Ukrainian Catholic Church REJECTS Fiducia Supplicans

[@xtruthx]

As an orthodox.. I'm praying for my Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. I think another council is in order. This needs to get straightened out quickly, because this could literally divide the church again.

[@sufiameen6093]

totally agree! this action is dividing Protestant mainline denominationss!

[@FrJohnBrownSJ]

I don't think any serious theologians are fighting over the (small "o") orthodoxy of the doc. As conservative people calm down and read the actual doc, it is nothing to schism about. However, there are some serious dissident Catholics who want gay "marriage" and won't be happy until they get it. This letter makes clear the ancient faith hasn't changed. That's all any church council could really say. I'm afraid those who will break away will simply switch to whatever version of Protestant they feel most at home in. No real schism is necessary, nor a council that could prevent it.

[@ChadChadwicksson]

The Church? You're Orthodox, get a grip, brother. The Orthodox church is the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We have nothing to do with RC and they're not the church.

[@AuthenticityVeritas]

100% Been saying it for a month! That the only silver lining I see is that this practically guarantees a Council. But short of a miracle, it will await Francis' death. But you never know! It may get so bad that he is forced to call it himself.

[@jackdaw6359]

Our church? You are not with us

[@Paco0parla]

I am glad that our brothers in the East are setting a line in the sand about this, with uttermost respect for the authority and canon law of the Catholic Church as a whole, and I think they did what they ought to do. This being said, I am Spanish, and I am a Roman Catholic, my language comes from Latin, members of the latin church defended and shaped my country through the ages. Some say that the conversion of king Reccared to Catholicism was the birth of my nation, and all this confusion will not, under any circumstance, make me go outside of it. If I go to anothe catholic church I may end in heaven anyway (God will it), but while I'm on earth I will fight to remain in the church that I feel is rooted in the same soil that I was born, raised and in which I want to die.

[@JoeyG-o8r]

Amen. I'm riding til the wheels fall off.

[@lordtyrus1]

​@@JoeyG-o8rthey have...

[@lemonknope]

Bien dicho Paco 👏👏👏

[@TitusKingdom]

This was awesome to read as a fellow catholic. God bless

[@catholicarrows]

I want to hang around with you in heaven.

[@TheCounselofTrent]

Now THAT is a good looking set. -Kyle

[@JoshBerkley530]

Like superman driving the Batmobile.

[@JamesIdentity]

„Pastoral prudence urges us to avoid ambiguous gestures, expressions and concepts that would distort or misrepresent God‘s word and the teaching of the Church.“ Boom. Nailed it.

[@BelaMadeira]

Absolutely!

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

The Roman Catholic bishops of Ukraine also put out a statement, which reflected a similar sensibility (though they have to accept it for what it is): "We see danger in ambiguous formulations that cause divergent interpretations among the faithful. What we perceive as lacking in the document is that the Gospel calls sinners to conversion, and without a call to leave the sinful life of homosexual couples, the blessing may look like an approval."

[@Joseph-Colin-EXP]

​@HolyKhaaaaan clarity is the path of the righteous.

[@Shinigami00Azael]

Wow, it's like taken right from FS, right? All this about not letting it be even remotely similar to a wedding etc. And not giving anyone any idea that you in any way condone the type of life those people are living?

[@fr.hughmackenzie5900]

but as the statement says, "Blessings" (in the Greek tradition) intrinsically mean approval of the nature of the blessed. @@Shinigami00Azael

[@BD-3x3]

"A Catholic is a person who has plucked up courage to face the incredible and inconceivable idea that something else may be wiser than he is." --G.K. Chesterton

[@stevenharder308]

For Francis, that thing is the sexual revolution.

[@BD-3x3]

@@stevenharder308 "Love is bound; and the more it is bound, the less it is blind." --G.K. Chesterton, _Orthodoxy_

[@isaacbonilla4687]

A Catholic is a person that has committed apriori intelectual suicide and has granted the Pope the ability to think for himself

[@thesmallchocolateguy9331]

I am a Ugandan Catholic and I tell you all this is a lie by the main stream media or youtubers who don't want to read the official document of Pope Francis. We are all sinners and need God's blessings, so if any sinners of which all of us are, go to a Priest asking to bless them, such blessings are not aimed at approving our sinfulness but rather to help us to live a life that reflects God's commandments. Also the document states" When a blessing is invoked on certain human relationships” through a special liturgical rite, the Declaration notes, “it is necessary that what is blessed corresponds with God’s designs written in creation” . Therefore, the Church does not have the power to impart a liturgical(marriage) blessing on irregular or same-sex couples." Also it states;" the doctrine regarding marriage does not change, and the blessing does not signify approval of the union." and ” It is reiterated that according to the “perennial Catholic doctrine” only sexual relations between a man and a woman in the context of marriage are considered lawful. The third part of the Declaration (paragraphs 31-41) opens then to the possibility of these blessings that represent a sign for those who “recognizing themselves to be destitute and in need of his help-do not claim a legitimation of their own status, but who beg that all that is true, good, and humanly valid in their lives and their relationships be enriched, healed, and elevated by the presence of the Holy Spirit” (par. 31). Here is the link to official document : www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-12/fiducia-supplicans-doctrine-faith-blessing-irregular-couples.html. please read and don't believe the main stream media or some youtubers' lies. May God forgive us all through Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.

[@BD-3x3]

@@thesmallchocolateguy9331 :) Bless you, beautiful brother in Christ!

[@Ggdivhjkjl]

Having met Patriarch Sviatoslav, he is a most joyful and faithful man. Great to see him standing up for the Faith!

[@Keith-qj5dp]

@@sA-ny2jl good time to review why you put man’s word over God’s word Christ is not present in your blasphemous clown masses

[@michellemcdermott2026]

Thanking the Ukranian Catholic Church

[@MicahMicahel]

my grandparents who died in the 1990s were always happy the their Ukrainian Catholic church was operated from the papacy. They liked John Paul though.

[@DominicMazoch]

DO IT!

[@davidg2840]

same thanks for the Ukranian Catholic church. I just read document and agree what it was said.

[@murielkinsella3526]

Thank you❤

[@rep.dancrenshawtx-2688]

Slava Ukraini!

[@iamneverwrong1]

In a sense, if the Eastern Church is seeking to recruit with this declaration - they will no doubt be successful.

[@StanleyPinchak]

Pray for our bishops. They have enough trouble from us regulars as it is.

[@nuriacb7880]

As soon as the Papa's document came out, I searched in google for Easter Catholic Church near me and this was before the Ukranian Catholic Church statement. Imagine how many more people have done it too.

[@israeliana]

Eastern Catholic Church* They don't need to recruit they're still under Rome. It's just Byzantine Rite of Catholicism.

[@Flame1500]

@@nuriacb7880 No surprised. The latin church strayed from the truth 1000 years ago. I kinda think it’s fine to attend the different services, but ultimately, this should not surprise you. Give it 50ish more years and Francis IV will be sanctioning gay weddings and trans man holy orders

[@MaraJadeTX]

​@@Flame1500Congrats. You're protestant.

[@_Nasrani_]

As a member of Indian Eastern Catholic Church, I pray our bishops and the cardinal may follow the example of our Ukrainian brethren.

[@caleb.lindsay]

Wow. This is a wild time we are living in. Peace of Christ to all of you! Hold fast to The Faith.

[@lawrencebaxa6168]

The great falling away

[@caleb.lindsay]

@@lawrencebaxa6168 it does seem like the kind of event that could trigger it, doesn't it? Man, times I never thought I'd see...

[@duanesmith8643]

I think this explanation hits home with a majority of Catholics. Blessings mean something. It’s not a vague appeasement to make a few people stuck in sin to feel accepted. We live on Gods terms. Not ours.

