Pope on homosexuals: There is more that unites us than separates us
On July 20, 2022, Pope Francis sent a letter to Outreach, an organization of LGBT Catholics, in which he noted that different attitudes towards homosexuality not only divide, but unite the believers of the RCC. The letter is posted on the Outreach resource.
In the letter, the Pope emphasized that owing to the pandemic, “we learned that certain things are irreplaceable,” among them the possibility to look at each other “face to face,” even with those “who think differently or those whose differences seem to separate or even confront us.” “When we overcome these barriers, we realize that there is more that unites us than separates us,” said the head of the Vatican.
Pope Francis urged LGBT Catholics to keep working "in the culture of encounter, which shortens the distances and enriches us with differences, in the same manner of Jesus, who made himself close to everyone."
At the end of the letter, the Pope promised to pray for Outreach members, encouraged them to pray for him, and blessed LGBT Catholics.
The head of the Vatican wrote this letter in response to materials sent from Outreach for an LGBTQ Catholic ministry conference held in the United States in June. Topics discussed at the conference included ministry with families of LGBTQ Catholics, ministry with transgender people, LGBTQ issues and mental health, and others.
“We are grateful to the Holy Father for his encouragement and prayers,” the Outreach wrote.
As the UOJ wrote, a scandal arose at the conference of Anglican bishops because of the attitudes towards LGBT people.
Read also
Seizure in Chernivtsi overseen by Epifaniy's uncle, video
After the beating and expulsion of UOC priests from the Chernivtsi cathedral, Ivan Chokaliuk, the uncle of the head of the OCU, entered there together with the militants.
Sviatohirsk Lavra congratulates Metropolitan Arseniy on his 57th birthday
The abbot was wished strength of soul and body, heavenly consolation, the grace of God, and a swift release.
Another court hearing held in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy
The lawyers reminded the court that their client has been in custody for an extended period and, as a clergyman, is entitled to regular spiritual care.
DESS: Old Believers of ROC and ROCOR monastery are crucial for Ukraine
The State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) explained that for clergy to be exempted from mobilization, churches must not be affiliated with a foreign religious organization banned in Ukraine.
Hierarchs of Romania: All of Moldova belongs to the Romanian Patriarchate
The hierarchs believe that only the Romanian Church legally, canonically, and responsibly shepherds in Moldova.
Rivne region resident convicted for claiming OCU seizes churches
According to the court, a resident of the Rivne region made critical statements about the OCU and its leader Dumenko, and also engaged in “promoting the exclusivity of the UOC”.