A Pastoral Approach Continues
Pope Leo XIV recently met with Jesuit Father James Martin, a well-known advocate for LGBTQ inclusion in the Church. During the meeting, Pope Leo conveyed a message consistent with Pope Francis: the Catholic Church seeks to welcome all people, including LGBTQ individuals, while upholding its moral teachings (Fox News).
Father Martin described the encounter as “wonderful,” “consoling,” and “encouraging,” noting that the Pope appeared joyful, relaxed, and serene. These words reflect a pastoral tone, aiming to build bridges rather than create barriers.
However, something that needs to be said here is there is a distinction between welcoming LGBTQ folk into the Catholic Church and allowing them to occupy positions of authority within the clergy. Anyone is welcome to come to Church and hear the gospel preached.
Only believers who have been baptized and confirmed in the Church can participate in the Eucharist and clergy. And that means a person needs to be truly repentant and bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. If a person is still identifying as LGBTQ and is engaging in homosexual practices, that individual is not walking in a state of grace.
Balancing Doctrine with Compassion
From a Catholic-conservative perspective, it is crucial to recognize the distinction between welcoming LGBTQ individuals and endorsing behaviors the Church deems sinful. Engaging in homosexuality is sinful, as is sexual activity outside of marriage between a man and a woman.
The Church’s mission has always been to uphold truth while showing putting the mercy of Jesus Christ on display. Mercy from God is inexhaustible and is for anyone who is willing to repent and submit their lives to Christ. It doesn’t matter how vile the sin, how wicked the evil, if you truly come to Jesus with repentance in your heart, you can be forgiven of your sins.
Concerns from Conservative Voices
Some critics worry that the Church’s increased engagement with LGBTQ Catholics risks diluting core doctrines. Conservative Catholics emphasize that pastoral outreach should never blur moral boundaries. Maintaining a firm stance on marriage and sexuality ensures the Church remains faithful to Christ’s teachings.
When you look at how some parishes across the country and the world have been incorporating elements of LGBTQ culture into the mass and other ministries connected to the Church, this concern proves to be valid. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ and His law above all others. If “embracing” LGBTQ “Catholics” means affirming their sinful lifestyle, practices, and beliefs as compatible with the Christian life, we must stand up boldly and say “no.”
Conclusion
Let’s hope that Pope Leo doesn’t continue this slide into liberalism. In the past, he’s made strong statements against homosexuality, which encouraged many Catholics after a far more liberal papacy under Pope Francis. It’s a sign that doesn’t bode well for the future.
Pope Leo needs to address the meeting with Fr. Martin and clarify that he’s not going against Church teaching on homosexuality. Without this clarification, Catholics are left to wonder if this is the first sign of compromise in the new papacy.
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