Contrary to media reports, a Spanish bishop did not cave in to the requests of a transsexual to be the godparent of a child and has since received clarification from the Vatican that no such appointment can be allowed.

Newsweek is reporting on the case of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cadiz and Cueta, Spain, who was widely persecuted by the media in his country after refusing to allow a woman who claimed to be a man from serving as godfather. The woman, who is now calling herself Alex Salinas, wanted to serve as godfather to her nephew.

Earlier last month, it was reported that Bishop Zornoza decided to allow Salinas to be the godfather; however, this turned out not to be true.

He issued a statement earlier this week, saying: “Considering the disorientation caused among some of the faithful by some words having been attributed to me that I had not pronounced, and due to the complexity and media relevance of this subject, taking into consideration the possible pastoral consequences of any decision regarding it, I raised up a formal consultation before the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.”

After considering the case, the Congregation responded by saying: "Regarding this particular [issue], I inform you of the impossibility that it be admitted. The transsexual behavior itself reveals, in a public manner, an attitude that is opposed to the moral demand of resolving one's own problem of sexual identity according to the truth of one's own sex. Therefore, it is evident that this person does not possess the requisite of leading a life according to the faith and to the position of godfather (CIC [Code of Canon Law] Can 874 §3), not being able, therefore, of being admitted to the position either of godmother or of godfather. Discrimination is not to be seen in this, but only a recognition of an objective lack of the requisites that by their own nature are necessary to take over the ecclesial responsibility of being a godparent."

For this reason, Bishop Zornoza confirmed that “ . . . [I]t has been made known to the interested parties that their request cannot be accepted. The Church welcomes all persons charitably, wanting to help each one in his position with sentiments of mercy, but without denying the truth that she preaches, that she proposes to all as a path a faith to be freely embraced.”

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