Vatican's Synod of Bishops creates media stir with new questions about gays, marriage, Communion

The news has exploded at the report that the Vatican could change its stance on homosexuality. Described by Catholic New Service chief and blogger John Thavis as "a pastoral earthquake" new rules proposed by the Synod of Bishops could change the way the Church approaches serious issues such as homosexuality and "irregular" unions.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The Synod of Bishops has proposed new rules to Pope Francis that could change the way the Church approaches people, particularly homosexuals and those who are divorced or cohabitating outside of marriage.

The most dramatic shift being reported is that the Church is posing the question of if homosexuals could be accepted "without compromising Catholic doctrine."

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The Synod has already upheld the definition of marriage as defined by God, between one man and one woman. However, there seems to be a new attitude of progressiveness within the Synod, of seeking a way to open the Church up to people whose lifestyle choices have long been discouraged by the Church.

The Church has a responsibility to provide moral instruction, given by God, to all people. It's solemn role is to teach, to guide and live fully God's law. Part of that law is also the deep, eternal love of Christ that He has for all people, including those who sin and reject His ways.

At times, those two responsibilities of the Church appear to be at odds, but they are not. To the seasoned thinker, it is obvious that the Church which says no to certain choices, still says yes to the person themselves. It condemns the sin while loving the sinner, without exception.

But how does the Church convey this? How does the Church welcome into its pews those who make conscious choices to live outside of its instruction? These people have much to offer their brothers and sisters in Christ.

"Regarding homosexuals, it went so far as to pose the question whether the church could accept and value their sexual orientation without compromising Catholic doctrine," John Thavis wrote.

Once again, we can expect that the mainstream media will get this story wrong and report that the Pope is considering something extreme or will soon order a change to Church doctrine. But the reality is, not even the Holy Father can change Church doctrine, which is established by God.

In fact, the Synod has simultaneously reaffirmed Church instruction on homosexuality and that gay marriage is not the same as marriage. It should also be understood that the report is simply a proposal for discussion and that no definitive recommendations will emerge at this time. A subsequent meeting to take place in October 2015, will attempt to answer some of the questions proposed by the current synod.

The Synod is simply asking a question. Should the Church alter its language on certain doctrines to be more welcoming for those who do not live in full communion with the Church?

Other questions pertain to the reception of Communion, and if divorced or remarried Catholics without an annulment might receive Communion. The Synod also posed questions relating to annulments, cohabitating partners and those in civil marriages, and contraception. The asking of the questions should not be construed as anything particular.

This question will not be answered here or soon. However, it has been asked and what happens next will be guided by deep prayer and contemplation.

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