LGBT |

Faith, religion and LGBT mental health problems

In 2012, a Gallup poll conducted in the United States revealed that faith, across all the major faith traditions, is associated with greater positive mental well-being. Religion and spirituality can be a source of great strength in people’s lives, instilling a sense of belonging and community and fostering a desire to improve oneself. Unfortunately, for…… Continue reading Faith, religion and LGBT mental health problems

Quest in Poland for Conference of LGBT Christians

I am now in Gdansk, representing Quest for a five day annual conference of the European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups. (The main conference runs from Thursday to Sunday, with a Catholic denominational meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, making five days in all. There will also be a further meeting later, of a Catholic “working group”). Meeting here in…… Continue reading Quest in Poland for Conference of LGBT Christians

English Bishops Oppose Homophobic Bullying

At Bondings 2.0, Francis DeBernardo has reported on a new manual produced for the English bishops on combating homophobia in Catholic schools. In his headline to the post, DeBernardo describes this manual as a “gift to the church” (and so it is). A new manual for Catholic school teachers in England and Wales on how…… Continue reading English Bishops Oppose Homophobic Bullying

The Catholic Obligation to Protect and Support LGBT Pupils

This afternoon, I was up in London, talking to the staff of St Bonaventure’s Catholic secondary school about “The Catholic Obligation to Protect and Support Lesbian and Gay Pupils”. Part of the headteacher’s regular program for staff continuing professional development, this will kick off the school’s annual commitment to LGBT History Month. I met the…… Continue reading The Catholic Obligation to Protect and Support LGBT Pupils

Conference 2016: First Thoughts.

Conference 2016, “Feathers on the Breath of God”, is now over – and I’m starting to digest a wonderful weekend’s experience. Most obviously, attendance numbers were down on previous years and lower than we had wanted, but that was not a serious problem in the end. It was clear that those who did attend, found…… Continue reading Conference 2016: First Thoughts.

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)

3 LGBT Groups Invited to Major German Catholic Gathering.

In Germany today, Catholics gathered in Leipzig for the start of a three-day major event, the “Catholic Conference Day”, which has been held every two years since 1848 (except for an interruption during the National Socialist period). With over 1000 different exhibitions and events, some 30 000 visitors are expected. Organized by the Central Committee of…… Continue reading 3 LGBT Groups Invited to Major German Catholic Gathering.