Tim Kaine: Catholic Church Will Change Marriage Doctrine

tim kaine

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Kaine made a few waves over the weekend by criticizing the Catholic stance regarding marriage — suggesting that his personal beliefs are at odds with “the church he attends.” Kaine followed up that thought by saying he believes the church will change its stance in the future:

“My full, complete, unconditional support for marriage equality is at odds with the current doctrine of the church that I still attend,” Kaine said at a dinner celebrating gay rights. “But I think that’s going to change, too.” …

Kaine said he wanted to be honest about his own struggles with reconciling his advocacy of equal rights with the teachings of a church that restricts marriage to a man and woman.

“My church also teaches me about a Creator in the first chapter of Genesis who surveys the entire world including mankind and said, ‘It is very good. It is very good,’” Kaine said.

“Who am I to challenge God for the beautiful diversity of the human family?” he added. “I think we’re supposed to celebrate, not challenge it.”

Kaine’s rhetoric may be purely political, but it seems clear he doesn’t possess an intimate knowledge of the Catholic church’s party-line regarding whether or not it can change its doctrine. From Catholic.com:

No, the Church cannot change its doctrines no matter how badly some theologians may want it to or how loudly they claim it can. The doctrines of the Catholic Church are the deposit of faith revealed by Jesus Christ, taught by the apostles, and handed down in their entirety by the apostles to their successors. Since revealed truth cannot change, and since the deposit of faith is comprised of revealed truth, expressed in Scripture and Sacred Tradition, the deposit of faith cannot change.

What do you think? Is Kaine correct. Will the Catholic church change its doctrine on the issue of marriage? Is he just playing politics in order to appeal to Democratic voters despite his church affiliation? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments below.

About Patrick Stephens 163 Articles
Patrick is the founder and lead editor of the publication. Currently a pastor of many years by trade, Patrick served in the US Army and did his graduate work at both Miami University in Oxford, OH (Social Sciences) and the University of Dayton (Theology) — earning an advanced degree. He enjoys bringing a larger historical and philosophical perspective to his projects. Also, he likes comic books.

1 Comment

  1. These are the same people who denigrate our Constitutional Republic with their preference for mob rule democracy. As long as they feel they will be in charge of the mob (obviously very little understanding of mankind’s tragic historical record), aka “the coach dog theory” of politics. When a dog or pack of dogs saw a coach or fire vehicle rushing by, they would break their necks barking wildly and run, run, run first to catch, overtake, then cut in front of it, now they were in front seemingly leading the thing.
    Problematic, once this massive object is in motion, IF / WHEN you slow down, then it runs over you. Actually, a Darwinian application of justice if ever I heard of one.

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