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. Read More

A Foundation for Future Hope

The most important part of the responses released Monday for the future place of LGBTQ+ people in the Catholic Church doesn’t mention LGBTQ+ issues at all. Read More

New Ways Ministry: Blessings Guidance ‘Significantly Advances’ Pope’s LGBTQ+ Affirmation

Though the Vatican’s latest statement about same-gender couples does not provide a full-fledged, ringing endorsement of blessing their unions, the document significantly advances Pope Francis’ work to include and affirm LGBTQ+ people. Read More

Can Church Teaching Change? LGBTQ+ Advocates Say Yes

“Can the church change?” That question is the headline of a new article in U.S. Catholic. Author Don Clemmer attempts to answer this question, which is often asked by many LGBTQ+ Catholics longing to see the church embrace more inclusive teachings. Read More

Latin and Caribbean Catholic Groups Ask Pope to Include LGBTQ+ People in Synod

Sixty groups forming Ibero-American Catholic LGBTQ+ network have written to Pope Francis asking for LGBTQ+ people to be directly involved in the Synod assembly next month, rather than merely objects of discussion. Read More

Pope Emphasizes Creative Pastoral Accompaniment Instead of a Focus on Sexual Activity

It has become Pope Francis' custom to meet with the Jesuit community in areas to which he travels, and most often, these conversations are later published. The latest transcript from his trip to Portugal for World Youth Day was just published, and includes comments on LGBTQ+ people. Read More

Pope Francis Congratulates Australian Catholic LGBTQ+ Group on 50th Anniversary

Pope Francis has congratulated a Catholic LGBTQ+ group in Australia as it celebrates its 50th anniversary, with the the group's leaders calling the pope's message an inspirational milestone. Read More

Vatican Veto of LGBTQ-Positive Theologian’s Appointment Raises Serious Concerns

The Vatican's has intervened to stop a theologian from becoming dean of an Italian seminary apparently over his views on sexuality, which include LGBTQ-positive writings. The debacle has raised concerns about academic freedom in the church and the relationship between the academy and the Roman Curia. Read More

LGBT+ Group Celebrates 50 Years “From Banishment to a Blessing” By Pope Francis

A Catholic LGBTQ+ group in England, once sidelined by church officials, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary last month, which include a message of congratulations from Pope Francis. Read More

Pope Francis Emphasizes Radical Inclusion, Calls Trans Women “Daughters of God”

Pope Francis has made LGBTQ-inclusive remarks in two recent interviews, one released during and one shortly after World Youth Day last week, in which the pope reiterated constantly the church must welcome everyone. Read More