The conference, held from 2 - 4 August, brought together LGBTQ Catholics, clergy and many others with a vested interest to discuss faith and inclusivity within the Church.

According to the conference's website, Outreach "gathers LGBTQ laypeople, clergy, scholars, artists, educators, students and family members to build community, share best practices and worship together".

Outreach is a Catholic LGBTQ resource group founded by Jesuit priest and theologian Father James Martin.

In his homily, Cardinal Gregory acknowledged the complexity of LGBTQ issues within the Church and emphasised the necessity of addressing these matters with "sincerity and genuine compassion".

"This gathering is an opportunity for people to listen to one another in love, knowing full well that we might see another's position as difficult to understand and to accept" Gregory stated.

He expressed concern for the state of the Church and nation, decrying an "increase in violence, the forfeiture of civility in public discourse and the disavowal of once well-known hallowed values".

Gregory noted that the Church and the nation are at a critical juncture, requiring open and respectful dialogue.

The cardinal highlighted that unity within the Church does not mean uniformity but rather a shared spiritual connectedness or "communion" that respects diverse perspectives.

Act of synodality

Gregory's participation marked the first time a cardinal had presided over the conference's Mass which he celebrated at Georgetown's Dahlgren Chapel.

His involvement received support from Pope Francis who, in a note to Father Martin, expressed his spiritual closeness to the event and offered his blessings.

The cardinal praised conference attendees for being "dedicated to the pursuit of our becoming a more inclusive family of faith, welcoming others in spite of our differences".

He said that such a pursuit is an "act of synodality" and that "sincerely and openly speaking and listening to one another under the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit is the way that the Church grows in perfection".

Sources

Catholic News Agency

Outreach

CathNews New Zealand

The pope's comment came in response to a question asked by Jesuit Father James Martin, a prominent catholic priest involved in gay ministry.

Martin posed three questions to the pope for the America magazine's new website for LGBTQ catholics and their families

When asked, "What do you say to an LGBTQ Catholic who has experienced rejection from the church?" the pope replied, "I would have them recognise it not as 'the rejection of the church,' but instead of 'people in the church'."

"The church is a mother and calls together all her children," he emphasised.

A church that is "selective" or makes some pretext about who is "pure," Francis said, "is not the Holy Mother Church, but rather a sect."

When asked what the most important thing LGBTQ people should know about God, Pope Francis responded, "God is Father, and he does not disown any of his children. And 'the style' of God is closeness, mercy and tenderness. Along this path you will find God."

Martin also asked the pope what he would like LGBTQ people to know about the church. The pope responded that they should read the Acts of the Apostles. "There, they will find the image of the living church."

The Catholic Catechism states that homosexual acts are 'intrinsically disordered', and last year Francis approved a decree barring priests from blessing gay couples, declaring that God "cannot bless sin."

Despite this, throughout his nearly decade-long papacy, Francis has repeatedly tried to extend a warmer welcome to LGBTQ persons.

During a speech earlier this year reflecting on the challenges of parenting, the pope went off-script to tell parents not to condemn children with different sexual orientations.

"Never condemn your children," said Francis. He added that parents should accompany such children and "not hide behind an attitude of condemnation."

Sources

• National Catholic Reporter
• Crux Now

In the handwritten letter (in Spanish), the pontiff described Father James Martin's work as imitating the "style of God."

Martin, who carries out his apostolate among the LGBTQ community, read the personalized letter at the Outreach LGBTQ Ministry Conference.

The conference is a gathering focused on Catholic LGBTQ issues hosted virtually by Fordham University.

Pope Francis also thanked Fr Martin for his pastoral zeal.

Francis noted Martin's "ability to be close to people, with the closeness that Jesus had, and which reflects the closeness of God. Our Heavenly Father comes close with love to each one of his children, each and every one. His heart is open to each and everyone."

The pontiff described Martin's work, which has centered on LGBTQ Catholics, as "continually seeking to imitate this style of God". He wrote that he believes that style has three elements: "closeness, compassion and tenderness."

"You are a priest for all men and women, just as God is a Father for all men and women," wrote the pontiff. He added that he would pray for Martin's "flock" and asked for prayers in return.

Martin has long insisted his writings and teachings regarding LGBTQ Catholics remain within the confines of church teaching.

But his 2017 book, "Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity," triggered a backlash among some conservatives.

As a result, Martin was disinvited from speaking engagements and repeatedly criticized by conservative websites such as Church Militant and LifeSiteNews.

Pope Francis concluded the letter to Fr Martin saying, "I pray for your faithful, your ‘flock,' and all those whom the Lord places in your care. So that you protect them and make them grow in the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ."

Sources

Religion News

Vatican News

It's a tough call for anyone who has followed either man's impressive record of rim shots, but we may finally get an answer to that urgent question when cardinal and comedian team up for a panel on faith and humour this September at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.

"I'm looking forward to a great conversation with a terrific theologian and a gifted comedian. They are both," quipped the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and popular author. Martin will be moderating the Sept. 14 event, titled "The Cardinal and Colbert: Humor, Joy, and the Spiritual Life."

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