The forum will provide a space for a dialogue on shifting a common approach to LGBTIQ people, which names them as “clients” to be fixed, toward their being regarded equal voices in an inclusive society. While this will be discussed in the context of Catholic texts that exclude, it is relevant to the broader society.
The Interim Report at last year’s Synod on the Family in Rome broke new ground when it said: “Homosexuals have gifts and qualities to offer to the Christian community. Are we capable of providing for these people, guaranteeing them a place of fellowship in our communities? Oftentimes, they want to encounter a Church which offers them a welcoming home. Are our communities capable of this, accepting and valuing their sexual orientation …?”
Enough bishops (34 per cent) voted against this for it to be excluded from the final statement.
This confirms for LGBTIQ Catholics their status in the Church as “clients” – that is, those spoken about and offered assistance to “help them in their struggle”. LGBTIQ Catholics legitimately ask why their relationship to the Church is defined by their sexual orientation and not their giftedness.
It’s time to listen to LGBTIQ stories as fellowship gift and grace. It’s time to embrace all Church members by virtue of baptismal dignity and equality, inviting all to a true human flourishing.
