New pastoral paths for divorced families

Oct 24, 2014

VATICAN: The Synod recognized the need for new pastoral paths in dealing with divorced families. “Each damaged family, first of all, should be listened to with respect and love, becoming companions on the journey as Christ did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus.”

The bishops realize that priests and laity need to be trained to do this. The bishops are especially concerned for those suffering from divorce unjustly, and for the children of divorced couples.

The relatio reports that the annulment process was discussed and that “Various Fathers underlined the necessity to make the recognition of cases of nullity more accessible and flexible. Among the propositions were the abandonment of the need for the double conforming sentence; the possibility of establishing an administrative means under the responsibility of the diocesan bishop; a summary process to be used in cases of clear nullity.” Speeding-up the process “was requested by many.”

On the question of the readmission to Communion of divorced and remarried Catholics, the document acknowledges disagreements. “Some argued in favour of the present regulations because of their theological foundation, others were in favour of a greater opening on very precise conditions when dealing with situations that cannot be resolved without creating new injustices and suffering.”

One suggestion was, allowing readmission to Communion following a “penitential path,” under the supervision of the local bishop. Readmission “would not be a general possibility, but the fruit of a discernment, applied on a case-by-case basis, according to a law of gradualness, that takes into consideration the distinction between state of sin, state of grace and the attenuating circumstances.”

Greater theological study is needed on these issues, admit the bishops, “starting with the links between the sacrament of marriage and the Eucharist in relation to the Church-sacrament.”

Homosexuals have qualities to offer the Christian community

One of the most extraordinary sections in the relatio deals with homosexuals. “Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community,” affirms the document. Are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities?”

The bishops note that homosexuals often “wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of providing that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?”

The bishops reaffirm that “unions between people of the same sex cannot be considered on the same footing as matrimony between man and woman,” but this is a long way from the “intrinsically disordered” language used in the past. It even goes so far as to acknowledge “there are cases in which mutual aid, to the point of sacrifice, constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners.”

Special attention should be given to children of gay couples, “emphasizing that the needs and rights of the little ones must always be given priority.” This would seem to rule out denying baptism or a Catholic education to children of gays.

On birth control, the bishops did not change teaching but said, “Probably, here as well, what is required is a realistic language that is able to start from listening to people and acknowledging the beauty and truth of an unconditional opening to life.”

The relatio concludes by noting that the document represents neither decisions, nor simply, points of view. Rather their reflections “are intended to raise questions and indicate perspectives that will have to be matured and made clearer by the reflection of the local churches in the year that separates us from the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of bishops planned for October 2015.”

However these discussions develop, it is clear that the Church is embarking on them with a new pastoral style that is more compassionate and affirming. -- NCR