Could the Church Deny Baptism to Transgender People?

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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? Read More

Bishop Prohibits Blessing of Same-Gender Couple as Marriage Equality in Germany Goes Into Effect

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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. . . Read More

The Power of Speaking and the Power of Listening

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Three Catholic LGBTQ leaders have proposed "Kick-starting a new Catholic conversation" on sexuality and gender, with the focus of the discussion being the first-hand personal experiences of LGBTQ people instead of church teaching. Read More

Brazilian Activists Push Church to Recognize Queer “Saint”

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In 1614, a man named  “Tibira,” a member of the Brazilian indigenous Tupi tribe, was executed by a group of French Christian missionaries. His crime? Sodomy. Now one LGBT activist was to make Tibira a "queer saint". . . Read More

Pope Francis Decries “Manipulation of Sexual Difference”

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The following text is a statement by Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry, on... Read More

Catholic School Encourages Students to Use “Preferred Pronouns” of Classmates

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Students should use the "preferred pronouns" of other students who are not female, according to an all-girls Catholic school in England, in yet another step forward for Catholic education and LGBT issues. Marian Doyle, the school's headteacher, said in a letter to parents. . . Read More

More Bishops Offer Support for Fr. James Martin

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In the ongoing aftermath of right-wing attacks on Fr. James Martin, SJ,  because of his new book on LGBT issues in the church, three more Catholic bishops have made statements in support of the Jesuit. Read More

Cardinal Blase Cupich Invites LGBT Catholics to Dialogue, Seeks to Learn from Their Lives

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A ranking U.S. cardinal has invited LGBT Catholics to dialogue, saying he wants to "know more about what's happening in their life." According to the National Catholic Reporter, Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago told attendees at a lecture he was delivering. . . Read More

At Upcoming Synod, Youth Want Wider Conversation on Sexuality

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In preparation for the upcoming Synod of Bishops in October 2018 on “young people, faith and vocational discernment,” 20 young Catholics, 70 theologians, and dozens of  priests and academics gathered in Rome from September 11-15 to begin preliminary conversations around the Synod’s theme. Read More

Always Our Children: 20 Years Later

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Twenty years ago today, on October 1, 1997, the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Marriage and Family issued "Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children AND Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers." What did this document contribute to the discussion of LGBT issues in the Catholic Church? And what is its impact today? Read More