South Dakota bishops: Same-sex blessings don’t change church’s stance on homosexuality

Latest guidance from Vatican prompts response from South Dakota Catholic Dioceses

Dec 27, 2023

∙ Paid

Bearing the Face of Jesus" A Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of South Dakota - Diocese of Rapid City

South Dakota’s top Catholics say the church continues to consider homosexuality acts a sin despite the Pope recently allowing blessings for same sex couples.

Bishops Donald DeGrood and Peter Muhich, who head the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls and Rapid City, respectively, issued a joint letter last week clarifying a position made earlier in the month by Pope Francis allowing Catholic clergy to bless same-sex couples. While the doctrine, issued Dec. 18, marks a change in church practices, allowing blessings for same-sex couples, the church still doesn’t condone gay marriage.

NEWS: Community for homeless vets taking shape

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to The Dakota Scout to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.