Synodal Church and Non-Traditional Families: A Disputed Perspective

A new vision of Christian love sparks debate in Italy

An Italian Diocese Highlights Same-Sex Couples as Family Role Models

In the Diocese of Chiavari, Italy, a recent pastoral initiative has stirred intense debate. A brochure published by the Diocesan Office for Family Pastoral Ministry showcases various expressions of love—including same-sex couples—as examples of family life. Titled There Is No Greater Love, the publication seeks to “collect stories of love” as lived within the diocese, encompassing married couples, divorced individuals, and same-sex partners, regardless of their religious affiliation or marital status.

An Inclusive Pastoral Approach Sparks Division

Guided by Don Marco Torre, the brochure intentionally expands beyond traditional Christian family models. It features real-life stories of people engaged in relationships considered “irregular” by Church teaching, yet embraced in this context for their authenticity and emotional depth. The aim is to create space within the Church for those who often feel excluded—particularly members of the LGBTQ+ community.

However, critics argue that this inclusive approach challenges the Church’s long-standing moral and doctrinal frameworks. Conservative outlets, such as La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana (LNBQ), see this as a sign of doctrinal drift. They criticize what they perceive as the growing ideological bias in pastoral structures and the dilution of Catholic teachings on marriage.

Voices from Same-Sex and Divorced Couples: Redefining Christian Love?

The brochure includes personal testimonies, such as that of Marco and Michele, a same-sex couple who say they have found new freedom in living their love openly—even within their parish community. As members of the group Amore in cammino, they express a commitment to “breaking down walls of division” by advocating for broader inclusion of diverse relationships in Church life.

Another featured story is that of Gianluca, who is in a relationship with a non-practicing man. Gianluca reflects on how their differences have enriched his spiritual journey, offering yet another way to live out faith in a partnership that doesn’t conform to traditional norms.

Drawing on Amoris Laetitia to Validate New Paths to Communion

Some participants in the booklet cite the apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia by Pope Francis to support their pastoral reintegration into Church life. Alessandra and Luca, a couple who are divorced and civilly remarried, refer to paragraph 297 of the text: “Everyone should be helped to find their own way of participating in the ecclesial community.”

Though they acknowledge transgressing certain doctrinal boundaries, they argue that their journey is rooted in a sincere effort to grow closer to God. They now live with a renewed sense of love they believe aligns with their ongoing faith commitment.

Episcopal Silence Seen as Implicit Approval

Bishop Giampio Devasini of Chiavari has not publicly commented on the brochure. His silence is being interpreted by some as a tacit endorsement of the initiative. The diocese has previously collaborated with La Tenda di Gionata, an organization dedicated to pastoral care for LGBTQ+ believers, further fuelling speculation around its stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Sharp Criticism from Catholic Conservative Press

Publications like La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana accuse the diocese of attempting to rewrite Church doctrine. They claim that pastoral ministries are becoming experimental platforms for redefining the traditional Christian family model. This, they argue, includes legitimizing same-sex relationships as part of a “natural and Christian family.”

For conservative critics, the brochure represents a continuation of earlier steps taken to embrace LGBTQ+ members—such as prayer vigils against homophobia—with the ultimate goal of fully integrating homosexuality into Church life, a move they view as incompatible with Catholic teaching.

This initiative reflects the growing tension within contemporary Catholicism between upholding traditional doctrine and embracing a more inclusive pastoral approach. By spotlighting life stories that have long remained on the fringes, the Diocese of Chiavari challenges the Church to rethink the boundaries between compassionate inclusion and established moral norms.