[@st.thomasreporter9350]

It's not to make people "feel accepted". It's for the blessing of God to descend on their lives and help them live better. People are letting their pre-conceived notions and prejudices of what they think the document is saying get in the way of what the Church actually desires.

[@duanesmith8643]

It’s not preconceived. I read it.

[@Nikola1791L]

@@st.thomasreporter9350 Please explain a realistic scenario where a homosexual couple decides to get their homosexual relationship blessed, but want to… not be in a homosexual relationship anymore? Even if this would ever happen - then why wouldn’t they just ask for a blessing to overcome this, (which has always been allowed), why would they ask for their disordered relationship to be blessed?

[@vivrowe2763]

​@@st.thomasreporter9350They are living in sin, it can't be blessed at all. End of story.

[@MicahMicahel]

Then the pope would pray for their salvation. You have to admit the pope is playing ambiguities on purpose. I don't think he's stupid. He knows what he's doing. Unless he not morally able to understand.. possibly marxism has subverted his moral capacity. Marxism is derived from Satanism. I don't understand how he could possibly be Marxist and Christian. Marxism is directly treated as a reaction to Christianity. It's the religion of the snake. It's the snake! @@st.thomasreporter9350 read what he snake says and it's Marxism. Marx was a Satanist before he wrote his economic theory. This would explain the pope's actions before as well.

[@iamneverwrong1]

My mom is Ukrainian - raised in the Eastern Rite. I’m not leaving Rome, but I am disappointed with the mess of moral ambiguity that has occurred since this latest from Rome. I can see where the East is coming from- they wish to draw a line in the sand and no wonder. Francis has created more confusion no matter his intentions.

[@jackieo8693]

I would use the word scandal instead of confusion!

[@gunsgalore7571]

I think the best thing we can do is actually read the document so we have a good and informed opinion of what it actually says and go based off that, not what everyone is saying.

[@the0s0ph1st]

@@gunsgalore7571the mere fact that one has to read the document and not able to trust anybody else is the scandalous part about it.

[@jackieo8693]

@@gunsgalore7571 yes and the word "couple" is used along with a bunch of gobbledy gook about "the good things" in the relationship.

[@Jkp1321]

You misunderstand the situation. They are allowed to do that because they are so few in number. As we have seen recently when a member of the Roman clergy stands their ground (Bishop Strickland) it doesn't go well.

[@isaacosahon4352]

Hello Matt, The title of the video is a little misleading: the UGCC is not rejecting but responding to the document, rather their blessings are ONLY LITURGICAL, which is why they cannot apply such blessings for pastoral purposes. It is a valid response.

[@angrypotato_fz]

Agreed, it is a misleading title. And while I like this letter, I don't think it's good to present it as a "banner for rebels" or "hey look, this is OUR side of this conflict, YAY!" - and this is a feeling I get from the title and almost non-existent commentary ;)

[@iliya3110]

It was smart for them to word it the way they did because they’re trying to find a way to oppose it without Rome having a way to enforce it on them. If Rome tries to then the UGCC will complain that’s a Latinization on their understanding of blessings. If you know anything about Ukrainian culture you know it’s very traditional on the whole with family moral values and there is no way they’d approve of something like F.S. culturally speaking. In their culture, it’d be scandalous to publicly bless a SSA couple in a church. The document can say whatever but the praxis is what they care about and it’s the praxis in F.S. they are saying isn’t compatible with Eastern tradition. Thats because they still have traditional and cultural influence from their former Orthodox past in their church, whereas Rome is clearly doing this to appear more “inclusive” and placate a modern, progressive Western audience

[@GaetanoLetiziaMusic]

You’re speaking in gobbledygook. The Ukrainian church took a stand and clarified it. Blessing means approval. My bet is that they will not be blessing any same sex couples. I’m sure they do welcome those individuals who repent of homosexuality though. I applaud them for it in a time when Pope Francis has intentionally stepped over a line too far.

[@isaacosahon4352]

@@GaetanoLetiziaMusic I am just pronouncing what the UGCC proclaimed: if you think it is gibberish or gobbledygook, well, that is too bad. Sure, they have taken a stand, and they did it without rejecting the document, but their blessings must not be for any sinners whatsoever. It is sad if that is the hill they want to die on.

[@lindamorgan2678]

@@angrypotato_fz I worked for me I did not understand the title would of been nice to see the wording "Response to Pope's Blessing of same sex union" but glad I clicked on it. No commentary needed I can make up my own mind and do not need spin like the news

[@huntsail3727]

Amen! May our Eastern brothers, who have the courage to speak with intelligence, charity, and authority, lead us in the West through this period of testing.

[@citizen77750]

You need to add that to the Malawi church, too. They dont even reject they banned the blessings of same sex couples.

[@AuthenticityVeritas]

Malawi, Zambia, Cameroon give outright bans.

[@БНетрек-о4д]

Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine. Have a nice Christmas! :))))

[@timrichardson4018]

Having read Fiducia Supplicans before hearing any commentary (thank God), it seems to me that the UGCC is not "rejecting" it. It seems to me, by their canonical definitions and practices regarding the meaning of blessings, that they are completely in accord with Fiducia Supplicans. A blessing by their canons would be a violation of it's teachings.

[@zestotemp]

They’re saving face like all the bishops who have rejected it. There is no difference east and west between blessings. That is a fib. Eastern priests can bless things privately.

[@jomorod4275]

Seems like thier is a difference between both rites on the meaning of blessing. Latin rite allows for spontaneous blessing I.e. Someone goes to the priest outside of the mass/liturgy or sacraments and ask for blessings for themselves, family, friends, sacramentals etc. The priest typically don't ask if you have gone to confession before they give blessings, they are blessing the individual and not thier intentions. Then their is a liturgical blessing given during mass or in connection with some sacrament. The document is addressing those kind of spontaneous blessing. Marriage is a sacraments and administered usually during mass or some kind of liturgy. The blessing in the marriage liturgy is given to both the individual and the union. Blessings given to two homosexuals just like 5 heterosexual is not in anyway a liturgical blessing as it is not connected to sacraments of marriage.

[@consecratedsoul]

“Blessing a reality that is contrary to creation is not only impossible, it is blasphemy.” -Cardinal Muller

[@volusian95]

The union isn't blessed tho

[@natewilke]

​@@volusian95yes they are. Read the document.

[@zebre676]

@@natewilke No they aren't, relationship is not equal to the union, nor is it contrary to any doctrine in the church. Read the document.

[@natewilke]

@@zebre676 read the document. The couple is being blessed, not the individuals.

[@pcola4594]

@@volusian95 You cannot separate a couple from the thing that binds them as one.

[@DrModestMom]

Amen! God bless our Eastern brothers and sisters!

[@lostcauselancer333]

As a Protestant, I can’t express how fervently I’m praying for understanding about what any of this means.

[@Amcc38383]

I'm Catholic but I need to learn more before speaking about it

[@pop6997]

​@@Amcc38383 Strange times indeed.

[@jonathanstensberg]

Simple: do you believe that someone can ask God to help those in sinful relationships overcome the sinfulness in their relationships? If the answer is yes, then you agree with Fiducia Supplicans, at least up to the point of where you may disagree with the Catholic Church about other related matters (eg the nature of the priesthood, the nature of the priestly blessing, etc.)

[@AJ_Jingco]

​@@jonathanstensbergHomosexuals in themselves are *LOVED* by God. But Homosexual ACTS is an *ABOMINATION* to God.

[@claytonhall989]

We’re slipping into murky times. The pope is intending to bless individuals within a same sex relationship with the apparent hope that they would not continue this relationship, but the language being used is so vague. Please continue praying for the Christian church and her leaders.

