Rev. Murray to Newsmax: Same-Sex Blessing a 'Renunciation'

Pope Francis' document allowing the Catholic Church's blessing for same-sex couples is "upsetting," as it is a "renunciation of the whole sexual morality teaching of the church," the Rev. Gerald Murray of the Archdiocese of New York told Newsmax Tuesday. 

Further, Murray said on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," that if "two homosexuals are in the so-called marriage" they cannot receive communion, as "they're committing a mortal sin."

"That's the whole basis of marriage of physical union," he said. "In this case, it's a pseudo-marriage. But the problem with this document is that it's now saying it's no big deal, that if you're committing mortal sin, the church can bless you."

Blessings, though, are to "ask God to favor and strengthen and guide us, and the only reason we ask for a blessing is so that we can do his will," said Murray. "People do the exact opposite and commit sin? We don't bless those relationships. Unfortunately, the Pope says you can."

The Vatican’s doctrine office released the document Monday. It elaborates on a letter Francis sent to two conservative cardinals in October in which he suggested blessings could be offered if they did not cause confusion with the sacrament of marriage. 

"This is also the double talk that's coming out here that says it's not a liturgical blessing," said Murray. "It's a pastoral blessing, and it says that people shouldn't dress up in wedding clothes.

"Now, wait a minute, You're more concerned about what they're wearing [than] what they're doing? This is a real problem … the Vatican is giving not only confusion but misdirection. The mission of the church is not to affirm people and what they think is right. It's to say this is what Jesus wants from you."

Meanwhile, the Pope turned 87 on Sunday, and Murray said he believes the document comes as "he realizes he's not in great health" and "he wants to get a lot of changes in at the end."

"A couple of weeks ago, we had [where] transgender people can be sponsors at baptism," he said. "I think he's trying to push his agenda real quickly."

But, Murray added, "It's disturbing."

"I mean, here it is Christmas," he said. "We're talking about the birth of the savior. And what are we talking about? Now with the church's OK with being gay. … Think of your average Catholic. He [says] Wait a minute. Is the Pope saying homosexuals can be blessed? And what about people who are polygamists coming in with their three wives?"

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