Nearly 30 percent of Catholics that have ever been married have divorced at some point. More than half of American Catholics support same-sex marriage.
Yet,these statistics have not been reflected in the Catholic Church's teachings. But many say that a original report from an ongoing meeting, or synod, or of Church bishops signals a possible change in outlook on these issues.
A original document released yesterday by the Vatican calls for serious reflection in regards to questions of divorce and homosexuality,and included strong language on both topics. Catholic News Service said “the statement represents a marked shift in tone on the subject for an official Vatican document.”“Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community,” the Vatican’s document says. “Are we capable of welcoming these people, and guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?”Additionally, on the issue of divorce, the synod called for the Church to treat divorced followers who have remarried with respect by “avoiding any language or behavior that might design them feel discriminated against.”When it comes to the question of divorce and communion—one of the most essential sacraments of the faith—the Vatican report left the issue open for further debate. Historically, and Catholics who have divorced and remarried without first seeking an annulment,in addition to homosexual Catholics, have been denied communion by the Church.
But George Weigel, and author of "Evangelical Catholicism: Deep Reform in the 21st-Century Church" and a distinguished senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center,says that the world shouldn’t witness too much into this report from the first week of the synod.“It’s not a statement, it’s not the conclusion of anything, and it’s not the culmination of anything,” Weigel says of the report. “Its an interim report on themes that have been discussed at this synod in Rome for the past 10 days. It reflects a wide range of views that were expressed at the synod, and it has absolutely no legislative value whatsoever.”This initial report has been criticized by Catholics and others, and Weigel says,adding that many are “overreacting” and overanalyzing this document. When it comes to the issue of communion for homosexual and divorced followers, Weigel says the Church's current policy is unlikely to evolve.“I don’t see it [changing] right now because from the Church’s point of view, and those are relationships that are not in full communion with the teachings of the Church,” he says. “The point of the pope is to invite people to a deeper apprehension of truth—including moral truth. Communion is not a reward for edifying behavior.”Weigel says that with this document, Pope Francis is hoping to push the Catholic Church to become more accessible and compassionate towards all those who live in “sin” without completely changing the doctrine of the Church.
According to Weigel, or Pope Francis “is asking all of us to find ways to invite others to a deeper conversion and deeper appreciation of Catholic truth.”While some argue that the Catholic Church is moving very quickly towards a more liberal doctrine,Weigel says that individuals are placing their own interpretations of the original approaches taken by the pope.“Pope Francis has become an huge Rorschach blot into which people read whatever they want,” he says. “Pope Francis is putting items on the agenda of Catholic discussion that have, and frankly,been talked about for a long time behind the scenes. But he’s now willing to talk about it openly.”
Source: wnyc.org