Posts

Why LGBT People Needed to Speak for Themselves at the Synod

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At the October 19th press briefing, there was a prime example of why the synod should have included the voices of LGBT youth in their ranks.  Read More

Survey: Majority of Global Catholics Support Reconsideration of LGBT Teachings

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A new global survey of Catholics published to coincide with the Synod on Youth has found a majority of respondents believe church teaching on LGBT issues should be reconsidered for the well-being of young people. Read More

Confessions of a Synod Reporter

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I’ve been here in Rome covering the Synod on Youth for about two weeks now. ... Read More

Press Briefing and Small Group Reports Bring Only Vague LGBT References

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LGBT topics were discussed at the synod press briefing on Saturday, the same day that the third set of reports from the small group discussion groups were released which also contained some references to LGBT issues. Overall, it doesn't look like the synod has pushed the needle on LGBT issues very far. Read More

Italian Archbishop Stresses Importance of LGBT Ministry

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At Thursday's synod press briefing, one of the featured speakers was Archbishop Matteo Zuppi of Bologna, Italy.  As far as LGBT issues go, Zuppi is probably best known for writing the preface to Un ponte da costruire, the Italian translation of Fr. James Martin's book, Building a Bridge, about improving the relationship between LGBT people and the Catholic Church.  Continue reading to learn what he said about LGBT ministry. Read More

Question for Synod: How Can Bishops Learn to Be Listeners?

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At the synod's daily press briefings,  each guest, whether bishop, cardinal, youth, nun, or priest, has unanimously declared that the synod has been a unique experience of exchanging ideas between the bishop and other "adult" delegates with the youth delegates.  I have to admit that at first I was a bit skeptical about the description of an atmosphere where everybody gets along and all are willing to share their ideas openly and also to listen in an equally open manner.   But, I've come to believe that there may be truth in these descriptions.   Read More

Fr. James Martin to Youth Synod: Use “LGBT” Language, Affirm Lesbian/Gay Couples as Family

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Reports from the Synod on Youth indicate that LGBT issues are being raised in at least two ways: whether to use the term "LGBT" in a church document and whether to refer to same-gender couples and their children as "families." Read More

Three Synod Reports Highlight How Much LGBT Education Bishops Need

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On Tuesday, the synod released the reports from the small group discussions that have been happening. Want to know if LGBT issues were mentioned? Read More

Questions About Church Oppression Against LGBT and Women Are Raised at Synod Briefing

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The connection between LGBT issues, which Bondings 2.0, has highlighted before, was on display at the Vatican's Synod on Youth over the past few days.  The oppression of one group is often intimately linked to the other.  And neither LGBT people or women will have full equality in the church until both groups have it.  Read More

Would St. Oscar Romero Use the Term “LGBT” and Recognize a Queer Couple’s Love?

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His cause stalled for nearly four decades, the institutional church finally recognized yesterday what the people of God have known all along: Monseñor Oscar Romero is a saint! With the Synod on Youth underway in Rome, I suggest here that this newly-canonized, but longtime saint can lead us forward towards LGBT liberation. Read More