QUOTE TO NOTE: Fr. James Martin Calls on Catholic Leaders to Love Unconditionally
In recent weeks, Cardinal Dolan’s conditional acceptance LGBT Catholics and a surge in anti-gay violence in certain regions of the world (including New York, Russia, and Georgia) should compel Catholic clergy to welcome all unequivocally. Now, Jesuit Fr. James Martin has taken to Twitter as he calls on the church’s leadership to speak inclusively to LGBT people:
Then, a reply to the original tweet above led to this equally powerful exchange about inclusion within the Catholic Church with priest-scholar Fr. Raymond Kemp:
Thank you, as always, to Fr. James for promoting a Gospel of equality that includes LGBT people.
–Bob Shine, New Ways Ministry
It is the Big Tent we are striving for just as the Jesus in my Bible reached out to the marginalized, poor, sick, hungry, unbelievers and sinners. It was the Jesus Incarnate’s message and the message of Pentecost which so many of our members live but it is a struggle for sure when you come up against the Official Church on some issues.
How about a bishop from the pulpit saying, “God loves all LGBTQ people and so does the Catholic Church. Period” No equivocation, no conditionality, but only an open statement of love and ACCEPTANCE. Better yet, have Pope Francis do it and make all the bishops repeat it.
Exactly .. we are called to “..act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with our God” . We here in Scotland are watching, listening and learning..
Just an open statement with acceptance and love period.
I know some great clergy and members of the hierarchy who are supportive of LGBTQ folks, but they will only do it in private conversation. They fear the possible backlash from any public pronouncements, especially from the USCCB and the Vatican. We need more courageous prophets!