Does/must the Church recognize homosexual marriages?

[v3orb]

I know that the Church defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. However, I also understand that the validity of marriages performed outside is recognized by the magisterium. The way I see it, the argument could go either way…

 

[Andreas_Hofer]

The Church authoritatively teaches that marriage can be contracted exclusively between one man and one woman. In light of that, the argument could not, in fact, go either way, because there is no such thing as a marriage between two people of the same sex - whether witnessed by a minister of the Church or not.

 

[Phemie]

The Church does not recognize the marriage of anyone who still has a living spouse so it’s not unknown for her to not recognize a civilly recognized marriage.

 

[benedictgal]

According to Catholic Update:

1. Why is a same-sex union not equivalent
   to a marriage?

For several reasons a same-sex union contradicts the nature of marriage: It is not based on the natural complementarity of male and female; it cannot cooperate with God to create new life; and the natural purpose of sexual union cannot be achieved by a same-sex union. Persons in same-sex unions cannot enter into a true conjugal union. Therefore, it is wrong to equate their relationship to a marriage.

1. Does denying marriage to homosexual persons demonstrate unjust discrimination and a lack of respect for them as persons?

It is not unjust to deny legal status to same-sex unions because marriage and same-sex unions are essentially different realities. In fact, justice requires society to do so.

To uphold God’s intent for marriage, in which sexual relations have their proper and exclusive place, is not to offend the dignity of homosexual persons. Christians must give witness to the whole moral truth and oppose as immoral both homosexual acts and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church urges that homosexual persons “be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity” (no. 2358). It also encourages chaste friendships. “Chastity is expressed notably in friendship with one’s neighbor. Whether it develops between persons of the same or opposite sex, friendship represents a great good for all” (no. 2347).

Furthermore, we have the teaching of Jesus, Himself, who quotes Genesis, where the basis for marriage between one man and one woman is found. The Church cannot go against the teachings and mandates of Her Divine Spouse.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I know that the Church defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. However, I also understand that the validity of marriages performed outside is recognized by the magisterium. The way I see it, the argument could go either way…

The Church does recognize Marriages entered into outside the Catholic Church as long as they are not prohibited by Natural Law (thus One man and One Woman, for Life) and not prohibited by civil law (age, relationship, etc.) and not prohibited by Divine Law (more than one spouse at a time, divorce and re-marriage, etc.)

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

The Church does recognize Marriages entered into outside the Catholic Church as long as they are not prohibited by Natural Law (thus One man and One Woman, for Life, etc.) and not prohibited by civil law (age, relationship, etc.) and not prohibited by Divine Law (more than one spouse at a time, divorce and re-marriage, etc.)