FIDUCIA SUPPLICANS: CHALLENGES AND HOPES

Not many Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith documents generate theological heat like Fiducia Supplicansdid a few months ago and continue to. Initial reactions to this document were based on perceptions. There was a general dislike forthe document all across the world. Could it be that this document has nothing good in it? Ten months later, the heat has subsided, and we can now have a soberer reading of this document. Again, we must always agree to engage on all emerging theological issues. Some discussions will necessarily be very tough. One such discussion has to do with people in irregular situations and same-sex unions. This is a reality with us. It is a reality that needs to be evangelised. We cannot call our brothers and sisters to conversion from loci of sin if all we do is shun them. Therefore, Fiducia Supplicans allows us to engage vigorously on these difficult issues.