Vatican document: Gay people have ‘gifts and qualities to offer’
The Roman Catholic Church must find a “fraternal space” for gay people, a Vatican document has said.
Reuters reports a Vatican document said on Monday that although no official change in stance will be made with regards to same-sex marriage, the Catholic church must learn to respect the positive aspects of gay couples.
The document, prepared after a week of discussion at a two-week synod of nearly 200 clergy, says gay people have “gifts and qualities to offer the Christian community.”
It reads: “Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a further space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home.
“Are our communities capable of proving that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?”
John Thavis, a Vatican expert, has called the document “an earthquake” in the Church’s attitude towards same-sex couples.
“The document clearly reflects Pope Francis’ desire to adopt a more merciful pastoral approach on marriage and family issues,” he said.
In March, Pope Francis said: “matrimony is between a man and a woman”.
