Pope Francis: transgender people can be baptized and act as godparents. Courtesy of Maryland Church
Pope Francis recently caused a stir in a number of Catholic circles by stating that transgender people can be baptized and act as godparents or witnesses to a wedding in the Church. This statement exacerbated an already tense situation with some conservative Catholic bishops in the United States who have objected to the Pope’s attempts to welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community to the Church.
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What Does Jesus Say about Judging Others?
Jesus has been clear in scripture how He wants us to act towards each other:
Matthew 7: 1-2 – 1 Stop judging, that you may not be judged. 2 For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Luke 6:37 – 37 “Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6: 36 – 36 Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful.
2 Timothy 4:1 –1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power.
Jesus tells us He is the judge of the world. We will all have our time with Jesus to account for ourselves and our actions. In the meantime, we are asked not to judge, but to accept others for who they are, to love them and take care of them. The Bible is also clear about the definition of marriage, and the Church’s position on homosexuality, but our job is to love all people as our neighbor and to fulfill the responsibilities that Jesus asks of us in Matthew 25: 31-46. As a Church we should be welcoming to all no matter their political views, sexual identity, sexual preferences, or how they live their lives, or even the team they support – Philadelphia Eagles fans (jk).
(*) This article shows just how twisted the New World Churches have God’s words. We are told NOT to associate with such people. The Pope is leading many astray, as the Bible foretold would happen.
* Original Article:
Pope Francis: Transgender People be Can be Baptized and be Godparents
