Pope Francis’s Warm And Welcoming Mixed Messages

Pope john paul ii's visit to vatican.

Pope Francis continues to send seismic shock waves across the globe, and the rapturous reception he received from his historic six-day US visit gave us a glimpse as to why. The pontiff, like Jesus, walked among the masses, kissing babies, visiting prisoners and the homeless, speaking out on climate change, poverty, immigrations, church sex abuse,…

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Why Being Bisexual Makes Me A Better Pastor

A woman is handing a woman a piece of bread.

Last month, I attended the More Light Presbyterians Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. It was a powerful experience to reconnect with LGBTQ and ally colleagues in ministry and to dream together about what the future of the church looks like beyond just queer inclusion. A particular highlight of the weekend for me was staying with a…

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Invisible No More: LGBT Elders Of Color Come To The Forefront

A group of people posing for a photo.

Alarming statistics in the LGBT elders of color population nationwide has prompted local organizations to tackle disparities as this population is projected to double in the coming years. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, the LGBT elders of color population is projected to increase by 217 percent by…

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Why This Queer Christian Is Praying For Kim Davis

A close up of a person's hand holding a rosary.

I am deeply conflicted by the news coverage about the Pope’s meeting with Kim Davis. I am also deeply troubled by the way that many of my friends have responded to this news. I have witnessed vitriol and even some hatred. I have seen a great deal of anti-Catholic sentiment and statements that portray an…

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Pope Francis’ Meeting With Kim Davis Raises Red Flag

Pope francis gives a speech in front of a large group of people.

The news that Pope Francis met privately in Washington, DC, with Kim Davis throws a wet blanket on the good will that the pontiff had garnered during his United States visit last week. Davis is the Protestant Kentucky county clerk who defied a court order to issue licenses to lesbian and gay couples after she refused to do so, citing moral reason.…

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A Tribute To Rev. John McNeill

An older man in a blue jacket and hat standing in a field.

As the first Jesuit pope visited the United States, the first openly gay Jesuit priest went to heaven last week. As John McNeill passed through the pearly gates, Saint Peter asked, “Where’s your partner, Charlie?” “Oh,” John said, a little absent-mindedly, “He’ll be along. He just didn’t think he should leave the country while Pope Francis might…

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10 Things Pope Francis Should Know About LGBTQ People

A painting of a man riding a llama on a blue wall.

In honor of Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States, we asked our Believe Out Loud community what they want Pope Francis to know about the LGBTQ community. Check out their answers below, then help us urge Pope Francis to include LGBTQ people and families in the Catholic Church! 10. LGBTQ people are made in…

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LGBT Catholics & Allies Will Welcome Pope Francis To The White House

A white house in the background.

#BOLAction: Tell The Pope—Our LGBTQ Families Matter When President Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House this Wednesday, the chief executive will be accompanied by a number of LGBT Catholics, their allies, and other LGBT and social justice advocates. While the presence of these guests is a cause for celebration for many who have waited decades for…

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Catholic Church: Listen & Learn On LGBT People

The statue of st peter in front of the vatican.

With any discussion involving the family, a diversity of views must be taken into account. This begs the question, should the Catholic Church maintain the status quo or attempt to learn more about the gifts and qualities LGBT people have to offer? Due to the uplifting words and actions of Pope Francis, more Catholics are…

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