Synod ‘Relatio’ document on gay people lost in translation

Confusion is the word that most accurately describes the reaction of many in Ireland to the latest English language revision regarding gay people in the Relatio document published by the synod of bishops.

The revision changed the word “welcoming” homosexuals in Monday’s document to “providing for” them in Thursday’s document.

The synod is due to agree its final document today.

Brian Sheehan of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network hoped that the synod's final document "would reflect the reality" of gay people's experience of tolerance on the part of most people in Ireland and very many parents, "most of whom are Catholic". When it came to gay people, he felt most Catholics "are non-judgmental, following Pope Francis's line".

Dr John Murray of Catholic organisation the Iona Institute said Monday's document "didn't seem to reflect accurately the views of all synod fathers taking part and needed to be clarified".

He was “a bit surprised at the translation” and felt “it all seems rushed.” He believed 700 amendments were being suggested to the Monday document and questioned whether it is be possible to address all them.

“The positive aspects” of Monday’s document should be kept but the basic teaching of the church also needed to be clarified, he said.

Where harsh language such as “intrinsically disordered” was concerned “in the day-to-day experience of the church, the term is not used. But one has to talk about sin. It’s part of the gospel. That’s harsh,” he said. “It is necessary to talk these things out. There’s no point in ignoring the fact that there’s disagreement.”