Maternity BVM affirms statement: "God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth"

In consultation with Father Lydon, and with overwhelming support from the MBVM Pastoral Council and the Parish Staff, I am proud to announce that Maternity B.V.M. Church affirms the Following statement. 

The text of the statement as well as Institutions that have affirmed the statement can be found here:  https://tylerclementi.org/catholicbishopsstatement/ 

"As Catholic Bishops {and Catholic Institutions} in the United States, we join with the Tyler Clementi Foundation in standing up for at-risk LGBT youth in our country.  

As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBT people are to be treated with “respect, compassion and sensitivity.”  

All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBT youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates.

The Catholic Church values the God-given dignity of all human life and we take this opportunity to say to our LGBT friends, especially young people, that we stand with you and oppose any form of violence, bullying or harassment directed at you.   

Most of all, know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side."

We sign this statement with overwhelming support of our parish leadership bodies as it is consistent with our Mission Statement, that we are called as Missionary Disciples to Radiate the Light and Love of Christ to ALL. Further, it reaches all four points of our vision statement, and is consistent with our core values.

 At this point in time, we have only talked the talk by signing a statement.  We are simply joining 14 bishops, 89 religious orders (including the Viatorians and the Congregation of Notre Dame), and a number of other Catholic Institutions in SAYING that we affirm the above statement.

 However, now begins the work of putting words into practice.  We must begin the work of creating a culture where all indeed do feel welcome, and where we affirm the God-given dignity of all God's children not just in word, but in deed. 

Marginalization occurred in the time of Jesus Christ, and he provided a model for us to reach out to those who were made to feel cast aside and left on the margins of society.   Those encounters with Jesus were life-changing, as he brought the Good news to the poor, hope to sinners, and healing to the suffering. Further, the LGBTQ+ Community is only one of many communities who feel the pain of marginalization in great numbers.  

We affirm this statement for these reasons and more, but also because our children are watching.  

Adored and Loved be Jesus,

Father Jason