Vatican's New Guidelines: Baptism Now Open to Transgender Individuals and Children of Same-Sex Couples
Vatican's doctrine department issues groundbreaking ruling, allowing Catholic baptism for transgender individuals and infants of same-sex couples
The Vatican's doctrine department has recently issued a ruling that allows for Catholic baptism to be extended to transgender individuals as well as the infants of same-sex couples. These new regulations, which were issued on October 31, were in response to a series of questions, or dubia, presented by Brazilian bishop Giuseppe Negri to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF). The official responses to the bishop's inquiries regarding specific sacraments were published in Italian on the Vatican's website on Wednesday evening.
Regarding transgender individuals, the document states that a person who identifies as transgender can undergo baptism similar to any other adult, "as long as it does not pose a risk of scandal or disorientation" to fellow Catholics.
Pope Francis bestows his blessing upon the pilgrims during the Sunday Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 1, 2023. (Photo credit: Filippo MonteForte/AFP via Getty Images)
Pope Francis proposes blessings for individuals in same-sex unions for the first time, acknowledging that certain people in these relationships can receive the church's support. The document further states that children who identify as transgender may undergo baptism if adequately prepared and willing. Additionally, it affirms that transgender individuals, including those who have completed gender reassignment procedures, can serve as godparents and witnesses in Catholic weddings, provided the appropriate conditions are met.
Children from same-sex couples can receive baptism if there is a genuine belief that they will be raised in the Catholic faith. The document emphasizes that those in homosexual relationships are considered to be sinning and baptism should be accompanied by repentance for these transgressions. The ruling is supported by various sermons delivered by Pope Francis.
"The church is not a tollhouse, but rather a loving home where the Father welcomes everyone, with all their personal struggles and challenges," states the document, referring to the 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium by the popes.
In each situation, the priest is encouraged to exercise "pastoral prudence" when considering the inclusion of transgender individuals in the church's activities.
On Sunday, October 29, 2023, Pope Francis led a mass to mark the end of the 16th general assembly of the synod of bishops at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The poignant event was captured in this photo taken by Alessandra Tarantino from The Associated Press.
Alessandra Tarantino/AP
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The priest should additionally factor in the presence of other individuals within the extended family who can ensure the "appropriate transmission of the Catholic faith" to the baptized individual.
During the Vatican's recent synod, LGBTQ+ matters attracted significant attention.
In a statement, Francis DeBernardo, the executive director of New Ways Ministry, a Catholic organization advocating for LGBT rights in the United States, acknowledged the Vatican's support for transgender individuals, emphasizing that Pope Francis aims for a more compassionate approach toward LGBTQ+ concerns by promoting their inclusion within the church's sacramental life.
However, the group warns that the ruling doesnt go far enough.
Pope Francis attends the ecumenical prayer vigil in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican, September 30, 2023. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Remo Casilli/Reuters
DeBernardo writes that if church leaders fail to practice pastoral prudence in regards to this guideline, it may be exploited by other officials to implement policies that would exclude individuals from other aspects of church activities.
The writer suggests that the DDF's emphasis on excluding individuals in committed relationships, well-known within the community, reveals a greater concern for avoiding controversy rather than promoting the integration of LGBTQ+ Catholics in the church and their families. It is hoped that church leaders will adopt Pope Francis' inclusive approach rather than using these guidelines to maintain outdated restrictions.
The group views the affirmation as a significant departure from a previous Vatican decision. They highlight that the doctrinal note, called a responsum ad dubia, not only enables transgender individuals to partake but also demonstrates the Catholic Church's capacity for reconsidering and modifying its stance on specific practices and policies.
