Homosexual marriage has been controversial throughout history, in fact in the earliest times this act was frowned upon and was sometimes mostly punishable by death in the mid-4th and 14th centuries.
However, from the Middle Ages and even very close to the modern age on the European continent, there were churches and legal acts in order to unite, even spiritually, two people of the same sex.
In this article we will learn about this act, known as adelfopoiesis , as well as its main characteristics and certain conceptions that are held in this regard.
What is adelphopoiesis?
Adelfopoiesis is a sacred act, which was performed in mainly Catholic churches during the Middle Ages. It was intended to unite two people of the same sex, mainly men more than women, at that time.
In fact, San Baco and San Sergio are images that identify this ritual as a sacred symbol against homosexuality.
It was a way in which the Catholic Church redeemed itself before homosexuals, recognizing them as children of Christ, with an act that was the closest thing to God’s acceptance. It wasn’t really an acceptance, but a tool to give them space in society, a corresponding right.
Note: A study mentions that “Catholic academics who are experts on the subject affirm that it is not a true marriage, but rather a blessing to homosexual couples.” (1)
Characteristics of adelphopoiesis
Adelfopoiesis had very outstanding characteristics for the time , which differentiated it from common marriage in heterosexual couples. We present the main characteristics of this act:
1. It constitutes an ecclesiastical ceremony
This is a marriage and a celebration that is done in an ecclesiastical way , that is, a ritual of the clergy and people who constitute a church, mostly Catholic, who were in charge of giving the blessing for this union.
Important: A study mentions that “In mid-1988 a motion was raised (class name Mot 1988:1) for the elaboration of a proposal for an ecclesiastical blessing ceremony for homosexual couples, based on adelphopoiesis” . (two)
2. It was common in medieval Europe
This doctrine or ritual was common and began to develop in medieval times, especially on the European continent. In fact, the first impressions of this activity were related by the historian Giraldus Cambrensis in medieval times, although he greatly exaggerated the anecdotes.
3. Involve people of the same sex
The ritual was only to unite people of the same sex, which during this time, were very frowned upon by society to the point of rejection, discrimination and in the worst case, was punishable by death and torture.
4. It is based on admiration and brotherhood
As in many marriages, it was a union of two people with mutual admiration , real love and of course a brotherhood. In medieval times it was said to “make a brotherhood” to refer to relationships or vows between two men or people of the same sex.
Note: A study mentions, in favor of admiration or union between two people of the same sex, the following “What the Church and society in general seek is to guarantee that a child grows up in a family environment, where both the father figure and mother serve as a model for him . (3)
5. Does not involve carnal love
Carnal love is a term that many of us are unaware of, but it easily refers to that love or relationship that is forgotten over time , where there is only attraction and no attention.
Basically, carnal love only satisfies the sexual senses, but does not stimulate the feeling of affection or affection.
Note: Adelphopoiesis does not involve this kind of love in the eyes of God.
6. He had duties and rights equal to marriage
Like all unions between two individuals, homosexuals enjoyed the same rights and duties as in a common marriage. Duties such as fidelity, protection, assistance and food provision, as well as the free right to form a family in a responsible manner.
How was the adelphopoiesis ceremony performed?
The ceremony of this marriage ritual was certainly different from most, with its own rules. Here is how this ceremony was performed:
1. Location of the couple in front of the altar
As in a marriage, the couple had to walk in a church to be at an altar in front of the bishop or the priest who would grant the blessing, in order to unite both individuals in a holy matrimony.
2. Performance of prayers and liturgies
As is common in the Catholic religion, prayers or liturgies were recited , depending on the practices and beliefs of each culture or religious ceremonies.
Note: Everything was done in order to express the sacraments of the church, as well as the strong position and belief before the Almighty.
3. Placement of the union belt
A special belt was placed on the future spouses, which only expressed the union between both people. This was done while reciting the love prayers, while, according to some accounts, they held candles during the ceremony.
4. Reading of verses, prayers and litanies
Verses and prayers were recited as in common ceremonies. These prayers were referring to the word of God, the Psalms and the story of Jesus before he was crucified. As well as the litanies or praises to the Virgin Mary, which was done in the form of a prayer.
5. Receiving sanctified gifts
The couple could receive special gifts from the church or from relatives and close friends, mostly sanctified such as holy water, the cross of Jesus Christ and even fruits as a symbol of friendship, admiration and generosity.
6. Kiss exchange
Before concluding the act, after reciting the verses and placing the union belt, both spouses were asked to share or exchange kisses in a European style, in order to unite both people as a brotherhood and in holy matrimony.
7. Announcement of the union to the community
To proceed to finish the act, the priest or bishop raised his hands, recognized the marriage, at the end of the kiss between both spouses and exclaimed “I declare a brotherhood. You can go in peace” , ending the act and both spouses could leave happily married.
Conceptions about adelphopoiesis
Although it was very tacit over the years, adelfopoiesis contributed a lot to the change and modernization of society, regarding homosexuals. Therefore, these are his main conceptions in later years:
It was a socially and legally accepted practice
This practice, much more for its time, was socially accepted since it referred to a way of respecting other people’s decisions and having a formal or blessed union. In addition to the fact that it was legal, it was done in a church, the same rights and duties were shared. It was not unlike any common marriage.
Note: The famous writer John Boswell supported the Adelfopoiesis, considering that it was a very egalitarian union to the common marriage. Boswell was also credited for trying to get the church to reevaluate its position on sexual orientation.
Some Christian churches still perform it
Many Christian or Catholic churches around the world continue to perform this act respecting the ritual and the same protocol that was done in the old days. Even with the union belt and reciting the same verses as at that time.
It is considered a precursor of same-sex marriage.
This ritual is considered to be the precursor to gay marriage, which today many relationships choose to join in eternity. Enjoying the same rights and duties, also to adopt and start a family, especially with children.
Key Findings
- Adelfopoiesis is a ritual where two people of the same sex were blessed to join in marriage.
- It was popular during the middle ages on the European continent.
- It was based on love, respect and admiration, in order to form a brotherhood.
- Throughout time it was changing, until it was known as homosexual marriage , being a precursor of it.
- Apart from John Boswell , personalities such as Alan Bray mention this ritual in most of their writings.
- Despite its considered acceptance, it was criticized by various believers or religious strongholds.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.