Help us show our gratitude to all the Catholic Bishops who have so boldly and courageously signed “God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth.”
Please add your name in support of the Catholic Bishops, and if you wish you can add a comment as well.
If your Bishop hasn’t signed, please reach out and encourage him to join us in sharing love and hope into our world.
1156 entries.
Thank you to the Catholic Bishops who have signed the statement asserting the God-given dignity of each person along with the advocacy to protect and advocate for our LGBT youth! This is following the Way, the Truth, and the Light of Jesus!
As a Catholic in the Archdiocese of Detroit, I celebrate the appointment by Pope Francis of Bishop Edward Weisenburger, one of the courageous bishops who signed this document, as the new Archbishop of Detroit this morning! (2/11/25). I know that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton is praying for us.
As a parent who was raised and confirmed Catholic and has a LBGTQ youth this means the world to me. My son has a deep love and passion for Christ and the church and thank you all for being Christ like in acceptance of all humans! God bless!
Thank you, I can’t express how much it means to be told I, and others like me, belong in the Church.
Thank you, bishops and sisters.
Thank you for walking your talk. ❤❤
Thank you for caring for some of our most vulnerable. You are truly tending the sheep.
God be with each person spreading the words of love, respect and kindness which is the very foundation of Christ's teaching.
Thank you for embracing Jesus' love and being a true shepherd of love for all people an especially LBGTQ youth and adults. You are all true blessings for our faith.
Thank you for being true shepherds.
Thank you, Bishops, for showing God's love to our neighbors and friends!
As a therapist and spiritual director I so appreciate the willingness of bishops as leaders of the church to speak out in support and love for our LGBTQ youth and adult members of the body of Christ. Please know you are making a difference in our troubled world.
Thank you for your courage, leadership, and for focusing on the true message of Christianity. <3
As a religious "none", I recall that the Bible says "judge not lest ye be judged." So, the world's judgers of LGBT+ people should be careful.
Thank you ❤
thank you thank you thank you You are a light in the world.
Thank you Tyler it was that point when I was around 50 and you jumped off the bridge and I said I'm not lying to my family one more day longer and I came out the closet for the last time I'm so sorry this is so hard but we're doing it and we're changing things. I called my aunt who was a Pentecostal preacher who was really responsible for teaching me the dark side of the Bible which scared me as a child and kept me in the closet. It is the hardest thing being gay I understand what you did I told my aunt in 2010 and I told her cuz she taught me to hate myself and I said these kids are killing themselves and she said well and I told her I said gay kids are normal and you know what we've taught what you're teaching is not right and I feel so alone it's just so well that's your thing it felt so horrible at that moment I know all I've ever experiences rejection I understand Tyler.
We're almost home. 🌈🙏😇
God bless you, for the love you have shown to those who feel unloved and rejected by the Catholic Church. Much needs to be done to bring back all who are lost.
Thank you for your leadership and courage!
Thank you Bishops for showing God’s love to His children. My child was irreparably damaged by words of the pastor of our church as a very young child. Thank you for obeying Jesus’s words to Love one another.
Thank you for this statement of expansive love and solidarity.
We stand with the Bishops in supporting and affirming LGBTQ+ persons. God Creator celebrates this truth that sets us free. Spiritual Director for CMLGP here in Los Angeles Archdiocese and pastor of St. Camillus
Thank you Bishops for acting out in love
God loves EACH of us. I am so glad that there are some bishops who support us. I love my faith!
Thank you Bishops… for teaching us that it is simply the Gospel which we are called to witness.🙏
Thank you 💗
Thanks for your courage in proclaiming boldly that Jesus's love for every human applies to GLBTQ people too.
Thank you for witnessing the way of Christ through inclusion and respect acknowledging God created all and claimed us good.
Thank you for supporting our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and gender-nonconforming people. I am a straight cisgender catholic Chicana woman who applauds you for your compassion and love. I wish all bishops would do the same. It's what Jesus would do! Thank you and God bless you!!
We are ALL God’s children!
Thank you for the love and courage you model for all of us.
Thank you for your courage and compassion!
Thank you for this important message of love and support. As Catholics we must never be afraid to love!
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Thank you to the Catholic Bishops who have signed the statement asserting the God-given dignity of each person along with the advocacy to protect and advocate for our LGBT youth! This is following the Way, the Truth, and the Light of Jesus!
I applaud all the Catholic bishops who courageously signed this statement. At great risk to your own standing in the Church and possibly to your own safety, you have taken a stand. I have always believed that it is not our place to try to change people. That is God's purview. We, as followers of Christ, are to love our brothers and sisters. That is the greatest commandment. That does not necessarily mean one supports certain behaviors. It does mean one demonstrates to others what God has done for them - acceptance, compassion, forgiveness, and that He will never abandon his children.
thank you for emanating Jesus
I am very grateful for this statement and encourage all our other Catholic Bishops to stand up for the Gospel and sign the statement also. The Truth shall make us free!
Thank you for having the courage to speak that God loves all his people and excludes no one.
Thank to the Bishops who signed to support LGBTQ children of God. May the Lord bless those with different views. Pray for our fellow man and women who are subjected to those who believe they are not fit for the Church. I don’t believe our Lord Jesus Christ advocates for exclusion on anyone who wishes to live in his name. God bless you all.
Thank you for such a simple and beautiful statement, and one that puts into action the call of the Catechism that we treat LGBT people with dignity and respect, and acknowledge that we are undeserving of discrimination and violence.
The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance & Christian Charity, Holy Name Province (Stella Niagara), support and thank you for promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for all LGBTQ+ individuals.
Thank you for your love and courage.
Thank you. Great appreciation for all Bishops who have signed this support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Living the Gospel by your prophetic stance of love. Thank you!
Thank you for speaking the truth, that we are all blessed and loved by God!
Thank you to all of the priests, sisters, bishops, and other individuals and institutions that have had the courage to support this dire need. Jesus welcomed all to the table, without exception. Growing up is difficult enough without feeling rejected over something about which you had no choice. We are who we are, as God created us, beautiful in His eyes.
Thank you for your courage!
Thank you for standing up for our brothers and sisters!
Much appreciation from a “cradle” Catholic senior- sometimes I have one toe out the door because of all the bureaucratic politics and judgement. It’s things like this that pull me back in ❤️✝️
Thank you! Your supports means so much! Praying more of our Catholic Bishops will stand next to you and join in.
I so respect your courage in standing up for all youth no matter what their sexual orientation happens to be. There are so many suicides among our youth . I work with many young people in my ministry and see youth who end up in prison sometimes because they don’t feel loved and respected for whatever reason . We should value all human life and love as God loves.
As a relative of LBGTQ persons, I fully support the position of the Bishops have taken for these children of God. they are good people and deserve our love and respect.
I have friends and former students who identify themselves as gay or lesbian. I see them as good, compassionate people. How could I not support them? Thank you for the bishops who are welcoming them, too.
Thank you for your leadership and example of what it means to live by the values of the Gospel. It makes me proud to see you stand in union and support with the LGBT+ community.
LGBTQQIA are our brothers and sisters greatly loved by God!
Thank you.
God loves us all, and all the time.
Respecting life is respecting, and cherishing all lives especially His highest form of beauty... humans.
Joining you and thanking you for affirming the Reality of all humans are of Divine Origin. The beauty of God is made visible in all his creations for those who have eyes to want to see.
Thank God for these bishops. But where are the rest?
For your wisdom, compassion, and leadership — thank you!
Thank you for being a human reminder of a Divine reality. I join you you in proclaiming the beauty of each of Gods creations.
I am a "cradle catholic" i am also a lesbian who has been with my wife for 44 years. Our grandchild is transgender. It is these SMALL gestures that you make that keep me hoping THE CHURCH will finally realize He said "LOVE ONE ANOTHER." Thank you.
Thank you for showing your ❤️
Thanks
Thank you for supporting our gay children as they are God's children too and they need a little extra love!
My wife grew up in the Catholic church and still carries great pain due to the lack of acceptance and support she experienced. I am grateful beyond measure to you all for taking this literal life-saving stance for our LGBTQ+ youth who need to feel this love and acceptance.
I want to thank all the Bishops who have signed this. I am waiting for my Bishop to sign.
Respect Life means respecting ALL life ALL the time and in ALL ways.
Thank you to all those strong men and women who have signed this statement. Let's hope that Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence is that strong.
As the aunt of a wonderful nephew, I thank you for your support and love for our gay and transgender members.
As the parent of a gay child, seeing the company I work for supporting her and those like her is an amazing thing to see!!
Thank you for 'going public' with what we all know in our hearts: God loves each and every one of us without judgement and without exception.
Please encourage your brother bishops to do the same.
My deep thanks and appreciation for all Bishops who have signed this support for LGBTQ+ youth. I am a supportive father to (2) transgender children and experience the marginalization others project at them. We need agape LOVING support.
Thank you!
We should take care of ALL people, especially those at risk.
God's blessings on you for standing up with Jesus.
Thank you for your support of our gay children!!
Thank you all! Your public statement of love and solidarity will change and save lives. Let’s keep our church moving in this inclusive loving direction!
Thank you for speaking with Jesus. I wonder what the Seattle Bishops are waiting for
As the parent of a trans child, I am so grateful for what you are doing.
Thank you for leading us in living the Gospel!
Thank you for your support. They are God's people.
Thank you Bishops for setting an example for all Catholics. But where are the rest of the Bishops? Cardinals? Priests? How can those who do not support your effort claim to be Catholics? Thanks you again!
God be praised for our bishops whose hearts and minds bear the very core of God's commandment to love God and neighbor. I thank in a special way Bishop Oscar Solis, the first Filipino bishop in America, for his great sensitivity and care for the LGBT youth who suffer fear, deep stress, and extreme loneliness among the Filipino-American traditional families.