[@dylans5386]

The last sentence from this statement, “The blessing of the Lord be upon you”. That wasn’t liturgical, was it? And it’s not condoning the readers reading this document of their actions, or their way of life. It seems like it’s a simple phase that’s meant to imparts God’s love to another. In paragraph 5 of the Fiducia Supplicans it specifically states the Catholic Church cannot bless same sex couples. I think everyone is just confused and misinterpreting what it means to be blessed. 5. This is also the understanding of marriage that is offered by the Gospel. For this reason, when it comes to blessings, the Church has the right and the duty to avoid any rite that might contradict this conviction or lead to confusion. Such is also the meaning of the Responsum of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, which states that the Church does not have the power to impart blessings on unions of persons of the same sex.

[@calebcoulter2268]

Thats a pretty hilarious catch and I think it does explain the purpose of FS very well. All in all I don't think this response document is nearly as 'defiant' as some people are reading it to be though. I took it more like "the situations where the document applies does not occur in our rite, therefor we can not participate"

[@marilena7848]

Yes, I know the document itself is fine. But I also know what all the headlines say. Is the Vatican PR department really that awful? Or are they deliberating confusing us all, thus sowing division and/or leaving the door open for abuses?

[@TheBadgerDad_TheByzantineLife]

Indeed, the Patriarchal Apostolic Blessing at the conclusion of an official address is a liturgical action, as these missives are designed to be read from the pulpit by the priests as representatives of the Hierarch.

[@dylans5386]

Liturgy in the Catholic Church generally pertains to formalized rituals and ceremonies associated with public worship, such as the Mass and sacraments.

[@Bonifatus]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@marilena7848 “When we cannot excuse the sin, let us at least render it deserving of compassion, attributing it to the most favorable cause, such as ignorance or weakness. But may we never then judge our neighbour? No, truly, never.” -St. Francis de Sales

[@RomanBlain]

My wife and my children are baptized Byzantine. I will be seeking to formally change rites myself. Both for the benefit of my family, and now because the application of jurisdiction in the Latin Church is getting weird very quickly.

[@roytofilovski9530]

The Eastern Catholics are still Catholic. I don't think there is any formality required, although I may be wrong on that.

[@DominicMazoch]

THere is a formal change of Rite procedure. However, for Communion, Confession, Last Rites and Sunday Obligation, you are go to go right now.

[@chrisgunn9674]

Matt 16:18 "And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it."

[@joecardone4887]

So am I correct in saying that the document was more of a recommendation for priests for how to approach these blessings? Because correct me if I’m wrong but it was written to clarify to the Church that the German church is wrong in how they’d approach blessing same sex couples. So to me this document is saying the German church is taking it too far but here’s what we can do. Please give me your feedback and only respond if you’re really trying to help and if you’ve read the document in full. It seems most people are reacting before reading the document

[@volusian95]

Your assessment is right, many people don't understand that the whole point of the document is to establish limitations rather than the opposite. I mean, it's super obviously dishonest how the media has reported on it, considering the document repeats multiple times that irregular unions cannot be blessed. But at the same time, I think some of the approach is overly charitable and the lack of direct language regarding repentance and the intrinsic evil of such unions has opened the door to grave misunderstandings.

[@Willis_S]

I have read the document in full, in quiet. Section III .31 says that there is now a blessing for irregular (adulterous ) couples and a blessing for same sex couples in a relationship. There is no call to repentance or hope for the individual. The document pretty much states you can bless disordered unions in anywhere but Mass. IMO, it is the first step in normalizing sexual disorders in the Holy Church.

[@auk7447]

I've just read it. It's very clear that this is a spontaneous blessing of people, outside of the liturgy, outside of any ritual and without any formality or connection to civil unions. It is a pastoral and private blessing. I can't see that being contrary to Christ. I volunteer in hospital chaplaincy. When you are in a pastoral role - up close to human experience and suffering the intellectual arguments tend to fall away and we become Christ for the other. This is how I see this document. For me it's important to distinguish between blessing and sacrament.

[@imjustheretogrill9260]

It is confusing. It explicitly reaffirms church teaching on marriage. However, it seems to reduce homosexual relationships from intrinsically disordered to irregular which is terrible phrasing. Irregular unions can be regularized. Sodomy can’t be regularized. Additionally they are called “couples” but they are not based on traditional Catholic anthropology. The other confusing part is you can bless their “humanly valid… relationships…” Nobody clearly knows what that means. This is article 31 and where most confusion resides. Trads are concerned “relationships” in context is the sodomite’s diabolical relationship. That can’t be blessed. Others are saying that isn’t what it means. The Pope hasn’t clarified.

[@Willis_S]

@dansteele8855 The document provides a means for blessing those in mortal sexual sin, but not a path forward for the individual. The Church already provides the remedy for those individuals entangled in habitual mortal sin, but never in our history has the Church ever bestowed a blessing people as a group whose only relation is a sinful act. The fact that we are having this debate is evidence of how this document was designed to seed confusion within the Church.

[@Ahomesteadersdream]

Beautiful! My family has already made the decision, if we ever see this happening in our local small town Parish, the only option we will have left is to begin attending the Ukrainian Catholic Church…. But Divine Liturgy is at 8:30am, so we’ll have to make a few sacrifices to get our 5 kids out the door extra early if it comes to it!

[@kypeppermiller9689]

The sacrifice is worth it! We have been part of the Ruthenian Catholic Rite for 30 years, raising our 5 children and now our grandchildren. 7:30 Liturgy 40 minute drive and so worth it! Best decision we were made. God bless you! ☦️

[@waseemhermiz7565]

I also attend the Ruthenian Byzantine Liturgy in a Ukrainian Catholic Church and it is heaven on earth. Glory to Jesus Christ!

[@Ahomesteadersdream]

@@kypeppermiller9689 I actually attended our local Ukranian Church about a month and a half ago by myself to see more clearly what it was like. Last time I went was 20 years ago. What and where is the Ruthenian Rite? I doubt it’s near me, but curious - there’s so many ‘Rites’… another that we’d gladly attend if it was more geographically available is the Ordinariate. Lovely liturgical celebration and community- we do have a locally available Wednesday afternoon liturgy with that community via our Homeschool association. Thank you.

[@joshuamoore8278]

I’ve asked my parish to provide me their stance and have suspended our family tithes until they provide a position. I’ve also told them that if they support it I will be redirecting our funds. People need to vote with their wallets.

[@jamesms4]

Mate ye really dinnae HAVE to go to an Eastern Catholic (ye can if you want I did that in mae time). But you should stay away from a Parish that does these blessings. Odds are they won't even enforce rules found in Fiducia Supplicans. OTOH ignore what I just said if it keeps ye out of the SSPX or the so called Eastern Orthodox proper.... Glory to Jesus Christ.

[@darryljanzen1019]

I know next to nothing about the eastern Catholic Church, but this text is astounding! Very well said both from tradition and scripture!

[@bansheebrethren797]

Title is misleading. They just recognize that this doesn’t apply to them realistically.

[@bruno-bnvm]

Open your eyes.

