In this 2015 file photo, LGBTQ supporters wave a flag outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington. (CNS/Tyler Orsburn)
Less than one month after the bishop of Lexington, Kentucky, joined with Catholics across the country in signing a statement to LGBTQ youth that declared God created you, God loves you and God is on your side, nearly half of the priests in his diocese have signed their own statement affirming their support of LGBTQ individuals.
In a statement released on Feb. 17 Ash Wednesday 21 priests of the Diocese of Lexington said that people of faith have a particular duty to help, support, and defend LGBT youth who are at heightened risk of suicide, homelessness, bullying and rejection.
Event date: Dates listed below
Ministry to Transgender Persons
Please join us for 3 zoom sessions helping deacons, and women and men religious to receive God’s transgender people with welcome and respect. We are currently on the fifth of six sessions for priests.
Hosted by: JR Zerkowski,,Executive Director of Fortunate Families and the LGBT Ministry for the Diocese of Lexington, KY
Presenters:
First session: Sister Luisa Derouen, O.P.
A Dominican Sister of Peace who has been ministering as a spiritual companion among the transgender community nationally for 22 years
Second session: Scotty Pignatella
Principal Systems Engineer with Raytheon Technologies. He began medical transition to male in the early 1990’s. Scotty has been an advocate, presenter and mentor to others on trans/LGB issues for many years.