<p><strong>October 2 2023.</strong>&nbsp;Pope Franciss statement to five Cardinals that there might be ways for church officials to bless same-sex unions is a welcome sign of openness on LGBTQIA+ issues says DignityUSA. The group is the worlds oldest Catholic organization working for justice equality and full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the church and society.</p><p>While we continue to believe that legal and sacramental marriage equality is the goal Pope Franciss statement that there may be ways for the church to bless same-sex couples is an unexpected and welcome sign of openness said Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director of DignityUSA. The sacredness and grace in the relationships between people of the same sex or where one or more partner is transgender deserve affirmation and support. Hearing the Pope acknowledge this will give hope to many Queer people as well as to their families and friends who are Catholic.</p><p>Duddy-Burke continued: It is notable that this comment was made in writing and in a letter to Cardinals who represent very traditionalist views and seemed to be hoping for support for their position. In his response the Pope appeared to warn them that the churchs ministers cannot only deny reject and exclude. Furthermore he has not penalized priests and bishops in Europe who have performed such blessings and has not prevented national bishops conferences from considering offering these blessings as part of their pastoral practices. These are all signs that our churchs leaders are beginning to engage with these fundamental questions around sexual orientation gender and relationships in new ways. I find that encouraging.</p><p>Duddy-Burke noted that many Catholics have not waited for the church to extend blessings to their partnered Lesbian Gay and Bisexual and Transgender family members and friends. There are Catholics in same-sex relationships getting married with the full support of their families and faith communities every week she said. Many of these marriages include spiritual elements often modeled on Catholic marriage ceremonies. We understand the power of sacrament of community support and of invoking Gods blessing on our commitments. We will be happy when more parts of our church acknowledge this reality too.</p><p>The Popes comments were made as bishops priests sisters brothers and lay people from all parts of the world are starting to gather in Rome for the first of two meetings that will cap off the work of a Global Synod on Synodality. Catholics and others from around the globe were invited to be part of Listening Sessions held at the local level and to express their hopes for and concerns about the church. Throughout much of October 2023 approximately 450 official delegates will deliberate what all of these voices are asking of the church and begin to outline ways the Catholic Church can move into the future.</p><p>We know that concerns about how LGBTQIA+ people have been treated by the church were among the top issues on every continent said Duddy-Burke. That the Pope spoke out on this on the eve of the Synod meeting confirms that this must be among the issues Synod delegates must consider. We are praying that delegates will be open to the voices of the people of the church and to the movement of the Holy Spirit. In the meantime we will continue working to build communities where people of all genders and sexual orientation are truly affirmed.</p><p></p><p><i>DignityUSA is the worlds oldest organization of Catholics working for justice equality and full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in our church and society. Founded in 1969 it is a founding member of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics.</i></p>