Why is he changing his views now?
Bishop Joseph Strickland, known for his critical stance towards Pope Francis, has openly criticized Chris Christie, a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, regarding his shifting perspectives on marriage. Christie, identifying as a Catholic, expressed that his views on same-sex marriage have evolved over time, attributing this shift to personal growth influenced by family upbringing and religious teachings, as reported by Catholic News Agency.
Highlighting the evolving societal acceptance of different perspectives, Christie pointed out that he no longer opposes same-sex marriage, citing a change in his convictions. However, this stance contrasts starkly with his earlier promises and criticisms while serving as governor, where he pledged to veto bills legalizing gay marriage and criticized judicial decisions.
Strickland, a conservative figure removed from his position by Pope Francis, took to express his disapproval of Christie’s shift, labeling it as a compromise with sinful behavior. Strickland staunchly affirmed that while some individuals within the Church might alter their beliefs, the core teachings, upheld by the Church as the truth revealed by Jesus Christ, remain steadfast and unchanged.
This criticism arises amidst recent actions by Pope Francis, including the approval of a declaration allowing pastoral blessings for same-sex couples, sparking varied reactions within the Catholic community. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) clarified that while there might be pastoral blessings for individuals seeking God’s grace, the Church’s fundamental stance on marriage remains unaltered.
Meanwhile, Chris Christie, despite qualifying for the GOP primary debate, faces substantial unfavorability among potential voters, with a significant percentage holding negative views, according to polling data.
This conflict between political figures, religious doctrine, and societal evolution underscores the ongoing debate within the Catholic Church and broader society regarding changing perspectives on marriage and the Church’s role in navigating these shifts while maintaining core principles.