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

Meanwhile, in the Latin Church in Ukraine: Editor’s note: On December 19, 2023, the Roman Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ukraine published the following response to Fiducia supplicans on their official website here. Below is an unofficial English translation by OnePeterFive: Communiqué of the Ukrainian [Roman Catholic] Bishops’ Conference on the Declaration of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith “FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS” on the pastoral significance of blessings. The document of the Vatican’s Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith examines the different types of blessings that can be given by clergy outside the liturgy. The document also emphasizes that only those who want to live a life pleasing to God and ask for a blessing can be blessed liturgically. Instead, it expands the understanding of extra-liturgical blessing, which is usually given to all people, by introducing the possibility of “blessing same-sex couples.” It is this possibility that has caused a storm of reactions and misunderstandings about the moral and doctrinal issues in the Catholic Church regarding this kind of blessing. This is because the concept of “blessing” is perceived by many as “permission,” especially as “permission to sin.” While the entire document makes it clear that there is no “permission” or “blessing” for homosexual cohabitation or any life of sin, nor any change in the Church’s traditional teaching on marriage, the notion of blessing same-sex couples, or even sacramentally irregular couples, can be perceived as legalizing these relationships. The document seeks to emphasize God’s boundless love for all people, sinners included, and in this regard to show that the Church does not reject these people, namely those with homosexual tendencies or even actions. However, it seems that the text does not clearly show the distinction between the person and his or her manner, the merciful acceptance of the person and the express disapproval of his or her sin. At the same time, the document focuses mainly on two categories of people: those living in sacramentally irregular relationships (men and women) and same-sex couples. Thus, the document treats the situation of sacramentally irregular male-female couples and same-sex couples equally. Both situations are gravely sinful, however, they need to be treated separately. We see danger in ambiguous formulations that cause divergent interpretations among the faithful. What we perceive as lacking in the document is that the Gospel calls sinners to conversion, and without a call to leave the sinful life of homosexual couples, the blessing may look like an approval. However, we emphasize that the document repeatedly stresses that the blessing of same-sex couples is in no way a legalization of such cohabitation, and the Catholic Church’s teaching on the Sacrament of Matrimony, which is the union of a man and a woman, remains unchanged. Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops of Ukraine 19 December 2023

[@jeanierussell201]

That’s what the Bishops in the U.S.said too. We got an email today. In my opinion it’s just opening the door to more.

[@godfreydebouillon8807]

I'm not a Catholic, but I attended an RCIA meeting last week. If we go ahead and become Catholic, can I attend an Eastern one? Is it all one communion? The Pope, last week, put the brakes on our journey (my wife and myself). I think I recognize the Church as the universal true Church, but am having trouble now that they are openly blessing depravity and sin with a word salad.

[@paullahoud5783]

Yeah, the Eastern Catholic Churches are all in communion. I myself am a Maronite Catholic.

[@here_we_go_again2571]

"Word salad" That describes what Pope Francis and his followers have been doing since he took office. Nothing he states or does is clear to the average person in the pews (could it be because he is a Jesuit?) I've got a nagging premonition that the pro-LGBTQ (+ ...whatever ...) priests and the homosexual priests (there are a lot of them in the RCC) are going to openly perform blessings of same-sex couples in front of the friends/families of these same sex couples.(As well as a possible exchange of rings) A party (reception) will, most likely, be held by the participants with their family and friends (who approve) afterwards. I don't think that those within the church are going to be able to roll-back what I believe will happen. Frankly, I foresee the same or similar anger and confusion for the laity continuing in the much same way that the liturgical changes of Vatican ii caused as well as the destruction of traditional altars and altar rails (where people used to kneel for Holy Communion) as well as an "anything goes" attitude regarding music and clothing traditions (modest dressing and women w-hats/scarves at church)

[@paullahoud5783]

Brother, if you believe what you said in your last sentence, then you should also have faith in what the Lord promised Peter when he said the Gates of Hell must not prevail. The reason that a word salad must be used (when even that word salad can't be properly interpreted to allow for the blessing of sin) is to cause mass confusion. I pray that you find the truth, guided by the Holy Spirit.

[@kerry8506]

You can attend an Eastern church. We’re all in communion. It’s not as bad as all that though. The pope has said the church cannot bless sin, and that hasn’t changed. The document is orthodox. Priests can only bless the sinners, not their union, not their relationship, not their actions. One can argue whether it’s appropriate to bless the two people together. Paragraph 20 reads: “One who asks for a blessing show himself to be in need of God’s saving presence in his life and one who asks for a blessing from the Church recognizes the latter as a sacrament of the salvation that God offers. To seek a blessing in the Church is to acknowledge that the life of the Church springs from the womb of God’s mercy and helps us to move forward, to live better, and to respond to the Lord’s will.” So the blessing doesn’t condone depravity. Rather it is meant to extend grace to turn toward God.

[@rayboi7924]

Pope Francis wants the people to be blessed so that they may receive the graces of conversion. The Pope does not want “depravity” to be blessed, he wants sinners to be blest. Are we not blessed by the priest after Holy Mass? Are we not sinners? Why should those struggling with homosexuality be treated differently? Hopefully I helped, God bless!

[@recipeformiracle]

This response is brilliant, concise, and spot on!!!

[@vipe650r]

I am not a Catholic, myself, but seeing my brothers and sisters take a stand against heresy and perversion is beautiful, right, and good; and I bless your enduring pursuit of faithfulness to God and His commandments.

[@racheljames7]

Are you a protestant? Do you take a stand against contraception and divorce?

[@xehaexox]

There was no heresy. Stop the slander

[@georgesaguelton5751]

@@xehaexox Meaning of heresy: belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine, opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted. Therefore the notion of heresy is correct.

[@cosmicgirl7288]

There’s nothing in His commandments about homosexuality.

[@geomicpri]

As a non Catholic Christian, I do not look upon this fiasco with any degree of glee. However, I’m happy to think that perhaps Catholics may come to see the wonderful value of varieties within the Body of Christ. It would be silly to fight over the definition of “blessing” when the difference of definitions & expressions within the Church can actually be, well, a blessing.

[@rockmcdwayne1710]

I got to be honest, im quite confused over this... debacle?! 1st: If you believe in the doctrines of catholic church AND you happen to be gay, you should also believe that you are commiting sin so why on earth would you want a priest give you his blessing in gay marriage in catholic church?! And 2nd: If you dont believe in catholic doctrines then you are not catholic so, AGAIN, why on earth would you want blessing from catholic priest in your gay marriage in catholic church?! Which ever way you look at it, it seems like the institution of catholic church is directly attacked over this issue while it shouldnt be an issue at all?!

[@vincentmcnabb939]

Indeed.

[@jacobbrunoni4344]

How do they have a different definition of blessing? Blessing is in numerous places in scripture that explicitly go against the definition of "approval". The most obvious example is Christ's order to bless your enemies.

[@gregorypizarro9403]

I see very confused people in the comments. I’m almost certain, and most of these people have not even read the document.

[@Strive1974]

Best rebuttal yet!! Amen ! ❤

[@EamonBurke]

Maybe the title could be "RESPONDS TO" because the statement isn't a rejection, it's a clarification that the Declaration from the Dicastery *doesn't apply*. -An Eastern Orthodox Brother, who is deeply upset by what Cardinal Fernandez is doing, but doesn't want to literally watch Rome Burn

[@francismcglynn4169]

“Being baptized is not just a cultic ritual; it is an event with a definite meaning: acceptance of the universal form and Creed of the Church in such a way that they become my personal way of life. In being baptized, I accept the form of the Church as the form in which I find my truth, because in it truth itself comes to me. Faith is not an indeterminate and never-to-be-understood option; on the contrary, its content, which is stated very concretely in a language that everyone can understand, is inexhaustible. Even though it is by no means incomprehensible or arbitrary, its depths can always be probed more deeply. This distinction between what is inexhaustible and consequently can open new depths and new possibilities to every life and what is indeterminate and can therefore be interpreted as one chooses is one of the things that the admixtures of the present prefer to ignore. Another point is important here. Paul does not say that Tradition is entrusted to the candidate for Baptism, but rather that the candidate is entrusted to Tradition. Tradition does not belong to the candidate as a possession with which he can do as he pleases. Rather, he becomes its possession. As the greater of the two, it is Tradition that forms the candidate, not the candidate who forms Tradition. This fact yields two important insights. First, Christian faith has a definitive content, and this content can be unequivocally stated in our language. Christian faith is not a glittering admixture of Yes and No; its Yes is Yes, and its No is No. It is unequivocal regarding its essential nucleus. It is precisely in that respect that it opposes uniformity and is fruitful, because only what is unequivocal can lead us to the depths of our being, while ambiguity circles forever in the mists. Second, this content of faith is stated in the Church’s Creed, which is the universal form through which faith leads humanity to understanding in all places and all times.” [Joseph Ratzinger, Co-Workers of the Truth: Meditations for Every Day of the Year, ed. Irene Grassl, trans. Mary Frances McCarthy and Lothar Krauth (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1992), 228-229.]

