Same sex church marriage

Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Roman Catholic Church

BACKGROUND

The Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian denomination in the world, with approximately billion members across the globe. With its origins in the earliest days of Christianity, the Church traces its leadership––in the person of the Pope––to St. Peter, identified by Jesus as “the rock” on which the Church would be built.

The Catholic Church in the United States numbers over 70 million members, and is organized in 33 Provinces, each led by an archbishop. Each bishop answers directly to the Pope, not to an archbishop. Those Provinces are further divided into dioceses, each led by a bishop. At the base of the organizational structure are local parishes, headed by a pastor, appointed by the local bishop. The Conference of Catholic Bishops in the United States meets semi-annually.

As part of a global organization with its institutional center at the Vatican, the Catholic Church in America is shaped by worldwide societal and cultural trends. It is further shaped by leadership that is entirely male, with w

Pope Francis allows blessings for same-sex couples under certain conditions

The Vatican has approved a landmark ruling to allow Roman Catholic priests to administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies, nor given in contexts related to civil unions or weddings.

A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office approved by Pope Francis on Monday said such blessings would not legitimise irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.

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The document backed “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 ev

Why This Issue Matters

I’m a pastor. My concern is with the church—what she believes, what she celebrates, and what she proclaims. Achieving some legal and political end is not my primary calling and yet, I’m concerned that many younger Christians—ironically, often those most attuned to societal transformation and social justice—do not see the connection between a traditional view of marriage and human flourishing. Many Christians are keen to resurrect the elderly pro-choice mantra touted by some Catholic politicians: personally opposed, but publicly none of my business. I want Christians to notice why this issue matters and why—when same-sex marriage became the law of the land—the integrity of the family was weakened and the freedom of the church was threatened.

I know this is an increasingly unpopular line of reasoning, even for those who are inclined to consent the Bible’s teaching about marriage. Perhaps you believe that homosexual behavior is biblically unacceptable. And yet, you wonder what’s erroneous with supporting same-sex marriage as a legal and political right. After all, we don

Same-sex marriage

Following a vote at the General Assembly, Church of Scotland ministers and deacons who pick to do so may bond same-sex couples.

The General Assembly voted to to change a standing church law to allow the right to apply to become an authorised celebrant to conduct same-sex ceremonies. The vote came after a majority of presbyteries (29) approved the "Solemnisation of Same Sex Marriage Overture", which was sent to the presbyteries for consideration under the Barrier Act. Twelve presbyteries voted against approval.

Only those who choose to participate in the solemnisation of, or be involved in the arrangements for, a same-sex marriage will do so - it is not a requirement.

Under the terms of the legislation, an individual must apply to the Principal Clerk's office to become a celebrant. An application would then be made to the Registrar General for Scotland on their behalf.

The Principal Clerk will maintain an up-to-date record of celebrants and they would be personally responsible for renewing their status every three years.

The Church's Legal Questions