LGBT Parents & Allies
Trigger Warning: description of depression and suicide Her name was Emily. As a pastor, I was always happy to have someone new visit the congregation. So I was particularly thrilled when Emily scheduled a meeting with me after visiting worship for the first time. During our meeting, Emily shared that she identified as transgender woman,…
Read More
Pope Francis’ latest comments on LGBT issues, in which he both called for more competent and case-by-case pastoral care for transgender people and said there was a “world war to destroy marriage,” have provoked strong reactions. You can read a report on the papal remarks by clicking here, and you can find New Ways Ministry’s response by…
Read More
Greg Bourke and his husband were plaintiffs in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that brought the freedom to marry to same-sex couples nationwide in June 2015. Now the men, who were named Persons of the Year by the National Catholic Reporter, are leading a “Pilgrimage of Mercy” to celebrate and recognize LGBT Catholics—and calling…
Read More
The New Testament records Jesus performing a staggering number of miracles for the benefit of those around Him. He fed a multitude with a paltry quantity of food, walked on water, calmed storms, and changed water to wine. But the majority of Jesus’ miracles have to do with curing the sick. Healing is Christ’s legacy,…
Read More
As a parent of two young children, I make many trips to the public library and I read many children’s books. I can be a bit of a children’s book snob, picking what appears to be a high-brow picture book based on the inclusion of a Caldecott or Newbury award sticker, or by literally judging…
Read More
As my queer son grew in maturity and wisdom, I questioned so many things—my importance in my son’s life, the world’s ideology, family members’ loyalties, my son’s safety, his happiness, and whether or not who he is is who he wants to be. Even though I have been faced with certain surprises, God has NEVER…
Read More
As a mother of a gay son, I don’t think you can really understand where an LGBTQ person is coming from unless you come from a place of intense love. I don’t know that the LGBTQ issue would have registered much on my radar if I didn’t have someone whom I loved intensely struggling with…
Read More
The Real O’Neals, ABC’s latest comedy series which premiered last week, features a gay child coming of age in a Catholic family as a prominent storyline. Entertainment Weekly called the show, which airs Tuesday nights, “a sometimes sentimental, sometimes silly half-hour about a family trying out honesty—and, as a result, acceptance.” The show features an Irish Catholic family that is…
Read More
If you would like more information about Robert’s private group for dads on Facebook, or if you just need to talk to someone, email him directly, or click here. Five years ago, my daughter came out. I love her. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing. I stand with her. I defend her. I believe in her. I…
Read More
“You don’t have to say anything… just know… if you are gay the guys in the troop are still your friends and are with you.” I did not say anything. It would be six more years before I came out as a gay man. But that night at scout camp, a dark weight was lifted…
Read More