Kentucky Bishop Defends Celebration of Mass with LGBTQ+ Support Group

Bishop John C. Iffert

When Bishop John Iffert of Covington, Kentucky, decided to celebrate Mass with Catholics Embracing All God’s Children (CEAGC), a support group for LGBTQ+ families, he faced pushback from other faithful. Two dozen people sent letters and emails urging him not to attend the Mass, citing moral issues concerning gender and sexuality.

Bishop Iffert was undeterred. He went to the Mass and later wrote about his experience on the diocesan website, defending his participation and the support group’s work. The St. Joseph’s Church, Cold Spring was filled to capacity for the Mass, and the bishop recognized many of the attendees as people who regularly attended his Masses. In his homily, Iffert told the story of a gay man who spoke to him about his love for Christ. The interaction was meaningful for Iffert and had a “lasting effect” on his life.

Iffert also observes that many believe that “homosexual acts — like every sexual act outside of marriage, and any sexual act between spouses that separates the unitive and procreative dimensions of sexuality — are grave matter for sin.” However, he notes that all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community, are “children of God” who deserve love and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or actions. He states:

“First, the Church firmly asserts that all individuals, without regard to orientation, must be accepted with “respect, compassion and sensitivity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2358). Pope Francis teaches, ‘The Church makes her own the attitude of the Lord Jesus, who offers his boundless love to each person without exception’ (Amoris Laetitia, 250). This is to be the attitude of the Church’s ministers and all faithful Catholics. The principle is rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity.

“The Church especially recognizes the complexities faced by families whose members identify as gay, lesbian or transgender. ‘Such families should be given respectful pastoral guidance, so that those who manifest a homosexual orientation can receive the assistance they need to understand and fully carry out God’s will in their lives’ (AL, 250). This is precisely what I hoped to accomplish by offering this Mass with and for these CEAGC families and their neighbors. . .

“The presumption that our gay or lesbian brothers and sisters are guilty of unconfessed sin that would preclude them from receiving the Eucharist is discriminatory and never just.”

Iffert took a necessary step to move the church towards a more inclusive way of thinking. His reflection reminds us that Catholicism is rooted in the love of all people. He hopes that the church can one day achieve peace and unity by recognizing this reality. He concludes:

“Although I was glad to pray with this community and appreciated their invitation to walk with them, I was disturbed that such a simple and natural pastoral response resulted in conflict in this local Church. I asked all present to pray in love for one another, that God bring out of this moment a greater understanding of what the Church teaches and the divine gift of peace and unity. It remains my prayer.”

—Sarah Cassidy (she/her), New Ways Ministry, December 5, 2024