Latest News
U.S. Catholics, Including Sisters of Mercy, Express Pain About Vatican Blessings Ban
April 10, 2021
Despite the Vatican’s attempt to end the conversation on blessing same-gender couples, negative reactions to the ban continue to pour in from all parts of the Catholic world. Some of that conversation is about the difficult navigation of LGBTQ Catholics choosing to remain in the church or leave, and the losses that such leaving cause to the church.
Globally, More and More Catholics in Ministry Object to Vatican’s Ban on Same-Gender Blessings
April 9, 2021
Clergy and pastoral ministers are still issuing statements of support for and promises of solidarity with the LGBTQ community in the wake of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s ban on blessing same-gender couples. Today’s post features some of those reactions from outside the United States.
Organizations Representing One Million Catholic Women Call for Same-Gender Blessings
April 8, 2021
Organizations representing a million Catholic women in the German-speaking areas of four countries have released an open letter protesting the Vatican’s ban on blessing same-gender couples and calling for a renewal of church teaching. Meanwhile, a key cardinal who has been critical of the ban has weighed in again.
Journeys: A Scriptural Reflection Series for LGBTQ People and Allies
JOURNEYS is an invitation to walk with our ancestors, discover the great source of love, and celebrate our identities as children of God and LGBT persons and allies of faith. Each prayer guide in the series contains a section of Scripture, followed by questions for reflection. These questions can be used for personal meditation, journaling, or group conversations.
To access the Journeys reflections, click here
Get Involved
Next Steps: Developing Catholic LGBTQ Ministry
A Multi-Part Online Series (now underway)
This series is designed to help parishioners, pastoral leaders, and church staff members figure out what form LGBTQ ministry should take in their community. The material will help parish community and staff members discern individually and together what the next steps should be to create a more welcoming pastoral environment for LGBTQ people—even if the next steps are your first steps.
For more information or to sign up for updates, click here.
Creating a Spirit of Welcome
A Workshop on Integrating LGBTQ Issues in Catholic Schools
For Administrators, Staff & Faculty Leaders
This workshop is designed to help participants develop LGBTQ initiatives that fit the unique character of your school community. The program includes presentations, discussions, real life examples, small group activities, and discernment of next steps.
For more information or to schedule a program, click here.
Trans-forming Love
A program of education, dialogue, and prayer about welcoming transgender people.
The goal of this program is to reflect on how we as Catholics can respond pastorally to transgender people. The program includes information on gender identity and development, pastoral outreach, and spiritual dimensions. No prior knowledge is needed. There will be Q&A sessions, small group discussions, and informational handouts.
For more information and to host a program, click here.