The statement, written at the University of Münster, described the clarification of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as lacking in “theological depth, hermeneutical understanding and explanatory rigor”.
MÜNSTER, Germany – More than 200 theology professors in the German-speaking world signed a statement criticizing the Vatican’s rejection of blessings for same-sex couples.
The statement, written at the University of Münster, described the clarification of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as lacking in “theological depth, hermeneutical understanding and explanatory rigor”.
“If scientific discoveries are ignored and not received, as is the case in the document, the Magisterium undermines its own authority,” said the teachers, according to CNA Deutsch, a German language news partner for the CNA.
“The text is characterized by a paternalistic gesture of superiority and discriminates against homosexuals and their life plans.”
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issued a “Responsum ad dubium” on March 15, answering the question: “Does the Church have the power to bless same-sex unions?” The doctrinal congregation replied, “Negative,” explaining its reasoning in an “explanatory note” and a commentary accompanying it.
The decision was approved for publication by Pope Francis and signed by the mayor of the CDF, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, and by the secretary, Archbishop Giacomo Morandi.
The document provoked strong reactions in German-speaking countries, where several bishops publicly expressed their support for the blessing of same-sex unions. Among them is Bishop Georg Bätzing, president of the German episcopal conference.
Bishop Bätzing said on March 15 that the CDF’s response reflected “the state of the Church’s teaching expressed in various Roman documents”.
He commented: “In Germany and other parts of the Church around the world, there have been discussions for some time about the way in which this teaching and doctrinal development in general can be advanced with viable arguments – based on fundamental truths of faith and morals, progressive theological reflection and also in the opening to the most recent results of the human sciences and of the life situations of people today. There are no easy answers to such questions. “
Some Catholic priests said on social media that they would continue to bless homosexual unions, while several Catholic churches displayed rainbow flags, including the cathedral of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.
But other German bishops welcomed the Vatican’s clarification, including Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg and Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau.
In their testimony, theology professors distanced themselves “firmly” from the intervention of the CDF.
“In contrast, we assume that the life and love of same-sex couples are no less valuable before God than the life and love of any other couple,” they said.
“In many congregations, priests, deacons and other pastoral ministers recognize gays, including offering blessing celebrations for same-sex couples and reflecting on the appropriate liturgical forms for such celebrations. We strongly welcome these affirmation practices. “
In its explanatory note, the CDF states: “The Christian community and its pastors are called to welcome people with homosexual inclinations with respect and sensitivity, and will know how to find the most appropriate and coherent means with the teaching of the Church to announce the Gospel to them. its fullness ”.
“At the same time, they must recognize the genuine closeness of the Church – which prays for them, accompanies them and shares their path of Christian faith – and receives the teachings with sincere openness”.