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CATHOLIC LGBT HISTORY: ‘You belong here. It’s about time somebody says that to you.’

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“Gays and lesbians are welcome in the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. “That’s the message the Most Rev. Walter F. Sullivan, the bishop of the diocese, brought yesterday to a gathering of 250 people at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for what organizers said was the first official Mass for gays and lesbians in Richmond. ” ‘You belong here,’ Sullivan told the group. ‘It’s about time somebody says that to you.’ “ Read More

Georgetown Students Organize Against Campus Anti-Equality Group

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Students at Georgetown University have begun organizing against an anti-LGBT campus group, which critics claim is intolerant and therefore should not receive University support. But censoring opposing voices is not the way for Catholic higher education to move forward. Here is the right way. . .  Read More

Diocese: Pastors Can Deny Funerals to Married Lesbian and Gay Catholics

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A second bishop in the U.S. has suggested Catholic funerals be denied to people in same-gender civil marriages, going so far as to suggest the deceased be remembered without being named at all. . . Read More

Bishop: Diocese Would Be “Irreparably Damaged” If Unable to Fire Church Workers

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Bishop Peter Jugis of Charlotte made his remarks while being deposed in the federal court case of Lonnie Billard, who was fired from Charlotte Catholic High School in 2014 when his engagement to a man became public. Jugis said in the deposition that continuing to employ church workers who advocate against or violate "fundamental moral tenets" of church teaching would be a cause for "scandal." The Charlotte Observer reported further. . . Read More

Transgender Teen Sues Catholic Hospital for Discrimination

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A transgender teen is suing a Catholic hospital for allegedly denying him a surgery as part of his transition. This case is but the latest example that church-affiliated healthcare systems will increasingly have to deal with trans issues, with the question now being how will the hospitals respond? Read More

Theologian and University President Criticize Catholic “Cyber-Militias”

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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

Joining Pope Francis, We Pray (and Act) for Church Worker Justice

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More work remains, however, as LGBT church workers and others who are simply supportive of equality remain vulnerable. More than 70 have lost their jobs in LGBT-related employment disputes over the last decade. Due to religious exemptions, there have been few legal victories thus far. Catholic institutions largely lack relevant non-discrimination policies. Now is the time to take action. . . Read More

More Bishops Offer Support for Fr. James Martin’s LGBT Book

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More bishops have offered their support for Fr. James Martin, SJ's book on LGBT issues in the church, Building a Bridge, though not all episcopal reviews have been positive. Read More

Bishop Wants All Families Welcomed at International Catholic Gathering

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An Irish bishop has insisted that supports of marriage equality be included in the World Meeting of Families that will be held in Dublin next year. Here's what else he had to say. . . Read More

Catholic Lesbian Preaches for “Catholic Women Preach” Series

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Catholic Women Speak, an initiative which promotes preaching by women through an online video series, invited a married lesbian Catholic woman to offer a reflection on this Sunday's readings. Here is what she had to say about struggling with church teaching and Germany's new marriage equality law....  Read More