I am a lesbian and I plan to stay celibate forever. Could I get married in the Catholic Church to a gay man? The Church does not require eros (carnal love/attraction), but rather agape (literally, pouring out oneself) for marriage, and agape transcends gender and orientation. So, would the Church marry us if we followed all of its doctrines and dogmas, believed deeply in Christ, and so on?
I mean, I don't think that it is in any way profaning the Sacrament of matrimony, as agape is love too, just not in the way that current society is used to looking at it. By the way, in case you are wondering why I'd ever consider marrying a man, it is so that we could have a family and take care of children that would not otherwise have a family with a mother and a father. Sex, after all, is not really an important part of marriage, it's just a nice benefit.
2006-12-20 09:45:09 · 7 answers · asked by Rat 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I really do hate to say it, but I have a feeling that unless you two lie through your teeth, you will not find any Catholic priest who will marry you. I'd have to go look up the sections from the Code of Canon Law, but I have a feeling that the Sacrament would be considered "illicit" ...
Gimme a minute... let me look something up and get back to you....
[Five minutes later]
Okay, here are some points that might work against you:
Can. 1084 §1 Antecedent and perpetual impotence to have sexual intercourse, whether on the part of the man or on that of the woman, whether absolute or relative, by its very nature invalidates marriage.
§2 If the impediment of impotence is doubtful, whether the doubt be one of law or one of fact, the marriage is not to be prevented nor, while the doubt persists, is it to be declared null.
§3 Without prejudice to the provisions of can. 1098, sterility neither forbids nor invalidates a marriage.
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Can. 1096 §1 For matrimonial consent to exist, it is necessary that the contracting parties be at least not ignorant of the fact that marriage is a permanent partnership between a man and a woman, ordered to the procreation of children through some form of sexual cooperation.
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If you want my opinion/advice, I would find a Jesuit priest who has a degree in Canon Law and talk to him. Jesuits tend to be the most liberal of priests and you will need someone who knows his stuff. I applaud your intentions - this world needs good parents.
2006-12-20 10:00:56 · answer #1 · answered by Church Music Girl 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
LOL. Good one!
And I do presume that both of you will be HONEST and confess before you partake the Sacrament of Matrimony, right?
At any rate, here's my own two cents to your query: I would guess that you will be advised that Matrimony --according to the Church doctrines-- is a sacred sacrament that is primarily [and perhaps ONLY] INTENDED FOR the purpose of PROCREATION. Period.
And therefore, I'd wager a week's pay that they will not readily allow your proposal without the clear-cut dispensation of Rome itself! But then again, I could be wrong...
Good luck to you and your prospective partner.
Peace be with you.
2006-12-20 10:01:40 · answer #2 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would a lesbian want to marry a gay man? That is the stupidest crap I have ever heard. Is it so that when you both go to Hell together you wont be separated because of your religious beliefs. You are not going to Hell of course but you are not going to Heaven either. I don't approve of a gay life style. But you may as well get you a lover of your own gender and enjoy life the best you can while you are still alive Because baby that's all you have got. Don't miss out on how little that can be. Good luck xx
2006-12-20 13:06:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This question is quite deep and probing. I bet it should be presented before a Bishop for their discernment, after all, you'll need the man and to get to know whoever it is to marry you. I don't think there is anything contrary about it, it is moving form celibate vocation to married vocation. You'll can have both types of love without sex you know...
2006-12-20 09:50:38 · answer #4 · answered by BigPappa 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. The only requirement concerning homosexuality and the church is that you not act on it. As long as you don't commit the acts, you are not sinning.
I wouldn't give all the details, though. They would balk at marrying you, but wouldn't be able to give a real reason why.
2006-12-20 09:52:27 · answer #5 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you will not be allowed to marry.
One of they things you must promise in order to be married in the Catholic Church is to be open to God's gift of children. Since you intend to be celibate, you have no intention of having children and therefore there is no purpose to your marriage.
2006-12-20 10:37:20 · answer #6 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not? You're not going to be having sex with each other, which is only acceptable for procreation!
If you really want kids, have them on your own.
2006-12-20 09:52:46 · answer #7 · answered by Mrs. Pears 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