Statement of guidance for Fiducia Supplicans: On the pastoral meaning of blessings
Bishop James Johnston shared the following statement of guidance regarding Fiducia supplicans: On the pastoral meaning of blessings:
“The recent declaration by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (Fiducia supplicans) makes a clear distinction between different kinds of blessings. It recognizes that God desires the good for all persons, including those in objectively irregular same sex or heterosexual relationships, and if one reaches out for God’s assistance, that should not be denied. It is inaccurate to say that the Catholic Church is now approving or validating same-sex unions or unions which are outside of marriage. The declaration makes allowance for ministers to bless people in these difficult situations that they may be assisted by God’s grace along the path of conversion and salvation. It is also most clear that these are not liturgical blessings and are not to be offered in a manner including clothing, gestures or words that would risk confusing the blessing with a sacramental marriage.”
