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Pope Francis opens bishop synod with speech suggesting the Vatican won’t budge on LGBTI inclusiveness
Pope Francis opened the bishop’s synod today (Sunday October 4) in Vatican City to discuss the Catholic church’s approach to family issues.
It was hoped the discussion would result in the church taking a more progressive approach to LGBTI catholics.
Those who hoped this may find themselves disappointed: in his opening speech, he dedicated much time to praising the makeup of the heterosexual family.
‘This is God’s dream for his beloved creation: to see it fulfilled in the loving union between a man and a woman, rejoicing in their shared journey, fruitful in their mutual gift of self,’ he said.
He put the importance of procreation at the center of family discussion, but Dr Richard O’Leary of Faith in Marriage Equality says this is not the approach the Catholic church should take.
‘Marriage is not primarily about procreation but about love and commitment and these qualities are also evident in same sex relationships,’ he said.
The synod will continue until October 25, during which the delegates, who come from around the world, will discuss such family-oriented topics as family planning, divorce and LGBTI inclusion.
A similar report from June was not encouraging. It said the church should be understanding of LGBTI followers, but went no further.
The Vatican is currently reeling from the controversial coming out of a senior priest on Saturday.
The Polish priest Father Krysztof Olaf Charamsa told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera it’s time the church ‘opened its eyes’ to its gay followers.
The same day, Charamsa was sacked from his post at the Holy Office and as a teacher at church-affliated universities.
A case was made however he was fired for having a partner, though priests – gay or straight – vow to be single.
The post Pope Francis opens bishop synod with speech suggesting the Vatican won’t budge on LGBTI inclusiveness appeared first on Gay Star News.
Jack Flanagan
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