We need to understand that LGBT individuals do not choose this for themselves and that if they are created by God then that is his work.
Thank you for your commitment, courage, compassion, to be on the side of the vulnerable and rejected, just as Jesus did. May other bishops join you, including mine.
You bring us hope
I am sincerely grateful, but also saddened to be thanking a bishop for doing the right thing.
Thank you for showing your loving mercy to all of God’s children. I have been struggling so much lately with the Catholic Church (I am still a practicing Catholic & am not struggling with my Christian faith, just the lack of mercy and kindness I keep witnessing within the Church). Your courageous stand against hatred gives me such hope!
Thank you!
Thank you for doing what Jesus would have done. Someday all people will be accepted for who they are. In the meantime you are helping to lead the way.
Thank you, Cardinal Tobin, and all those bishops who have expressed public support for our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. I look forward to your encouragement of your colleagues to join you in this necessary example of God's love in action.
Jesus practiced radical inclusion. ALL are welcome in his loving embrace. ALL are created in God's image. For humans to judge or exclude any human, is outside of God's will for us. In a world where some would twist the teachings to judge others (in effect making God in man's image) it is vital that Bishop's voice is spoken and heard. God does not pick sides. God is on everyone's side, as we are ALL children of God. Thank you for speaking up on behalf of LGBTQI youth who are too oft excluded, discriminated against and traumatized. As the partner of a queer person, I express my deepest gratitude. Let this be just the beginning.
Thank you.
Thank you, Bishops for leading all of us in standing up for those who need to know that Jesus loves and cares for them!
Thank you for providing an example of seeing the face of Jesus in all we meet as we continue on our journey to be better disciples of Christ.
Thank you for your courage in speaking out.
LBGTQ are ALL GOD’s Children
Thank God for your strength to support the LGBT in our church
Thank you for your supportive words.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.“
Bishops, you have my gratitude for this public statement that affirms the best of what it means to be Catholic. It gives me hope.
Our young LGBT people need to know how much they are loved by God and the church. Jesus would welcome them and we should welcome them at church as well.
My family & I (all allies) thank the Cardinals, Bishops, Religious Orders, Catholic Schools, Organizations, and Individuals who support “God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth.” This is the Catholic/Christian & just thing to do. 🌈Love is Love.
Thank you to the brave Bishops who are helping the LGBT community. It is a good start to put our arms the large problem of those who are disadvantaged because of who they are.
Thank you for upholding the truth everyone deserves love.
Thank you for walking the talk of Jesus...
Love is not a sin
Mimi Krsak, Seattle WA
Thanks to all who are doing the right thing and supporting this initiative!
You are all a blessing to Catholics and young people who are looking for a welcoming church as Jesus modeled!
Thank you for standing with our LGBTQ youth.
Thank you to all the bishops, parishes, religious communities, and schools that prayerfully signed this document. Blessings to all this holy Easter season.
I know the pain of growing up Queer. I am profoundly grateful for the courage of some of our Church leaders, my Religious Community and the many welcoming Parishes who stand with me and my proudly Queer Community. God bless all of you!
Gratitude
Grateful for your leadership as expressions of God's healing love for all!
I hope that bishops that do not feel like they can sign this statement will at the very least make certain that gays and lesbians of every age will find a welcome home in OUR Church.
Thank you for your compassionate response to this need for support of these youths.
I run a faith sharing group for LGBTQ Catholics. After ten years, there is only one who is still in the group. The rest have joined another (more?) Christian denomination or committed suicide. Maybe this will save a life in the future.
Thank you for your welcoming, Christ-like stand.
Thank you to Bishop Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi for signing onto this letter and to all the Bishops who have taken this step. The work has just begun.
It should not be a courageous act to sign your name. As follows of Christ it sould be expected but we know that often we the Church act more like Pharisees than Christ. His example is clear but also very hard to follow. I am grateful and amazed at your courage and Christ like strength to truly lead.
Thank you so much for opening your mind and heart to our vulnerable brothers and sisters... As an example of Jesús.. God bless you and I hope our mother protect you always
Thank you for being shepherds, who care for their sheep! Pastoral Father’s who care for their flocks!
Thank you!
With prayers and gratitude for your leadership.
Thank you, Bishops for being true shepherd's, and for being the image of God's love in our world. May God bless your efforts and bring a new understanding to the whole Church.
This is very close to my heart. Thank you Bp.Steven. 🙏😇
I am proud of my Cardinal Tobin who is seeing a need and fulfilling it!
As a Catholic educated in a Jesuit school, I wish to express my thanks too.
I hope in the months to come the statement by Vatican recently, His Holiness will make it clear that being gay is not a sin and also living in a gay loving relationship is also not a sin.
What would Jesus say.
I thank all the signatories here and the Bishops for making me a proud Catholic.
You guys make me proud to be part of this church 🙂 thank you and keep at it, my prayers are with you!
Thank you.
Thank you for your courage and love towards the LGBT that some church’s priests are treating like the leper’s were treated in Jesus time 🙏🏻 . A proud catholic mother of a young gay
Thank you to all the Bishops who have signed, especially to my local Bishop: Bishop Alberto Rojas
Thank you for helping these beautiful people know that they are loved! They are precious. They are God’s creation.
Thank you for the courage of your convictions.
Thank you in standing up for human decency.
The Sisters of St. Joseph -TOSF Social Justice Committee thanks you for your expression of love and hope.
I am so thankful for this wonderful compassion and support for LGBT individuals. I pray that the number of Catholics in support increase daily.
Thank you for standing up and signing. God Bless You,,,we know He loves you.
Thank you for continuing to lead with compassion and love.
Thank you! The youth of the church need to know that ALL human life is valued and respected. Your support is so impactful and important.
Thank you for modeling the true message that Jesus gave to all of us.
Bravo men of God for having the courage to stand up for the LGBT flock that you shepherd.
I pray more of your brothers follow.
peace
Thank you so much for being true Shepherds, using your prophetic voices to protect our LGBTQ sisters and brothers.
Thank you for your support of our youth. Yes God is on their side and so glad of your support for these youth.
God is LOVE. There is no one God does not love. Jesus said, "love one another as I have loved you." "Love your neighbor as yourself." I thank the bishops who signed the statement of support and love for our precious LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers.
thank you!
Thank you Bishops for showing your courage, love and inclusivity for all people just as God does. I am a member of a (CNWE) Catholic Network for Women's Equality in the Church Group and last evening we held a Zoom Gathering. Our prayer and most of the discussion was on this very topic - the need for the church to be accepting and loving towards all God's children and especially not to discrimate against LGBTQ youth and to bless the loving unions of couples.
The very least we can do is to assure our LGBT+ brothers and sisters that God loves them.
Thank you for your voice for the outcast and may God bless and protect you.
Thank you for your support and defence. You bring us hope. We are all brothers and sisters.
Thank you for doing as Jesus would - love thy neighbor, treat others as you would to be treated. In the face of increasing hate, intolerance & bigotry against the LGBTQ community coming from Christian churches, their leaders & their parishioners, this is a much needed & very welcome stand from the religious community. Thank you for having the courage to stand on the side of compassion, love, & inclusivity - it means more that you know to those of us with LGBTQ family. Love is love.
There is hope for the Church: a church that is closer to the reality of the people, especially those who suffer exclusion from society. Thank you, dear bishops!
Dear Archbishop Wester, Bishop Ramirez, I especially want to thank my fellow New Mexicans for your courage and compassion in signing this statement. I am proud to be a New Mexican Catholic!
Bless each of you for your courage. As a mother of a non-binary child, the messages from the Church are so painful. Every message from any of you that supports the LGBTQ community takes such strength but means more than you can ever imagine. My deepest thanks!
With deepest gratitude, I commend all those who have courageously signed.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are clearly visible within you.
Thank you Bishops for protecting people from bullies and abuse. You are true shepherds.
Thank for this expression of love to the LGBTQ community! You are doing what Jesus would do!
Given the conservative nature of the institutional Catholic Church, this public statement by bishops is truly brave.
Thank you all for being brave and walking in Jesus’ way of LOVE for all.
I appreciate your path, and your gift to hear the Holy Spirit so clearly. 💜 I am grateful to the Holy Spirit for allowing you to hear the cries. I feel very called by the Holy Spirit as well. Blessed to be on the journey with you. 🙏🏻🙌🏻 Stay strong.
You have modeled Jesus’ compassion and mercy. Because of this, you are helping the world to become a better place!
Thank you for standing up for justice. For believing that all life is sacred. For truly believing that we are all beloved sons and daughters of God.
Prayers of support and gratitude for all of our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters and for the bishops who acted to show their solidarity with them in their struggle for justice and acceptance.
Thank you for shining God’s light and love into our Church. Love is love. Christ is love. I pray our Church learns to love.
Thank you for your courage and helping all of us learn acceptance.
Thank you for demonstrating courage to stand up for our marginalized brothers and sisters and reminding us of how the Church should lead.
❤️🙏🏻
Thank you,
Proud mother of a gay son
I sincerely hope Cardinal Blase Cupcich will join with the other bishops to support our LGBTQ members.
Thank you.
From the Preface of Eucharistic Prayer (IV for Various Needs and Occasions):
He [Jesus] always showed compassion for children and for the poor, for the sick and for sinners, and he became a neighbor to the oppressed and the afflicted.
By word and deed he announced to the world that you are our Father and that you care for ALL your sons and daughters.
Thank you for making this statement. I pray that so many others join you. It means a lot to so many.
Thank you for answering the question: "What would Jesus do?" with courage and conviction! You are an exemplary model of compassionate, bold leadership...
Happy Easter!
Thank you for doing what is right and just, and for supporting and spreading LOVE.
