Dignity/Chicago, the advocacy organization for LGBTQI Catholics and friends, welcomed the news that the Vatican's doctrinal office has officially declared it possible for Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions and those of divorced and remarried couples.

While the announcement cautioned that the blessings not send mixed messages about the church's teaching on sacramental marriage and do not occur within a liturgical celebration, it is seen as a step forward in the Church's pastoral care and a change from past statements.

Said Dignity/Chicago Board President Mary Donnelley, "We welcome this step that offers a sense of validity for the loving and committed relationships of LGBTQ people along with those who are divorced and remarried. For more than 50 years, Dignity/Chicago and DignityUSA, nationally, have offered the Church's sacraments, including the sacramental blessing of same-sex marriages. We have seen first-hand how such rituals build and strengthen families and communities."

"While this document represents a significant shift in the tone surrounding the pastoral care of same-sex and divorced/remarried couples, it still includes language that is questionable and does not offer full acknowledgement of respect for the relationships of same-sex couples or divorced/remarried couples. It's an incremental change that does not yet address the needs of LGBTQI+ Catholics and our allies."

Said Chris Pett, Dignity/Chicago member and past Board President of DignityUSA, "While this is a welcome step forward in pastoral ministry, Dignity will continue to work for a time when same-sex relationships will be openly welcomed and formally blessed within the sacramental life of the Church. In the meantime, we trust that this new stance on blessings will be welcomed in parishes, here and globally, and that pastors will make it known that they gladly offer such blessings."

Dignity/Chicago looks forward to the full implementation of this pastoral practice here in Chicago and across our state and will make ourselves available to assist local parishes in how to approach such blessings.

Dignity/Chicago, an independent organization, has ministered to LGBTQI Catholics in metro Chicago and across Illinois for 51 years. For more information on this topic, please Article Link Here or write to dignitychicago@gmail.com .