Author Celia Wexler, a journalist and the author of "Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope," frequently writes about Catholicism, feminism, and politics. The views expressed in this commentary are her own. To read more opinion pieces by Wexler, visit CNN. With the Vatican's recent official approval of same-sex couples' blessings, the media reacted with varying degrees of sensation, calling it a "shocking reversal," a "landmark ruling," and a "radical shift in church policy."
Celia Wexler
Valerie Wexler
Youd think the hyperventilating reaction signaled a major reform. Instead, all the attention concerned a change that was much more modest and not even new.
In October, Pope Francis responded to questions from ultra-conservative cardinals by expressing openness to allowing the blessing of same-sex couples by priests on a case-by-case basis, as long as it was not confused with traditional Catholic marriage, which is defined as a union between a man and a woman open to procreation.
A declaration approved by Francis and issued by Cardinal VÃctor Manuel Fernández on Monday reiterated this stance, without making any significant changes such as convening a group to consider revising the church's teaching on sexual ethics.
The formal policy specifies that the Vatican does not approve the blessing of a same-sex union, which is still considered sinful in the church's eyes. However, the policy does allow for the blessing of the couples in those unions. This marks a significant change in the church's approach to LGBTQ Catholics and offers hope to those seeking acceptance within the church, but it does not alter Catholic doctrine.
The Vatican's far-reaching policy is also cracking down on the efforts of some progressive bishops in Europe who had started to develop rituals and prayers to bless same-sex unions.
Pope Francis leads a mass to conclude the 16th general assembly of the synod of bishops at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Sunday, October 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
The Vatican's narrow ruling at the end of the Synod lacks the impact needed to protect gay Catholic teachers from being fired, provide meeting spaces for gay Catholics in churches, allow Catholic social service agencies to grant adoptions to gay couples, or change the views of conservative Catholics on LGBTQ discrimination.
Another instance of the Pope garnering attention for implementing gradual changes on the outskirts. Perhaps the Pope sees this as a small step in the right direction. However, if I were in a same-sex relationship, I wouldn't find this reluctant concession very satisfying.
When I inquired about the Vatican's new blessing policy from feminist theologian Mary Hunt, she expressed her view that it "does not alter the inherent rejection of same-sex love as healthy, good, natural, and holy." She referred to it as "ecclesiastical sleight of hand."
Even LGBTQ activists who find the policy encouraging are conscious of its constraints. Marianne Duddy-Burke, the leader of DignityUSA, remarked to The New York Times, "It seems like another opening in the church, while we are still anticipating the doors to be fully open."
The declaration is actually more prescriptive than Francis' remarks last fall. A blessing cannot be held in concurrence with the ceremonies of a civil union, nor can it resemble a wedding with tuxes, flowers, or any other elaborate elements. Bishops are prohibited from creating special rituals or prayers for the blessing, which should occur spontaneously during a meeting with a priest or in the context of a group encounter, such as a pilgrimage or visit to a shrine.
In summary, if a blessing can be casual, then those received by same-sex partners will be just that - perhaps a brief and simple event in the rectory. It is uncertain whether the Vatican expects any blessings to take place in a church.
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According to the document, the church maintains that sexual relations are morally permissible only within the confines of marriage and defines marriage as an exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to having children. So, when a priest blesses a same-sex couple, what is the church's intention for the blessing? Is it to encourage the couple to separate and find heterosexual partners, or to hope that they will choose a life of celibacy?
The reluctance to address controversial issues in Catholicism has become a problem. Despite having over a decade as Pope, there has been hesitation and ambiguity in bringing the church into the 21st century. While attempts have been made to make the church more inclusive and the papacy more appealing, the lack of substantial reforms could lead to confusion and disappointment, with the potential for these changes to disappear upon the Pope's passing.
