As an increasing number of people have shown support for gay marriage, the Catholic Church does not seem to be of the same mind. In fact, it is split on homosexual marriage.
The German Conference of Bishops, which has expressed support for gay marriage, has made known its intention of rebranding the Catholic Church, which includes officially accepting key issues like use of birth control, divorce, and gay marriage.
The raging issue on same-sex marriage is actually nothing new. Through the years, different religious groups or assemblage have given the nod of approval for same-sex couples to go ahead with plans to marry. On the other hand, highly revered religious institutions that include the Roman Catholic Church and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, among others, have frowned on same-sex marriage.
Time and again, staunch Catholics have maintained that homosexuality per se is acceptable, but engaging in homosexual behavior -- including practices of same sex married couples - is not. Consummating a gay marriage is regarded as conflicting with the Scriptures. Nonetheless, that should not be used as a reason to be cruel or unkind to gay couples - in words or actions.
More and more people are stating that they're entitled to choose their religious leanings and lifestyle. Nowadays, several religious groups have opted to have a unified stance, and break away from an overriding body that continues to uphold traditional teachings on marriage and family.
Meantime, there have been LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) equality advocates taken aback by Pope Francis' affirmation of Biblical-prescribed natural marriage. The Pope has therefore been treading carefully on the issue.
Across the world, LGBT activists batting for marriage equality, specifically same-sex marriages, have been making headlines. Sentiments of pro-gay marriage advocates continue to run high, and governments of several countries have stated that they will no longer ban same-sex marriage. Could it be a sign of things to come
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