Pope Attacks Same-Sex Marriage In Historic Policy Statement

[Fearless]

He goes on to lament that the “family is experiencing a profound cultural crisis, as are all communities and social bonds”– certainly a fair statement.

But then the Pope hops on board the NOM train, writing that the family, “is the fundamental cell of society,” and, “the place where parents pass on the faith to their children.”

...

“Marriage now tends to be viewed as a form of mere emotional satisfaction that can be constructed in any way or modified at will,” the Pope cries — a direct shot across the bow of same-sex marriage.

“But the indispensable [sic] contribution of marriage to society transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple.”

http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/pope-attacks-same-sex-marriage-in-historic-policy-statement/marriage/2013/11/30/79348#.Upoqq5EhuPU

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Essentially he's saying that the church is threatened by gay couples because by and large they don't pass on "christian values" to their children.

So remember this when people say he's a revolutionary liberal voice. In reality, everything he says and believes is meant to profit the church's growth. From speaking out against poverty and trickle down theory. Look at how his points of view profit the church. There isn't a single one that doesn't. He is a politician exercising political power for political gain.

[Deep13]

1. So, he did not actually mention gay marriage, then.

Frankly, I read that as a criticism of serial marriage or people who get married and then divorced without much thought.

[Fearless]

3. "can be constructed in any way"

[Deep13]

4. It is probably directed more at marriages like mine...

...which is hetero, but with no intention of having children. We were a committed couple long before we got married and only did so for legal reasons. OTOH, there are gay couples who either are raising kids, or else want to do so. I'm not suggesting that he approves of gay marriage, only that his remarks may not have been directed at it. After all, there are a lot more hetero serial marriages and ones like mine than there are gay marriages. Besides, Augustine's reading of Genesis 1 and 2 kind of takes the wind out of the anti-gay marriage argument.

[theHandpuppet]

5. I think not

ENCYCLICAL LETTER
LUMEN FIDEI
OF THE SUPREME PONTIFF
FRANCIS
TO THE BISHOPS PRIESTS AND DEACONS
CONSECRATED PERSONS
AND THE LAY FAITHFUL
ON FAITH
Faith and the family
52. In Abraham’s journey towards the future city, the Letter to the Hebrews mentions the blessing which was passed on from fathers to sons (cf. Heb 11:20-21). The first setting in which faith enlightens the human city is the family. I think first and foremost of the stable union of man and woman in marriage. This union is born of their love, as a sign and presence of God’s own love, and of the acknowledgment and acceptance of the goodness of sexual differentiation, whereby spouses can become one flesh (cf. Gen 2:24)

Pastoral Visit to Assisi
Meeting with the Young People of Umbria (October 4, 2013)
“What is marriage? It is a true and authentic vocation, as are the priesthood and the religious life. Two Christians who marry have recognized the call of the Lord in their own love story, the vocation to form one flesh and one life from two, male and female. And the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony envelops this love in the grace of God, it roots it in God himself. By this gift, and by the certainty of this call, you can continue on assured; you have nothing to fear; you can face everything together!”

[theHandpuppet]

6. No need to read between the lines

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/world/europe/in-major-document-pope-francis-present-his-vision.html?hp&pagewanted=all&_r=0

After months in which many have parsed his comments for hints of change, the pope used the document to reiterate church teachings on abortion, homosexuality and the ordination of women. On abortion, he said, “It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. On the other hand, it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations,” who may seek abortions because of rape or extreme poverty.

Nowhere in the document did Francis speak explicitly of homosexuality or same-sex marriage. However, he said the church should not give in to “moral relativism,” and cited with approval a document written by the bishops of the United States on ministering to people with “homosexual inclination.” The pope said the American bishops are right that the church must insist on “objective moral norms which are valid for everyone” — even when the church is perceived by supporters of gay rights as promoting prejudice and interfering with individual freedom.

Echoing his predecessors, Francis said that ordaining women to the priesthood “is not a question open to discussion.” He acknowledged that “many women share pastoral responsibilities with priests,” and said, “We need to create still broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the church.” But he offered no specifics on doing so.

[arcane1]

2. So, the main purpose of family is to ensure the children are raised catholic?

Hey, those palaces and gold thrones aren't gonna pay for themselves!