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Ministering to LGBT+ in a Parish Context


Source: Scottish Laity Network

Last Thursday, 10th March, the Scottish Laity Network held the third event of its Lenten Journey 2022. The focus was on Ministering to LGBT+ in a Parish Context and the session began by listening to the experiences of a team - Richard, Mary and John - from Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Parish in the Diocese of Clifton.

Listening to their story, their journey, was an affirmation of the vision and power of the 'synodal process' which they engaged in before there was the formal 'synodal process'.

Fr Richard shared of his own journey in ministry and how over 30 years ago a gay couple had helped him to discover 'that this is an issue of identity and not lifestyle choice, any more than me being a straight person is not a lifestyle choice it's just part of who I am and my identity.'

Whilst this insight influenced some of Richard's preaching and teaching the decisive moment for the parish community was when the Parish Council went on a Vision Day. After singing All are welcome in this place, they spent time in silent prayer and all felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to address one question: 'Who are not welcome among us?'

Although the parish is a very diverse community and has a history of welcoming and valuing a whole diversity of people they felt, in the light of the prompting from the Holy Spirit, called to be engaged in ministry to the LGBT+ community.

Their journey, the challenges they faced, the fruits of the journey were shared by Richard, Mary and John and their experiences are something that all parishes would benefit from listening to. They identify some of the key obstacles to us becoming more authentic followers of Jesus rooted in faith communities that are safe places for us to grow and develop as disciples.

You can listen to their sharing and the Q&A that followed at https://youtu.be/IoazaB-T3Xw

Future evenings are on zoom, 7.00 - 8.30pm UK Time

Thursday 17th March: LGBT Inclusion in Catholic Schools with George White

Thursday 24th March: Redeeming the Women of the Bible and Church History with Gemma Simmonds

Thursday 31st March: Sexuality and Spirituality with Diarmuid O'Murchu

You can get more information on the programme, our companions, Quest and Million Minutes by downloading our Lenten Journey Overview

There is a short video outlining the programme https://youtu.be/ut2AJVDgy5w

Click for Registration Form

Everyone is welcome to join us so please share the handout and the video within your groups, parishes and dioceses.

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