Vatican signals new stance toward homosexuals

The Vatican has signaled for the first time that it could selectively accept homosexuality, cohabitation, and divorce, which it has long taken as sin. It released a preliminary report on Monday during the Vatican synod held from Oct. 5 through Oct. 19.

Although the 12-page report announced by the Hungarian Cardinal Peter Erdo, resident of the Council of European Bishops` Conferences, did not overhaul former decisions, it contained multiple expressions that were not present in traditional Catholic documents.

"Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community,” the report said in a section titled "Welcoming homosexual persons." "Without denying the moral problems connected to homosexual unions it has to be noted that there are cases in which mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners.”

“Simple cohabitation is often a choice inspired by a general attitude, and many couples choose to live together for economic reasons while waiting for a steady job and income. Common-law marriages are very numerous in many countries because getting married is a luxury, so that material poverty encourages people to live in common-law marriages,” the report also said. “Cohabitation can be positive.”

Catholic experts around the world say the report is a “reform” or “tremors before an earthquake.”