Can still practice faith

I lead a Catholic ministry that blesses same-sex unions, and we are not alone. We are not part of the Roman Church, but many Catholic, Episcopal, and Protestant churches throughout the world agree that gay, lesbian, and transgender people are by virtue of baptism full members of the body of Christ. We believe that gay, lesbian, and transgender people have an equal claim to the love and care of the church.

We maintain an ardent belief that no one should be left behind, recalling the Gospel of Luke instructing us to go after our lost sheep. This Gospel is often cited as a sword to shame us into bringing home the lost sinner, but we see it as a shield, calling us to gather and provide spiritual shelter to all God’s children who are left behind, lost, or ignored. Our experience informs that many people, not just gays, lesbians, and transgender people, are lost to “Big Church” because they do not look like us, are poor, do not have the right job, or because they do not fit in.

We therefore issue this statement in light of the Vatican’s denial of samesex unions. It is surely a blow to many LGBTQ Roman Catholics hoping Pope Francis would accept them. Pray for the Roman Church, but let not your hearts be troubled, for Jesus taught us that “[i]n [his] Father’s house are many rooms.”

The truth is there are many Catholic communities throughout the world that exist outside of Rome. One need not be a Roman Catholic to be a good Catholic. Thus, do not let the Vatican’s announcement drive you away from your faith. There are many Catholic churches in the ISM movement that will welcome you with open arms so you can practice your faith as it was handed down from the early church.

RAYMOND NIBLOCK

Fayetteville