AMRI Executive Council welcomes Vatican Declaration Fiducia Supplicans
The AMRI Executive Council welcomes the new Vatican Declaration, Fiducia Supplicans, that allows for spontaneous blessings and opens the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without changing the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.
As the document states: “Pope Francis urges us to contemplate, with an attitude of faith and fatherly mercy, the fact that ‘when one asks for a blessing, one is expressing a petition for God’s assistance, a plea to live better, and confidence in a Father who can help us live better.’ This request should, in every way, be valued, accompanied, and received with gratitude.”
The document offers a generous pastoral approach to those who humbly seek grace and assistance from God. It expands the understanding of blessings and offers a broad theological reflection on the nature of blessings that opens the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations. The Executive notes that there is a need to be sensitive to the social, cultural, religious, and legal differences in some countries concerning this.
The Executive encourages its members, indeed all Catholics, to read and study the document. It is in keeping with a new emerging model of a synodal Church – one that is more welcoming and inclusive.
The document is available here:
Tim Lehane SVD Gerard Gallagher
President Interim Secretary General
