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Gio Benitez, Openly Gay ABC News Weekend Anchor, Joins Catholic Church and Reaffirms Faith with Husband by His Side

Michie

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“I found the Ark of the Covenant in my heart, stored there by the one who created me … exactly as I am," Benitez wrote
Gio Benitez/Instagram Tommy DiDario (left) and Gio Benitez (right) face two priests during the confirmation mass.

Gio Benitez/Instagram Tommy DiDario (left) and Gio Benitez (right) face two priests during the confirmation mass.© Gio Benitez/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW​

  • Gio Benitez, an openly gay ABC News anchor, joined a Catholic church in New York City and celebrated his confirmation mass on social media
  • He said that the special moment was partly inspired by learning more about the late Pope Francis's "legacy of inclusivity"
  • Benitez's husband, Tommy DiDario, served as his sponsor
Gio Benitez, an ABC News anchor who is openly gay, joined a Catholic church in New York City and reaffirmed his faith after a long spiritual journey.

On Monday, Nov. 10, the Good Morning America co-anchor shared a moving video of his confirmation mass at the Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan with his husband, Tommy DiDario, serving as his sponsor — a special moment partly inspired by the late Pope Francis’ “legacy of inclusivity.”

Continued below.
 

Michie

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Wolseley

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Hmmm.......in the Catholic Faith that *I* know, one cannot be permitted to receive the Sacraments unless they turn away from open sin.

Something is amiss here.
 
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PloverWing

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Asking just for my information: What is the Catholic policy in cases like this, where a married gay person joins the church? Are they required to get a civil divorce? Do they continue to be (civilly) married but now live celibately together? Some third option?

(I understand that the Catholic church will not recognize the marriage as valid, but I'm not sure what their policy is toward the existing civil union.)
 
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Michie

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Asking just for my information: What is the Catholic policy in cases like this, where a married gay person joins the church? Are they required to get a civil divorce? Do they continue to be (civilly) married but now live celibately together? Some third option?

(I understand that the Catholic church will not recognize the marriage as valid, but I'm not sure what their policy is toward the existing civil union.)
They can join but if they refuse to live chastely they cannot receive communion. I’m not sure about the legal union.

ETA: just quickly researched it… they are not required to dissolve the legal union. Just to live chastely. The reason being is the Church does not recognize same sex marriage.
 
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