[@MrFrenchy777]

Thank you and may God Bless the Ukranian Catholic Church!

[@Petroseni]

Well done!! Our Eastern Catholic churches welcome one and all!!!

[@1952jodianne]

My Dad was baptized Maronite. Shall have to look into it.

[@ShirlJr]

In Canada, switching to the Ukranian church is definitely an option worth checking. Thanks!

[@myleshagar9722]

How has the Canadian hierarchy responded? Take a guess.

[@videonmode8649]

The CCCB have affirmed the document is about blessing only the PERSONS and not the union.

[@israeliana]

Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is still Catholic

[@ayararesara6253]

I heard there are barely any greek catholic in Canada left, even census started to list them as just "catholics".

[@jonathanstensberg]

Misleading title. The statement does not reject FS but rather states that FS is not applicable in the east. This is due to the non-existence in the east of the kind of blessing that is permitted by FS; the only kinds of blessings that exist in the east are those that are explicitly prohibited by FS.

[@Wagnersuperior]

This is a distinction without a difference. FS does this. A union vs. couple for instance.

[@jonathanstensberg]

@@Wagnersuperior No, this is a clear distinction with real world consequences. In particular, western Catholics have to decide whether Fiducia Supplicans is right or wrong; eastern Catholics can simply say it's not relevant to them, without being forced to judge the document to be right or wrong on the matter. This is exactly what Ukranian Catholic Church has done: say it doesn't apply without saying whether it would be right or wrong if it did apply.

[@dprague2572]

I guess I’d be classified as a Protestant Christian, I remember a fundamentalist evangelical Protestant brother once telling me he had more in common with a conservative catholic than a liberal evangelical. I think this news reflects that, perhaps this will unite the church like never before. Striving for scriptural fidelity ought be something that unites the church, I pray it does.

[@dontewithdragons]

IMO I think in a civil sense, I'm completely fine referring to the Catholic church as a Mother church rooted in ancient and modern Orthodoxy for the sake of unity. Despite any doctrine and belief practices, our church serves as a bridge to Christ despite changes to cultures and science. Like a giant boat that doesn't sink. We're still brothers and sisters in Christ, and we shall know the merits of our churches by the fruit it brings. For lay Protestants, Sacraments adapted to them are still fruitful. Praying directly to God under the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a repentant heart, the Sacrament of Marriage to practice unconditional love as it's practiced in Heaven, Anointing of the Sick, and Confirmation of the Faith to being Christian in the heart. God bless!

[@Metanoia000]

I’m Catholic and I appreciate this comment. Hopefully we can all be brought together again under one banner someday.

[@racheljames7]

Protestant denominations allow for divorce and contraception. Thisnis something every Protestant would do well to bare in mind when commenting on this subject.

[@georgesaguelton5751]

@@racheljames7 Allowing and turning a blind eye have the same result. Protestantism is fractured in external denominations, Catholicism is fractured internally. The Orthodox Church, albeit divided by nationalities, is still doctrinally one. The Orthodox Church is the last bulwark against secular and liberal attacks.

[@geordiewishart1683]

Not all Protestant denominations allow for divorce In the manner that you are suggesting . I would rather worship with Protestants who allow non fault divorce than worship with any form of papist

[@Santos.da.casaSJ]

This gives me hope❤ here stands a clear and accurate declaration. Bless the Lord

[@bryanjones8778]

Good for the Eastern Catholic Churches in taking a stand against this new document!

[@29memyselfandi]

Starting to really appreciate the Eastern European rejections of all things woke. Not just with regard to religion but also with regard to the sinister moves of the WEF and the Soros funded movements.

[@gunsgalore7571]

What about the document is woke?

[@aanler]

​@@gunsgalore7571 The part where they're ok with blessing same sex partnerships? 🤔

[@gunsgalore7571]

@@aanler Well the document is very much not ok with blessing same sex partnerships, though. The document condemns such partnerships. It does allow blessing two gay people, but only as long as they aware that they are sinners and that this is about bringing them closer to God, not validating them. (I read the actual document, BTW, and you should, too, and not just believe what Timothy Gordon told you.) Blessings are not the Eucharist. Anyone can be blessed.

[@aanler]

@@gunsgalore7571 The document says COUPLE several times. A same sex *couple* isn't just two individuals.

[@gunsgalore7571]

@@aanler Yes, it says couple. Yes, a same sex couple is two individuals in a relationship. The document makes that clear. If it intended us to bless anything else, it wouldn't have specifically said that the Church cannot bless gay unions. It did specifically say no blessing unions, so couple is the obvious alternative to mean the two individuals in question. If you have a problem with the wording, that's different than asserting the Vatican is pro-gay.

[@qodesmith520]

Why can't they just say - "We disagree with the pope, blessing gay relationships goes against the teaching of scripture, and the gay lifestyle is sin." See how plain that is?

[@dyzmadamachus9842]

Bc they are in agreement with the Pope- blessing same sex relationships is against scripture, tradition and church teaching.

[@mnc324]

May the UGCC remain faithful to the Holy Spirit. Blessed be God :)

[@stephenlight647]

Excellent. I may need to work my way back to the Marionites. Maybe they will follow this next.

[@JohnHenrysaysHi]

Thank you, Matt. Praying for Pope Francis and the Church every day in my Rosary.

[@foxx2990]

You are a Ukrainian Greek Catholic ? Wow, I had no idea…just assumed that as an Aussie like me you were a Latin rite Catholic.

[@SebastianC25]

Im staying Roman Rite, the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against any Catholic Rite. Christ promised it. But it saddens me that we can now be mocked.

[@PaxMundi118]

Bishop Barron and Father Mark Goring approved of the document.

[@Mark3ABE]

They are, quite naturally, afraid of being “cancelled” and deprived of their ministries. They will both be under very close scrutiny by the Holy Office. One word out of place and they will meet the same fate as Bishop Strickland.

[@AuthenticityVeritas]

@@Mark3ABE Then Bishop should have stayed QUIET! Who demanded he issue a personal statement?

[@PaxMundi118]

I want to respond to both of these comments. The assertion that Bishop Barron is afraid of being "cancelled" if he expresses any criticism or dissent is unfounded. Bishops, Cardinals, priests with public ministries and even Bishop's' Conferences have expressed disagreement, partial assent, harsh criticism, hyperbolic denunciation and, in the case of Bishops' Conferences, a refusal to implement the document (as in Nigeria, Malawi, Ukraine and others). Bishop Barron and especially Fr. Goring, who is known as a conservative, capable of being critical of Pope Francis, a priest with a wide range of opinions, could freely have expressed a critical or negative response. But theu both did not. Barron, who is a wise and effective Bishop, and who has brought more people to Christ than any other priest since Fulton Sheen, gave his approval of the document. Full stop. Fr. Goring, known as being very conservative, and also a powerful evangelist for the Church, has spoken clearly (and calmly, unlike some people) about why he sees no problem with the document. He is also free to express dissent, as that would not believe unexpected from him in this situation, as a strong conservative, and as a priest who does not hold back on opinions. Bishop Strickland, on the hand, supported Sedevacantism at the Rome Life Conference this year, calling the Pope "the usurper of the office St. Peter." He shared a tweet calling Francis a "disoriented, demented clown." Also, at the Rime Conference, he read a letter that said that Francis is "the voice of Satan" and "the Antichrist" according to the Book of Revelation. These were reckless and frankly unhinged attacks on the Pope, but they are not the most problematic things he did as Bishop. He was the first signatory on a document accusing the Pope of heresy, in violation of Canon Law (according to the Eighth Ecumenical Council). Still, this is not why he was fired. He was fired because, after a thorough investigation into his Diocese, there was determined to be serious "management issues," either financially, in addition of perhaps the handling of priests or other issues. Two priests have come public saying Bishop Strickland management approach and celebrity status was, in several ways, damaging the Diocese and its parishioners. He was not fired for expressing Conservative views. Many Bishops, priests and Cardinals express even more conservative views than him, or give support for the SSPX, but see no discipline. The cancellation hypothesis doesn't hold up, in my view.