Thank you, Bishops, for having the love, compassion, and courage to speak out. We need you and hope that more and more will join your ranks. God bless you all in abundant ways, especially as we approach Holy Week and the Easter season.
Our Bishop of San Diego has been such a welcoming voice to so many LGBTQ youth and Catholic LBGTQ community members
As the mother of two gays sons, I am deeply grateful for the courage of the bishops, religious orders and schools who have signed this document. It is only by such efforts that our family is able to justify maintaining ties to a Church that is making it so so difficult for us to remain.
Speaking truth to power is scary, but it's the only thing that will bring about change. Thank you to all the bishops who courageously spoke up for young people in need.
Thank you for your courageous support of God's cherished children, our LGBTQ youth.
I am grateful for your pastoral concern.
I agree with former Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland, who said that was a “withering” statement from the CFD.
I am encouraged that so many people from all walks of life have objected to it.
We must remember that we only ask God to bless the couple. God will never refuse any blessing.
In a marriage, the couple are the ministers, accompanied by witnesses.
So let God be the one who loves us and blesses us. Let us not try to place limits on God.
Let us now respectfully request that the offensive statement be withdrawn, so that justice can be seen to be done.
Jesus help us to be as one with you.
The greatest of these is love.
Thank you for standing in solidarity with all humanity.
I stand in support and gratitude for those bishops who have signed the "God Is On Your Side" statement to protect LGBTG youth.
I feel deeply grateful that you are standing for the dignity of LGBTQ+ people. I don’t even have words to express it. This is so needed. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you for showing God's love by giving support to the LGBT community. I wish my pastor was more accepting, or even neutral, but he's not. I'm not LGTB, but know and love some relatives/friends who are. They left their churches.
As a proud parent of a gay son, I stand in solidarity with the LGBQT community and pray for the day when they are recognized in our church to celebrate their love and commitment.
Love is love!
Thank you for working towards a more inclusive Church. Our LGBTQ+ community need to know that they are welcomed and accepted by their caregivers, other important adults in their lives, and the greater Church community.
Love is love. Who am I to judge?
Thank you to those who at last spoke out for the lgbt people in the church. It's well over due. As the same R C church has helped cause lgbt people so much pain in there life over many many years! As a 63yrs old gay man i can't remember the last time I was at Mass, as I've never really felt welcomed in my church. I pray at home direct to my Lord, As I know he made me and i'm not a bad person!!
Thank you all, for taking this stand alongside the LGBT+ community.
As a devout Catholic and mother of three LGBT daughters, I am grateful to you for your courageous witness to God's unconditional and unfathomable love for his precious LGBTQ children. God bless you!
Thank you bishops for reinforcing what Christ commanded us to do “Love one another”.
Thank you for loving people the way Jesus loved us and for loving people the way Jesus has asked us to love one another.
Thank you for signing this statement. I only wish that there were more (all) of the US bishops signed on. But you are bringing light to a darkened Chirch.
Praying that more bishops, cardinals, priests have the courage to speak out as Jesus would and listen to the Holy Soirit trying to move our Church forward. What came out of the Vatican yesterday is heartwrenching and embarrassing.
THANK YOU for truly stopping to think “what would Jesus do!” If a church isn’t living that, aren’t we at risk of just worshiping a man-made structure?
I appreciate you, and people who make the choice of acceptance and love are the ones who keep me in the Catholic Church.
Peace.
As an LGBTQ+ ally and someone who is trying to find her way back to the church, the statement put out by the Vatican really upset me. I have many LGBT friends and family and I will support them and fight for them no matter what. Thank you to the bishops who are standing up for these amazing people as well.
Thank you for your courageous stance. God bless you in your ministry to all God’s family.
Thank you. The Vatican should thank you as well, because a lot of people continue being catholics because of bishops like you. Shame on the high hierarchy. As an active catholic coming from a catholic family, I respect, embrace and unconditionally love my LGTB+ friends and the LGTB+ community as Jesus taught us, and refuse to follow a hierarchy promoting exclusion. Thank you bishops...you keep us near the Gospel.
Thank you Bishop Tobin!
Thank you for standing for our Ca tholic Faith in its fullness. Loving our neighbor as we love ourselves calls us to embrace every person and I am thankful for all of you who will witness to that publically.
I am only saddened to not see more bishops' names on this list. It is time we hear more from our bishops on such social justice issues in our Church. Wake up from your slumber, the time is now this is the day of the Lord! Amen!
Congratulations on hearing the cries of the poor! How important is it in this age that our Catholic Church is the kind and loving voice of Christ to welcome the outcast without judgment. We need all to be one in communion with each other. All people are made in the dignity of our loving God, and we need to be a louder voice of that dignity expressed in our loving voices towards all who think they are excluded from the eternal covenant of God with his People. Amen.
In sincere gratitude
Thank you so very much for supporting these children of God. I hope the Bishops of Los Angeles and Orange join you soon. You are models of Christian faith.
Thank you to all the brave leaders that signed. True leaders inspire you to be your best self. If we truly are pro life we care about our children.
Father Solis, as a member of the Cathedral of Madeleine, I thank you for standing by the LGBT community despite the Vatican's polarizing and cruel stance. Please continue advocating for an accepting Catholic faith - you have the full support of myself and fellow parishioners. Thank you and God bless.
Thank you Bishops. The Holy Spirit is alive and well within you.
Gay priests are “married” to Christ and they are accepted in the Catholic Church. At the very least then, LGBTQ civil unions should be blessed in the Catholic Church. My gosh - how can you deny this blessing of love? It’s great and necessary to love and accept LGBTQ individuals - Jesus loved everyone. But to not bless a loving civil union of these same individual's (not a sacramental marriage) makes that love a farce.
Thank you for your kindness and decision to speak out. I believe God does not hate anyone and loves everyone. Any discrimination in the name of God is wrong .. I applaud you.. May god bless you all and all of our children..
Thank you to the Bishops and religious communities who are a true manifestation of the teachings of Jesus.
Thanks to you courageous men who have added your names to this initiative. Please please encourage your brother bishops to speak up as well. Gracias
I want to commend and thank the Bishops for their vocal support of the LGBTQ youth. They are children of God as much as any one of us and deserve our love, respect and assistance. May God bless and support them.
I thank those bishops who signed this statement for the courage to actually take a stand for Christ's teaching. I know what Jesus would say about this topic but sometimes I find it easier to ask "what would Mother Teresa say".
Thank you - this is an important issue.
Two years ago when I very nearly lost my queer child to suicide, I would keep the worst lamentations of my broken heart in my car. On the worst day, I sat in my driveway sobbing and screaming at God demanding to know why he would give me this beautiful, wonderful boy and then let him be taken away. It has been a long journey back to feeling joy again. I have only been in a church once since that day. It is too hard knowing how many people there do not want my child to exist or think he is an abomination or think I will go to hell for loving him.
I offer my humble and sincere gratitude for all of you that have followed in the way of Jesus as I know him and publicly shown support and love for families like mine. We carry a heavy load and we need the support and love of a church that values the precious lives of our children. My hope is that more bishops and clergy will join and that love will overcome the hate and fear. I hope that one day I will find my way back to a pew on Sunday.
We are all made in God's image. Furthermore, discrimination of any kind is against the teachings and examples of Jesus. Many thanks to those of you who are speaking out in support of the LBGTQ community.
Thank you for taking a stand against bullying in any form, but especially here against the LGBTQ12 Spirit community.
PHJC Volunteer Program.
As a mother of a gay daughter and a Catholic it makes me very happy to see all those in the Church who support her. Thank you.
"It is time to put away our fears and judgments and to look into the eyes of another , to gaze at the face of another " pg. 114 Sister Ilia Delio, The Hours of the Universe. 2021. Sawabona, I see you, in Swahili, is upstanding.
Congratulaciones. Shalom!!!
THANK YOU for taking this step towards true inclusion for ALL within the church!!
We see the person of Christ best in the faces of those with less status. Thank you for pointing us to the margins, where the spirit of Christ is fresh.
Thank you for your support of our LGBTQ youth. I pray that your openness will grow and expand through the entire church.
Thank you Bishops for your support of all God's beloved made in God's image.
May God continue to bless you as you stand with all He loves.
Bishops, thank for supporting our LGBTQ youth!
Thank you, Bishops, for this public statement on an issue that some might consider to be controversial. You lead by example in defense of dignity and love for all. Many thanks.
It is vitaly important to get the message out that God loves EVERYONE, full stop. There is no greater truth. Thank you to the Bishops that are promoting God's love for all people and promoting the dignity of life for all people.
Thank you to all the Bishops and religious leaders for supporting LGBTQ+ youth and the Tyler Clementi Foundation - a step in the right direction!
You have my deep gratitude for speaking out from a Spirit-led perspective of the whole Gospel and whole Cath. Social Tradition. Keep on keeping on. Your voices are vitally needed these days. Shalom.
One all are we, in the womb of the Blessed Trinity. That umbilical cord, because of the Creator, Liberator and Sanctifier’s unconditional love and divine mercy, can never be severed. Thank you to our wonderful LGBTQ+ siblings who evangelize us all and deepen our awareness of who we are, and whose we all are, as we try to ‘walk humbly, act justly and love tenderly’ (Micah 6) on our pilgrim path together in this part of the Kingdom.
The Archbishop of St. Louis told me he does not sign petitions.
Thank you brothers for your leadership and pastoral care.
Twenty years ago a suburban Catholic High School senior, whom I knew to be gay and to have been suicidal, approached me for help. In response to my "What do you want from me?" He replied, "Tell the gay students that God loves them!" I asked, "Why should I do that?" And he responded, "Because if you don't they will go to the wrong part of town for help and older men will take advantage of them!" When he graduated he told me "Isn't it strange that we have become friends?"
