Thailand will begin officiating equal marriage registrations nationwide on Thursday, January 23, following the landmark Marriage Equality Act, which comes into effect on Wednesday, January 22.
As the first nation in Southeast Asia to legalize marriage equality, the Thai government has assured that district offices across all 76 provinces and Thai embassies and consulates abroad are fully prepared to facilitate the registrations.
In light of this historic shift, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has recently issued a pastoral statement addressing the implications of the new law.
Signed by CBCT President Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, the statement affirmed the Church’s commitment to respecting human dignity while maintaining its doctrinal teachings on marriage.
“This pastoral message conveys the position and approach of the Catholic Church in caring for same-sex couples who register their marriages in accordance with the law, to ensure appropriate pastoral practices,” the statement read.
The Church’s Response to Societal Changes
Acknowledging the evolving societal perspectives on sexual orientation and identity, the CBCT’s statement highlighted the Church’s call for respect and compassion toward all individuals.
Citing Dignitas Infinita (55), the document emphasized that “everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect, while avoiding all signs of unjust discrimination, aggression, or violence.”
However, the bishops expressed concern about the influence of gender theory on contemporary discourse.
Quoting Pope Francis, they warned against “ideological colonization” and stress that any attempt to redefine gender without recognizing life as a gift from God risks eroding foundational truths about human nature.
The statement reiterated the biblical foundation of Christian marriage as “the union of a man and a woman, bound together for life,” citing Genesis 1:27-28: “God created man in his own image, male and female he created them. And he blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’”
Pastoral Care for Same-Sex Couples
While reaffirming the sacramental understanding of marriage as exclusive to a man and a woman, the Church commits to pastoral care for same-sex couples. The bishops outlined the following principles:
- The Marriage Equality Act does not alter the Church’s teaching on marriage as a sacrament reserved for heterosexual unions.
- Any pastoral blessing for same-sex couples is not intended to endorse their civil status but is offered as a sign of God’s mercy and a means to encourage Gospel-centered living.
- Pastors must treat all individuals with love, dignity, and respect, fostering their spiritual growth and guiding them toward holiness.
“This is not a denial of God’s grace but an affirmation of His love for all His children,” the statement clarified.
Navigating Challenges in a Changing World
The bishops acknowledged the challenges posed by contemporary debates around gender theory, which they describe as sources of “confusion and conflict.”
However, they expressed confidence in the Church’s ability to navigate these complexities through dialogue, reflection, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
“Christians, as part of the mystical body of Jesus Christ, are called to stand firm in the faith that comes from God. The Church itself cannot change its divine nature,” the statement asserted.
Amid the societal shifts brought about by the Marriage Equality Act, the Catholic Church reaffirmed its dual commitment: to uphold the sanctity of Christian marriage while walking alongside all people with compassion and care.
As Thailand implements marriage equality, the Catholic Church reiterates its commitment to doctrinal teachings while emphasizing pastoral care and dialogue to address the needs of Catholics and the broader society.
Citing Dignitas Infinita (55), the document emphasized that “everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect, while avoiding all signs of unjust discrimination, aggression, or violence.”
However, the bishops expressed concern about the influence of gender theory on contemporary discourse.
Quoting Pope Francis, they warned against “ideological colonization” and stress that any attempt to redefine gender without recognizing life as a gift from God risks eroding foundational truths about human nature.
The statement reiterated the biblical foundation of Christian marriage as “the union of a man and a woman, bound together for life,” citing Genesis 1:27-28: “God created man in his own image, male and female he created them. And he blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.’”
Pastoral Care for Same-Sex Couples
While reaffirming the sacramental understanding of marriage as exclusive to a man and a woman, the Church commits to pastoral care for same-sex couples. The bishops outlined the following principles:
- The Marriage Equality Act does not alter the Church’s teaching on marriage as a sacrament reserved for heterosexual unions.
- Any pastoral blessing for same-sex couples is not intended to endorse their civil status but is offered as a sign of God’s mercy and a means to encourage Gospel-centered living.
- Pastors must treat all individuals with love, dignity, and respect, fostering their spiritual growth and guiding them toward holiness.
“This is not a denial of God’s grace but an affirmation of His love for all His children,” the statement clarified.
Navigating Challenges in a Changing World
The bishops acknowledged the challenges posed by contemporary debates around gender theory, which they describe as sources of “confusion and conflict.”
However, they expressed confidence in the Church’s ability to navigate these complexities through dialogue, reflection, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
“Christians, as part of the mystical body of Jesus Christ, are called to stand firm in the faith that comes from God. The Church itself cannot change its divine nature,” the statement asserted.
Amid the societal shifts brought about by the Marriage Equality Act, the Catholic Church reaffirmed its dual commitment: to uphold the sanctity of Christian marriage while walking alongside all people with compassion and care.
As Thailand implements marriage equality, the Catholic Church reiterates its commitment to doctrinal teachings while emphasizing pastoral care and dialogue to address the needs of Catholics and the broader society.