the foundation of the Christian faith is explicit on the issue of homosexuality both in the Old and New Testament where it condemns it as apostasy. This perhaps is the biggest challenge for anyone in the Christian faith who is hoping to rewrite nature or change the position of the Church. Added to this also is the fact that same sex marriages adopt children born by heterosexual unions to consolidate their marriage which further complicates their legality claim.
On the side of Pope Francis, tone—as it has always been with the Holy See—is what is on the table. The style that Pope Francis lives is one that starts with a spirit of embrace, of mercy, and not with sin. It begins with figuring out at what points embrace is possible before determining the points at which it is not.
Also in this argument, renowned religious cleric and United Nations Justice of Peace His Grace Most Revered Professor Daddy Hezekiah (MFR) has repeatedly pointed out that homosexuality is repugnant to the constitution of all Christians which is the Bible. Professor Hezekiah who also holds various degrees in Business Management, Accounting and Statistics points to scriptures which include Romans Chapter 1 verses 22; 26 to 28 to buttress this position
Claiming to be wise, they became fools, For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct”
Related Story: Daddy Hezekiah Lambasts Christian Pro Homosexual Leaders
See Also: Scientists Warn That Anal Sex By Gay Men Increase HIV Spread
#Many thanks to Elizabeth Dias (@elizabethjdias) of Time Magazine
See Also: What the Vatican Really Said About Homosexuality
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