News

Church News (Bulletin 75)

After the Synod – A Gentler Tone? German and English bishops offer apologies to gay Catholics. The most notable example of a softer tone came during the synod assembly, when the entire German language small group agreed on a statement of apology to gay Catholics and to other groups, for the hurt that has been…… Continue reading Church News (Bulletin 75)

Quest’s Strategic Plan

A working lunch break, during the planning weekend

Over the weekend of 24th – 26th June, Quest committee members, regional convenors and a few invited former committee members spent a weekend working on a strategic plan to take Quest through the next few years. (For some background on why this meeting was called, see “Quest’s Productive Working Weekend”. In the interest of transparency, we…… Continue reading Quest’s Strategic Plan

Quest’s Productive Working Weekend

Members of Quest national committee, regional convenors and a few former committee members gathered at Nick and Gez’s home in West Yorkshire for a for a strategic planning working weekend. The setting and hospitality were superb, good work was done, and constructive deliberations followed.   For much of its history, Quest’s primary activities and focus have been looking…… Continue reading Quest’s Productive Working Weekend

Quest Chair Now Co-Chair of Global Network!

Last year in Rome at the foundation conference of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, our Quest chair Ruby Almeida was elected to the steering committee of the new body. It’s just been announced that the steering committee has named her as co-chair, alongside a German, Michael Brinkschroder. This is a an impressive achievement by…… Continue reading Quest Chair Now Co-Chair of Global Network!

Parable of the Gay Samaritan

Today’s Gospel reading (Luke 10: 25 -37) tells us the familiar story of the Good Samaritan. At his personal blog a few years ago, Fr Geoff Farrow published a post called  Delivery “Salvation”, in which he describes an encounter with two young men who came to his door attempting to deliver some salvation, in the form of a…… Continue reading Parable of the Gay Samaritan

The Papal Apology, in Context

When Pope Francis spoke of an apology to gay people, he was responding to a question about an earlier, more specific apology by Cardinal Marx in an interview with the Irish Times: A leading cardinal has said the Catholic Church should apologise to the gay community for its scandalous and terrible treatment of them, which…… Continue reading The Papal Apology, in Context

The Papal Apology: Keep the Conversation Going. (Opinion)

Reports of Pope Francis’ apology to the gay community drew extensive commentary in the press, with divided responses from LGBT sources. There many statements that this was welcome, but also many who pointed out that the statement was limited, and just didn’t go far enough. On Sunday (3rd July) I had the privilege of participating…… Continue reading The Papal Apology: Keep the Conversation Going. (Opinion)

After the Hurt, We Need Healing

The following statement in response to Pope Francis’ apology to gay Catholics has been approved by our chair, Ruby Almeida: Quest welcomes Pope Francis’ clear words of apology to lesbian and gay Catholics. We share the view of some LGBT people who point out that this could and should have gone further, but there is…… Continue reading After the Hurt, We Need Healing

A Papal Apology: How Should Quest Respond (Opinion)

Responding to Pope Francis’ unambiguous apology to gay people, James Martin wrote on his facebook page (Francis said) “Christians must say sorry and not only for this. They must ask forgiveness, not just say sorry” and also ask God’s pardon. “It is a word that we forget a lot today,” he said. Pope Francis is…… Continue reading A Papal Apology: How Should Quest Respond (Opinion)