In a January 10, 2024 communique signed by each member of the Permanent Council of the French Episcopal Conference, including the president, Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort of Reims, two vice-presidents, and Cardinal Jean-Marc Avelin of Marseilles. The bishops addressed the public debate The Vatican's controversial declaration “Fiducia supplicans”.
Controversy over blessings
Noting that the main points of contention concern how the declaration is to be considered regarding the pastoral accompaniment of same-sex couples and divorced and remarried couples, the French bishops said they consider the Fiducia supplicans to be “an encouragement to priests to bless generously those whom they Approach them humbly and ask God for help.”
The announcement comes after nine French bishops earlier this month refused to bless same-sex couples, saying priests can bless gay couples but not couples they form.
The Archdiocese of Rennes, led by Archbishop Pierre d'Ornelia, issued a statement on the matter on January 1 on behalf of the bishops of the ecclesiastical province of Rennes, which includes the dioceses of Quimper, Rennes, Saint-Bruce, Vannes, Angers. , Laval, Le Mans, Luson and Nantes.
The hierarchs disagreed with the call to “bless couples of irregular status,” saying the declaration “does not explain the reasoning that shifts the emphasis from 'individuals' to 'couples'” and that the word couple has “a special meaning in the text. which deserves clarification”.
Archbishop D'Ornelas also said the declaration offers an “opportunity” to bless such couples, adding that “therefore it is not an obligation.”
The authors of the statement assured that their decision to ban the blessing for same-sex couples is in accordance with the instructions given in the declaration, in order to avoid any misunderstandings and scandals.
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(tags translate)fiducia suppllicans