[@PaxMundi118]

Personally, I have critical things to say about the document, which I can share.

[@lisbethkelly4480]

People go to Communion with their arms crossed and get a blessing. People in irregular relationships can get blessings even unions, unless the people openly express that they are leading a sinful life with no intentions to change. This whole thing is ridiculous. My 17 year old son understands this better than me.

[@314jph]

No, not unions. That would be anathema to the Church's teaching and is not included. Spontaneous, not liturgical, and, yes, it is muddled and troublesome. It was supposed to answer questions, states it is the last word, but all it is doing is sowing confusion.

[@lisbethkelly4480]

@@314jph it's no different than a priest blessing a group of people designated for a special mission. Just because two people happen to be SSA, doesn't give anyone the right to assume they're in a state of sin. Innocent until proven guilty, eh?

[@Azzury.]

You think this doesn’t spell the writing on the wall. Per haps you can rear your 17 year old son to spell it out for you.

[@TheMCNanno]

I don’t see the ambiguity in the Document it makes no sense anyone else does

[@volusian95]

Started attending at my local UGCC parish in 2017, and fully decided to stay a couple of years later. I'm now a server. Come on over if possible guys, the water is fine. Actually please do, most of the parishes in my area are old and struggling to survive.

[@andriimarchuk9649]

I’m in the Ukrainian church and we survive with new waves of immigrants. Somehow children in the west to away from church. I was born in Ukraine but found got(or he found me) during my time West. West need strong apostles fully on fire with Holy Spirit! Be the one in your church!

[@Truthmatters-]

Blessings can be given after “repentance” of sins. Repentance always comes first before blessing.

[@angrypotato_fz]

I'd like to hear more about blessings in Eastern Church outside the liturgical rite in general - for example parents blessing their children or saying blessing over your friends. From this letter I'd understand that any blessing offered by a priest is automatically liturgical. In general, I feel like the blessing is too often regarded as a reward and acclamation instead of an aid to achieve something. Similarly for the Holy Communion.

[@jackdaw6359]

Well Holy Eucharist requires a state of grace and that doesn't make it a reward either.

[@Tokody]

What is meant by the blessing at the end of the letter - is that liturgical too, an approval, affirmation, of all the readers? I'm asking as someone who doesn't understand what appears to be a contradiction. Are there actually two meanings of blessing, despite what the letter seems to state?

[@martabachynsky8545]

Слава Богу! Glory Be to God! ☦✝🙏🏼

[@PadraigTomas]

Amen.

[@TheTruthisWritteninyourHeart]

Yes let’s schism all the way to Protestantism when we need unity we get division. Yes let’s keep going let’s get legalistic that’s always worked out well. The blessings is to help people move further to God when we refuse the Eucharist and cross our arms we seek and receive a blessing are people to be excluded from this also.

[@Llyrin]

While I disagree with many things Pope Francis has decreed, I agree with this one. I see nothing wrong with blessing the person and admonishing them to lead a good, Christian life. Consider this: when Jesus saved Mary Magdalene from the mob, he told her, “Go, and sin no more.” He was blessing her, not her prostitution.

[@lindamorgan2678]

Bravo ! Thanks so much for sharing and informing us. Came across this by accident and did not know what the title even meant but clicked on it to find out. I have only been to an Eastern Orthodox church, was trying to decide between Ukrainian Catholic also. When I see what the pope is doing in recent years I thought nope I will go find an Orthodox Church and be supportive and faithful to the word, I refuse to be an enabler in this evil woke disgusting nonsense.

[@sienkiewiczmonika1161]

The declaration does not change in any way the current teaching of the Church regarding marriage and family. It is also not a document about the Church's teaching on marriage and family, but rather about the correct understanding of the word "blessing".

[@pollywanda]

Blessings are approval--- don't twist wordsl

[@oldsoul9932]

If that’s true, then why are they celebrating? The Jesuits put out a full page advert in the NY Times today affirming the blessing of the couples, and that the Church is changing.

[@pollywanda]

The Church is changing for the better--- what's wrong with equality and inclusiveness? Pope Francis clarified that homosexuality is not a sin, and gay couples can be blessed--- An early Christmas gift for many families.

[@ThePianoFortePlayer]

@@pollywanda so when I’m in a communion line and gesture to the priest to give me a blessing instead of the Eucharist because I’m not in a state of grace, the priest is approving of my sins?

[@pollywanda]

@ThePianoFortePlayer That's an individual blessing--- To bless a couple means to bless what makes them a couple. It's very clear to me, but I pray Pope Francis clarifies this more. Something is blessed when a blessing is given. If not the couple's union, what?

[@alwaysbekindlove]

I wish our focus as Catholics would be end the attack of children on the land that Jesus Christ roamed searching for shelter. Persecuted and rejected. But instead we foolishly worry about our pope giving a blessing. A blessing. It’s like the Pharisees refusing to heal the ill on a sabbath. What kind of Jesus followers are we being when we turn away from the murdering of children in war and ask people not to abort? We are hypocrites and we need to remove the mud fast. Blinded flock.

[@takmaps]

Trent literally did a Mortal Kombat "Toasty" appearance

[@Erwin70000]

The Great Falling Away! Man can't bless what God has condemn.

[@marcuscabrera4079]

GLORY TO HIM FOREVER!

[@jordanhall3726]

Forgive my ignorance, but how can a papal document have no application or bearing on eastern catholics or otherwise?

[@DF_UniatePapist]

Because not everything the Pope says is promulgated as universally binding. Canon 1492 of the CCEO makes this clear.

[@tennine9171]

At least the way I think of it is the difference between practices and theology. So the Latin rites for example state priests shouldn't marry but Eastern rites do allow it since it is a practice. What doesn't change for example is how intercession operates

[@stooch66]

Matt, I really enjoy your interviews, but your headline is both incorrect and unnecessarily provocative. I am not sure why you do this. I loved the document, but all the good Archbishop was saying is that it cannot pertain to his church. No need for the dramatic “REJECTS” headline. I wish you would be above that… God bless you.

[@Benjolino5]

Thank you for sharing. My understanding of blessing, as a Catholic, has always been as described in this declaration, especially in the fourth point. Trying to explain blessing in any other way is bending the minds to accept a lie, through sophistry, and cause more division in the Church 💔

[@Bonifatus]

Matt, this sort of content is starting to walk up to the line of celebrating dissension in the church. It seems that the consensus is that Francis’s declaration was orthodox, even if it will be abused by a subset of priests. If that’s the case, Latin Rite Catholics owe the Holy Father deference even as we call out the abuses, not to celebrate other rites in our church writing sharply worded letters ‘owning’ Pope Francis.

[@dyzmadamachus9842]

I find it irresponsible to just read this without any comment.

[@ExVeritateLibertas]

He's not celebrating anything, he's just reporting the news.

[@georgesaguelton5751]

One could argue that the declaration is orthodox because the wording is deliberately ambiguous, upholding doctrine but allowing deviations in pastoral practice.

[@Chakra_king]

I don’t really understand the objection here. The Church in Rome never gave approval to marriage blessings, or Union blessings to homosexual unions. Further more, this recent document seems to apply to individuals, not the unions themselves. Yet here they say essentially ‘we reject this because blessing to us means approval’ . Well Rome never approved the unions or blessed them. Why do they take issue? Can they not bless people who aren’t living exactly a perfect catholic lifestyle?

