Fr. Bryan Massingale: Catholics Should Expect “Messy Period” on LGBT Inclusion

A leading theologian and priest has said the Catholic Church should expect a "messy period" when it comes to LGBT inclusion, a period similar to that experienced in other Christian denominations as they moved to become more affirming. Read More

Priests and Laity Disappointed that LGBT Families Are Absent from World Meeting of Families Preparations

With Pope Francis confirming his visit to the upcoming World Meeting of Families in Dublin, Irish priests and politicians have expressed hope that LGBT and other "non-traditional" families will be included. Read More

At Five Years, U.S. Catholics Give Pope Francis Mixed Reviews on LGBT Issues

The fifth anniversary of Pope Francis' election has been a moment of reflection for Catholics and for the world on the impact this revolutionary pope has had, and that includes on LGBT issues. Today's post highlights a few commentaries published around the anniversary. Read More

The Many Faces of Pope Francis: A Five-Year Timeline of His LGBT Record

Five years ago today, Cardinal Jorge Maria Bergoglio of Argentina was elected to the papacy, becoming Pope Francis.  Since that time, this new pope, the first non-European, broke all sorts of barriers in regard to LGBT issues, yet in some areas, he has remained as traditional as his predecessors had been. Read More

Pope Francis Record on LGBT Issues Weakened by Criticism of Transgender Community

A gay Catholic offers his thoughts after the pope's latest remarks on gender identity last month, suggesting the pope's record will remain weaker until he comes around on transgender equality. Read More

QUOTE TO NOTE: Pope Francis on Respecting Consciences

Addressing new bishops in September, Pope Francis invited them to be more respectful of people's consciences and address their concrete realities rather than just pontificating theory. He told those gathered. . . Read More

Is Pope Francis Trying to Revive John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body”?

Has Pope Francis revived Pope John Paul II’s controversial “Theology of the Body” approach to sexual ethics, which is quite critical of LGBT identities and non-heteronormative family structures? One author says "Yes." Here's what that means. . . Read More

QUOTE TO NOTE: Pope Francis’ Words on Doctrinal Development Readily Applicable to LGBT Issues

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. . . Read More

Could the Church Deny Baptism to Transgender People?

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

Pope Francis Decries “Manipulation of Sexual Difference”

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