The Vatican has declared that transgender people will not be recognized as godparents by the Catholic Church. The church claims that the decision is not based on discrimination, but on the fact that transgender people cannot fulfill all the duties that a godparent is required to conduct.
The stance on transgenders as godparents was raised by Rafael Zornoza Boy, a bishop of the dioceses of Cadiz and Cuenta. He contacted the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to see where they stood on transgenders taking up the mantle of being a godparent. The response he received, according to Metro , denied the rights of transgender people to become godparents based on their lack of moral requirements.
“[They] show an attitude contrary to the moral requirement to resolve one’s sexual identity problem according to the truth of one’s sex.”
The Pope’s stance on acceptance and equality was overshadowed by the decision to exclude Catholic transgenders from becoming godparents, moving away from his position of welcoming inclusion, according to Jezebel .
Despite the announcement, Pope Francis still asks for acceptance of gays and lesbians, and the LGBTQ community as a whole.
Zornoza Boy reached out to the Vatican after Alex Salinas, a 21-year-old Catholic transgender man, hoped to become his nephew’s godfather. Zornoza Boy hoped for better news to pass on, but will abide by the wishes of the church.
Zornoza Boy posted the Vatican’s response on his website, sharing Pope Francis’ stance on transgender people.
“Pope Francis has effectively said on several occasions, in line with Church teaching, that this behaviour is against man’s nature.”
Zornoza Boy continued by stating that the church wants to be open and helpful to everyone.
“[The Church] wants to help everyone in their own situation with a compassionate heart, but without denying the truth it preaches.”
The Vatican’s stance on transgender people becoming godparents seems to contrast the stance on gay and lesbian individuals. It is unknown whether the church will change their stance after more thought is put into the query. The church has stated that “all bodies are a gift form God,” lending to a belief that all should be accepted, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Regardless of current stance, the church’s openness to alternate lifestyles has evolved since Pope Francis has taken on the position.
What are your thoughts on the decision? Should transgender people be allowed the privilege and honor of being godparents?
[Photo By Franco Origlia/Getty Images News]
