Oh, for the love of God!
In a half-assed attempt to, once again, return the sheen to the reputation of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis called for an end to anti-gay laws, but offered nothing in terms of substantive policy change. He criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as "unjust," saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ+ people into the church, seemingly making support optional rather than obligatory.
Sounds like a big step in the right direction, but with little in the way of firm backing.
The United Nations, for one, has repeatedly called for an end to laws criminalizing homosexuality outright, saying they violate rights to privacy and freedom from discrimination and are a breach of countries' obligations under international law to protect the human rights of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Declaring such laws "unjust," Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them. "It must do this. It must do this," he said.
Indeed, BUT…………….
You may recall that in 2019, Francis had been expected to issue a statement opposing criminalization of homosexuality during a meeting with human rights groups that conducted research into the effects of such laws and so-called "conversion therapies." In the end, the Pope did not meet with the groups, which instead met with the Vatican No. 2, who reaffirmed "the dignity of every human person and against every form of violence."
On Tuesday, Francis said there needed to be a distinction between a crime and a sin with regard to homosexuality. In an interview with The Associated Press, he noted:
"Being homosexual is not a crime. It's not a crime. Yes, but it's a sin. Fine, but first let's distinguish between a sin and a crime."
Catholic teaching holds that while gays must be treated with respect, homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered." Francis has not changed that teaching. So while his friendly rhetoric is helpful – and even hopeful - it has little substance if not followed up with changes in policy.
Moreover, mixed messages won’t change a thing because they’re not convincing. They fail to show a real commitment to change. It’s like talking out of two sides of your mouth. In fact, it is exactly like talking out of two sides of your mouth. In my view, it’s a feeble attempt to be politically correct while clinging to a centuries-old stance.
Those in leadership roles in our society’s authorities have the power to change the world for the better – or not. I have a tip for the Pope. If you really want to make impactful improvements and possibly also increase membership, commit to making the changes that will bring the church in line with the progressive thinking of the day – the one in which we accept people for who they are, the one that allows them to truly be their best selves. Do the real work that will bring honor to your institution’s soiled reputation. Put an end to your rules that condemn the marginalized and, worse yet, give permission to your followers to do the same. It’s fine time you did the right thing and actually promote the acceptance of all. You know, the way Jesus would have wanted.
Check out the discussion on CBC Radio’s The Current with Matt Galloway
Pope Francis has said that being gay is not a crime, but still referred to homosexuality in terms of “sin.” We discuss the significance of his statement with Father James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor-at-large of America Media; Sister Jeannine Gramick, co-founder of the New Ways Ministry, which supports LGBTQ rights; and Mark Guevarra, a PhD student at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif.
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