Pope Blessing For Gay Marriages Inspires Kansas City Faith Community Conversation

This morning we share a peek at two perspectives from opposite ends of the political spectrum.

One view sees a potential for progress whilst words from a local cleric offer context and a bit of liturgical backstory.

Here's the word:

Advocates call the announcement a major step forward, but to members of the LGBTQ+ community in the Kansas City area this could lead to more progress.

“There are a lot of folks who fought for a long time to be recognized and seen as valid within their religion and I think that came today,” said Justice Horn, City of Kansas City LGBTQ Commission chair.

Similarly . . . 

Bishop James Johnston with the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph offered a statement:

“The recent declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (Fiducia supplicans) makes a clear distinction between different kinds of blessings," Bishop Johnston said. "It recognizes that God desires the good for all persons, including those in objectively irregular same sex or heterosexual relationships, and if one reaches out for God’s assistance, that should not be denied. It is inaccurate to say that the Catholic Church is now approving or validating same-sex unions or unions which are outside of marriage. The declaration makes allowance for ministers to bless people in these difficult situations that they may be assisted by God’s grace along the path of conversion and salvation. It is also most clear that these are not liturgical blessings and are not to be offered in a manner including clothing, gestures or words that would risk confusing the blessing with a sacramental marriage.”

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

LGBTQ Commission, Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph react to Catholic Church 'blessings' of same sex marriages

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph reacted to Pope Francis' decision to grant priests permission to give "blessings" to same sex unions.

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Kansas City's Father Taylor Tracy knows too many LGBTQ+ people are the collateral of painful and divisive rhetoric hurled in God's name. | Opinion