Reacting to the new Vatican document on blessing same-sex couples, Bishop John Doerfler of Marquette (MI) said that “we readily give blessings and pray for people who are seeking help from God, even if they are in an irregular situation. We would never bless or condone sin.”
“In granting such spontaneous blessings, great care is to be taken to avoid scandal, or give the impression of condoning a lifestyle contemporary to Church teaching,” the prelate wrote in a statement. “There is much confusion about the meaning and purpose of marriage and sexuality.”
“We lack charity and we do not serve people if we foster confusion or lack clarity in our teaching and pastoral practice,” he continued. “Thus, blessings of people who are seeking help from God and who are in irregular situations should be given privately.”