The first global assembly for the Synod on Synodality is now underway after yesterday’s opening Mass, and already LGBTQ+ issues have gained prominence. Today’s post features news and commentaries from the past week, which also included a separate document from Pope Francis expressing openness to blessing same-gender couples.
Though not phrased in these words, the question in Ezekiel has been an undercurrent in the sharings from people ostracized by the institutional church: “Are not your ways unfair?”
A week from today, Bondings 2.0 editor Francis DeBernardo and I will begin reporting live from Rome on the Synod on Synodality’ first global assembly. Throughout this multi-year process, LGBTQ+ issues have been a recurring priority for the people of God.
Canadian Catholic school boards expressed support for LGBTQ+ students in the face of nationwide protests against equality last week, with educators asserting that pro-LGBTQ+ policies are entirely consistent with Catholic identity.
A Florida bookstore has won an exemption from LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections in a case highlighting U.S. federal courts’ increasing willingness to hear anti-LGBTQ+ lawsuits where no actual harm has been done.
The U.S. bishops’ conference has lobbied against a proposed federal regulation to stop discrimination against LGBTQ+ people relating to government grants for social services.
Ohio Catholics have strongly criticized a new restrictive diocesan gender policy which threatens to ban LGBTQ+ people and allies from participation in the church should they act in an “inappropriate or scandalous way.”
Today’s post includes news about a controversy at an Italian summer camp, new comments by former Irish president Mary McAleese, and more.
An archbishop who will be a member of the Vatican’s upcoming Synod assembly has decried a Kenyan court’s ruling that an LGBTQ+ group may gain legal recognition.
Writing at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and immigration issues, one queer Catholic shared an experience that helped her understand more fully that faith should never be “a fence to keep others out.”