<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;This ad contained language that many people will find hurtful and alienating&rdquo; said Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director of DignityUSA. &ldquo;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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I am very concerned for LGBT Catholics and their family members in the El Paso area&rdquo; continued Duddy-Burke. &ldquo;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.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 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&rsquo;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> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;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&rdquo; said Duddy-Burke. &ldquo;I see it as a real failure of ministry.&rdquo;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>DignityUSA is the nation&rsquo;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>