Transgender people can be baptized in the Catholic Church and serve as godparents, per an official Vatican document published Wednesday.
Why it matters: The decision builds on Pope Francis’ support for LGBTQ+ people, who have faced marginalization from the church — though the pope has previously approved a Vatican doctrine that Catholic priests cannot bless same-sex unions because God “does not and cannot bless sin.”
This isn’t necessarily a message to transgender people as individuals, but more a message to their followers that they cannot use their religion as an excuse for their bigotry and ignorant hatred.
Just because it may not make a difference overnight it doesn’t mean that it isn’t a step in the right direction.
Very good point