“All Agreed Homophobia Must Be Rejected,” Says Synod Official
This week, participants were included at the Vatican’s press briefings, and gender and sexuality issues have arisen several times at these events.
Entries by Robert Shine, Managing Editor
Tempering Synod Expectations, Yet Expecting the Unexpected
Pope Francis’ homily has given me hope that even if my expectations for the Synod on Synodality are not met in full, it is still an important and worthwhile journey for the church to be on.
Davenport Diocese Releases Positive Framework for LGBTQ+ Pastoral Care
The Diocese of Davenport has released a new framework on LGBTQ+ pastoral care, specifically about gender identity issues, that charts a new direction for such policies in the U.S.
Bishop John Stowe: Blessing LGBTQ+ Couples “Almost Signifies God’s Approval”
Last Monday, the Vatican released a document from Pope Francis in which he expressed an openness to church blessings for same-gender couples. A number of Catholic leaders have responded positively, including Lexington’s Bishop John Stowe.
At Pre-Synod Retreat, Fr. Timothy Radcliffe Encourages Centering Gay People, Others on Margins
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.
“Are Not Your Ways Unfair?”
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?”
Bondings 2.0 Heads to Rome for the Synod!
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.
Amid Political Protests, Canadian Catholic Schools Affirm LGBTQ+ Students
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.
Florida Catholic Bookstore Wins Right to Discriminate Against LGBTQ+ Customers
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.
U.S. Bishops Oppose Federal Non-Discrimination Rule for Social Service Providers
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.