[@Shlomayo]

Far too many people waffling about how supposedly ambiguous the decree is, when it is quite clear. It just seems that some folks want to misinterpret it just as others do with Scared Writ.

[@matthewbateman6487]

12/24 (Christmas Eve) through 1/1 (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God), -- a NOVENA to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots... that God would bring unity, clarity, reconciliation, and prevent schism in our time... Merry Christmas ~

[@CarolFischbach]

I joined the Byzantine Catholic Church over a decade ago and am very gratified to hear this. My priest in the Italo-Greek Church has yet to say anything to the congregation. Maybe he has no intention of mentioning something so vile. I wouldn't blame him but will ask him, anyway. I hope more Catholic priests of both Rites stand up to the Pope and tell him NO.

[@xehaexox]

“Stand up” to a teaching of the papal magisterium? We are Catholics.

[@Set_Your_Handlle]

​@@xehaexox Remember just how much/little divine authority these documents have, you are not required by canon law to believe one thing or another the pope says unless he makes an explicitly infallible statement

[@xehaexox]

@@Set_Your_Handlle Who told you that? Because our profession of faith says otherwise: I also firmly accept and hold each and everything definitively proposed by the Church regarding teaching on faith and morals. Moreover, I adhere with religious submission of will and intellect to the teachings which either the Roman Pontiff or the College of Bishops enunciate when they exercise their authentic Magisterium, even if they do not intend to proclaim these teachings by a definitive act. Why do we have an ordinary magisterium if the only thing we have to believe is the uncommon event of definitive teachings of the Pope?

[@caseycardenas1668]

​​@@Set_Your_Handlleyeah that is completely false and if you actually believe that you are a schismatic heretic. According to the church we are to submit to all magisterial teachings and they are binding on the conscience of all faithful. Please remove your comment, your reference to canon law was despicable when it's quite clear you have little to no knowledge regarding canon law and you're certainly not a canon lawyer.

[@Set_Your_Handlle]

@@caseycardenas1668 "schismatic heretic..." 🤔

[@samcash6131]

I don't have any option but attend the Latin catholic Church. But to all fellow Catholics I urge you to not let anyone drive you away from the Church. This current blasphemy has been coming for a while as Pope Francis has been placing active homosexual clergy in important positions. As a couple of homosexual theologians have already said, this declaration is an important step - that is there is further blasphemy to come. If your parish forced to commit to this directive then hurt them in the collection plate - and do not contribute to the Pope's annual Christmas collection.

[@ThePianoFortePlayer]

The title of the video is misleading, saying that the document doesn’t apply to the Ukrainian Catholic Church is not the same as rejecting it, also there are a number of multi ritual priests, they should be given instruction on how to deal with this if they are serving at a Roman rite parish.

[@theresarezac7502]

Rewatch the video. The Eastern Catholic Church catechism is very clear about why the new directive is not binding for the Ukranian Greek Catholic Church.

[@auk7447]

Absolutely. My understanding is that both churches interpret and apply blessing differently but there is cohesion between them that means different applications make sense. It's not a big deal ...

[@ThePianoFortePlayer]

@axileus9327 rejecting/denying is not the same as saying it’s non applicable, I didn’t even use the word “denying” in my comment.

[@RobMathMiller]

EVERY GENUINE Catholic should reject Fiducia Supplicans.

[@theresarezac7502]

Hmmm, now thinking of joining the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

[@racheljames7]

It's the cowards way out. Don't leave Jesus because of Judas.

[@themoderncatholicwarrior7216]

But this document gives a blessing to everyone who reads it. Including people who are gay.

[@tonytony131]

Unless any couple or individual, seeks conversion and repentance any amount of blessings will be useless.

[@Bonifatus]

Useless for what? Useless to purchase their salvation? Sure. Useless to guide them back to the church and away from sinfulness? Absolutely not. Like the Eucharist, blessings are medicine for the sick, not rewards for saints. Unlike the Eucharist, blessings aren’t a sacrament and so there’s no requirement to be in a state of grace to receive one

[@tonytony131]

@@Bonifatus useless to receive grace from God to help you overcome sin. Who said conversion and repentance is a state of Grace? You’re missing the point. You have to be humble, and recognize that you’re a sinner to receive God‘s grace and or blessings. Otherwise, you’re just mocking God by saying I want to keep living like a homosexual, but bless me anyway.

[@chrisgunn9674]

As I understand this, and I read this from a Vatican Press source a couple days ago. It is in no way approving of the lifestyle of a gay couple but is in fact a blessing from the Holy Father, the successor of Peter, appointed by Jesus; that they may grow in holiness, and ultimately towards a conversion to turn from all sin. It obviously does not replace the marriage covenant between a man and woman, nor is it meant to acknowledge it as any sort of marriage. They may not wear any clothing that resembles a bride & groom, or any clothing that may draw attention to conflict with the Church. It is meant to bring these individuals closer to Christ and if that happens, it will change their lifestyle. Look at some of the Saints! Also, How often do we see a Pope walking through a crowd giving the gesture of Blessings to hundreds and thousands of people. Are all of these in a state of grace? That being said, it certainly seems to have fallen in a grey area and the timing seems off for this...But, maybe it is a small step in bringing these people back into full communion with the church that Christ instituted.

[@stephenjohnson7915]

I’m no fan of the document or this pontificate, but it’s clear the great majority have not read a word of it. You can debate the intention behind it, but the plain words of this document are pretty much the opposite of what the hysterical accusers are saying. I have been very critical of the optics of this thing, but that’s a PR issue, not a doctrinal matter. For goodness sake, the text explicitly says “no” to same-sex unions. This tells me most people simply accept what some social media personality says without question, and can’t be bothered to look into it for themselves.

[@robertmaric5228]

"the great majority have not read a word of it." And yet there are many learned people on both sides of the issues with different interpretations who did read the document. How is a 'majority' defined? Fifty percent plus one? Truth isn't based on a majority. Those who are not in the 'majority' may certainly have read the document and have serious concerns. It doesn't make their concerns less valid. God bless!

[@zi_nyc]

Amen, amen. Allelujah!!! Congratulations, my brothers and sisters!

[@JosePerez-is6nn]

Simple and good... sometimes you can say a whole lot with few words....and I suppose one could say a whole lot of words and really be saying very little ❤ God bless you Matt and everyone in the comments

[@day1678]

Why is there so much opposition with this document on same sex blessings if there is nothing wrong with it? What is this document that so many, many bishops/cardinals/priests opposing it contains that the faithful such as myself do not see? And why so much division, not only within our Church, but throughout our Orthodox brothers and sisters? Was this document necessary when blessings are easily available to all?

[@TheNotoriousCheeto]

For those who don't know, what the Latin Church tried to do with that document is say there are two types of "blessing." The first is the traditional version, "Blessed be ___." As in, "this is good and we approve of it." The second type is a blessing for those in need. As in "Oh, you are going on a journey? Well, may God bless your journey and keep you safe." The idea is, if you bless homosexuals, you are asking that God give them the guidance and strength to stop sinning. The problem, which I think the document this video covered hits on, is that it creates major confusion. Because most people are not going to know that. They are going to hear "blessing" and assume it is a priest approving something. And when that something is sinful, it sounds like the Church is approving of sin. I think it is very clear that this move was an attempt to try to appeal to a wider audience and get more people to come to church. And I think it is going to backfire. People who have a problem with the Church's stance on homosexuality are most often atheists, pagans, or already gravitated to a denomination that supports homosexuals. They are not going to be won over by this brand of "diet ally," especially if they find out what the type of blessing they would get actually means. On the other hand, once loyal and faithful Catholics are probably going to wander off. Then again, what do I know. Maybe it will be big in Europe, especially Germany.