As an African American man in this country and in our Church, I know what it means to be estranged and marginalized by my own society. My heart goes out and my prayers are lifted for anyone and everyone who suffers the same treatment, especially within our Christian community. I greatly thank and applaud our bishops who have the courage to offer such a statement to the entire Catholic faithful.
Peace be with you, Bishops, for standing with ALL our sisters and brothers.
Thank you to the bishops who have signed this document. Your leadership is greatly appreciated.
I want to make all aware of a recently published document from the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry (GAP), entitled Faith Communities and the Well-Being of LGBT Youth. The booklet is available for free download at:
https://indd.adobe.com/view/60414ed6-6711-4192-96c1-40b7528c7ff2
or from the GAP website at: ourgap.org.
This booklet was prepared by the Psychiatry and Religion and LGBTQ+ Committees of GAP in an effort to share important research information with faith communities and faith leaders about the ways in which they can be helpful to promoting the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ young people in their communities.
We would also welcome any feedback about it and would be happy to answer any questions.
Michael Norko MD, MAR
Chair, Psychiatry and Religion Committee of GAP
Thank you to church leaders who stand up for our LGBTQ youth!
On behalf of the Leadership Team of the Congregation of St. Joseph, I am grateful for and heartened by this public action and prophetic stance taken in standing with and for our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. We are hopeful it will spark further reflection and discussion within our communities and Church.
Thank you for writing this. It is a step in the right direction for true inclusion.
Thank you Bishops who signed this support for all our sisters and brothers! Your witness is seen, preached, lived and witnessed.
Thank you!! Jesus loves all people! But He ask us to help Him to all people feel it!
Thank you for supporting our LGBTQ+ youth. They were created in God's image and many grew up in the Catholic faith. As they begin to realize that the direction of their future, it becomes a very difficult time for them. It usually is not what they exected as a child. They need all the support of those whom they have looked up to their whole lives, including their families and the people of their parishes. It is always said that we should turn to
God in difficult times, and they need to have their faith family as they grow into the amazing people that they become.
I offer my sincere gratitude for our leaders who speak with respect for life in all facets of where humans find themselves. This bespeaks the best of a consistent life ethic - thank you.
In my workplace I recently was selected to be part of our QPR Suicide Prevention Team.
QPR = Question… a person about suicide / Persuade… the person to get help / Refer… the person to an appropriate mental health resource. For many I know I shall reference: "God Is On Your Side."
Thanks to all the Church leaders who signed this, especially to Bishop Weisenburger. Arizona can be a difficult place to live for those who are gay and there is overt hostility by some of the religious in this diocese. I hope people will think and pray about loving our neighbors regardless of their sexual orientation.
Thank you for your support of LGBT youth. Your support is needed and appreciated.
As the parent of a LGBTQ child, I am thankful for church leadership who will take a stand for those who are marginalized. God Bless
Thank you, Bishops, for loving and caring for ALL the sheep in your flock.
Thank you for listening to your hearts and doing "what Jesus would do". It gives hope to so many.
Thank you Bishops for taking a prophetic stance in recognition of some of the most harassed and at-risk youth in today's world.
Love everyone
Thank you Bishops for recognizing the importance of all of Gods children, especially our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers.
Thank you Bishops!
Thank you for addressing this issue with love and acceptance. Your support is instrumental to the life of those who are marginalized and bullied. Peace.
Thank you.
I am so appreciative of these bishops who are speaking and acting so prophetically.
Thank you for your gospel leadership and pastoral care of our LBGTQ+ youth and community. Their beauty and goodness are a treasure that our church has neglected for too long. We belong to each other in Jesus, it's just as simple as that. Grace, peace and gratitude.
As the leader of the Peace and Justice Committee of the western Province, USA, Vincentians, I am pleased to offer my support to the bishops and to protecting LGBT youth. May God bless them and all of us to live in unity and harmony.
So important to support our LGBTQ community and the Bishops that are speaking out against any bullying and discrimination against them.
Yes, we join you in support of the LGBTQ folks. God bless and protect them.
Thank you Bishops for accepting all people.
This is so important. We need Church leaders to speak louder than the years of casting shame on people. Thank you for spreading love and understanding.
Your willingness to speak with the heart and compassion of Jesus, provides great hope. - Signed a bi-gender lay person who God has called to full time ministry in the church for many years. Thank you
Thank you bishops.
Thank you for signing this important statement. Your support is especially important as a small corrective to the role many bishops have played in covering up sexual abuse by priests.
Thank you for signing.
Thank you for signing.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this welcoming step. Too often our church plays judge and jury rather than shepherd. This is a beautiful, pastoral act.
My gratitude to the Bishops who have signed this as well as for all the marginalized peoples of the world. We are all equal and loved by God.
Thank you for the courage to stand up for our LGBTQ persons in our society and church. The Church should be in the forefront on being against discrimination.
Thank you Bishop Anthony B Taylor for affirming your love and support of our LGBTQ sisters and brothers.
Every human life is equally valuable in God’s eyes. Thank you for acknowledging this simple truth publicly.
This is what it means to be witnesses of Jesus' inclusive, merciful love. Truly our LGBTQ siblings are "wonderfully made" by God (Psalm 139:14).
Thank you for your leadership in reminding the people of God that we are all obligated to show love to ALL people.
Thank you, Bishops, for your public statement in support of LGBTQ+ persons.
Thank you for your commitment to the Living Word of God and for witnessing to a truth profoundly needed in the world today.
Thank you Bishop McElroy and Bishop Dolan and the other Bishops who stand with our LGBT youth; you make us proud and give us hope...
Thank you Bishop Steven! I am
In gratitude for your courage and following God’s command to love one another.
Diane Palmer
Thank you for your pastoral care in showing the love and acceptance that Jesus called us to follow. Peace
Thank you
Thank you for restoring my faith in the Church by embodying the message of care, love and compassion brought by Jesus. You are courageous leaders fighting for the marginalised just as Jesus did. God bless you and all our brothers & sisters of the LGBTQ community.
Thank all of you who have signed to be public witnesses to the Word.
It really needn't be this difficult. Heartfelt thanks!
Love Thy Neighbor
I am grateful to the bishops for speaking out and walking the walk. As Jesus has asked of us.
Thank you for your courage and setting an example of how to be your brother's keeper. God bless you.
Specially today! Thanks for being an example that there is hope in the Church
Thank you for signing your support.
Thank you.
Thank you !
Thank you.
It is so disappointing that support for this is not universal. The Catholic Church continues its long and dreadful history of not following the teachings of Jesus.
I’m an MD PhD a Catholic and a Spiritual Director. Thank you for supporting Gods people.
It is good to see acceptance to those the Church has turned their head away from for so long. It was a long time coming, but progress is being made. The LGBTQ+ is now being loved as Jesus wanted them to be.
I'm very proud to be a part of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and to know that Archbishop Wester has signed this initiative.
[At last they are speaking up.
Thank you for supporting our GLBTQ community!
Gracias por su apoyo a los jóvenes de LGBT.
Thank you, Bishops, for your brave and compassionate leadership. You are truly men of God.
All actions have consequences and the realized consequences more often than not reveal the true intent of the actions. I laud these Bishops' actions as the intent is truly consequential to our Faith.
Thank you for your courage and
pastoral care.
Thank you, bishops and everyone one else who has signed in support of the bishops for publicly expressing your support of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. God created them and loves them and would want us all to do the same.
Thank you for this step.
Thank you for being such wonderful faith leaders. You give us hope in our Church!
Thanks for your witness to the Gospel.
Thank you so much for reaching out in love to the LGBTQ community in love. It is much appreciated.
Thank you for speaking up. It takes courage to do so. Now a statement/stand for ALL LGBT humans. Again, thank you.
Thank you for stepping forward. Blessings to you.
With gratitude for your response to our brothers and sisters
Thank you. May your courage and compassion spread among your fellow bishops. We so need to have this kind of leadership.
I am so grateful that you are able to see the value in every single human that has been created by our loving God. Jesus was never exclusive and neither should we be.
Thank you
Blessings on your courage to stand up for ALL God’s people.
Thank you for having the courage to speak up for the dignity of all people and especially for our LGBTQ+ persons.
May we all work to change unjust laws. In gratitude.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you, Bishops, Men & Women Religious, and all people of good will for supporting and protecting our LGBT youth, who are made in the image and likeness of God and deserving of our respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
Thank you to the Bishops that have signed the statement. I hope many more Bishops sign.
Dear Bishops, You are doing just what Our Lord would do..and I know how much courage that takes. Our hearts are with you and we are grateful beyond telling for your living out the Gospel call.
My gratitude.
It is a pleasure to support this initiative. His love is universal, we need to act accordingly.
Thank you
RC priest of the diocese Haarlem-Amsterdam
Thanks for your brave testimony. I hope the world Church will follow soon, especially the bishop of Rome, whom I admire greatly.
I am so glad with this initiative!
I stand with and applaude these Bishops and institutions supporting our LGBTQ+ friends.
I do hope they are also taking action against the heinous letter circulated by the USCCB regarding the Equality Act.
In these days of demonstrations of bigotry and hurtfullness, it is good to see displays of Jesus' message of compassion and acceptance.
Tyler Clementi Foundation, God bless you and thank you for being a sign of God's loving, merciful presence in our world. Episcopal Dozen, thank you too!
Dominican Sisters of Peace support the Bishops for protecting LGBT Youth. Each life is precious and to be honored.
Jesus’ call to love.
with heartfelt gratitude to God and his servants in Lexington, KY
Wonderful news!
Thanks for the support -
🌈✌️
Thank you for knowing the right thing to do. Gratefully, Joellen McCarthy, BVM
We are all beloved of God.
