Initial Report From Vatican on Families Is Criticized
A preliminary Vatican report that offered words of welcome and understanding to gays and unmarried couples has come under heavy criticism from some Roman Catholic bishops who want the final version to emphasize the church’s firm boundaries on acceptable family structures.
Bishops attending a special assembly, or synod, on the family convened by Pope Francis have spent the past few days behind closed doors, in groups separated by language, debating the final text of the report. A vote is expected Saturday.
In public, some conservative bishops have voiced dismay and even disdain for the preliminary report released Monday, saying that appearing to condone gay couples and unconventional families could lead Catholics astray and even cause a schism in the church.