Reporting on the the Religious Information Service release of some European results of the global survey on marriage and family, Vatican Insider has a snippet from Belgium that will not surprise LGBT Catholics – but is of great importance to us, and the for relevant discussions likely at the family synod. The Belgian bishops have concluded that the Church need to be “more open and welcoming” – especially to gay people and remarried divorcees.
“Belgian Catholics expect the Church to welcome everyone, regardless of differences or mistakes made. This especially true when it comes to gay people and remarried divorcees,” SIR says.
“Belgian Catholics, inspired by Francis, are calling for a mother Church that embraces all: hence the need to grow in the faith and form lively communities,” SIR highlights. The questionnaires also placed an emphasis on the essential role women can play in Church life: “It is they who pass on the faith to children and guide them,” Belgian Catholics point out.
Related articles
- Gay Marriage, Ireland: Archbishop Supports Civil Unions. (queeringthechurch.com)
- Footnote to Report of German Bishops to Vatican in Preparation for Synod on Family: Swiss Catholics Weigh In (bilgrimage.blogspot.com)
- Vatican Asks Bishops to Consult Laity on Same-Sex Marriage, Contraception, Divorce (news.queerchurch.com)
- Pope Francis, on Why and How the Church Must Change (queeringthechurch.com)
- Francis, and the Real Threats to Marriage (queeringthechurch.com)
