Controversial Issues Surrounding The Catholic Church

Some of the most controversial topics surrounding the Catholic Church over the last few decades have been same-sex relationships and marriage. There is a great division of opinions on this topic which leads to confusion about the morality of gay marriage and whether or not it should be allowed and condoned by the church. The issue of same-sex marriage has been around since before the start of Christianity. Various types of same-sex unions have existed, ranging from informal relationships to highly ritualized unions found in almost all cultures across the world. The Catholic Church’s position on the issue of homosexuality and same-sex marriage has been very conservative for the majority of its history, but there is an increasing opposition

This shift towards open thinking and equality undertaken by the church coincides with the election of Pope Francis. Recently, Pope Francis called an Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on topics related to the family and evangelization. This is a great first step in particular looking at issues surrounding the Christian definition of a traditional family and whether or homosexual families fit under that distinction. Homosexuality is not the only topic that will be addressed by this general assembly, but it is an important issue that could greatly influence the future of the Catholic Church. The synod will meet again next year to discuss the same topic, but in a more open setting with more Bishops being able to share their opinions (USCCB Synod n.p). This synod could result in a crucial shift in Catholic teaching. Regardless of where one stands on the issue of homosexuality, we can find solace in the fact that this topic is being discussed at the Vatican since it is a controversial topic in dire need of updating or

The amount of Americans that support same-sex marriage has been increasing over the past decade, and has recently reached an all-time high. According to a poll conducted in early March of 2014, Fifty percent of Americans say the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of equal protection gives homosexuals the right to marry, while 41 percent say it does not. Beyond the constitutional issues, a record-high of 59 percent say they support same-sex marriage, while only 34 percent are opposed to it (Clement). This change in public opinion shows that support for same-sex marriage is on the rise, and explains why many states have already or are on the brink of legalizing it. The shifting attitudes extend beyond issues of marital rights to more basic beliefs about the nature of homosexuality and its implications for raising children. Nearly eight in ten Americans say that homosexual couples can parent as well as heterosexual couples compared to six in ten in 1996 (Clement). The majority of Catholics still do not support same-sex marriage, but the most recent data available implies that in a few years a majority of Catholics will condone it. This projected shift in thinking could potentially be an issue that can cause conflict within the church, which further supports why this issue must be looked at again by the