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Topic History of: Same-sex civil unions Max. showing the last 5 posts - (Last post first)
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middlemas
The views of Pope Francis on this subject run completely contrary to those of the Vatican, which is now becoming extremely uneasy.
As the Catholic Church officially opposes such unions and tells its members to do so too, as part of its doctrine.
For the first time, its leader disagrees with the church; predecessors would usually have taken steps to change its teaching first, before declaring a different view.
Particularly when (for example) only 8 out of 33 staunchly Catholic countries - in Latin America - legally permit such unions.
Calls are being made for clarity from all over. Will such unions now be formalised/blessed in Catholic churches?
middlemas
volte*
1.2 billion Catholics
But watch the Vatican power brokers
Francis will be forced to tow the line
'It was a personal thought - not reflecting Church doctrine'
middlemas
Francis was brave enough (seemingly with telling those in the Vatican) to suddenly change Cannon Law, that's been in existence for many centuries.
Seemingly since the Council of Elvira in the 5th century, and ratified by numerous synods, councils and Popes over time.
Many cans of worms are opened by this vollte-face - perhaps the most monumental in history; there are about 2 million Catholics.
One question as an example. What will the gay clergy (estimate at between 25 and 50%) do now? Come out of the closet, perhaps.
middlemas
The views of Francis came out this week in a new documentary about his life as Pope - 'Francesco'.
And because they differ so dramatically from previous Catholic thinking on homosexuals (and unions), many feathers have been ruffled in Vatican City.
Including those of the previous Pope (now retired on health grounds), Benedict - who vehemently opposes Francis' sudden liberal proclamations.
Benedict (and his traditionalist supporters) had previously had previously described homosexual behaviour as deviant - amongst other things.
However the horse has bolted and Rome has had a major change of mind on homosexuality.
It's presumably no longer a sin - and these men and women can now take the sacraments. Or can they?
Green Man
When I was growing up there was lots of gay Catholic priests in Ireland in the closet.