Synod Attendee Calls for 'Greater Discernment' Regarding Issues of Same-Sex Attracted Individuals

In a surprising turn of events, participants in the Synod on Synodality have raised questions about the Church's stance on sexual doctrine, calling for "greater discernment" on the matter. This revelation comes amid synod organizers' repeated assurances that the monthlong assembly would not delve into doctrinal issues but instead concentrate on improving the Church's listening abilities to its members.

Photo credit: JanSimons

Highlights

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
10/11/2023 (1 year ago)

Published in Marriage & Family

Keywords: Synod on Synodality, Vatican, Church teaching, sexual doctrine, doctrinal changes, synodal process, Church doctrine

The discussion regarding sexual doctrine emerged during the morning session of the synod, with Paolo Ruffini, the president of the synod's communications commission, sharing insights from the gathering. The session centered around the theme of "mercy and truth," with a notable focus on the question of "what concrete steps are needed to welcome those who feel excluded from the Church today because of their status or sexuality."

Ruffini reported that while some participants called for further discernment on the Church's teachings on sexuality, others argued that such discernment was unnecessary. However, he did not elaborate on the meaning of "discernment" and was not asked to clarify the term.

The request for "greater discernment" regarding the Church's sexual doctrine was made during the discussion of "LGBTQ inclusion." According to the synod's working document, participants were prompted to consider "what concrete steps are needed to welcome those who feel excluded from the Church today because of their status or sexuality." The problem with this tack is that all persons, including those who struggle with same-sex attraction are welcome in the Church. However, the Scriptures and Doctrine of the Church are unchangeable, and these speak in unanimous agreement that sexual activity outside or marriage, which is only possible between one man and one woman, for life, is gravely sinful. To lie about this, or mislead, it far from loving or welcoming. In fact, it is scandalous.

Representatives from small groups dedicated to this topic presented their reports to the broader assembly, and some participants delivered speeches in response.

Ruffini emphasized that speeches addressing "sexual identity" were received with "responsibility and comprehension," while adhering to the Gospel and the Church's teachings. He noted that there was a unanimous agreement that the Church "must reject every form of homophobia" and that a lack of understanding of the personal journeys of same-sex attracted individuals leads to various challenges. Of course. We must not be prejudiced against any persons.

Some speakers highlighted the importance of engaging with same-sex attracted people and developing pastoral ministries to better understand their lives, while others stressed the significance of adhering to the magisterial teachings of the Church.

Ruffini described the atmosphere as characterized by open discussion rather than polarization, emphasizing the importance of being welcoming to all while remaining faithful to the truth.

The synod spokesman did not reveal the identities of the participants who advocated for "greater discernment" of the Church's sexual doctrine. However, several synod members have indicated their intentions to push for changes in Church teaching on this subject.

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Notably, German Bishops Georg Batzing and Franz-Josef Overbeck have expressed their support for wider acceptance of the proposals adopted by the controversial German Synodal Way, including blessings for same-sex unions.

If the Synod on Synodality does indeed entertain matters of doctrine, it would contradict previous assurances from top officials. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the synod's relator general, explicitly stated in August 2022 that the synod's purpose is "not meant to change doctrine, but attitudes."

Similarly, in June of the same year, U.S. papal nuncio Cardinal Christoph Pierre reassured the U.S. bishops that "synodality is not a disguise for changing doctrine" but rather "a way of being Church."

Cardinal Mario Grech, who leads the Vatican office for synods, also emphasized in July that "no one wants to depart from the Church's teaching" in response to questions about potential doctrinal changes resulting from the synod.

In the coming days, the small groups assigned the task of addressing "inclusion" will finalize their reports and submit them to synod organizers. These reports will then serve as the basis for drafting the assembly's proceedings, culminating in a final summary to be approved at the end of the month. The Synod on Synodality continues to be a focal point of discussion and debate within the Catholic Church.