- Pope Francis approves blessings for same-sex couples.
- Specific conditions outlined, emphasising discernment and careful consideration.
The Vatican has issued a significant decision permitting Roman Catholic priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, under the stipulation that such blessings take place outside the customary Church rituals or liturgies and are unrelated to civil unions or weddings.
A document sanctionby Pope Francis on Monday, originating from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, stated that these blessings, while not conferring legitimacy to irregular situations, serve as a symbol of God’s inclusive welcome to all.
The document asserted, “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” but “this blessing should never be imparted in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, and not even in connection with them”.
It continued to explain how priests should make decisions on a case-by-case basis and “should not prevent or prohibit the Church’s closeness to people in every situation in which they might seek God’s help through a simple blessing”.
The document expands upon a letter from Pope Francis to two conservative cardinals published in October. In his initial response, Francis hinted at the possibility of such blessings under specific conditions, provided they didn’t blur the distinction between the ritual and the sacrament of marriage. The latest document reiterates this reasoning and provides further details, emphasizing that marriage is a sacred lifelong bond between a man and a woman. It highlights that blessings should be separate from civil unions, avoiding prescribed rituals, and excluding attire and gestures associated with weddings.
However, the document emphasises that requests for these blessings should not be outright rejected. It sets to provide further clarification of the term “blessing” in Scripture, asserting that individuals seeking a profound connection with God and desiring His love and mercy should not face “an exhaustive moral analysis” as a prerequisite for receiving it.
As adherents of Islam, we hold in high regard the inherent right of every individual to autonomously navigate their path, exercising personal agency and making choices reflective of their own convictions. There is evidently no compulsion to believe in Islam. As is seen in Surah Al-Kafirun (109:6) in the Quran,
“For you is your religion, and for me is my religion”
Qur’an 109:6
Irrespective of one’s Muslim denomination, we wholeheartedly embrace and affirm the teachings enshrined in our sacred scriptures—the Qur’an and Sunnah. We firmly believe that Islam provides us with unparalleled guidance. The teachings have remained unaltered for 1400 years, endowing the Qur’an with a timeless and enduring moral essence.
A discernible pattern emerges as each prophet preceding Prophet Lut (AS) primarily first confronted his people with the call to monotheism. In a distinctive departure, Prophet Lut (AS) initially addressed his people on the matter of homosexuality.
And (remember) Lut, when he said to his people: “Do you commit lewdness such as none preceding you has committed in all of the nations 81. “Verily, you practice your lusts on men instead of women. Nay, but you are a people transgressing beyond bounds.” (Qur’an 7:80)
In Islam, the engagement of homosexual acts is deemed impermissible, whether within a civil union or otherwise. Furthermore, the institution of marriage, according to Islamic beliefs, is exclusively reserved for a union between a man and a woman.