[@AuthenticityVeritas]

In addition, the entire notion of a non-liturgical blessing from a PRIEST is innovative! Cardinal Muller said there's no such thing. Fernandez made it up. Priests perform blessings always as ministers of the CHURCH, and so that's all liturgy.

[@joeterp5615]

Shame on any Catholic who abandons the grace of the sacraments because of this. At each Mass we are present at the Last Supper - with all the angels and all saints in heaven! To give this up because you don’t like the prudential judgement of a certain pope?? Foolhardy! Focus on the Faith fellow Catholics!

[@3ggshe11s]

Conversely, this is why the Vatican will never stop doing what it does. People complain but then say "I'm not leaving the church." The Vatican doesn't hear the complaint, just the "I'm not leaving the church" part. So they keep on doing what they do without consequence.

[@AuthenticityVeritas]

@@3ggshe11s Membership in the Church is not a bargaining chip. If something is telling you to leave the Church to teach the Vatican a lesson or force it to do the right thing, I can tell you for free, right now, it is the voice of Satan. The church is not just some ordinary organization or club we happen to be a part of: This is Christ's house/ship that he built for us to live in, to take us to heaven. You don't wilfully leave & have things be right for you. Let God be God. If the only way you can affect change is to jeopardize your own soul/salvation, then affecting that change is not your individual calling. Sometimes, learning to be little & wait with prayer on God is all God needs from us.

[@aliciagomez2817]

My question is if this has always been the teaching and all in charge have known of this type of blessing, why issue a document at all?

[@amybowman9906]

Exactly, first they say it means nothing and then they issue a declaration against it. Well which is it?

[@dyzmadamachus9842]

Maybe bc a hundred thousand Eastern catholics called this bishop and ask him what the document is about. Easiest respons: "it doesn't apply to you".

[@נדבבנימינילוינשטיין]

Bless Ukraine!!!❤

[@krishyyfan5153]

I Don't even know why People think Pope's blessing issue is Ambiguous... the document is so clear..We bless the person, and not the Sin... The blessing should not be held in such a way that it would contradict the doctrine on marriage... We might as well ACCUSE St. Paul of Heresy ,when he said..."Bless those who persecute you" - Romans 12:14.... When St. Paul said, BLESS those who persecute us, does that mean we are ALSO blessing the Sin of VIOLENCE??... 🤔

[@lizzystitch4842]

I HATE it that politics in the US is so awful, and now the Pope is politically targeting priests and bishops who disagree with him, and now we have to deal with that, too. Cardinal Burke. Bishop Strickland, Fr. Frank Pavone, and others. I HATE it! God help us all. God, please bring unrepentant sinners to Yourself!

[@Josdamale]

Under the same religion and in the same city they will bless same sex couples in one parish as that would be right but not in another as that would be wrong, even though the Magisterium (Teaching Authority) of all gives its blessing for such blessings. Isn't the whole point of being under the Magisterium to learn from the Vatican? When special blessings are given to groups not to follow what the main group is doing, it seems that there is something more important than teaching, and that appears to be power against competition. The Kingdom is more important than the Teaching.

[@ififif2022]

It is impossible to do what that document says and be a good catholic.

[@Devoted_Catholic777]

It’s impossible to bless people with Gods Grace. Buddy just shut your mouth and stop slandering the church, it’s hilarious how uninformed people are. You cannot say the magisterium teaches error period end of discussion you aren’t a faithful son of the church

[@ififif2022]

@@Devoted_Catholic777 I won't shut my mouth.

[@Devoted_Catholic777]

@@ififif2022 You should. Shutting your mouth is much better then saying mortally sinful things.

[@iliya3110]

@@Devoted_Catholic777It’s mortally sinful to violate your conscience. For those who want to serve God over men, he’s correct in saying what he said

[@HolyKhaaaaan]

@@iliya3110 Not if your conscience is uninformed or poorly formed. This opinion is a garbage opinion. Of course it's possible to ask God to turn our lives and even our relationships towards His Will. In the case of a man and a woman who fornicate, it may be a call on God to marriage, or to make it one of a more distant friendship. The only difference for homosexual practitioners is marriage is not a path. FS says all that, and that really shouldn't be controversial.

[@kasilluzions2766]

It bothers me greatly how many people have not read the document. The same exact people who said Pope Francis wants to bless homesexual unions in February (who were proven to be very very wrong) are the same people who are trying to say that this is the same move being made here. Even though the document was VERY explicit on what blessing are to be given to those who are involved in a homosexual relationship. They are blessing that can be given to those who desire to CONFORM THEMSELVES TO THE WILL OF GOD and ask for blessing for that purpose. It even goes to mention that people who seem like they are trying to receive blessing for their union CANNOT receive a blessing. Would you deny a man and a woman who live in sexual sin together a blessing that they ask for to help them live in chastity? NO that would be sick and unmerciful. The same applies to those who have homosexual attractions. And that is what is exactly explained in the document. If you read the document line by line, it explains everything, makes it’s definitions VERY clear, if you ask yourself “what does he mean by couple????” IT EXPLAINS WHAT HE MEANS BY COUPLES. In no way shape or form does this document go against Church teaching, it firmly establishes it. I urge you, PLEASE read the document before you let the spirit or fear and anxiety guide your hearts and turn your heads away from the Church.

[@deannaroberts4348]

I am a protestant who cares deeply for my Catholic brothers and sisters. My response to this confusion is simple and based on the word of God- 1. God is not the author of confusion, period. And, 2. We are to flee from even the appearance if evil.

[@gunsgalore7571]

My only issue is that everybody's screaming evil without actually reading the document. I have read the document, and it's not actually evil, and it condemns homosexuality as sinful and said no teaching is changing.

[@Xymage]

@@gunsgalore7571 look at the article on Catholic Answers titled, "Blessing Same-Sex Couples: a CA Roundtable" and look specifically at Christopher Check he gives a great answer as to why it is morally problematic and provides scandal

[@PadraigTomas]

It is an invitation to abuse by priests and prelates who aught to have been held to account some time ago.

[@georgesaguelton5751]

@@gunsgalore7571 I've read the document too. The wording is deliberately ambiguous, at the same time upholding doctrine and allowing deviations in pastoral practice.

[@gunshotlagoon922]

"Soft government trying to accommodate everybody will lead to big mischief." -Lee Kuan Yew

[@Gohomenow-e2b]

Thank God, may need to check them out

[@jacobrodriguez7771]

With respect to the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” issued by the Holy See’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the CCCB offered the following statement from Bishop William McGrattan, president of the CCCB. “On 18 December 2023 the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released the Declaration Fiducia Supplicans, which responds to questions that had been raised regarding the possibility of offering blessings to persons living in irregular unions, including same-sex relationships. While explicitly affirming the Church’s traditional understanding of marriage, Fiducia Supplicans allows pastors to bless people who freely request a blessing, seeking divine help to live in fidelity to God’s will. The Declaration makes clear that such blessings must be directed to the persons themselves rather than their situation and that they must be spontaneously requested and are not ritual or liturgical actions. The guiding principle in the Declaration is the fact that the very request for a blessing represents an openness to God’s mercy and can be an occasion for greater trust in God.” Praise God! God bless Pope Francis!

[@TNFLHT]

An Eastern church staying true to Orthodox values. This news seems about a 1000 years old.

[@illyrian9976]

Except for the fact that Eastern Orthodox allow divorce and the use of contraceptives. Don't let yourself be fooled by the EO into thinking that they don't suffer from arguably worse problems.

[@georgesaguelton5751]

@@illyrian9976 Using annulment as an alternative to divorce while most Catholics are not following Humanae Vitae. The Roman Catholics should take a look at themselves first before using such arguments against the Eastern Orthodox.