Catholic baptism is now permitted for trans people and children of same-sex lovers thanks to a recent decision by the Vatican’s theory division.
Giuseppe Negri, a Brazilian bishop, asked the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith ( DDF) some questions, or dubia, which led to the adoption of new rules on October 31. On Wednesday night, the Vatican’s site published the responses to his inquiries regarding specific ceremonies in Italian.
A person who identifies as transgender you be baptized like any other child, according to the report,” as much as there is no risk of causing scandal or dizziness” to another Catholics.
It states that youngsters who identify as trans can also be baptized if they are” properly prepared and willing.” The report also states that, in the appropriate situations, transgender individuals, including those who have undergone sex change procedures, can serve as godparents and testimony in Catholic weddings.
As long as there is a “well-founded wish that he or she will be educated in the Catholic faith,” children of same-sex people can also be baptized.
The report makes it abundantly clear that homosexuals also commit a crime, and that baptism must accompany repentance for for sins. The decision is supported by a number of preaching by Pope Francis.
According to the report, which quotes the priest’s 2013 papal encouragement Evangelii Gaudium,” the church is never a tollhouse, it is the home of the father, where there is space for everyone, with all their problems.”
The pastor is instructed to exercise “pastoral patience” in each situation when deciding whether to permit a transgender woman’s membership.
” It is necessary to take into account the true value that the episcopal community accords to the obligations of the grandfather and godmother, the part they play in the community, and the attention they show toward the Church’s training.”
According to the document, the priest really also consider whether any other members of the extended family does “guarantee” the blessed person’s “proper transmission” of Catholicism.
During the most recent council of the Vatican, Gay issues were a hot topic of conversation.
According to Francis DeBernardo, executive director of the New Ways Ministry, a Catholic LGBT advocacy organization based in the United States, Pope Francis ‘ desire for an approach to LGBTQ+ issues that is pastorally focused is taking hold” signals” that” Vatican’s affirmation that transgender people should be welcomed in church sacramental life.”
The group does, however, issue a warning that the decision does n’t go far enough.
According to DeBernardo,” If church leaders do not use rural prudence with this guideline, it could be used by various officials to create various policies which may exclude for people from different areas of church life.”
The DDF appears to be more concerned with” causing scandal” than with integrating LGBTQ+ Catholics into the lives of the church and their families, he continues, “focusing particularly on the ineligibility of people in” stable, marriage-like relations” who are” well known by the community.”
Instead of using these instructions to carry out outdated restrictions, we hope that church officials will follow Pope Francis ‘ example of a lavish pleasant.
In addition to removing obstacles to trans people’s cooperation, the assurance, according to the party, “proves that the Catholic Church can—and does—change its thinking about certain techniques and guidelines.”
