Introduction into the Last Seven of Twenty-One New Cardinals for 2022
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Following the Fiducia Supplicans declaration, many in the Church at all levels have become confused and worried, while others have become excited.
We have seen bisbops across the world, most notably in Africa such as the countries of Malawi and Zambia, as well as Eastern Catholic prelates, most notably in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, all come out against the document, or rather clarify that same-sex union blessings are not okay in their respective ecclesiastical jurisdictions in any form including those seemingly acceptable in the declaration. In fact, some have even stated that the declaration does not apply where they lead.
Likewise, those excited have decided to fully endorse this document and have even exceeded its limits by engaging either admittedly or by a loophole, the blessing of sex-sex unions for couples. Furthermore, many sides of the Church and media have come out to state that the document allows for blessings of same-sex unions, even though the document explicitly does not according to Holy See officials. This has often been the case with those considered more "liberal" who wish for doctrinal change, and those more "conservative" who often undermine or highly question Pope Francis.
However, many theologians have emphasized another direction as well. Many prominent Catholic thinkers have commented that Fiducia Supplicans does not change Church doctrine as the Holy See states, and all it merely does is state a truth that the Church may bless sinners (individuals) and not sin (same-sex union). But, within this view falls another camp that states while it is true doctrine has not changed, that this document inches us closer to a change. This would of course be a huge danger, due to the infallible nature of doctrine.
Thus, the number of viewpoints and reactions are endless.
No matter your viewpoint on the topic, it is important during these tribulant times in our Church to unite together.
We must remember that splitting the Church only leads to weakness.
And what better time to re-engage as Christians than during Christmas.
Therefore, at Christmas mass, make sure to keep Church unity in your prayers, and to pray that we handle these topics in the most Christ way.
Cole Kinder is a recent graduate of UCLA in political science with a focus on international relations. He has written one book, Foreign Policy in 4 Hours, Afghanistan 2021, and has written many articles on various websites such as Crisis Magazine. Cole Kinder specializes in international relations, domestic politics, religious studies (Catholicism), Slavic studies, sports, as well as geography.
