<p><strong>December 18 2023.</strong> DignityUSA the worlds oldest organization of LGBTQIA+ Catholics and allies is celebrating todays announcement by the Vaticans Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith that same-sex couples can be blessed by priests as an important recognition that these relationships can be holy.</p><p>This statement from the Vatican is a dramatic reversal of a document issued about two and a half years ago that declared blessings for same-sex couples could not be offered said Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director of DignityUSA. This is an important recognition that the denial of blessings caused great pastoral harm to many and demonstrates a willingness to rethink discriminatory and dehumanizing theology. It also feels like a vindication of the work so many LGBTQIA+ Catholics and allies have been doing for decades to convey our deep conviction that our sexuality and gender identities are blessings from God and totally consistent with being faithful Catholics.</p><p>Duddy-Burke noted that this document is another step in a long journey to full equality and affirmation of same-sex relationships. It is clear from this statement that sacramental recognition of same-sex relationships is not yet on the table she said. However the Pope has expressed support for civil unions and legal protections of same-sex couples and our families. Perhaps even more importantly significant majorities of Catholics in many countries already believe that same-sex couples relationships are holy blessed and equivalent to marriage. It may take time but we fully expect that the official church will achieve this recognition as well.</p><p>Todays statement also will provide comfort to the family members and loved ones of people in same-sex relationships Duddy-Burke added. Too many Catholics have felt a tension between their support of LGBTQIA+ people and our churchs teachings. This will alleviate some of that tension and make it easier for families to rejoice in their loved ones relationships.</p><p>We encourage pastors around the country and across the globe to take advantage of this new permission to bestow blessings on same-sex couples who ask for this sign of affirmation said Duddy-Burke. It will help many feel more supported by our church.</p><p>DignityUSA has blessed same-sex relationships since the 1970s and has called for equal access to marriage for LGBTQIA+ people for over 25 years.</p><p><i>DignityUSA was founded in 1969 and has worked for justice equality and the full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the Catholic church in society since that time. It is a founding member of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics. </i></p>