Same Sex "Blessing" by Priests Seems to Have Gone Underground


This is the one-year anniversary of the Pope's approval for priests to bless individuals in same sex relationships. It theoretically prohibits the priest from blessing a same sex marriage. This site asked dioceses across the country how priests are handling this new rule.

Many Bishops did not respond. Of those that did the most common reply was the rule is not discussed and no records are kept about how often priest bless couples. One of the rules is a blessing must be "spontaneous" and not part of a priest's official schedule. That is quite humorous. I remember watching an interview with a priest months ago who was asked, "Are you performing blessing in accordance with the regulations. "Oh yes, quite often." he said. "I have one this afternoon." It was on his schedule which is not permitted by the Pope's regulations.

One Bishop responded to the question by explaining priests make daily decisions on matters in their parishes or community. There is no requirement to keep tabs on requests of all kinds so priests do what is in front of them each day.

One would think there are both liberal and conservative priests and each may handle requests for "approval" of a gay marriage differently. A local priest, for example, may agree to be present, even standing in front of the church with another pastor, but the other pastor performs the marriage ritual. The priest is smiling with approval in the gay couples' wedding pictures and part of their married life going forward. What priest does not think about his economic future and want as many members in a congregation as possible?

As the years go by, and priests/archbishops are not allowed to refer to gay life as a "sin," I think we can look forward to declining supervision by the Vatican of priests doing gay marriages.  

   

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