SHILLONG: In a historic move, the Archdiocese of Shillong has embraced a shift, allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, according to a statement issued by the Archbishop on Friday.
The declaration, issued with the approval of Pope Francis, states that these blessings do not resemble the official liturgical and ritual blessings of the Church during marriage but rather signify a “personal and spontaneous prayer”.
The statement further clarified that the declaration, in line with the Catholic Church’s new stance, does not alter the doctrine of marriage, and the blessings “do not signify approval of the union”.
“The declaration stresses on the personal meaning of blessings. This is a spontaneous prayer of a priest with informal words. This is not to be mistaken as the official liturgical and ritual blessings of the Church during marriage,” the statement read.
This development aligns with a broader shift in the Catholic Church’s approach to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Earlier on December 18, Pope Francis formally permitted Roman Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples in a significant departure from the Church’s previous stance.
The latest ruling, building upon the Pope’s opening to blessing same-sex couples in October, specifies that such blessings should not be part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor should they coincide with civil unions.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, an Argentinian and ally of Pope Francis, is supposed to have played a key role in this shift.
The ruling acknowledges that “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.”
The document stresses on the importance of “prudent and fatherly discernment” by ordained ministers in deciding when to offer such blessings.
This move reflects a departure from the 2021 ruling by the Vatican doctrine office, which had barred any blessings for same-sex couples, asserting that God “cannot bless sin.”
The evolution of this stance signals a more inclusive and accepting approach within the Catholic Church, acknowledging the diverse relationships and situations of its members.