Many thanks, Bishops, for your Gospel witness with this statement.
Thank you for your courage and clarity in proclaiming the love and mercy of Jesus Christ toward all those who are marginalized including the entire LGBTQ community. As a Catholic I do believe that homosexual activity is wrong, however having three siblings who are homosexuals, I also believe in unconditional love for anyone in the LGBT community. They are all loved by Jesus!
CJ's Mom
Thank you for your leadership - an act of Gospel love and inclusion that will be contagious.
Thanks for your support. Please keep it coming. Young people need not suffer from their church any more. Convince your fellow bishops too. Please stay with this new recognition and support.
Thank you, Bishops, for your open hearts. I pray the Spirit may break open those of your fellow American bishops to the Christ-like actions and words of Pope Francis for the vulnerable.
Thank you for standing up for Gospel values - and for loving others as God loves us.
Thanks for your support of LGBTQ+ youth.
So many of my LGBTQ students believe the Church hates and rejects them. So many of my ally students conclude that a Church which arbitrarily turns its back on so many is neither loving nor Godly. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for beginning to make a place for these heartbroken Catholic young people.
Would ask Archbishop Gomez, the President of the US Bishops Conference to sign this Christlike statement of support imitating our Holy Father!
All of God's children are Beloved and must be respected, loved and supported.
Thank you to these bishops. I believe it is something Pope Francis would have us all do.
Bishops,
Your courage and charity give me hope. Thank you.
It means a lot that there are voices within the institutional structure of the Church who understand the Church's fundamental recognition of the dignity of all people, especially those of us that are gay.
Thank you for helping us stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who deserve our loving respect.
I work with friends in our local Dignity/Integrity community; they often inspire me in their faith.
This statement is a concrete sign towards stepping in the tradition of the Hebrew prophets and the prophetic call of the gospel of Jesus. The struggle remains for the long-haul.
Thank you for doing was is right and just for our children all who are LGBTQ
Thank you to the Bishops and all those who have signed this
public statement of support for the LGBTQI+ youth and greater community. I pray it is a spark that ignites further self reflection, dialogue and positive action.
Thank you for recognizing these valuable members of our country/world! Blessings on each of them.
Thank you for stepping up. Maybe you can influence your fellow bishops like the ones in Detroit. You give me hope.
What an incredibly powerful move in the right and, dare I say it, Christian direction.
The leadership demonstrated by these bishops and religious orders, the courage to continue doing what is right and just, and their commitment to serving and supporting the marginalized in their communities is forever going to change each and every one of their ministries for the better.
It really was one of those profound moments when thinking “this will never happen” turned into a “I can’t believe this is happening.”
Thank you for your courage, compassion, and commitment to all things good.
The journey may be a long one, but at least we‘re walking.
I am sorry for the grief our institutional church has caused to the LGBTQ community.
I unequivocally support the call to affirm, support and love all LGBTQ persons, especially youth.
I unequivocally support the call to affirm, support and love all LGBTQ persons, especially youth.
I am grateful for my brothers and sisters who have the courage to stand up for equality and justice for the LGBTQ community. Thank you to the bishops who also have the courage to stand up for Gospel values. So sad that there are so few.
Your witness to the message of love our Church should be sending is loud and clear. Thank you !!
With deep gratitude for your Gospel courage and your Gospel love. May we all be one.
Thank you so much!!!
Thank you for being Christian!
As part of the LGBTQ+ community and a transgender Catholic, thank you for your leadership and willingness to speak out. We are ALL children of God.
Thank you!
Thank you to the bishops who have signed the document.
Thank you for this loving statement!
Thank you so much dear brothers and sisters. Big hug.
Dear Bishops and Co-signers,
I hear in your voice the call of Jesus: "Come to me all you who are weary and overburdened and I will give you rest...Learn of me ... I came to serve and not to be served". Lifting burdens instead of adding more is what Christ calls us to. "My yoke is easy and my burden light" when you allow me to share it with you and you with me. THANK YOU!!
God doesn't make mistakes in Her creation
I pray that our Cardinal Archbishop will follow your example. Thank you for leading the way.
Thank you
Thank you for your care and support of these young people! What would Jesus do? Just what you have done!
Blessings
Thank you for your support of the LGBT Youth.
Thank you for preaching the gospel by your action of supporting persecuted youth.
Thank you for preaching the gospel by your action of supporting persecuted youth.
Thank you to the bishops and the religious congregations!
Thank you for recognizing our LGBT+ sisters and brothers
Thank you for following in Jesus' footsteps and having the courage to stand up in spite of the current culture in power. May you be blessed in your continued ministry as HE modeled.
Thank you for your leadership in promoting "respect, compassion and sensitivity" for our LGBT Youth!
Much gratitude to those bishops who have had the courage and fortitude to recognize God's overwhelming love for our LGBT youth. I pray that all bishops will soon follow.
Thanks be to all who recognize that we are all God's beloved ones.
Thank you to the bishops who signed. We have much more loving, thinking and learning to do.
Thank you for promoting acceptance and love for LGBT youth. This should be extended to adults, also.
I am so grateful for your leadership in standing up for our LGBT youth. I pray all our Bishops will soon follow suit and that all of you will come to acknowledge that LGBT persons have the right to claim and express their God-given sexuality.
I thank those Bishops who have done what Jesus would do! We need to show respect for ALL of God's children. Thanks for your courage. May other Bishops also sign.
Gratitude and hope.
Thank you for your witness to the Gospel of Jesus, to love and respect ALL!
Thank you for your courageous leadership and compassion .
We are grateful and support you for this statement.
I herewith add my name to the petition to Bishop Tylka asking him to join the minority of US bishops
in union with Rome which supports the proactive and pastoral attitude towards LGBT youth, as stipulated
by the principles of the Vatican II Council, and vigorously promulgated by our current pope.
Thank you!
My respect for your statement. Kindness matters.
I am an openly gay woman who is an associate with the Sisters of St. Joseph, and I am active in my Catholic Parish of Blessed Trinity in Cleveland, Ohio. Thank you for your support of LGBT youth.
Thank you for issuing this statement supporting our LGBTQ youth.
Thank you for your leadership.
How can I say that I am a Child of God and neglect any other Child of God my brother or sister. Thank each of you for living your profession of faith.🎵
Grateful for this witness of compassion, support and justice.
Blessings!
Margaret
Thank you for standing with Jesus, who embraced all.
Thank you, Bishops.
Thankful to see & to know that the Catholic Church in USA can express the love of Christ for all of Providence children. Now the hard part comes through the actions on the local levels of the church from the Bishop, the Pastors & the parishes! Actions will always speak louder than words.
Thank you for what you are doing for the children.
God bless you, Sister Ellen
Thank you for your public support of LGBTQ youth!
This is such an encouraging way to begin this season of Lenten renewal and transformation!
Thank you for your initiative. Blessings and Peace,
JPICC Sisters of Saint Francis of Colorado Springs
Thank you for your welcoming stance. Our LGBTQ sisters and brothers need your love and support.
Dear Bishops,
Thank you. Whatever happened t the teachings of Vatican II (GS 1) and the ongoing teachings of our popes on our love for all people?
Thank You for honoring the goodness of each individual created in the image and likeness of God.
Thank you for reminding us all of the dignity and value of each person whom God has created.
As a psychotherapist and a Catholic I understand the bullying , humiliation, shame, and increased suicide rates that destroy the lives of our young people. Our young cannot survive this shamed isolation. Thank you to the gutsy and prophetic Bishops who stand in the wilderness with our LBGT youth.
Thank you for adding your name to this letter of support - it is incredibly meaningful to see as an LGBTQ Catholic. I hope you will continue this line of advocacy among your colleagues and parishioners.
Thank you for your commitment in sharing love to all of God’s children. E are all made in his image and likeness
Thank you, and God Bless you all!
Thank you for your support of our gay, trans and bisexual brothers and sisters! Your voices, raised in support are so important!
Thank you, dear Bishops, for making a public statement that supports the message of Jesus. Yes, we are all God's children.
Blessings, and much gratitude for your support!
Thank you, Bishops, for choosing the Gospel as your pastoral staff of compassion and welcome for ALL of God's dear children, our sisters and brothers. The peace of Christ!
I have "fallen" away from the church for many ideological reasons. As a white, middle-class, heterosexual, married woman, I try so very hard to be inclusive of ALL. I hope this movement can inspire the changes that will help those of us who left feel like it is inclusive enough to come back.
I am a counselor in a Catholic high school. I would like to thank these Bishops for supporting the care of our LGBTQ+ students. May this conversation grow into official programs and platforms that address the needs of LGBTQ+ students in our Catholic schools.
As a teacher at a Catholic school, I am grateful for your efforts to be supportive of LGBTQ youth.
I was that youth many years ago...the Catholic Church was a safe place for me, luckily. This message would have solidified that safety for me...and so many other young people. This means a lot...very positive step. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Thank you for supporting LGBTQ youth. May this be a first step toward love and understanding.
Dear brave bishops and spunky sisters, thank you for your courage to stand up and spread the Good News as Christ did. We sing “All are Welcome” but do we really mean it? Your stance indicates that you do. Leaders like you give me hope for the future of the Catholic Church.
Thank you and thank you to all who are bringing awareness to the message like Father Jim.
As the father of two LGBTQ+ children, I welcome the witness of these bishops to the truth, that my children and all of our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, are part of God's beloved family!
Thank you for making the statement. Living in a church and a society that prefers that people like me not exist is a kind of trauma. It can resurface throughout a lifetime.
Thank you. We are all God’s children. Peace and hope to all.
God love you. Please know that we do, as well. Thank you for standing and supporting and praying for this action.
Thank you for taking this stand, which is bold but in reality should not be such. God bless you.
