Western Pa. faithful react to Pope's same-sex couples edict — could bring 'new era of openness'

For Donna Fischer, Pope Francis’ statement permitting priests to bless same-sex couples is a step in the right direction for the LGBTQ community.

The Vatican released a document Monday elaborating on a letter Francis wrote to two cardinals that was published in October. The document affirms that priests can bless same-sex couples as long as the blessing does not relate to a marriage.

Fischer is involved in the ministries at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensburg and serves as secretary for PFLAG Greensburg, a branch of the national organization Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. She was excited and hopeful when she heard the news.

“I think this could bring a new era of openness and welcome to a community that has often felt marginalized or hasn’t felt that kind of welcome in a long time,” said Fischer, of Hempfield.

Others, like Stephen Elcock, do not think Francis’ statement does enough for the LGBTQ community.

Elcock, of Scottdale, is not Catholic or Christian, but he knows many LGBTQ individuals who are.

“If the pope and the body of the church really wants to show that they are in support (of LGBTQ people) to some degree … they’re going to have to do a lot more work to show it,” said Elcock, a founder of Scottdale Pride. “There are a lot of people who have religious trauma within the Catholic Church, and they need more than a blessing to feel safe.”

Although Jeff Miller welcomes the pope’s gesture, he does not think anything has changed.

Miller, acting president for the Pittsburgh Equality Center, said the “permitted blessing is no more meaningful than responding to a sneeze with ‘God bless you.’ ”

But some disagree with Francis’ message entirely. Heather Wellons, a nondenominational Christian, believes the statement will bring division to the church.

Christian doctrine speaks clearly against same-sex marriage, Wellons said.

“Believe me, we are called to love everybody. I would speak against any church that didn’t let a (gay) person in,” said Wellons, of Murrysville. “But you don’t let them in and endorse their wrongdoing.”

The Diocese of Greensburg is taking the same stance on the matter as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said spokesperson Cliff Gorski.

The USCCB released a statement Monday highlighting the difference between a marital blessing and a pastoral blessing, which “may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives.”

“The church’s teaching on marriage has not changed,” the statement said. “This declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.”

Diocese of Pittsburgh spokesperson Jennifer Antkowiak did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Need for clarity

Don Granata, faith and church chairman of the Greensburg Knights of Columbus chapter, is worried people will misunderstand the difference between the two types of blessings. It is “misconstrued to think now the pope is going to allow” same-sex marriage, he said.

“God tells us to love everyone, and we love no matter what you are and we will pray for you and wish you the best and help you any way we can,” said Granata, of Delmont, “but we can’t accept your belief that (same-sex marriage) is OK.”

Jon Welsh was happy to hear about Francis’ permission of blessings over same-sex couples, but he was disheartened by negative comments about the news on social media.

Welsh was raised Catholic. While he attends Christmas Eve Mass and participates in Lent, he has distanced himself from attending Mass regularly, partially because of Catholic beliefs surrounding same-sex marriage.

“I think the church should reflect the people who want to be a part of the faith,” said Welsh, of Murrysville. “We’re a much more diverse world than people want to admit.”