On 25 April 2025, Rev. Crescencio Agbayani Jr. of the LGBTS Christian Church officiated a Holy Union ceremony for a same-sex couple in Quezon City.
This event follows the Vatican’s announcement on 18 December 2023 approving the blessing of same-sex couples—referred to in the official document as “individuals with same-sex attraction.”
The declaration, published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and endorsed by Pope Francis, marked a significant move toward inclusivity within the Catholic Church.
Rev. Agbayani, who has long conducted Holy Union ceremonies despite their lack of legal recognition in the Philippines and limited acceptance in many religious institutions worldwide, voiced his strong support for Pope Francis. He commended the pontiff’s compassionate stance toward the LGBTQ+ community and his commitment to upholding non-discrimination within the Church.