Thank you to these leaders . I hope more leaders will voice their courage. The Church should stand for Love.
Thank you for spreading God’s message of inclusion. If we believe we were all made in God’s likeness we need to welcome everyone.
Thank you to the courageous Bishops for supporting this necessary LGBTQ+ initiative
Antonia
Thank you and God bless you all.
Thank you for your support. May God bless you.
Thank you for making this statement. It is so important that the institutional Catholic Church address how it has treated LGBTQ people and work to help heal the wounds it has caused.
Thank you
Thank you for such leadership.
As a parent of a gay daughter I am so grateful to these Bishops and Sisters for speaking out in support of LGBTQ. Let them love who they want and live like everyone else. God made them in His perfect image. We are all one body of Christ. Thank you!!
Thank you so much for your courage and your love. You are all examples of the Gospel message.
Thank you. I want all of my students to know of their God-given dignity, and that they are loved by God.
We are made in His image and likeness.
Thank you for your support for this very important issue.
Thank you!!
Thank you dear bishops for you pastoral, compassionate and sadly our still prophetic stand.
Thank you to our Bishops & All who reflect on the call of Love by Jesus now and follow it!
Thank you for your concern and support of LGBT+youth for they are all God’s children and deserve the love and care of our Church and it’s leadership. May all bishops and priests follow in your footsteps.
Thank you for your integrity in standing with all of God's children.
I stand for all of God's children with you, loving as Jesus does "the dear neighbor without distinction!"
I would like to thank you, as Bishops, to stand up for our LGBTQ youth. PLEASE help your fellow bishops follow the Gospel!
I am deeply grateful. As a mother of a gay man who suffered in his youth, I am deeply touched by this courageous statement. Change is slow, I know, but this statement gives me hope.
Thank you for supporting and reaching out to LGBTQ youth. We are all God's children.
So grateful.
Thank you for your support of our LGBT sisters and brothers. We are all One.
Peace to each of you.
Thank you for listening to Jesus and walking His message. You are courageous and one reason why I remain Catholic...... the ones who are 'against' hospitality, justice, mercy, unconditional love .....for those are the true immoral ones....they are enemies of the Church and continue to crucify me and other LBGTQ people daily with their power seeking arrogant legalistic view of the world. May God have mercy on you. 'Let MY people GO!'
Thank you all for your courage. The Church is changing thanks to brave people like you all. God bless! Gracias!!!
I am most grateful to each of you Bishops and Archbishops for your support of LGBTQ Youth I am keenly aware of the suffering experienced by these youth as a result of many ministerial experiences here in the Archdiocese of Chicago in various parishes. I am also grateful for the prophetic courage demonstrated by you as prominent Catholic leaders. You know better than most the required faith and bold courage for such a statement. God bless you and all who minister to LGBTQ youth and all Catholics who may feel marginalized by our family of origin and/or faith. Fr Mike Shanahan
Grateful for the courage and conviction of all who acknowledge the truth of the Gospel.
It is right and just!
Jesus said,” Let the little children come to me!”
Thank you for supporting all LGBT people. When you take the time to know people you will understand them better and stand with each one.
Thanks for welcoming us to the Church, nurturing and being our shepherds. In Love.
Enfin des représentants de la religion catholique mettent en pratique ce que Jésus a toujours dit : Aimez vous les uns les autres.
Merci à ceux qui font que la religion est d'abord fait pour comprendre et rapprocher tous les croyants.
Many thanks to our bishops who signed and expressed the compassion of Christ and reverence for LGBTQ+ persons.
It's so refreshing that there are at least some Catholic hierarchy who support LGBTQs as being respectable/loveable creations of God. Those denying same need to be removed from Church administrative positions.
Thank you for speaking up truthfully and with compassion.
I am an Anglican priest and am grateful to the Catholic Bishops and others who are standing on the side of the vulnerable. Thank you. It makes a great difference when Church leadership show acceptance and value of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, colour and any other differences that are used to marginalise others. Perhaps it’s time to incorporate this into discernment process and training of potential clergy.
Thank you for supporting and loving our LGBTQ who were lovingly created in the image of Our Creator, same as all His children!
As a Catholic mom I’ve always taught my children that every person is made in the image of our Creator and therefore worthy of our love and respect. Thanks to the members of the clergy and religious who’ve signed onto this statement. I am disappointed my Bishop, Bishop Cecchio of the Diocese of Metuchen has not signed on. I have written to ask him to and have had no response. I will persist.
Thanks to those who appreciate that all of us are touched by the One who wonderfully and beautifully made us, and dwells in us.
PEACE! Thank you all for teaching us to accept all God's gifts.
Thank you for listening to the Spirit. May she guide you to compassionate speech and action. I pray for you all.
Thank you for acknowledging that I am a child of God in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.
Archbishop Paul Coakley has sent out a statement condemning the gay community. Sending him a letter asking him to please sign the initiative and join the others in sharing love and hope into our world.
This is a very important message. Our church must seal out for all those oppressed by bigotry and unwillingness to hear and understand the word of God.
A warm thank you with gratitude to the Bishops who have publicly showed their courage and wisdom in protecting LGBT youth. It's a powerful witness to the love and mercy of Jesus for all God's children created whole, perfect and complete exactly as they are. 🌈
Thank you for following the Gospel call to love, compassion, and justice.
Thank you so much for standing with the LGBTQIA+ youth and the greater community of allies who support them. Please continue to work for change within our Catholic church to help change attitudes of those who will not or cannot stand with the vulnerable in our world
From a transgender and Catholic teacher of Religious Education in a Catholic school in the UK, this is much needed and well received. Thank you!
As leader of Peace and Justice committee of Western Province Vincentians, USA, I applaud you bishops and all who acknowledge the dignity of every human, whether homosexual or heterosexual. Peace!
As leader of Peace and Justice committee of Western Province Vincentians, USA, I applaud you bishops and all who acknowledge the dignity of every human, whether homosexual or heterosexual. Peace!
Thanks
"Love one another as I have loved you, .....and " By their fruits you will know them." Thank you loving bishops!
I am grateful to the Bishops and Religious Communities that have supported LGBTQ+ people.
Thank you,
Diane Rapozo, BVM
Many thanks to the bishops for their compassion and courage in signing this. we are all one family.
I am deeply grateful for this courageous statement!
Thank you to the Bishops who have spoken out in favor of protecting our LGBTQ Youth. I pray more will join them.
Thank you for upholding true Christian values and supporting the dignity of all God's children
Thank you for acting out the Holy Spirit's gifts of compassion and courage.
Thank you for having the courage to speak to this issue that is putting LGBTQ lives in such danger.
The church is the place where they should find compassion and welcome, not rejection.
A heartfelt thank you to all those who have committed themselves to include all God's children in one loving and protective embrace!
Thank you for your prophetic leadership!
Thank you.
Many thanks for affirming the dignity and worth of LGBT citizens.
Hoping more NJ Bishops join in this effort.
Thank you for standing up for ALL people including LGBTQ. It is time we agree to inclusion.
With gratitude for this statement on protecting LGBT youth and with love for LGBT people on our university campuses.
Thank you Bishops, women and men of religious communities and people of God everywhere. Thank you for your deep commitment of not only reading the gospels, but putting those words into action. Thanks you responding to Jesus' call to love one another as shown by our actions.
Thank you Bishops, women and men of religious communities and people of God everywhere. Thank you for your deep commitment of not only reading the gospels, but putting those words into action. Thanks you responding to Jesus' call to love one another as shown by our actions.
As pastor of a parish that welcomes members of the LGBTQ community we thank the bishops for speaking out. I am so grateful for energy, creativity, leadership and prayer that the LGBTQ community brings to our parish.
Choose life! Support LGBT youth, God's perfect creation. Thank you.
Real pastors by vocation
We are God’s family and we must not be silent when any of His children are hurt or suffering needlessly! When one suffers we All suffer! Woe to anyone of God’s children that hurt or deny another one who is already crying out for their basic human dignity before God! Amen!!!
Thank you!
To all the bishops who support this document and to all the people who have also voiced their support, thank you for doing this.
A great first step! TY for acting on your deeply felt conviction...There is so much more we all need to do as One Body in these times of overwhelming distress and malicious spiritedness. Your witness will light many flames of Divine Love, as we do both on Christmas Eve and Easter morning...May God reward you deeply for your courage to stand out from the many who refuse to see Divine Presence in others who are different from themselves. The world desperately needs your humble love and gracious leadership! ❤️
Paulist Press joins Cardinal Tobin in his affirmation of "God is On Your Side." This is a matter of justice and compassion.
Rev. Mark-David Janus CSP., Ph.D.
President and Publisher
Paulist Press
On behalf of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chambery, I offer our gratitude to the Bishops who have proclaimed and given witness to the gospel of Jesus by taking this initiative to welcome, protect and respect LGBT Youth.
Thank you, thank you.
TO THE BISHOPS who have signed the The TYLER CLEMENTI "GOD IS ON YOUR SIDE document PROTECTING LGBT Youth, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing by our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Dear Friends,
It is with deep gratitude that I read your statement and know of your support of our LGBT youth. i pray you are blessed in all you do. You are true witnesses of what Jesus would do.
I commend you for signing "God is On Your Side". As a former high school teacher, I know how important it is for young people to know that they are loved by God and by all of us for who they are.
Thank you for your courage and leadership.
Thank you to the Bishops and all those who signed this statement. I wish our Cardinal Dolan would show his support of God's unconditional love by signing and supporting this statement for New York City. I'm most Catholics would easily support the statement even though their Bishops may not. Fr. David, OFM
Good work, Brothers. Thanks.
Sister Kathleen
Thank you for your support and your courage. Everyone should know that God loves them unconditionally and that they are always welcome in our Church.
