More work remains, however, as LGBT church workers and others who are simply supportive of equality remain vulnerable. More than 70 have lost their jobs in LGBT-related employment disputes over the last decade. Due to religious exemptions, there have been few legal victories thus far. Catholic institutions largely lack relevant non-discrimination policies. Now is the time to take action. . .
More bishops have offered their support for Fr. James Martin, SJ’s book on LGBT issues in the church, Building a Bridge, though not all episcopal reviews have been positive.
An Irish bishop has insisted that supports of marriage equality be included in the World Meeting of Families that will be held in Dublin next year. Here’s what else he had to say. . .
Catholic Women Speak, an initiative which promotes preaching by women through an online video series, invited a married lesbian Catholic woman to offer a reflection on this Sunday’s readings. Here is what she had to say about struggling with church teaching and Germany’s new marriage equality law….
Last week, Pope Francis made in important statement on the development of doctrine which is readily applicable to LGBT issues in the church. Here’s what he said. . .
An Australian bishop has said same-gender couples’ love is “like the love of friends” and compared their relationships to incestual relationship, all while weighing in as the nation’s postal survey on marriage equality that continues through early November. . .
A Catholic parish in San Diego hosted a special Mass recently to commemorate the 20th anniversary of “Always Our Children,” the U.S. bishops’ document addressed to parents with lesbian and gay children and to pastoral ministers.
Right-wing Catholic groups have targeted LGBT people and affirming organizations in the church for many years, launching critical and even dehumanizing campaigns against them. There is new attention being given to such groups and the harmful impact they have on the church. But in a conversation where all should be welcomed, how can Catholics respond to this damaging hate?
As transgender visibility increases, so have the theological and pastoral conversations about gender identity. These questions include more theoretical concerns, such as how the church understands the human person, but also the practical concerns of daily life in the church. With so many different positions being taken, what is the church to do?
A bishop has barred the blessing of a same-gender equality just as marriage equality in Germany becomes effective October 1, but German Catholics, including some bishops, are advocating for those very blessings. . .