...it is becoming unequivocally clear that the sanctity in faith is not incongruous with the sanctity in ourselves, and subsequently, our freedom. -- Molly Gardner
Traditionally, the religiously devout and the gay community are viewed as entirely severed from one another, never mixing, not compatible. Recently, however, tides have slowly been changing, and the two (gasp!) have harmoniously crossed paths, if for a moment or two.
The New Ways Ministry made headlines last month when Pope Francis invited the gay catholic group (serving 1.2 billion members) to the Vatican. Fifty-odd people identifying as “homosexual” made a pilgrimage to Saint Peter’s Square, and were warmly welcomed, though they were not identified as a gay-rights organization when the list of participants was announced. Instead, they were labeled “a group of lay people accompanied by a sister”, regardless of the fact the Vatican was informed of their status as a gay catholic organization.
Still, much progress has been made in recent years--in past pilgrimages, The New Ways Ministry was treated poorly, or ignored. Cofounder of New Ways Sister Jeannine Gramick, believes the positive change as part of “The Francis Affect”--a term coined shortly after his induction, and later the title of a film by the same name, produced by Salt + Light Media.
Pope Francis’s highly contentious (and surprisingly liberal) approaches to Catholicism and papacy have certainly made a significant impact worldwide, gaining both overwhelming praise and resounding criticism. Fox News editor Adam Shaw wrote an article on the current Pope, entitled “Pope Francis is the Catholic Church’s Obama--God Help Us”. The article begins,“Pope Francis is undergoing a popularity surge comparable to the way Barack Obama was greeted by the world in 2008. And just as President Obama has been a disappointment for America, Pope Francis will prove a disaster for the Catholic Church.”
Fox News
A decidedly objective article, I’m sure. Still, regardless of the Pope’s perceived opprobrium, many people of all religions have appreciated his strides towards what (arguably) is a modernization of Catholicism. His efforts affect many, but for LGBTQ+ people, it means the difference between ostracization and inclusion in a place as holy as the Vatican.
Religion and non-hetero/cis people are not as divided as one might think, considering many perceive homosexuality and transgenderism as conflicting with Biblical teachings. Since 2004, however, protestant congregations have elected multiple gay members of clergy, including Megan Rohrer, the openly trans leader of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of San Francisco.
Through it all, Pope Francis’ inclusion of the New Ways Ministry at the Vatican sends an important message to everyone, whether devout or not. LGTBQ+ people are making ties in the religious community, and the religious community is beginning to be ready. Though the changes come slowly, it is becoming unequivocally clear that the sanctity in faith is not incongruous with the sanctity in ourselves, and subsequently, our freedom.
The New Ways Ministry made headlines last month when Pope Francis invited the gay catholic group (serving 1.2 billion members) to the Vatican. Fifty-odd people identifying as “homosexual” made a pilgrimage to Saint Peter’s Square, and were warmly welcomed, though they were not identified as a gay-rights organization when the list of participants was announced. Instead, they were labeled “a group of lay people accompanied by a sister”, regardless of the fact the Vatican was informed of their status as a gay catholic organization.
Still, much progress has been made in recent years--in past pilgrimages, The New Ways Ministry was treated poorly, or ignored. Cofounder of New Ways Sister Jeannine Gramick, believes the positive change as part of “The Francis Affect”--a term coined shortly after his induction, and later the title of a film by the same name, produced by Salt + Light Media.
Pope Francis’s highly contentious (and surprisingly liberal) approaches to Catholicism and papacy have certainly made a significant impact worldwide, gaining both overwhelming praise and resounding criticism. Fox News editor Adam Shaw wrote an article on the current Pope, entitled “Pope Francis is the Catholic Church’s Obama--God Help Us”. The article begins,“Pope Francis is undergoing a popularity surge comparable to the way Barack Obama was greeted by the world in 2008. And just as President Obama has been a disappointment for America, Pope Francis will prove a disaster for the Catholic Church.”
Fox News
A decidedly objective article, I’m sure. Still, regardless of the Pope’s perceived opprobrium, many people of all religions have appreciated his strides towards what (arguably) is a modernization of Catholicism. His efforts affect many, but for LGBTQ+ people, it means the difference between ostracization and inclusion in a place as holy as the Vatican.
Religion and non-hetero/cis people are not as divided as one might think, considering many perceive homosexuality and transgenderism as conflicting with Biblical teachings. Since 2004, however, protestant congregations have elected multiple gay members of clergy, including Megan Rohrer, the openly trans leader of the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church of San Francisco.
Through it all, Pope Francis’ inclusion of the New Ways Ministry at the Vatican sends an important message to everyone, whether devout or not. LGTBQ+ people are making ties in the religious community, and the religious community is beginning to be ready. Though the changes come slowly, it is becoming unequivocally clear that the sanctity in faith is not incongruous with the sanctity in ourselves, and subsequently, our freedom.