Thank you for speaking out to uphold the dignity of the LGBTQ community and end bullying and harassment. This is what it looks like to be pro-life and standing with the marginalized the way that Jesus taught.
Thank you for upholding the teaching that we love one another. I wish my Bishop, the other @Bishop Thomas Tobin, would do this!
Thank you for standing up for us. As a transgender person, I look forward to the day a statement like this isn't a surprise.
That was a bold and beautiful statement. Way to go!!!!
Thank you for being light in the darkness for our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for your insight and courage to speak out in support of LGBT youth. We are all created by God and loved unconditionally by God. May we all love as we have been commanded by Jesus.
Bishop Madden and the rest,
Thank you for this statement. Our young people need to hear a message of respect and concern from the Church. Our job is to bring people to Christ. He will sort things out from there.
Thank you for being a light in the darkness. I hope others will follow your example.
Thank you.
Thank you for publishing God’s message to the oft marginalized.
it is so important to our young and older LGBTQ's to feel accepted and to know that they are loved for it is God's love by which all love is understood.
Thank you
My appreciation is great for your prophetic example-fulfilling the call of Jesus in the Gospel.
Thank you, bishops.
Thank you for advocating for the LGBTQ community. Let us hope more bishops and cardinals have the courage and conviction to join you.
As the parent of an LGBT child, I am so grateful.
Thank you all for showing love and support to this group of people who are too often maligned and downtrodden.
Thank you Bishops.
Thank you for showing that the Catholic Church leads with compassion in the image and likeness of Christ.
Thank you and I hope and pray that our Bishops from the Diocese of Peoria Illinois will show their support with you soon.
Especially important during a time when hate is being mainstreamed by politicians who’ve shown there is no evil they won’t embrace to further their ambition.
Thank you for your prophetic vision in standing up with LGBT folks
Thank you very much for reaching out and supporting LGBTQ youth and people of all ages in contrast to statements from very conservative or narrow-minded bishops who support discrimination and condemnation. Too many LGBTQ youth have been driven away from religion altogether or have even committed suicide because of erroneous beliefs instilled by the Church against their very existence. Thank God for bishops like you who proclaim God's love for all God's creation. May you be blessed abundantly for your courage to speak out!
Thank you! My Christ loves everyone!
Standing with you!!!
Thank you all so much! Having worked for a time in University Chaplaincy, I can attest to the fact that it can be very difficult for a young person to discuss issues connected with their sexuality, not least because they expect a judgemental attitude from the church. Your courageous statement is most surely a welcome and necessary step towards an attitude of acceptance and understanding that will be of benefit to so many young people, and a shining example of Christ-like leadership to our church. Again, thank you and bless you!
As an adult gay son, brother, uncle, and teacher, thank you!
Thank you all for signing this document! Many are encouraged when actions like this are done! Please speak strong and true with your brother bishops!
As an openly gay priest of the Roman Catholic Church, I thank you for your support and your willingness to stand up for all LGBTQ+ people. Keep speaking out! Keep taking a stand against all of the homophobia and injustices that continue within our Church communities. You support is greatly appreciated!
Thank you for living out the Gospel message!!
Thank you for your courage and compassion. It is more meaningful to me and folks like me than you will ever know
Thank you! May many more follow your lead.
Thank you for supporting the LGBTQ Community.
Thank you all for standing up and doing what is right!
All life is worthy...thank you
Thank you all for doing the right thing!
Thank you for your leadership and love. Your actions support not only LGBT youth and families but also our beloved Francis. In his encyclicals and other writings, his actions, and his personal affect Pope Francis models the compassion, empathy, love, and respect for all humans that should mark the Christian.
Thank you for the stand that you have taken. It is so much appreciated.
Thank you for speaking up.
Thank you for helping these young people to know that God has not abandoned them but rather loves them deeply and cares for them.
Gracias!! Esta es la Iglesia que anhelamos!!!
Thank you for your commitment to LGBTQ family and friends in our community!
Thank you. Your support means so much to so many people, both LGBTQ+ people who might feel alienated from their Church, as well as all who love them, who feel a very similar alienation and shame because of the behavior of some hateful Christians. Hateful Christians--it should be an oxymoron, shouldn't it?
Thank you for standing up for the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud Mama bear, I applaud you!
Thank you for giving me renewed hope in our Church! You are the good shepherds we flock to... the true image of Christ tangible and alive on the altar of your lives through your priestly ministry. I am ever so grateful! You are in my prayers for your courage and in great gratitude!
Thank you for standing up with a message in inclusiveness on this issue! It’s moments like this that make me happy to have been raised a catholic and for raising my children as catholics too.
I am a Catholic and believe in human rights for all, especially for our most vulnerable, which includes LGBTQ persons who are often excluded, ridiculed, bullied, and not made explicitly welcome and most importantly ACCEPTED in our parishes.
Thank you for standing up for equal rights for all!
Thank you for helping us protect our LGBTQ sons, daughters, & other loved ones.
Thank you. As a mother of a transgender, I am extremely grateful for your protection, love and acceptance.
God loves all His children
Thanks to the Bishops and all who have signed this statement. God is on their side and he us on all of our sides. It is long overdue. God bless and protect us all.
God bless you for spreading the message to our LGBT family :to know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side.
Great work in protecting LGBTW youth.
I thank you from the depths of this mom’s heart!
LBGT people are God children.
What could be more Christ-like than loving all of God’s children? I hope more follow your lead.
Thank you so much for your leadership, care and support for those who are so often neglected – our LGBTQ youth.
Thank you.
So grateful to everyone especially our leaders who stands up against bullying! Everyone has a right to dignity and safety.
Bless you for your courage and fortitude. Thank you !!!
Thank you!
Dear Loving Bishops, true shepherds, thank you for being a sign of the Love of Our Lord in our world, in our times.
May the God of Love give courage and clarity to people of faith. Thank you, bishops, and thank you, Tyler Clementi Foundation.
Thank you! On behalf of my loved ones who have been feeling alienated from their Church 💜
Wow that is awesome! God is for everyone!❤️❤️🙏❤️❤️
May we all seek to love each other as children of the one true God.
Thank you!
Thank you to all the Bishops who have clearly stated that bullying is not of God! By signing onto this - you have sent a clear message that ALL life is sacred and one person is not “less than” another. We must stand up for those who are oppressed and marginalized. Our LGBTQ brothers and sisters are beloved children of God. Thank you for defending God’s creation!
Thank you ❤
Thank you for your commitment to living out Gospel values and pro-life teachings. These kind of statements give me hope for the Catholic community.
Thank you!!!
Thank you for standing with our brothers and sisters!
Thank you! Thank you for being brave and teaching love!
With gratitude & prayers from a Catholic youth minister, wife & mother
Thankful for the chance to show my support.
In a time when I am hoping my Church still supports a loving, kind God, I thank you for your initiative.
Thank you Bishop Denis Madden and others for your courage and leadership.
Thank you...you're not AFRAID!
Thank you for speaking out for our daughters, sons, family members, and friends who are LGBTQ.
THANK YOU for standing up for what it right.
Thank you!
With heartfelt appreciation for being the Light of Christ for us all.
Thank you to the Tyler Clementi Foundation, the Catholic bishops, and everyone in this message area who have signed important this statement against bullying LGBTQ youth.
Thank you for being inclusive and loving.
I couldn't agree more. Thank you for advocating for all human beings.
Thanks, Bishop Taylor and others. Moving in a logic and loving manner.
Thank you!
Thank you for being courageous and support all God’s creatures
Thanks! May the unlimited, unconditional love of God keep inspiring courage and compassion in us!
Thank you for supporting all of God’s children.
I commend each of these Church Leaders for their courage to speak the truth that flows from sound doctrine in the face of others of their Assembly who refuse to do anything that might appear "liberal." This is Gospel and it follows the example of Jesus Christ who always reached out to the marginalized and disenfranchised.
Thank you!
God Bless and protect all who are suffering discrimination, that's what God wants from all of us. Thank you!
Thank you for feeding and tending your sheep as commanded.
By signing this statement, you have put into practice the central message of Pope Francis' encyclical FRATELLI TUTTI: that every human being is valued and must be treated with dignity.
Thank you for your courage
Thank you all for making this concrete: "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8)
Thank you for supporting all of God's children.
Thank you! We are all God’s children, and we ALL deserve love, respect, and support.
Thank you for being a beacon of love and dignity for all of God's children!
Thank you for showing true leadership.
I thank God for those shepherds of the Church that are truly living Jesus mandate to love regardless
Thank you for standing up for what is right, what is compassionate.
Your leadership can light the way to equality and dignity for all.
Thank you for being the voice that others cannot be.
Thank you for acting like true shepherds!
Thank you! Hoping many others will follow. (Looking at you, Archbishop Perez...)
Thank you for your support in trying to make a difference. Everyone is equal in God’s eyes.
I stand with the inclusivity of all! These are our family LGBT persons! I love the direction however this must spread out to My Country!
I stand with the inclusivity of all! These are our family LGBT persons! I love the direction however this must spread out to My Country!
Thank you.
Thank you, Archbishop Wester and Bishop Ramirez, and the other bishops, for your concern.
Thank you for standing with Jesus. Including, welcoming and celebrating our diversity. May courage continue to guide you / us all...
Thank you for your courage.
You've answered....
Thank you!
Thanks for your support of LGBTQ youth!
Thank you for supporting LGBTQ youth with your assurance that the God who created us is the God who loves us all.
Thank you for supporting this important step in ministry
Thank you for your leadership in the Church!
Thank you
Thank you! We are all God’s children.
Thank you for your witness.
Thank you for loving everyone!!
Thank you for loving everyone!!
Thank you for respecting ALL lives.
