Responding to Declaration 'Fiducia Supplicans' On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings

 


As someone deeply invested in the intersection of faith, scholarship, and identity, I find myself in a unique position to comment on the recent declaration from the Vatican giving priests the option to bless same-sex unions. With two master's degrees in Biblical Studies, six years of pastoral ministry experience, and my personal journey as a queer individual in what has become a same-sex marriage, this topic resonates with me on multiple levels.
My academic journey has not only provided me with a deep understanding of the Scriptures but also an appreciation for the diverse interpretations and expressions of faith that connect us all as a part of the human condition seeking reconciliation with our Creator.
In my studies, I have learned that the Bible, and more importantly the God who is revealed to us through its pages, can be a source of love and support for all, regardless of sexual orientation. It is crucial to approach all religious teachings with a perspective that embraces love and inclusivity, reflecting the core values of compassion and understanding, and I have always believed that the core message of Christianity is one of unconditional love and acceptance. Not that we in our present state are even capable of unconditional love, but that God, in His infinite grace and mercy towards us, His creation loves us despite our individual and collective brokenness.
Before you disregard my words, thinking I've strayed from theological orthodoxy, let me share a short love story with you. I was privileged to conduct a wedding for a wonderful couple, deeply in love and eager to solemnize their relationship through marriage. This event remains a cherished memory, although it sparked criticism from another pastor because one partner had a previous marriage. He referred to Romans 7:2-3, suggesting a literal interpretation of scripture supported his view. However, through contemplation and prayer, I've come to understand that a straightforward reading of scripture may not always be fully consistent with the nature of God and His unyielding compassion. Embracing the Bible as God's word and having a glimpse of His heart, I'm convinced that God would bless the union of two individuals committed to Him, desiring to build a family rooted in faith, rather than uphold a rigid, seemingly blanketed prohibition as inferred in Paul's letter to the Romans. Historically, many American churches once denounced interracial marriages as sinful, using similar 'biblical' justifications. For instance, Bob Jones University, an institution with alumni like evangelist Billy Graham and author Tim LaHaye, prohibited interracial dating until 2000. Today, nearly all conservative Christians would find this stance inconceivable, yet it was not so long ago defended as scripturally sound by the very churches now critiquing other relationships.
Therefore, I applaud the declaration by the Vatican, which states that, "Indeed, the grace of God works in the lives of those who do not claim to be righteous but who acknowledge themselves humbly as sinners, like everyone else. This grace can orient everything according to the mysterious and unpredictable designs of God. Therefore, with its untiring wisdom and motherly care, the Church welcomes all who approach God with humble hearts, accompanying them with those spiritual aids that enable everyone to understand and realize God’s will fully in their existence... This is a blessing that, although not included in any liturgical rite, unites intercessory prayer with the invocation of God’s help by those who humbly turn to him. God never turns away anyone who approaches him! 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. It is a seed of the Holy Spirit that must be nurtured, not hindered."
This progressive step by the Vatican marks, not only a significant moment in the journey towards inclusivity within the broader Christian community but also a refreshing attitude of humility before Almighty God.
As a queer person of faith, this change is not just a step closer to an ecclesiastical validation of my marriage but also a recognition of the legitimacy and sanctity of queer love by a major religious institution. It challenges historical interpretations of the Scriptures and opens the door for a more loving and accepting Christian community. I see this as an opportunity for Christians around the world to engage in deeper, more meaningful conversations about love, marriage, and spirituality, and as a call to re-examine traditional teachings and theology in the light of contemporary understanding and compassion.
This decision by the Vatican is a beacon of hope for many in the LGBTQ+ community who seek to reconcile their faith with their identity, and it is also an opportunity for the wider Christian community to reflect on its approach to love, marriage, and blessings. It’s a step towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, can fully participate in and receive the blessings of their faith communities. I invite you to read the Vatican's declaration in its entirety at the link below. https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_ddf_doc_20231218_fiducia-supplicans_en.html#

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