Following a trend of churches worldwide who have abandoned the tenets of God, the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of the renowned evangelist Billy Graham, has strongly criticized Pope Francis’ approval of a measure allowing Roman Catholic priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. Graham, who heads both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, warned that these “blessings” will not “save you from the judgment of God.”
In a Facebook post on Monday, Graham referred to the Bible verse Isaiah 5:20, stating, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil…” He emphasized that no one, including the Pope, has the right to “bless” what God considers sinful. He further urged individuals to seek God’s forgiveness through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as the Bible warns of destruction for those who forsake the Lord (Isa. 1:28).
The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith issued a declaration titled “Fiducia Supplicans,” which expands the understanding of blessings and allows for the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations, including same-sex couples. The document states that a thorough moral analysis should not be a precondition for receiving a blessing and that individuals need not claim moral perfection to receive one.
For same-sex couples, the declaration explains that a blessing can be given as a “help from God” rather than a “legitimation” of their relationship. However, it also warns against promoting or creating a specific ritual for the blessing of couples in irregular situations.
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In 2021, the same Vatican body stated that churches have no power to bless same-sex marriage since God “cannot bless sin.” While the Catholic Church officially teaches that same-sex attraction is not sinful, it considers homosexual acts to be so.
Last month, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of Faith also issued a guidance allowing people who have undergone trans surgical procedures or taken cross-sex hormones to be baptized, provided that there is no risk of causing public scandal or disorientation among the faithful.
As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith and uphold God’s righteousness. The Bible teaches us that we should love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). However, we are also called to turn away from sin and follow God’s commandments (1 John 3:4).
As we navigate these complex issues, let us remember the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:15: “But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.” It is our duty to share God’s truth with love and compassion, while also standing firm in our convictions.
The recent developments in the Catholic Church regarding the blessing of same-sex couples have sparked a strong rebuke from Rev. Franklin Graham, and millions around the world, who warns of the potential consequences of these actions. As Christians, it is essential that we remain steadfast in our faith, love our neighbors and speak the truth in love, while also standing firm in our convictions and upholding God’s righteousness.{eoa}
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James Lasher is Staff Writer for Charisma Media.
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