The Vatican's doctrinal office recently made an announcement regarding baptism for transgender individuals. This decision, which was approved by Pope Francis himself, aims to address the issue of inclusivity for the LGBT community within the Catholic church.
Pope Francis also noted that transgender people could be godparents at baptism and witnesses at a wedding.
Vatican Addresses Inclusivity Issue for LGBTQ Community
Pope Francis published the document on Wednesday and said, "Even if they have undergone hormone therapy and sex-reassignment surgery, can receive baptism under the conditions as other faithful."
According to the NY Times, the decision came with a warning to consider that such baptism would only be possible if there were no situations in which there was a risk of initiating a public scandal or confusion among the faithful.
The decision was published in response to six questions sent in by a Brazilian bishop in July concerning the participation of LGBTQ+ people in baptisms and weddings. Furthermore, the document highlighted that there was no reason transgender people could not participate as witnesses at church weddings.
Francis DeBernardo of the US-based New Ways Ministry said that the decision opposed the 2015 ruling with the dozens of dioceses in the US that implemented policies to restrict LGBTQ+ Catholics.
DeBernardo said that the Vatican's decision was big and good news, which their ministry has longed for greater acceptance in the church. He also said that the decision was a significant step toward transgender inclusion.
Furthermore, he said that church leaders should apply these guidelines by following Pope Francis's example of welcoming the LGBT community instead of continuing the old restrictions.
The decision has confirmed that the pope and high-ranking church leaders do not label gender identity as a barrier when it comes to participation in Catholic sacraments.
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LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups' Response
Glaad, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, said that the decision was a movement to make the church welcome LGBTQ+ people despite doctrines that dismiss same-sex marriage and sexual activities.
Glaad's Sarah Kate Ellis stated that Pope Francis has continued to break down barriers that have kept LGBTQ Catholics away from participating as members of the Roman Catholic church. She said Pope Francis has motivated other church leaders to provide more safe spaces for the LGBTQ community.
In July, Pope Francis commented on the confusion between the Catholic faith and transgender identity in the early 20's. He said, "The Lord always walks with us ... Even if we are sinners, he draws near to help us. The Lord loves us as we are, this is God's crazy love."
He suggested that there could be other ways to bless same-sex relationships, even though his belief was matrimony is a union between a man and a woman.
The document did not include a clear explanation of whether a same-sex couple could baptize an adopted child or a child born by a surrogate. Instead, the document stated there had to be a well-founded hope that the child would be educated in Catholicism.
