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

Theologian and University President Criticize Catholic “Cyber-Militias”

Theologian Massimo Faggioli and President John Petillo of Sacred Heart University have analyzed some of the issues regarding recent social media attacks from “far-right” Catholic groups who use vicious rhetoric against LGBT people. Here's what they had to say . . .  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

Are All Voices Welcome in the LGBT Conversation?

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? 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

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

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

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

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

CATHOLIC LGBT HISTORY: Cardinal O’Connor Decries Violence Against Lesbian & Gay People

Cardinal John J. O'Connor, who was Archbishop of New York in the 1980s and 1990s had a long history of statements and actions offensive to the LGBT community.  Among other things, he supported the ban on Irish LGBT groups in the N.Y. St. Patrick's Day Parade and he challenged Mayor Ed Koch's Executive Order 50 which banned sexual orientation discrimination in employment for groups that had contracts with the city.  Yet, he was also known to volunteer at a Catholic hospital, tending to patients with HIV/AIDS at a time when many others shunned any physical contact with the syndrome's victims. Read More