The Samaritan Woman, LGBTQ+ People, and the Synod
Was Radcliffe using coded language to describe LGBTQ+ experience? I don’t think so. I think that if he wanted to make a point about LGBTQ+ people, he would have done so much more plainly. Read More
Approaching the Synod from 30,000 Feet
Clearly, my mind is on a lot of things, and as if that wasn’t enough, my heart is filled with excitement. I’m excited for a new way of being church that is emerging. Read More
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. Read More
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. Read More
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
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. Read More
Catholic Theology Needs Greater Respect for Bodily Autonomy, Writes Therapist
While Thompson knows that “Catholics are supposed to believe” in the gender binary of only male and female, she cannot support this understanding. For her, that binary has been used as a form of control, power, and suppression. Read More