Building a Bridge

1. Respect: Acknowledging and valuing the LGBT community's existence

Recognizing that LGBT Catholics exist has important pastoral implications.

Pastoral outreach. The church must actively engage with LGBT Catholics through ministries, Masses, and outreach programs. This recognition goes beyond mere acknowledgment to creating spaces where LGBT individuals feel welcomed and valued within the church community.

Naming with dignity. Using respectful language and terminology preferred by the LGBT community is crucial. The church should move away from clinical or stigmatizing terms and adopt language that affirms the dignity of LGBT individuals.

Recognizing gifts. LGBT Catholics bring unique talents and perspectives that enrich the church. Their experiences of marginalization often foster compassion, perseverance, and forgiveness – qualities that build up the entire faith community.

2. Compassion: Walking alongside and understanding LGBT experiences

Compassion means "to experience with, to suffer with."

Active listening. Church leaders and members must create opportunities to hear the stories, struggles, and joys of LGBT Catholics. This involves asking thoughtful questions about their experiences growing up, their spiritual journeys, and their hopes for the future.

Standing with the persecuted. The church has a moral duty to speak out against discrimination, violence, and unjust laws targeting LGBT individuals, especially in countries where their lives are at risk.

Celebrating joys. Compassion also means rejoicing in the gifts, talents, and enthusiasm that LGBT Catholics bring to the church, particularly among younger generations who may feel more comfortable with their identities.

3. Sensitivity: Developing awareness of LGBT feelings and concerns

Sensitivity is "an awareness or understanding of the feelings of other people."

Personal encounters. Many church leaders lack firsthand relationships with openly LGBT individuals, hindering true understanding. Developing friendships and engaging in dialogue is essential for cultivating sensitivity.

Reconsidering language. The church should evaluate potentially harmful language, such as describing homosexual inclination as "objectively disordered." While doctrinal discussions are complex, pastoral sensitivity requires finding ways to communicate without unnecessarily wounding.

Cultural awareness. Church statements on LGBT issues must consider global implications. What seems mild in one cultural context may be revolutionary or dangerous in another. Sensitivity requires a nuanced approach that respects diverse realities while upholding human dignity.

4. Reciprocal respect: LGBT community's approach to the institutional church

Catholics believe that bishops, priests, and deacons receive at their ordinations the grace for a special ministry of leadership in the church.

Recognizing authority. While disagreements may exist, LGBT Catholics are called to respect the teaching authority of the church hierarchy. This involves prayerfully considering official teachings, even when challenging.

Human dignity. Avoid mocking or disrespectful language towards church leaders. Criticisms should be expressed constructively, focusing on ideas rather than personal attacks.

Dialogue over confrontation. While there is a place for prophetic witness, respectful dialogue often proves more effective in changing hearts and minds within the church. Building relationships and trust with church leaders can open doors for deeper understanding.

5. Biblical foundations: Scriptures supporting LGBT inclusion and dignity

For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Divine creation. Psalm 139 affirms that each person is intentionally and beautifully crafted by God. This foundational truth applies to LGBT individuals, affirming their inherent worth and dignity.

Jesus' radical inclusion. The Gospels show Jesus consistently welcoming those marginalized by society, such as the Roman centurion and Zacchaeus. These stories model Christ's expansive love that transcends social boundaries.

Gifts for the body. St. Paul's image of the church as a body with diverse, equally valuable parts (1 Corinthians 12) supports valuing the unique contributions of LGBT members to the faith community.

6. Bridging divides: Building understanding between LGBT Catholics and the church

For with Jesus, there is no us and them. There is only us.

Overcoming "us vs. them" mentality. Both the institutional church and LGBT Catholics must work to see each other as part of one faith community, not opposing factions.

Patience and time. Building bridges requires giving space for relationships to develop and understanding to grow. The relatively recent emergence of open LGBT identities means the church is still in a process of encounter and learning.

Two-way street. While the onus is primarily on the institutional church to reach out, LGBT Catholics are also called to approach church leaders with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.

7. God's unconditional love: Embracing LGBT individuals as beloved children of God

The Holy Spirit, which is supporting the church, is supporting you, for you are beloved children of God who, by virtue of your baptism, have as much right to be in the church as the pope, your local bishop, and me.

Foundational belonging. Through baptism, all Catholics – including LGBT individuals – are fully incorporated into the Body of Christ. This sacramental reality supersedes any perceived divisions.

Divine affirmation. LGBT Catholics are called to recognize their inherent worth as God's beloved creation, even in the face of societal or religious rejection.

Hope in difficult times. When faced with opposition or discouragement, LGBT Catholics can find strength in knowing that the Holy Spirit supports and guides them as integral members of the church.

Last updated: November 18, 2024