Civil Unions

[catechizeme]

Not sure this is the right forum, but I thought I’d start here…

With civil unions and gay “marriages” now being allowed more and more I was wondering if someone could answer a couple questions for me.

What impact does being in a (homosexual) civil union have on a person’s status as a Catholic? May he/she receive the sacraments? Has he/she excommunicated themselves?

I have a Catholic friend who is gay, is in a civil union, and recently became a licensed “inter-denominational minister” in his state so he can perform civil unions. Same question as above - what does this mean in regard to his standing as a Catholic? He makes no secret of his lifestyle in his parish and is a very vocal spokesperson for gay marriage, civil unions, etc. He attends Mass and receives Communion weekly so it (appears) his pastor is fine with this.

 

[mdstanzel]

He’s in a state of mortal sin and is scandalizing everyone exposed to his openly sinful situation. He may not receive communion, in fact by definition he is practicing heresy openly and publicly, which is a very serious sin. He would never be able to be ordained if he lived celibate. etc. etc.

Now everyone will come forward to talk about culpability and concupiscence. However, it doesn’t sound like he is that naive, dumb or innocent. Don’t we all wish we could live in absolute ignorance all our lives to gain eternity without lifting a finger or being blamed for our actions. Only God knows his heart and all we can do for him is pray for him, but openly oppose his position for the sake of the Gospel.

 

[puzzleannie]

What impact does being in a (homosexual) civil union have on a person’s status as a Catholic? May he/she receive the sacraments? Has he/she excommunicated themselves?
.

yes of course in the same sense that someone who contracts an invalid civil marriage has voluntarily deliberately entered into a state of mortal sin, rejected completely and totally Catholic teaching on sex and marriage, and worst of all, separated himself from communion with Christ and his Church. He has also committed a sacrilege against the sacrament of marriage. your friend, no matter what his religious affliation or lack of it, is not in any way shape or form married. Civil law has no power or authority to change God’s order of matrimony.