The statement, drawn up at the University of Münster, describes the Vatican Congregation’s Explanation of the Doctrine of the Faith as a lack of ‘theological depth, hermeneutical understanding and explanatory rigor’.
MÜNSTER, Germany – More than 200 professors of theology in the German-speaking world have signed a declaration criticizing the rejection of Vatican blessings for married couples.
The statement, drawn up at the University of Münster, describes the Vatican Congregation’s Explanation of the Doctrine of the Faith as a lack of ‘theological depth, hermeneutical understanding and explanatory rigor’.
“If scientific findings are ignored and not received, as is the case in the document, the Magisterium undermines its own authority,” the professors said, according to CNA Deutsch, CNA’s German-language news partner.
“The text is characterized by a paternalistic gesture of superiority and discriminates against homosexual people and their life plans.”
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issued a “Responsum ad dubium” on March 15 in which it answered the question: “does the Church have the power to bless unions of persons of the same sex?” The doctrinal congregation answers: ‘Negative’, and explains its reasoning in an ‘explanatory note’ and accompanying comments.
The decision was approved for publication by Pope Francis and signed by CDF prefect Cardinal Luis Ladaria and Secretary Archbishop Giacomo Morandi.
The document provoked strong reactions in German-speaking countries, where a number of bishops publicly expressed support for the blessing of same-sex unions. These include Bishop Georg Bätzing, President of the German Bishops’ Conference.
Bishop Bätzing said on March 15 that the CDF’s response reflected “the state of ecclesiastical doctrine as expressed in several Roman documents.”
He said: “In Germany and in other parts of the worldwide Church, there have been discussions for some time about how this doctrine and doctrinal development in general can be advanced with viable arguments – based on fundamental beliefs and morals, progressive theological reflection, and also in openness to more recent results of the human sciences and the life situations of people of today. There are no easy answers to questions of this nature. ”
Some Catholic priests have said on social media that they will continue to bless gay unions, while several Catholic churches have displayed rainbow flags, including the cathedral of the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart.
But other German bishops welcomed the Vatican’s statement, including Bishop Rudolf Voderholzer of Regensburg and Bishop Stefan Oster of Passau.
In their statement, the theology professors “firmly” distance themselves from the CDF’s intervention.
“On the other hand, we assume that the life and love of married couples is no less valuable to God than the life and love of any other couple,” they said.
“In many congregations, priests, deacons and other pastoral ministers recognize gay people, among other things by offering blessings to married couples and reflecting on appropriate liturgical forms for such celebrations. We strongly welcome these affirmative practices. ”
In its explanatory statement, the CDF said: “The Christian community and its pastors are called upon to welcome people with homosexual tendencies with respect and sensitivity, and will know how to find the most appropriate ways, in accordance with church doctrine, to Gospel in its fullness. ”
“At the same time, they must acknowledge the true closeness of the Church – who prays for them, accompanies them and shares their journey of the Christian faith – and receives the teachings with sincere sincerity.”