Catholic bishops from conservative nations are resisting the Vatican’s recent document, “Fiducia Supplicans,” which allows blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships, triggering a global divide within the Catholic Church. While some episcopal groups express concerns about ambiguity leading to confusion, others outright reject the document.
African nations, notably Zambia and Malawi, have emerged as vocal opponents to the implementation of the document. The Zambia Episcopal Conference issued a statement, highlighting the need to avoid pastoral confusion and adhere to local laws and cultural values. The declaration encouraged further reflection rather than immediate implementation in Zambia.
“Fiducia Supplicans” reasserted the Catholic Church’s stance on the sacrament of marriage, defining it as an “exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children.” It permitted “spontaneous” blessings for individuals in same-sex relationships seeking moral lives but explicitly stated that the union itself cannot be blessed.
In contrast, a majority of bishops in the United States and elsewhere endorsed the document, asserting its alignment with church teaching and tradition. However, critics argue that the guidelines are too ambiguous, leading to varied interpretations.
The Episcopal Conference of Malawi issued a directive against any blessings for same-sex unions, citing the potential for confusion among the faithful. Bishop Athanasius Schneider, from Kazakhstan, took a harsh stance, asserting that the document contradicts divine revelation and the long-standing doctrine of the Catholic Church. His sentiments were echoed by Metropolitan Archbishop Tomash Peta.
The Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine expressed understanding of the document’s alignment with the Church’s understanding of marriage but voiced concerns about potential confusion and misunderstandings. While critical, the Ukrainian bishops did not confirm whether they would allow the document’s implementation in their country.
“The document seeks to emphasize God’s boundless love for all people, sinners included, and in this regard to show that the Church does not reject these people, namely those with homosexual tendencies or even actions,” the Ukrainian conference stated. However, they expressed reservations about the document’s clarity in distinguishing between the person and their actions, highlighting the need for a merciful acceptance of individuals while disapproving of their perceived sins.
The global divide among Catholic bishops raises questions about the future of the Church’s stance on same-sex relationships and the potential impact on its diverse and widespread congregations.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
