Posts Tagged ‘LGBT-Affirming Religious Voices’
Catholic Synod Report Misses Opportunity To Affirm LGBTQ People
Now that the Synod on the Family is concluded, much is already being written about an event The New York Times called the “most momentous, and contentious, meeting of bishops” since Vatican II. Below, Bondings 2.0 provides some early commentaries and reactions related to LGBT topics. For a good general overview of what the Synod’s final document contains, see Joshua McElwee’s article…
Read MoreCardinal Gracias To LGBT People: “Church Embraces You, Wants You, Needs You”
Below is the latest installment of Bondings 2.0’s report from the Synod on Marriage and Family in Rome. New Ways Ministry’s Executive Director Francis DeBernardo continues to send news and commentary from this meeting. Previous posts can be reached by clicking here. Cardinal Oswald Gracias is Archbishop of Bombay, the head of India’s National Conference…
Read MoreMarried at Last!
Wade Jones and I were married here in Atlanta by the Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson during a private ceremony last week on my 65th birthday, a few days shy of our 15th anniversary, a week before his 55th birthday, and one day after the 10th anniversary of my ordination in the Metropolitan Community Churches. Wade and I met between my 50th and his…
Read MorePope Francis’s Warm And Welcoming Mixed Messages
Pope Francis continues to send seismic shock waves across the globe, and the rapturous reception he received from his historic six-day US visit gave us a glimpse as to why. The pontiff, like Jesus, walked among the masses, kissing babies, visiting prisoners and the homeless, speaking out on climate change, poverty, immigrations, church sex abuse,…
Read MoreWhy Being Bisexual Makes Me A Better Pastor
Last month, I attended the More Light Presbyterians Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a powerful experience to reconnect with LGBTQ and ally colleagues in ministry and to dream together about what the future of the church looks like beyond just queer inclusion. A particular highlight of the weekend for me was staying with a…
Read MoreWhy This Queer Christian Is Praying For Kim Davis
I am deeply conflicted by the news coverage about the Pope’s meeting with Kim Davis. I am also deeply troubled by the way that many of my friends have responded to this news. I have witnessed vitriol and even some hatred. I have seen a great deal of anti-Catholic sentiment and statements that portray an…
Read MorePope Francis’ Meeting With Kim Davis Raises Red Flag
The news that Pope Francis met privately in Washington, DC, with Kim Davis throws a wet blanket on the good will that the pontiff had garnered during his United States visit last week. Davis is the Protestant Kentucky county clerk who defied a court order to issue licenses to lesbian and gay couples after she refused to do so, citing moral reason.…
Read MoreA Tribute To Rev. John McNeill
As the first Jesuit pope visited the United States, the first openly gay Jesuit priest went to heaven last week. As John McNeill passed through the pearly gates, Saint Peter asked, “Where’s your partner, Charlie?” “Oh,” John said, a little absent-mindedly, “He’ll be along. He just didn’t think he should leave the country while Pope Francis might…
Read MoreLGBT Catholics & Allies Will Welcome Pope Francis To The White House
#BOLAction: Tell The Pope—Our LGBTQ Families Matter When President Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House this Wednesday, the chief executive will be accompanied by a number of LGBT Catholics, their allies, and other LGBT and social justice advocates. While the presence of these guests is a cause for celebration for many who have waited decades for…
Read MorePope Francis Is Coming: Help Us Break The Silence
Help us Tell Pope Francis: Our LGBTQ Families Matter As the United States prepares to welcome Pope Francis next week for his historic visit for the World Meeting of Families—the excitement within the Catholic and non-Catholic communities is palpable. Since becoming elected just two years ago, Pope Francis has offered hope to many. Pope Francis…
Read More