Hey Bali News– In a significant doctrinal statement, the Vatican has formally reaffirmed its position that marriage is an exclusive, lifelong sacramental union between one man and one woman, directly addressing challenges from cultural practices in Africa and evolving social norms in the West. This global doctrinal stance has immediate and practical consequences for one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations: Bali.
The recent document, “‘Una Caro’ (One Flesh),” from the Vatican’s highest doctrinal office, leaves no room for ambiguity. It solidifies the Church’s definition of marriage, implicitly excluding same-sex unions from the sacrament. In Bali, a premier hub for international “destination weddings,” this translates into a clear, non-negotiable policy for the local Catholic Church.
Aligning with the Sacred Doctrine
For the Archdiocese of Denpasar, the Vatican’s reaffirmation reinforces existing sacred protocols. The Church in Bali strictly adheres to universal Canon Law, which reserves the sacrament of Holy Matrimony exclusively for one man and one woman. As such, the Catholic Church in Bali cannot and will not administer the sacrament of marriage to same-sex couples.
Furthermore, reinforcing the sacred nature of the rite, the Archdiocese has standardized another key rule: the sacramental ceremony must be conducted within a consecrated Catholic church building. This means the era of sacramental Catholic weddings in Bali’s picturesque hotel chapels, cliffside gardens, or beachfront venues is officially over for tourists.
“A sacramental marriage is a holy covenant, a visible sign of God’s grace,” explained a representative from the Archdiocesan pastoral office. “Upholding its integrity means celebrating it in a sacred space dedicated to worship, and according to the form established by the Church. The Vatican’s recent instruction confirms our path to safeguard this sacrament’s dignity and exclusivity.”
Impact on Bali’s Wedding Tourism
This creates a new planning reality for the many international Catholic couples, particularly from Australia, Europe, and the Philippines, who flock to Bali to marry. While commitment ceremonies or non-religious blessings for all couples can still be arranged at various venues, those seeking a valid Catholic marriage must now:
- Be an opposite-sex couple.
- Complete all canonical pre-marriage requirements (Pre-Cana).
- Hold the ceremony inside a registered Catholic church, such as St. Francis Xavier Church in Sanur or the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Denpasar.
The policy draws a distinct line between Bali’s commercial wedding industry, which often markets flexibility, and the immutable doctrines of the Catholic faith. As the Vatican strengthens its traditional teachings in response to global social shifts, Bali’s role as a wedding destination evolves. For Catholic couples, it means trading a customized chapel venue for the profound, traditional setting of a parish church—a direct reflection of the Church’s mission to prioritize sacramental sanctity over scenic backdrops.
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