by Michael O’Loughlin
America Magazine
Ed. Note: Pax Christi USA’s Bishop-President, Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv, and Pax Christi USA’s Bishop-President Emeritus, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, signed the statement referenced in this article. We are grateful for their support, and the support of each of these bishops, for our LGBT youth.
A group of U.S. Catholic bishops, including a cardinal and an archbishop, have signed a statement of support for L.G.B.T. youth, telling them, “God created you, God loves you and God is on your side.”
“As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBT people are to be treated with ‘respect, compassion and sensitivity,’” reads the statement, released by the Tyler Clementi Foundation, an organization that fights L.G.B.T. bullying in schools, workplaces and faith communities.
Among those signing the statement were Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, and Archbishop John Wester, who leads the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
“All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBT youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates,” the statement continues…
It is wonderful to see the statement of the Bishops, the Archbishop, and the Cardinal reaffirming the intrinsic value of every human being. May humankind continue to evolve in a real and loving way. May this message become more evident in our society. May additional media sources become aware of the the Christian/Catholic viewpoint.
Blessings on the Bishops who signed and prayers.
Deepest thanks for your loving care. YES, we are ALL made in God’s image.