Title : Pope's Comment on Same-Sex Union
link : Pope's Comment on Same-Sex Union
Pope's Comment on Same-Sex Union
Much controversy has surrounded over Pope Francis' comment over same-sex unions. In the first place, it is important to note that the Pope emphasized that it is a civil union law, not a marriage recognized and defined by the Church. According to news report, Pope Francis is quoted as stating:
"Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God," Francis said. "You can't kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered."
Marriage is a sacrament instituted by God and a union between one man and one woman. A civil union between two gay men or two lesbian women is not considered a marriage as defined by the Church nor recognized in the Catholic Church. Archbishop Michael was correct when he said that the Pope's comment does not alter the Church's ban on same-sex marriage (See article here). Pope Francis is not declaring that the Catholic Church allow same-sex marriage. He is saying that the government should allow a civil union law for homosexuals. Civil marriages or unions are not recognized by the Church.
As a matter of fact, if a heterosexual couple who are Catholics were to marry in court, their marriage would also not be recognized in the Catholic Church. Catholics who marry in a civil court could not receive holy communion. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
CCC 1631 This is the reason why the Church normally requires that the faithful contract marriage according to the ecclesiastical form. Several reasons converge to explain this requirement:
- Sacramental marriage is a liturgical act. It is therefore appropriate that it should be celebrated in the public liturgy of the Church;
- Marriage introduces one into an ecclesial order, and creates rights and duties in the Church between the spouses and towards their children;........
I find Pope Francis to be very compassionate toward homosexuals and atheists. After all, who are we to judge when we are all sinners ourselves? Christ is the only one who can judge, and He sat and ate with the cheating tax collectors, prostitutes, and sinners. Nevertheless, how we show our love and compassion toward our brother will also be judged by God.
Bishop Anthony Apuron did not endorse same-sex union, fought against its legalization and won. In his fight, he also showed compassion by telling the truth. The truth is not always easy to bear, but it is better to know the truth so that one can decide on their own, knowing all their options. After all, God is the truth and tells us the truth, but He does not force us to follow the Truth. The 2000 data by the Center for Disease Control showed that sexually transmitted diseases continue to rise among gay and bisexual men (see the report here). There are also data showing that depression and suicide are higher among homosexuals (See news report here).
While it is true that Pope Francis did not go against Church teaching, one should be extremely careful of what civil law one endorses. Sometimes, we think a civil law passed by the government is good but eventually can cause more harm and misery than good.
There is a reason why marriage (like most things) comes with restrictions. These restrictions include:
- One cannot marry a young child.
- One cannot marry their sibling or close immediate relative
- One cannot marry a person of the same sex
- One cannot marry more than one spouse
- One cannot marry an animal or an object (non-human)
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