Attacks would come after people must have read this but I strongly want to say that been a catholic doesn’t influence this write-up instead it aids it the more. I pride myself to knowing the intricacies of English language having taught the subject myself for several years. Also, having studied mass communication I have come to realize that most times assertions ain't what they seem. I for some reason feel very much disappointed at people who sat in the same lecture hall with me studying communication misinterpreting the popes words.
Pope Francis called for ‘same-sex civil unions’ and not ‘legalization of same sex marriage or relationship’ what we should try to understand is what the term civil union entails.
In the legal sense of it A civil union is a non-marriage relationship between two people that is recognized in some states and subsequently may be afforded legal protections in that state. Unlike marriage, civil unions don’t enjoy the same benefits, responsibilities, legal obligations and federal protections as married couples.
Nigeria is currently confronted by not only Boko Haram Insurgency, Fulani herdsmen but the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) amongst others as regards to the ongoing protest. On the 20th of this same month statistics show that 75.7% of the 100% television stations aired the happenings in Nigeria but since the words of the Supreme Pontiff was aired this same 75.5% went down drastically to a mere 16.5%. At this very moment we should be worried about the lives lost. Peoples fathers made fatherless, peoples husbands killed, parents made childish, people who lost boyfriends, girlfriends, sidekicks to mention but a few. But, if you are worried or interested by what Pope Francis said about same-sex civil unions, then here are a couple points to keep in mind:
Most importantly: Persons who are attracted to other people of the same sex, even those who may identify as part of the LGBTQ community are beloved children of the Father. They are loved by God and by us and they have a place in the Catholic Church and in the human family. cf. Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
Marriage can only take place between a man and a woman in a permanent union open to the procreation of children. Same-sex marriage is an impossibility. The Church will never approve of it.
The Catechism also teaches the following: "The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition; for most of them it is a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided." In this regard, some Catholics, including Pope Francis, have suggested that same-sex civil unions could be acceptable. Why? Issues like hospital visitation, etc.
Has the Pope changed the teachings of the Church? No. He has an expressed an opinion. Popes are frequently wrong in their opinions especially when speaking off the cuff. They do not have infallible opinions. Catholics are free to disagree with the Holy Father's opinion in this regard.
Finally, If we all read the New Testament as much as we obsessed about the latest papal headline we would all be further along in the pursuit of holiness. Jesus is the Lord and the gates of hell cannot prevail against his Church. It is our vocation to focus on him and be faithful in our daily life. I leave you with the Popes own assertion ‘who are my to judge’
Dominic C.C (ISMN)
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