On Monday, March 15th, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a statement rejecting the idea that the Church could offer blessings to same-sex couples.

Later that day we issued an official response, calling the statement "hurtful to same-sex couples, and dismissive of the grace demonstrated by same-sex couples who live deeply loving and committed relationships." Check out our full response.

Since the Vatican released its statement, we've been hard at work making sure that the voice of LGBTQI Catholics is heard in the international conversations and reactions to the statement. Dignity national and local leaders have been featured in stories, articles, and pieces from news outlets like The Washington Post, New York Times, NPR, and more. Check out our updated list of media hits here.

On Wednesday of this week, DignityUSA members from coast to coast gathered and discussed their reaction to the Vatican's recent statement. We shared our frustration and sadness, and expressed our support for and solidarity with one another.

If you couldn't to make it on Wednesday, we hope that you'll join us for our second session of the Townhall occurring this Monday, March 29th at 8:00pm Eastern. Register now to receive the Zoom link.

Last week, we were joined by the Human Rights Campaign, Vine & Fig, and more in hosting Catholic Pray Hours for Equality. We prayed for justice while Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the Equality Act, which would establish federal LGBTQI nondiscrimination laws. A video of our prayer time together is coming soon.

You can still pray with us. With our partners, we're praying the Catholic Novena for Equality, asking for wisdom compassion, and inclusion for all.

Take Action for the Equality Act. Though the bill has already passed in the House of Representatives, it faces obstacles in the Senate. Would you reach out to your Senators and ask them to support this historic legislation?

DignityUSA and Call to Action, a Catholic social justice organization based in Minneapolis, are hosting a Zoom panel "Transforming Faith: Stories of Struggle and Resilience" on Wednesday, March 31st, in recognition of International Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to celebrate transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people and to confront the violence and discrimination they face.

Panelists will share their experiences of claiming and reclaiming faith and the impact religious rhetoric has had on their understanding of self, the divine, social justice, and community. Register now.

The DignityUSA Young Adult Caucus invites LGBTQI Catholics under 40 to join and pray the traditional Way of the Cross during Holy Week - with an LGBTQI-affirming twist. Join us on Tuesday, March 30th at 7:15pm on Zoom. Log in: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85246175393

We want to invite DignityUSA members who have passion about advocating for LGBTQI inclusion and justice in the church and society to consider joining our Board of Directors. This year we will be electing At-Large Board Members and a new President/Vice-President team.

The Board of DignityUSA needs people with professional skills in areas like law, administration, fundraising, public speaking. People of Color, young adults, members of the Transgender/Nonbinary community and Allies, are particularly encouraged to consider serving as board members.
 
Learn more about serving on the Board or serving as President or Vice President. Questions? Email Bob Butts, Nominations Co-Chair at Secretary@dignityusa.org. Nominations open through April 15, 2021.

DignityUSA is seeking a member to serve as Treasurer for the organization. This is a critical role as an Officer and member of the Board of Directors. The incumbent, Linda Roberts has signaled an intention to step down at the end of September and will remain on the Investment Committee and will be available to train and advise the incoming Treasurer.

The two-year term begins October 1, 2021.

The Treasurer is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as Chair of the Finance and Investment Committees. Among the most critical responsibilities of this position include developing the annual budget, preparing monthly financial reports, and liaising with DignityUSA's broker, auditor, and bank officials.

For more information or to express interest contact Marianne Duddy-Burke at execdir@dignityusa.org.