These Catholic institutions seek to welcome and integrate LGBT students into the learning community.
Upcoming Programs
Through research, publication and education about homosexuality, we foster dialogue among groups and individuals, identify and combat personal and structural homophobia, work for changes in attitudes and promote the acceptance of LGBT people as full and equal members of church and society.
Welcome to New Ways Ministry,
Resources
Celebrating 35 Years of Ministry in the LGBT Catholic Community!
Links to Catholic LGBT organizations, Catholic reform organizations, national interfaith LGBT organizations, and resources for young adults.
Articles, press releases, and links to online resources for LGBT and questioning Catholic youth experiencing anti-gay bullying.
Order CDs & DVDs of 7th National Symposium
March 15-17, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland
Catholics Support Gay Rights
The Public Religion Research Institute's report, Catholic Attitudes on Gay and Lesbian Issues: A Comprehensive Portrait from Recent Research, found that the majority of the sixty-four million Catholics in the United States support a number of public policies that extend rights to gay men, lesbians, and their families.
Combined Federal Campaign
Marriage Equality Book Now Available!
Marriage Equality: A Positive Catholic Approach, by Executive Director Francis DeBernardo, is now in its second printing. You can download the book free online or order hard copies!
From Water to Wine:
Lesbian/Gay Catholics and Relationships
Los Angeles, CA: May 11-13, 2012
New Ways Ministry - 4012 29th Street - Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 - Telephone: (301) 277-5674
Contributions to New Ways Ministry are tax-deductible under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. CFC Number: 11699
In National Catholic Reporter: New Ways Ministry Director on Lesbian/Gay Church Workers
May 3, 2012: In 1995, at a major national conference for Catholic pastoral ministers, I had a conversation with a friend of mine who is a lesbian woman, observing that so many of the conference participants were openly lesbian and gay people. My friend commented, “If all the lesbian and gay church workers left their jobs, the church would be bereft!” We chuckled at such a thought, though realizing that it was unrealistic to consider that this possibility would occur.
Today, I am not so sure.
Catholic Ministry to Lesbians and Gays Condemns Vatican Repression of American Nuns' Conference
April 18, 2012: Statement of Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry, on "Doctrinal Assessment of Leadership Conference of Women Religious" Read
All Are Welcome
April 18, 2012: Statement of Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry, on "Doctrinal Assessment of Leadership Conference of Women Religious" Read
All Are Welcome
The ALL ARE WELCOME series is an occasional feature which examines how Catholic faith communities can become more inclusive of LGBT people and issues.
April 11, 2012: A recent New York Times article, "A Parish Without Borders," focuses on St. Boniface parish, in downtown Brooklyn, NY, which attracts parishioners outside of its surrounding neighborhood. Not surprisingly, the parish’s welcoming approach to LGBT people and families is part of its wide appeal. Indeed, the reporter also notes that a similar welcome of LGBT people has attracted many to another “intentional parish” in New York City. Read more.
Popular POSTS
Pelosi, Theologians, Lay Catholics Agree: Support Marriage Equality
May 16, 2012: The message that American Catholics support marriage equality is one that cannot be emphasized or repeated enough. Since the Catholic bishops oppose marriage equality so vocally and vociferously, it is important to keep reminding people that the hierarchy's position is not reflective of the Catholic population. Some recent news stories highlight this fact. Read more.
What Catholics Can Learn from Barack Obama's "Coming Out" Story
May 15, 2012: In a Newsweek analysis article, gay Catholic commentator Andrew Sullivan has declared Barack Obama to be America's "first gay president." The addition of a rainbow halo on the cover of the magazine adds a religious flavor to this title. The article traces Mr. Obama's notorious "evolution" on marriage equality, but the title of "first gay president" is given for a much more personal connection between the president and LGBT people. Read more.
Bishop Alters Decision on Scholarship Presentation to Gay Iowa Student
May 14, 2012: The Diocese of Davenport has reached an agreement with the Eychaner Foundation about the presentation of a $40, 000 college scholarship to a gay student graduating from a Catholic high school in Clinton, Iowa. New erupted last week about the dispute because Davenport's Bishop Martin Amos originally would not permit a Foundation representative to present the scholarship to graduate Keaton Fuller at Prince of Peace High School's commencement exercises because of the organization's support for marriage equality. Read more.
'The Perfect Family' Is Seriously Imperfect
May 13, 2012: If you are a person who is interested in the relationship between the Catholic Church and LGBT issues, you may be tempted to see The Perfect Family, a new movie starring Kathleen Turner.
Don't.
Catholic Media Award to "Modern Family"
May 12, 2012: Catholics in Media Associates (CIMA) awarded its highest television honor this year to Modern Family, an ABC comedy which includes a gay couple with an adopted baby as part of its regular cast. Read more.
Round-up of Actions and Commentary on LCWR
May 1, 2012: To familiarize readers with actions and opinions on the LCWR case, we are providing lists of ACTIONS and COMMENTARY that may be of interest to readers. New Ways Ministry has a particular interest in the LCWR story because the nuns' support of LGBT issues was a significant factor in the Vatican's investigation of them. Read more