Every once in awhile, some Catholic bishops who lead the charge against same-sex marriage or other issues important to the LGBT community like to dial it back a bit. They might say something about God loving all God’s children, including gays and lesbians. But it’s usually qualified, along the now theologically-discredited “love the sinner hate the sin” lines.
But one prominent Catholic priest is having none of it.
The Jesuit Jim Martin has asked why Catholic bishops are seemingly unable to make an unqualified statement of God’s love for LGBT people. He wrote:
I would love to see a Catholic leader make an unabashedly positive statement about gays and lesbian Catholics, without including a critique.
He took to Twitter to give some examples:
#SayingSomethingPositive is a way of saying positive things about the many contributions of our LGBT brothers and sisters to our church.
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) June 3, 2013
Gay and lesbian Catholics contribute in many ways to the life of the Catholic church, in a variety of ministries. #SayingSomethingPositive — James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) May 31, 2013
Two of the best Catholic music ministers I know are gay. They bring joy to their parishes, and help people to pray. #SayingSomethingPositive — James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) June 1, 2013
Two of my favorite Catholic artists are gay men. Their art helps me, and so many, to pray and to feel close to God. #SayingSomethingPositive
— James Martin, SJ (@JamesMartinSJ) June 4, 2013
Others joined in:
@jamesmartinsj the holiest person I know serves the poor and the Church with every breath and is a lesbian. #SayingSomethingPositive
— Anthony Dallas Paz (@hazpaz) June 5, 2013
Nominated teen in our parish for an Archdiocesan award he deserved. His MOMS were there to watch him receive. #SayingSomethingPositive — Kathy Fech (@kdfech) June 5, 2013
#SayingSomethingPositive They are our sisters, brothers, cousins & friends. They are just as special & loving & loved as any other Catholic. — Relapsed Catholic (@farleftflank) June 4, 2013
#SayingSomethingPositiveam truly thankful for 16 years of patient, wise and holy counsel from 2 gay priests.Transformed my faith
— Jesse Smith (@JesseSmith1970) June 3, 2013
My gay and lesbian friends are models of how to live in loving, committed, affirming relationships. #SayingSomethingPositive
— Clay Zambo (@Clay_Zambo) June 2, 2013
You can join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #SayingSomethingPositive. Make sure to follow @JamesMartinSJ, @RNS, and how about @mikeoloughlin while you’re at it.