US Bishops Rethink Engagement with LGBTQ+ Catholics

In 2023, a significant shift is occurring among US bishops regarding their engagement with LGBTQ+ Catholics. Seventeen bishops attended a private conference at Georgetown University and St.

Louis University, where they participated in discussions aimed at fostering understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church. The meetings, held under Chatham House rules to ensure confidentiality, allowed bishops to hear personal testimonies from LGBTQ+ individuals, including a gay priest and a lesbian nun, highlighting the negative messages received from the Church.

Bishop John Stow of Lexington, Kentucky, emphasized the importance of listening to personal stories. The conference featured insights from Dr.

Cynthia Herrick, an endocrinologist, who discussed the latest scientific understanding of gender identity. The bishops expressed a desire for authentic dialogue and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, with Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe noting the need for the Church to create a safe and welcoming space.