Catholic synod: Gay rights groups say vote disappointing

jchima14 · 2014-10-19T11:18:05+00:00

Catholic gay rights groups say the rejection by bishops of proposals for wider acceptance of gay people, backed by Pope Francis, is "very disappointing". A draft paper issued at a Catholic Church synod in the Vatican had included text calling for greater openness towards homosexuals, and divorced Catholics who remarried. But this failed to win two-thirds backing and was not in the final text. The synod will reconvene next year. The New Ways Ministry, a US Catholic gay-rights group, said it was "very disappointing that the synod's final report did not retain the gracious welcome to lesbian and gay people that the draft of the report included". However, it said the synod's "openness to discussion provides hope for further development down the road". Another group, DignityUSA, said: "Unfortunately, today, doctrine won out over pastoral need. It is disappointing that those who recognised the need for a more inclusive Church were defeated." Correspondents say the text welcoming gay people and remarried Catholics had been watered down in the final version that was voted on – but it appears that they still met with resistance from conservatives. All other parts of the draft report were accepted by the synod. Christopher Lamb, from British Catholic journal The Tablet, told the BBC that the discussion at the synod was "a huge achievement in itself". He said it was important to remember that many of the bishops at the synod were from countries where homosexuality is illegal. "We have now got an acceptance that we need a new language in the Church when talking about gay couples and homosexuality in general," he added. Source: ereporter Catholic synod: Gay rights groups say vote â€˜disappointingâ€™ - eReporter

Thread starter jchima14
Start date Oct 19, 2014

jchima14

JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…

Back

Top Bottom

Forums

New posts

Catholic synod: Gay rights groups say vote disappointing

jchima14

JF-Expert Member

Our Community

Regional Communities

Catholic synod: Gay rights groups say vote disappointing