"Bishop John Stowe: Blessing LGBTQ+ Couples 'Almost Signifies God’s Approval'"

"Last Monday, the Vatican released a document from Pope Francis in which he expressed an openness to church blessings for same-gender couples. A number of Catholic leaders have responded positively, including Lexington’s Bishop John Stowe, OFM, Cap., who said such a blessing 'almost signifies God’s approval.'...

New Ways Ministry said the pope’s openness to blessings 'significantly advances' Francis’ efforts for LGBTQ+ inclusion in a statement available here. Other Catholic leaders and LGBTQ+ groups also issued positive statements, described below.

Bishop Stowe spoke with Time, which reported:

'[Pope Francis] is not saying that we should create a ritual that can be done anywhere, anytime, but [that blessings] can be a response to individuals or couples or groups of people who ask for a special blessing on an occasion. . .How do we be faithful to who and what the church has always been, while not alienating people today?’

'The Catholic Church believes marriage can only occur between a man and a woman, but a blessing can still hold great significance to queer couples because they act as prayers for God’s presence and help, Stowe says. ‘It almost signifies God’s approval.’

Stowe emphasized that the negative appraisal of homosexuality found in current church teaching may be dated, as Catholics consider a new set of sexual ethics to meet today’s world. The bishop commented, 'we have to explore how we best understand [theology] and best apply that in light of what we now know about anthropology, about human development, [and] about sexual orientation not being something that one freely chooses.'

Last summer while giving a homily for the Catholic peace group Pax Christi USA, Stowe asked why the church will 'bless armaments but not some couples.'...

Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA, described Francis’ answers as 'an unexpected and welcome sign of openness.' She explained further in a statement:

'The sacredness and grace in the relationships between people of the same sex, or where one or more partner is transgender, deserve affirmation and support. . .

'It is notable that this comment was made in writing, and in a letter to Cardinals who represent very traditionalist views and seemed to be hoping for support for their position. In his response, the Pope appeared to warn them that the church’s ministers cannot only ‘deny, reject, and exclude.’ Furthermore, he has not penalized priests and bishops in Europe who have performed such blessings and has not prevented national bishops’ conferences from considering offering these blessings as part of their pastoral practices. These are all signs that our church’s leaders are beginning to engage with these fundamental questions around sexual orientation, gender, and relationships in new ways. I find that encouraging.'...

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of New Ways Ministry, expanded on his initial statement in an interview with Newsweek. DeBernardo commented:

'For a pope to express openness, even a little openness to blessing same-gender couples, is something I never thought I’d see in my lifetime. . .I think it’s a very hopeful step...'

Fr. John Alvarado, who leads an LGBTQ+ ministry in New Jersey, laid out his feelings succinctly in Time:

'What is the difficulty with blessing people even of the same sex, who are willing to commit themselves to loving each other in a very formal structured way?'"