Vatican Secretariat distances itself from synod report after criticism over Courage apostolate remarks and same-sex union testimonies controversy.
Newsroom (15/05/2026 Gaudium Press ) The General Secretariat of the Synod has moved to distance itself from a controversial report produced by Study Group 9 of the Synod on Synodality, following an intense backlash from within the Catholic Church. The document, which includes pointed criticism of the Courage apostolate and testimonies from individuals in same-sex civil unions, has ignited debate over doctrinal fidelity and the direction of the synodal process.
In statements given to Religión Confidencial, the Secretariat’s communications team emphasized that the report should not be understood as an official Vatican position. According to the Secretariat, the texts released are “working documents” and “cannot be attributed to the General Secretariat.” The clarification comes after several days of mounting criticism, particularly from organizations and voices concerned about the perceived implications for Catholic teaching on sexuality.
A Deliberate Institutional Distancing
The report in question, released on May 5, was coordinated by Cardinal Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, as part of an ongoing effort within the Synod on Synodality to address complex doctrinal, pastoral, and ethical questions. However, as controversy intensified, the General Secretariat sought to narrow its association with the content.
Officials stressed that their role was limited to technical functions, including “the translation of the summaries, the editing of the reports and their publication and dissemination.” They also underscored that the various study groups involved in the synodal process operate autonomously, thereby distancing the central body from the conclusions or interpretations expressed in the document.
Further signaling an effort to reduce institutional responsibility, the Secretariat pointed out that the texts do not bear its official logo, but only that of the broader synodal process. This distinction has been widely interpreted as an attempt to minimize the perceived authority and endorsement of the report.
Controversy Centers on Courage Apostolate
At the heart of the dispute is an appendix within the report that includes testimonies from two men—one American and one Portuguese—who identify as Catholics and are civilly married to same-sex partners. The inclusion of these accounts has drawn particular scrutiny for their depiction of Church-affiliated ministries.
One testimony contains an implicit accusation that the Courage apostolate promotes “reparative therapies,” a claim the organization has firmly denied. Courage, a Catholic ministry that supports individuals experiencing same-sex attraction in living according to Church teaching, responded forcefully.
In a statement issued on May 8, Courage described the report as containing “slander and defamation.” The group also criticized the process behind the document’s preparation, noting that it was never consulted prior to the publication of such serious allegations.
Accusations of “Intellectual Dishonesty”
The controversy escalated further following comments from Father Brian Gannon, executive director of Courage International. Speaking to the National Catholic Register, Gannon accused the study group of acting with “intellectual dishonesty” and failing to represent a full range of voices within the Church.
“The study group seems to contradict what synodality claims to seek: greater participation of all relevant voices,” he said. Gannon argued that perspectives aligned with established Church teaching were conspicuously absent from the report, raising questions about the inclusiveness and balance of the synodal process.
Clash Over Catholic Moral Teaching
Beyond procedural concerns, the report has sparked a deeper theological debate. Critics have objected to passages suggesting that the central moral issue in same-sex relationships lies not in the relationships themselves, but in “the lack of faith in a God who desires our fulfillment.”
Gannon strongly rejected this framing, reiterating that Catholic doctrine on sexuality “has remained unchanged for two thousand years.” He affirmed that the Church teaches sexual acts outside of marriage between a man and a woman are objectively sinful.
He further criticized any suggestion that homosexual relationships could be viewed as a “gift from God,” arguing that such a position directly contradicts the Catechism of the Catholic Church and its consistent moral teaching.
Broader Implications for the Synodal Process
The episode highlights ongoing tensions within the Synod on Synodality, which aims to foster dialogue and discernment across diverse and often contentious issues facing the global Church. While the process has been praised for encouraging participation, critics warn that it risks generating confusion if doctrinal boundaries are perceived as being questioned indirectly.
The General Secretariat’s attempt to distance itself from the report reflects the sensitivity of these debates and the challenges involved in balancing open discussion with doctrinal clarity. As reactions continue to unfold, the controversy underscores the difficulty of navigating deeply held convictions within a changing global context.
For now, the report remains a focal point of contention—raising fundamental questions about authority, representation, and the future direction of Catholic teaching in a synodal era.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Infovaticana
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