Rome

Leaders of two world mega-churches eased away from some harsh former opinions their respective religious organizations have held on LGBT issues. Pope Francis refines the Catholic position, as reflected in a document of the findings of a religious scholarly group he convened in October 2014, called the synod on family affairs. The paper that resulted from the meeting of church scholars and theologians affirms, “Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer the Christian community.”

Mormons Can Live With Gays, Too

At very nearly the same time as the Catholics pronouncement, a dozen leaders of the LDS Church convened a press conference in Salt Lake City to declare willingness to consider legislation forbidding anti-discrimination legislation in housing and employment. The Utah legislature is in session for a few months, and is considering just such a move. Always keen to guard it’s position in public affairs, the dominant church in the state requested in return what they call “laws to protect religious freedom.”

Since the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution already makes that principle very, very clear when it states, “Government shall make no law respecting religion,” it is unclear precisely what it is that the brethren at the helm of the LDS Church have in mind in this regard. Likely it relates to issues raised under the recent Hobby Lobby decision of the U. S. Supreme Court, which seems to permit some degree of deviation in compliance for those businesses that have closely held religious objections to following certain federal laws.

Good Timing for Policies Signaling Tolerance of LGBT Communities

It is convenient that both vast religious empires declare a position of LGBT tolerance as the inexorable tide of same-sex marriage acceptance and greater civil rights sweeps America in 2015. Both denominations, however, still withhold support for same-sex marriage rights, advising that while they accept the individuals as such, LGBT people are required to remain essentially celibate. They are welcome to contribute their special “gifts and qualities” to the Christian community still, of course.

Pope Also Calls for End to Squabbling Over Doctrine and Competing for Followers

Speaking to a gathering of leaders from Orthodox, Anglican, and other faiths gathered in the Basilica in Rome, Pope Francis called for an end to competition among Christian faiths for faithful followers. He announced, “Our shared commitment to proclaiming the Gospel allows us to overcome proselytism and competition in all their forms.”

It was unclear whether or not the Holy Father’s humble reticence to engage in holy wars for loyal followers stems from a sense that his faith is losing ground to proselytizing powerhouses like the massive Mormon missionary force spread out two-by-two worldwide, as well as other trends like the ongoing growth of mega-churches among Protestant faiths in the U.S., or simply out of his stated sympathy with shared suffering of Christians killed in extremist pogroms under declarations of faith in Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere in the world.

Similarities Are More Important Than Our Differences

As he noted, “Those who are different from us can help us grow,” Francis also advised against “subtle theoretical discussions in which one side tries to convince the other.” The “live-and-let-live pope” wonders, “Can we all just get along?”

So, basically, it seems that Catholics are cool with everyone having their own beliefs. Finally.

It is a welcome change of perspective from a pope who accepts everyone more or less just as they are, a bit like a Mr. Rogers in white robes in the Vatican. The attitude is refreshing from the man whose place in the world depends on his being holier than everyone else in the room. He carries his papal burden with admirable humility and folksy charm.

Those who benefit from the growing openness in some of the opinions of the Catholic and other churches on doctrines of faith, LGBT issues, environmental concerns, and other issues welcome the compassionate tone of concern from the Vatican. Pope Francis speaks for some hundreds of millions of strong believers worldwide, so his voice resonates with authority.