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DignityUSA Offers Support to LGBT Catholics Family Members in El Paso TX
🌈  DignityUSA Conference 2025  |  July 4–6, Dublin, OH  |  Register Now!
September 1, 2011
by
DignityUSA
<p> An advertisement in the August 27 2011 <em>El Paso Times</em> can do tremendous spiritual damage to Catholics who read it according to a national Catholic support group for lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and their families.</p>
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<p> “This ad contained language that many people will find hurtful and alienating” said Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director of DignityUSA. “It does not represent the spirit of love and inclusion that Jesus taught and that most people in our Church strive to live out.</p>
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<p> “I am very concerned for LGBT Catholics and their family members in the El Paso area” continued Duddy-Burke. “Many gay and lesbian people struggle with how to integrate their faith and spirituality when they first come out. This ad could send people into despair. I hope they know how to find support from people of faith who will provide positive role models.”</p>
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<p> Duddy-Burke said that she welcomed anyone who is concerned about the impact of the ad to contact DignityUSA at 800-877-8797 or to go to the organization’s website at <a href=http://www.dignityusa.org/>www.dignityusa.org</a>. She also recommended Fortunate Families a group for Catholic parents of LGBT people (<a href=http://www.fortunatefamilies.com/>www.fortunatefamilies.com</a>).</p>
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<p> “I question why so close on the heels of the rash of highly publicized suicides among lesbian gay and transgender young people any Catholic priest would put out a statement as condemnatory as this ad” said Duddy-Burke. “I see it as a real failure of ministry.”</p>
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<p><em>DignityUSA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender Catholics. Founded in 1969 the group has members and Chapters across the U.S.</em></p>
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