The gay-friendly language emanating from the Synod of bishops in Rome has been hailed “a positive development” by gay Catholic group Drachma.

“The Synod is finally recognising the intrinsic value of the mutual love, self-sacrifice and care LGBTI people are able to give in same-sex relationships,” Drachma said.

On Monday the Vatican released a document summarising the debates that took place in the first half of the two-week gathering of bishops from around the world.

It contained language interpreted by gay rights advocates as signalling an unprecedented opening to gay people by the Church.

The document is not the Church’s final position and conservative bishops have distanced themselves from its conclusions, vowing to make changes to the final version.

Drachma said it was positive that the Church finally understood the need of a more human pastoral ministry with gay people and their families.

It noted that the document featured a change in the “tone, language and terminology” used, which the group interpreted as a possible reflection of a change in the Church hierarchy’s attitude towards LGBTI people, their relationships and children of same-sex families.

“It is indeed promising… [the document] refrains from using the usual language of sin and intrinsic disorder but rather attempts to understand these realities with greater sensitivity,” Drachma said.

The organisation also welcomed the contribution made by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech, who is representing the Maltese Episcopal Conference in Rome. Drachma acknowledged what it described as “the courageous and humane spirit” in Mgr Grech’s comments before leaving for the Synod last week.

What the final outcome of the gathering will be is unclear given the deep divisions within the Church on this and other morally charged issues, but the significance will depend on how the Church reacts to legal changes, according to Gabi Calleja, head of gay rights group MGRM.

“How the local Church responds to legislative proposals and policy initiatives will determine the true depth of the shift that is being proclaimed since it is this practical effect that will make a difference to the day-to-day lives of LGBTI people,” she said.

Ms Calleja said that the new tone would hopefully provide an opportunity for a more open dialogue with LGBTI people of faith.

She said it could also provide hope that the Catholic Church could eventually review the way it treated LGBTI people, a move that would encourage parents to be more accepting and supportive of their children and their same-sex relationships.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com

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