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Midterm Report from Synod on the Family Unexpectedly Positive for LGBT People, Families

Acknowledges “Gifts and Qualities” of Gay People

Boston, MA. October 13, 2014. DignityUSA, the organization of LGBT Catholics and allies says that the midterm report from the Vatican’s Extraordinary Synod on the Family offers “unexpected positive signs” for LGBT people and families.

DignityUSA Executive Director Marianne Duddy-Burke said, “The tone in this midterm report is remarkably different from preliminary documents prior to the Extraordinary Synod. Those were marked by a sense of frustration with how Church teachings were not being well-received or followed in today’s world. This report has more of a sense of humility, and an emphasis on meeting people where they are at. It is much more pastoral. The line that struck me was ‘It is necessary to accept people in their concrete being…’

Duddy-Burke continued, “The specific language used about lesbian and gay people is also astonishingly new. To begin with the recognition that ‘homosexual persons have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community’ is a far different starting point than saying we are ‘objectively disordered,’  which has been the mantra for almost 30 years. That positive language is more affirming and will give many people hope. It is much more respectful, and offers a sense of welcome that LGBT people have been seeking for decades.

Duddy-Burke acknowledged, “Church leaders are still clearly struggling with how to deal with same-sex marriage. But the recognition that for many same-sex couples ‘mutual aid to the point of sacrifice constitutes a precious support in the life of the partners’ is an unanticipated step forward. In fact, this document contains the first positive statement ever from the Vatican on same-sex relationships. That's very significant.

She continued, “The clear statement that the rights and needs of children of same-sex couples takes precedence over any other consideration should give clarity that our kids should be welcomed to the Church, its sacraments, and Catholic educational and social programs without question or discrimination. This is a great sign of hope for the rising generation.”

The Extraordinary Synod is laying the groundwork for a larger gathering of bishops that will make final determinations about how the Church proceeds with pastoral and policy actions on the family. That Synod will be held October 4-25, 2015. DignityUSA hopes that concluding statements from the Extraordinary Synod and that the work of the Ordinary Synod next year continue the welcoming tone of the midterm report.

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Contacts:
Marianne Duddy-Burke, 617-669-7810
Jim Smith, 612-306-9012
Jeff Stone, 646-418-7039

DignityUSA is the nation’s foremost organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics and their supporters. Founded in 1969, it works for full inclusion and justice for LGBT people in the Church and society.