Vatican document signals dramatic shift in attitude towards same-sex couples

A new document from the Vatican has called for the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church to do more to reach out to homosexual and divorced Catholics and asked if Catholicism could recognize the positive aspects of same-sex couples, a dramatic shift from the Church’s previous stance on these issues.

The document, which was prepared after a week of discussions at an assembly of 200 bishops about family, said that the Roman Catholic Church should make an effort to find “a fraternal space” for homosexuals without compromising Catholic doctrine on family and matrimony.

While the document didn’t give any indication that the Church’s condemnation of homosexual acts or its opposition to same-sex marriage would change, the tone of the document was far less judgmental and more compassionate than previous statements that the Vatican has issued under previous popes.

“Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer the Christian community: are we capable of welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a further space in our communities? Often they wish to encounter a Church that offers them a welcoming home,” said the document. “Are our communities capable of proving that, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation, without compromising Catholic doctrine on the family and matrimony?”

“The document clearly reflects Pope Francis’ desire to adopt a more merciful pastoral approach on marriage and family issues,” said John Thavis, a Vatican expert and author of the bestselling 2013 book “The Vatican Diaries”.

Read more about the story at CNN.