Years ago, I was at an ecumenical clergy gathering, and the subject of the pope came up in the conversation. I can’t remember the topic, but I said that I disagreed with that particular pope’s stance on something, and one of the priests said, “But the holy Father…” I cut him off – politely – and said, “I respect the pope’s position and many of his ideas, but to me, he is just another priest. He isn’t my holy Father.” This comment seemed like a revelation to the Catholics present, but to everyone else it was just true. The pope, regardless of who he is, isn’t the boss of us. Recently, many Catholic priests have decided that to be true about them as well.
When it comes to the LGBTQ communities, it seems that Pope Francis is conflicted. On the one hand, he asked, “Who am I to judge?” on the other, he still says they are sinners because of their sexual and gender orientations. He recently wrote that priests may bless same-sex relationships, but not in any liturgical way that might resemble a wedding. These blessings can happen in random meetings and interactions, but not in the church. I asked my friends on Facebook what they thought, especially if they are in one or more of those letters, and the reactions were as varied and unique as they are. There is no unanimity on this issue, which makes it challenging in so many ways. The Catholic church is a complicated entity; I would not want the pope’s job.
I think that Pope Francis has done more to move the church forward than any other pope, in my limited understanding of the history of popes. I believe he would make a lot of changes if he had the power, but the pope isn’t as powerful as people think. The hierarchy of his church is an oligarchy – lots of people with power making lots of decisions. Francis is not a dictator, nor does he want to be. I am encouraged by the support he gets, and I am discouraged by how he is undermined. From a practical point of view, this statement is meaningless, but from a PR perspective, it gives some people hope. Like the ordination of women and allowing priests to marry, the acceptance of all people’s sexuality is a long way off. I doubt any of us will be alive if any of them ever happen.
So, if those issues really matter to you, you can find a church that does them all – there are plenty of us out there. If your love of your church is more important to you, then you can grin and bear it. In the end, none of us know the right answers to any of it. I will continue to err on acceptance, grace, and mercy. That mattered to Jesus, so I will side with Him. This is free will.
Prayer – Holy God, it is frustrating to be so divided, especially when we are also so clueless about the truth. Forgive us. Amen. Today’s art is a pride mural in Kelowna, British Columbia