Find Churches With Same-Sex Marriage Using This Site
The Vatican released a statement this week reaffirming its support for same-sex relationships, but promised it would not bless its unions in the Catholic Church. The newsletter states that the church will continue to bless LGBTQ + people who follow the teachings of the church but are firmly convinced that they “cannot justify this relationship and make it legitimate objects of church blessing because positive elements exist in the context an alliance unrelated to the Creator’s plan. “
This statement contradicts the growing acceptance of LGBTQ + members in the Catholic Church. In 2014, the Pew Research Center found that 85% of Catholics between the ages of 18 and 29 support same-sex relationships and marriage, and a 2015 survey found that 54% of Christian groups accept same-sex relationships. Whether the Vatican likes it or not, there are churches and religious groups all over the world that support same-sex union.
What does this mean for the Catholic LGBT community?
This position is not a shock based on the history of the Catholic Church and same-sex relationships , but it is detrimental to the progress made in the love and well-being of the LGBTQ + community. In the past six years alone, the federal government has legalized same-sex marriage in the United States.
Despite this human rights affirmation, special laws have been passed in the name of religion to prevent same-sex couples from enjoying civil rights. States like Tennessee have signed legislation allowing adoption agencies to deny same-sex couples access to adoption services on the basis of religious freedom. The Catholic Church’s denial of the blessing of same-sex union only contributes to such discrimination.
Fortunately, several churches and priests condemn the Vatican’s stance and will continue to conduct same-sex ceremonies. Parish priests in Austria told Reuters : “In solidarity with many, we will not abandon any loving couple in the future who asks to celebrate the blessing of God they experience every day, including during worship.” Austrian priests join a number of priests and churches, oath to honor the union of same-sex couples.
How to find churches and religious institutions that welcome same-sex marriage
Website gaychurch.org , though not very open , has positioned itself as “the largest friendly and supports church directory in the world.” The home page of the site shows a rainbow flag and a search button front and center, and as soon as you hit search, you are taken to the Find Church map where you can enter your zip code or address.
I entered my own zip code and found a list of 100 confirming churches in my area, including church names, addresses, a map showing their locations, and their websites. The list also includes the name of the church and a line indicating whether they are engaged in same-sex marriage or not. The site also offers resources on ” homosexuality and the Bible “, books and a list of same-sex denominations .