Nicole Winfield, of the
Associated Press reports
Bishops Say Gays Have Gifts to Offer Church, in an issues document reporting the mid-way state of discussions in a two-week event called The Synod.
... there are "positive" aspects to a couple living together without being married. ... No decisions were announced, but the tone of the preliminary document was one of almost-revolutionary acceptance, rather than condemnation, with the aim of guiding Catholics toward the ideal of a lasting marriage.
The bishops said gays had "gifts and qualities" to offer and asked rhetorically if the church was ready to provide them a welcoming place, "accepting and valuing their sexual orientation without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony." ...
"This is a stunning change in the way the Catholic church speaks of gay people," said the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit author. "The Synod is clearly listening to the complex, real-life experiences of Catholics around the world, and seeking to address them with mercy, as Jesus did."
Sadly, the bishops stop short of acknowledging the full human rights of the GLBT by saying that acceptance of "gay marriage was off the table."
Winfield also tell us the bishops are also calling for a 're-reading' of the section of the 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae describing the church's opposition to birth control. My understanding is that the church does allow for the use of condom to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, however, I am not certain of this.
In my later years I've become a scientific humanist and try to respect all the major religions to the degree that it is possible while still maintaining a full commitment to basic human rights, human decency, and progressive values.
While I'm greatly encouraged at the progress and refreshing spirit of change we are seeing under the new Pope Francis, I am also aware that many here will feel that this is way overdue, and about time. And, I will also agree with some who I expect will also rightly ask when will the church acknowledge the equality of all people.
So let me apologize if I seem awkward in trying to straddle between congratulating and encouraging the spirit of long-overdue change and modernization of church views, under the new Pope, which can be political important in our big-tent Democratic coalition, while at the same time articulating a call and even demand for complete equality for all people including the GLBT and their rights to marriage equality.
We are in the 21st century after all, and the church still has not fully complied with all local laws and enforcement efforts with regard to prosecuting pedophile priests, and the church still will not let women be priests, just as two examples of an ongoing outstanding issues many of us who identify as progressive Democrats still have.
Still, I believe in acknowledging progress and granting credit where credit is due. And, also remind skeptics that 1.5 billion of the worlds people are Catholic, and so are many of our valued Democratic voters in swing states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.
And speaking as someone who has not yet achieved anything close to spiritual or moral perfection myself, my I suggest we congratulate these small steps in the right direction while maintaining a call for full equality and modernization. And, also remind ourselves that many Catholic groups such as Sisters on A Bus are among our strongest advocates for social justice, income equality, and ending hunger, and poverty.
It's difficult for me to understand how they can remain so committed to an institution which seems not to fully value them and their contributions, however, I do not understand many others here, and elsewhere, I also wish to value, treat with respect, and continue to be allies with in our Democratic Party and progressive causes.
I hope I can speak for more than just a few when I say we value these contributions from such allies in our efforts towards a more just society. I also apologize to some other allies who may feel I am not sufficiently criticizing severe short-comings on basic issues of human rights and compliance with the rule-of-law.
Whichever side you tend towards, let me encourage all of us to redouble our efforts and join together to work towards achieving liberty, justice, and equality for all people. Which include full support for marriage equality for all people.