A unanimous decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court May 5 to legally recognize the union of same-sex couples has been hailed by the primate of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil as “an important advance in our society … in the concept of equality and citizenship.”
Archbishop Maurício Andrade said in a statement that the Supreme Court’s decision “poses serious challenges to all Christians of all churches because it requires openness to recognize that [homosexual] relationships are part of the way of being of the society and of the human nature.”
From now on, he said, the rights of homosexuals and everyone else “become equal” while recognizing that “there is still much left to be done on this matter, pastoral and socially, of affirming the dignity and rights of all human beings.”
The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, a covenant partner with the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, believes that human sexuality is a gift from God and prides itself as being a church that welcomes all people regardless of their sexuality.
With the court ruling, same-sex couples will now be entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples, such as income tax and health benefits, pension, inheritance and property sharing, according to reports.
The ruling falls short of allowing same-sex marriage, but nevertheless has been hailed as an important advance for same-sex couples.
“We praise God for these achievements, trusting that they are part of the gradual and subtle inspiration of the Holy Spirit in transforming our society,” said Andrade in his statement. “We call all Anglicans to welcome every person who seeks us, to pray for them and to accompany them pastorally, in the understanding that the church is a building under construction and its entire membership is only known by Christ Himself, the Lord of the church.”