Published on January 1, 2024, 2:12 am

Image source: Fox News

In a controversial move embodying the tension between traditional values and progressive changes, an Italian Roman Catholic church has sparked widespread public outrage by presenting a Nativity scene where Joseph is replaced with a second woman wearing rainbow attire. Father Vitaliano Della Sala of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul sought to communicate through this unconventional portrayal that families extend beyond traditional structures in today’s society.

“We frequently encounter children from diverse variants of families in our parishes,” expressed Della Sala. “These include children of divorced or separated individuals, gay couples, single parents, young mothers – they are members of our society.”

The altered Nativity scene at the ecclesiastical establishment residing in Capocastello di Mercogliano east of Naples received critical backlash. Italian Senator Maurizio Gasparri was one amongst many who condemned the display for being disrespectful to those who cherish and revere the Holy Family.

A petition put forward by Pro-Vita & Famiglia, a pro-life collective, branded this representation as sacrilegious and contentious. They called it an affront to the essence of the Nativity scene and Holy Family’s sanctity. The group appealed directly to Bishop Arturo Aiello [Bishop of Avellino] for action against it.

At its core, their outcry condemns Saint Joseph’s exclusion along with how ‘two mothers’ idea normalizes an unlawful practice such as gamete buying and selling. The complex issue of surrogacy remains forbidden in Italy since 2004; lawmakers have been discussing measures against arranging surrogate maternity abroad under potential penalty including imprisonment up to three years or fines reaching 1 million euros.

Often regarded as “the disobedient priest,” Della Sala has hit headlines previously due to disagreements with Catholic dogma. Notably, he participated actively in Pride parades and other activist causes promoting LGBTQ+ rights advocating his personal perspective that constructive dissent fosters faith growth and revitalizes his church.

Interestingly, Della Sala aligns himself with Pope Francis who recently approved Fiducia Supplicans, a contentious Vatican declaration authorizing pastoral blessings for same-sex couples and others in unusual circumstances.

This move sparked diverse responses from Catholic leaders globally. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), while recognizing this new directive’s distinction between liturgical and pastoral blessings, emphasized that Church teachings on marriage remain intact.

While controversies relating to real news from trusted news continue to evolve in the Christian worldview, it is essential to note that voicing dissent within faith communities could allow introspection, promoting progress and acceptance of societal changes. There is an urgent need to foster respectful dialogue between diverse viewpoints for societal cohesion amidst the rapidly evolving notions of family structures.