Blessings to homosexual unions in Germany: who was interested?Around the corner with the parental pinPriestly celibacy and sexual abuseThe Catholic Church in the West faces one of the most complex dilemmas in its recent history: maintaining its anthropological doctrine regarding homosexuality while navigating a public space increasingly hostile to any position that does not fully embrace this reality as good and healthy. This difficult balance is reflected both in some explanations of doctrine and in pastoral attitudes, as recent developments in Spain and the United States show.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) clearly states that homosexual acts are objectively disordered and constitute grave sin. At the same time, the Church distinguishes between acts and persons who experience same-sex attraction, urging to treat them with respect, compassion and delicacy (CIC 2357-2359).
However, this doctrinal position, which seeks a balance between truth and charity, does not find easy acceptance in contemporary public debate, where the mere suggestion of a pastoral accompaniment of these people in accordance with the Catechism and encouraging them to live a chaste and sacramental life.
The pressure of public opinion and ecclesiastical silence
In Spain, some media have recently questioned several dioceses about their position on the so-called "conversion therapies" to confirm the accusations made against them of allowing or promoting these practices. The dioceses have clearly disassociated themselves, denying any support or permission for such initiatives.
However, there is a surprising paradox here: while the Church proclaims the importance of living chastity according to its doctrine, it seems to refrain from openly accompanying those who wish to orient their lives in that direction, especially in the case of persons with homosexual tendencies.
While this response may appear to be a strategy to avoid scrutiny and criticism, it also highlights a larger problem: the spiral of silence into which a good part of Catholics seem to have sunk when it comes to addressing this issue. By skirting the underlying issue and not recalling Catholic doctrine, some pastors avoid making public opinion uncomfortable, but they also contribute to the perception that the Church is watering down its doctrine or even accepting that homosexuality is intrinsically good.
This leaves priests and faithful seeking doctrinal clarity in a situation of bewilderment, feeling increasingly alone in defending the Church's doctrine.
The case of the United States: charitable gestures and doctrinal confusion
Meanwhile, in the United States, Cardinal Blase Cupich has added another chapter to this narrative by publishing an article on the website of the well-known priest James Martin. In his text, Cupich emphasizes the need to listen to the stories of suffering and exclusion experienced by homosexual people, urging greater empathy and understanding for them. He has also stated that "LGBTI Catholics have much to contribute, even in the sacrificial love of adoption."
These words seem to suggest, on the one hand, that the Church does not care for homosexual persons and, on the other, that same-sex couples offer a valid and nurturing environment in which to raise a child. However, they have also generated controversy among those who consider that statements of this kind contradict the Church's teaching on the complementarity of father and mother in the upbringing of children.
The underlying problem with examples such as these is that the silence or lack of clarity fuels the perception that the doctrine of the Magisterium is not being followed. is being abandoned. The interpretations that has generated the blessing of homosexual couples allowed by "Fiduccia Supplicans" is the clearest example in this regard. However, it is far from certain that the Church has officially changed its judgment about homosexual acts. Moreover, Pope Francis' personal stance last year, clearly opposing the entry of persons with homosexual tendencies into Italian seminaries, is a good proof.
Is a middle way possible?
The challenge, therefore, for the Church lies in showing authentic charity without compromising what it considers to be true: maintaining a delicate balance that builds bridges with people without renouncing its doctrine. However, the ambiguity it shows does not seem to appease the critics of the "progressive" sectors (who perceive these positions as insufficient and continue to demand doctrinal changes) and those of the more conservative positions (who are increasingly distrustful of Church leaders).
The current situation makes it clear that the Church must redouble her efforts to communicate her doctrine clearly, without renouncing the principles of respect and charity that define her pastoral mission. This implies taking the risk of making public opinion uncomfortable, but also offering the faithful solid guidance in a world marked by confusion on fundamental issues such as sexuality and anthropology.
It is likely that there is no middle way between fidelity to doctrine and the tolerance demanded by public opinion, especially in a context where disagreeing on gender anthropology is not acceptable. The Church faces the challenge of deciding whether it is willing to assume the media and social "martyrdom" that comes with standing firm in its convictions.
Editor of Omnes. Previously, he has been a contributor to various media and a high school philosophy teacher for 18 years.
