Vatican Addresses Bishops’ Concerns Over Same-Sex Blessings, Says It’s Not Heresy

In response to uproar among Catholic bishops, particularly in some African countries, after the approval of blessings for same-sex couples last month, the Vatican issued a five-page statement Thursday to assuage concerns.

The announcement from the Vatican’s doctrinal office emphasizes that the measure is neither “heretical” nor “blasphemous”.

The statement of December 18, known as Fiducia Supplicans (Supplicating Trust), has caused varying degrees of disagreement and confusion, prompting the need for further clarification. The Vatican’s dogma office acknowledged the complexity of the issue, particularly in countries where people receiving such blessings may face violence, imprisonment or even death.

The statement emphasized that the blessings should not be interpreted as an official endorsement of same-sex sex or a sacrament of marriage for same-sex couples. Conferences of Catholic Bishops in many countries had previously clarified this point after the initial statement.

The Directorate for the Doctrine of the Faith, which is responsible for doctrinal matters, stressed in its statement on Thursday that the blessings should not be seen as an endorsement of the entire actions or lifestyle of individuals. He called for a comprehensive and calm reading of the original statement, while reiterating the non-heretical character of the measure within the Church’s tradition.

The issuance of a lengthy clarification shortly after the initial statement highlighted the widespread confusion it caused. The Vatican sought to quell any doctrinal concerns and emphasized the importance of understanding Fiducia Supplicans without doctrinal deviations or misinterpretations.