Reverend Challenges Pope Francis
Reverend Franklin Graham strongly criticized Pope Francis’ recent approval of a measure permitting Roman Catholic priests to bestow blessings upon same-sex couples, cautioning that such acts of “blessing” would not shield individuals from God’s judgment.
Taking to Facebook on Monday, the influential son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham reacted to the Vatican’s decision allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, clarifying that these actions, in his perspective, cannot absolve individuals from what he deems as God-defined sin.
Graham, serving as the president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, emphasized the significance of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for forgiveness, citing Biblical verses. He underscored the belief that seeking forgiveness requires aligning with God’s terms and seeking redemption through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
His remarks swiftly followed the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s announcement titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” which aimed to broaden the understanding of blessings without altering the Church’s traditional teachings on marriage. The declaration allowed for blessings on same-sex couples without endorsing their union officially.
The Vatican document emphasized the extension of blessings to individuals in need without necessarily validating their circumstances or altering the Church’s stance on marriage. It highlighted the importance of offering blessings to those seeking God’s help, acknowledging their reliance on divine intervention without validating their situation.
While affirming the Church’s openness to offering blessings and support in various circumstances, the declaration cautioned against endorsing rituals for couples in irregular situations, emphasizing the need to avoid promoting such practices.
Graham’s criticism mirrored the Catholic Church’s official stance that God cannot bless actions considered sinful, particularly regarding same-sex marriage. The Church teaches that while same-sex attraction itself isn’t viewed as sinful, engaging in homosexual acts is considered contrary to Church teachings.
In prior surveys, a significant majority of American Catholics expressed support for same-sex marriage, despite the Church’s teachings on homosexual acts.
Earlier guidance from the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith also addressed baptism for individuals who have undergone transgender procedures, stating that such baptisms could occur unless they risk generating public scandal or confusion among the faithful.