Thank you for loving and honoring all of God’s PERFECT creations <3
Thank you to all the Bishops who have signed this statement in support of our beautiful and beloved LGBTQ youth!
I would like to express my gratitude to the Bishops supporting this initiative and I hope and pray for many more to be signatories.
Thank you!
Thank you for being courageous. Why though isn’t the rest of the Church leadership standing up for and welcoming all of God’s children, as you have done?
Hate no one. Love everyone.
Thank you! May God keep blessing you always 🙏
Thank your Graces for following the Lead of Pope Francis in promoting that we are all God's children and to be treated with love and acceptance.
Thank you for your leadership and for seeking to make the Church more inclusive. While I feel the Church should go farther, standing against hate should be completely non-controversial. I encourage Cardinal Timothy Dolan to join in the spirit of Jesus's love and Pope Francis's compassion by protecting the LGBT youth.
Thank you for speaking up for true Christian values in a way that will make for less emotional suffering.
Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you for your courage and compassion!
All people are created in God's image. All are loved by God. Our sisters and brothers who are marginalized need such reminders and advocacy. Thank you for speaking up, providing caring support and advocacy to our LGBTQ young people, and witnessing to the truth of love.
Thank you for living the Word and being God's light in this world for ALL of us. You are true leaders.
Thank you for supporting our LGBT young people!
Thank you to these wonderful leaders for stepping up, leading by example, and supporting the Lord's message on inclusivity in the church.
Thank you.
Thank you for focusing on the love that God and the Church has for our LBGT sisters & brothers!
This is the right thing to do. Thank you for doing what Jesus would do. The LGBTQ community needs our support. Thank you!
In support and appreciation for all who join in this affirmation
Thank you for this showing of kindness and compassion.
All are created in the image and likeness of our Creator - and are thus entitled to inalienable dignity, respect, and equal protection under law. LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately victims of bullying, depression, and suicide. It is heartening to see this statement of solidarity and hope. I am grateful to and proud of our Bishop, Robert McElroy, and his auxiliary, John Dolan, for their leadership and witness on this issue. I am a proud catholic and proud ally. Ad maiorem Dei gloriam.
#LoveWins #LGBTQLivesMatter #DioceseOfSanDiego
#RainbowCatholics
Thank you for shining this light of hope and love on the lives of these beautiful children of God at such a time as this.
Thank you
Thank you on behalf of my family.
Thank you for your courageous leadership. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I stand with all people who work to protect LGBT Youth and I thank Cardinal Tobin for his leadership in Newark NJ.
Thank you for taking a stand for Love and not judgmentalism against others who are different.
Thank you for taking a stand for Love and not judgmentalism against others who are different.
Thank you. I am a senior citizen in upstate New York. I am disappointed in our bishop for not signing Bishop Scharfenberger)as well as Cardinal Dolan from NYC
Thank you for representing Christ in our troubled world!
Thank you for recognizing the humanity of LGBTQ persons and speaking out against the bullying and ostracizing they suffer in our Church and society.
Lapsed Catholic. The Church has an incredible opportunity for inclusiveness and healing in the name of Christ. It’s not modernization; it’s the fulfillment of the word of God.
Thank you for your compassion and leadership. I wish my bishop (Bishop Thomas J Tobin) could acknowledge that we are all formed in God's image.
As a former Catholic school teacher who felt pressured to hide my identity, I thank you for your courage.
I am a middle school teacher at a Catholic school. On behalf of my students and LBGTQ students everywhere, thank you for leading by example with your signature.
Thank you for encouraging others to realize that we are ALL God's children.
Thank you for your leadership and for seeking to make the Church more inclusive. While I feel the Church should go farther, standing against hate should be completely non-controversial. I call upon my Texas bishops to join you.
Thank you for sharing God‘s love.
Thank you to all the bishops for standing behind Jesus's radical inclusivity.
Thank you so much! Hoping our Bishop Ricken joins you soon.
Thank you for standing publicly with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. We are all perfectly made - just as we are.
Thank you for welcoming all of God's children. So proud that our own Bishop John Stowe is part of this group and leads with compassion.
We are so proud ,dear Bishops ,for your courage in showing the True Love of God in standing up for His Beloved LGBT children. We urge the rest of the Catholic hierarchy to Show God's Love too. Thank you for leading by example! 💗🙏🏽🌟
Thank you so much for saying this!
Thank you for exemplifying God's love.
Thank you Cardinal Tobin from a former parishioner in your archdiocese, and to all who participate in God’s work!
Thank you Bishop Gumbleton, we are all God’s children and all are loved and valued
Thank you for supporting LGBTQ youth with your assurance that the God who created us is the God who loves us -in all our wondrous expressions.
We are so proud ,dear Bishops ,for your courage in showing the True Love of God in standing up for His Beloved LGBT children. We urge the rest of the Catholic hierarchy to Show God's Love too
Thank you so much for finally speaking out. You have renewed my faith in the truth.
Thank you for your leadership in being shepherds in the footprints of Jesus.
thank you for speaking up
Thanks to Bishop Tobin and all the bishops!
Thank you for reminding us that God loves us all!
Please, Archbishop of Denver, please sign this document. These folks are our sisters & brothers with the same love & dignity of God indwelling. Two are MY children!!
God created LGBT people. It is NOT a choice.
Thank you to these Bishops for supporting our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters who are LGBT. We are all made in the image and likeness of God, and all humans deserve to be treated equally as the children of God. It is time for our communities ad churches to recognize this.
Thank you for loving ALL God's children.
Dear Cardinal Tobin and Bishops, I am so grateful for your care and concern for our LGBT community. You are a living example of the inclusive love Jesus offered to all!
Thank you!
Thank you.
I want to thank these bishops for doing the right thing! I strongly encourage Bishop John Barres to add his name to this most important document as we look to protect and welcome the LGBTQ community.
Thank you for your leadership!
Thank you to Jane Clementi and the leadership of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, for reaching out and being persistent with the Catholic faith. And, to these Bishop leaders for stepping forward to proclaim that it’s OK to be who we are. As Father Richard Rohr once said to me, “Peter, I am glad that you are ready to be the man that God made you to be.” Amen!
Thank you!
Thanks for being an example of Christ in our Church.
Thank you for "being counted" on this effort to better safeguard the life and dignity of LGBT youth!
With much gratitude, Linda Stark, Louisville KY
Thank you for supporting our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for reaching out to ALL of God's beloved children.
Thank you for your bold leap of faith. Remaining faithful to Jesus' commandment to love all of God's children is hard and risky in our culture. Your courage is noticed and applauded
I appreciate the statement, but the damage done by teachings of us being intrinsically disordered are deep and take a long time to heal and took me stepping away from the church to do so. As shepherds your responsibility is to bring us back, but words will not suffice in this matter.
Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you to all the Catholic leaders who are standing up for the rights of our LGBTQI population! We are all created by the same God and are all equal in every way. God is infallible!
We all humans and if we believe in JESUS we should treat each other equally
Blessings to you for the blessings you bring to others...
The good news is for everyone! Let’s show our faith in action and recognize the dignity of all.
Thank you for showing God’s love to those who often don’t feel it.
Thanks for acting in a Christ -like way
LGBT people deserve to be full members of the church, eligible for all sacraments, including matrimony.
Thank you for standing up for those
in our family
This is a right to life issue. The Church needs to do better.
All children of God...no exceptions.
In gratitude for your stand for love and understanding.
Thanks for your courage and support of justice.
This is wonderful! In the words of a dear friend of mine, “I love, love!” ♥️♥️
Thank you, Bishops for recognizing the dignity and worth of all human beings.
I went to High School in the 70s and my best friend was gay. I watched him suffer every single day. We are still close friends but he had to move away to know Peace.
To be pro life means to nurture all life. Too often we have been destructive. I appreciate this step towards respect and dignity for a group that seldom receives it.
We have been teaching that God is LOVE and that ALL LOVE comes from GOD and yet, sometimes it takes courage to stand for love in the Catholic Church. Thank you for standing for what is right and should be unquestionable.
Thank you for being faithful stewards of your entire flock.
A special thank you to Bishop Biegler~ standing for justice to those who have been sexually abused by clergy; most recently, the investigation of Hart and the disconcerting response from Rome.
I understand the *battle*. A survivor of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Jesus died for us all and we can only be in communion with Him by providing pastoral care to all his children. I am very encouraged.
Pax et Bonum
Thank you all for caring.
Thank you for standing up for ALL, we are ALL Gods creatures created in his image, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, ideological or theological differences. We are one!
Thank you for your example of following Jesus. Truly walking in his shoes and loving all.
Thank you so much for showing the love of God to the world
Thank you! ALL of us are children of God, who makes NO mistakes in Creation. What else is there to say?
Thank you! ALL of us are children of God, who makes NO mistakes in Creation. What else is there to say?
Thank you for having the courage to speak up!
Thank you ❤️🙏
Thanks for sharing the love that Jesus wanted us all to have.
Thank you for leading our Curch with open, loving hearts!
God bless you all!
Thank you, bishops, for showing that you care about the wellbeing of all of God's children.
Thank you for your courageous statement. I feel sure Jesus would’ve said the same thing!
Thank you so much for taking this first step. I am saddened by much of the bullying, division, and hatred we see in our Church. This is the first of many steps that we must take with our Church until we truly love our neighbors as we are asked to do by God.
"And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
Thank you all so much for showing that Christ’s Love is for everyone.
All life is sacred.
Thank you so much!
I wish more Bishops would sign. Thank you for being a voice for our brothers and sisters who’ve been far too marginalized.
It is so good that we can get into this conversation whether all of the Bishops sign off or not. Our Church says all are welcome so let's practice that!
Thank you for supporting this initiative.
United in love for all God's children.
Thank you for spreading love.
As a product of Catholic education (elementary though undergrad) and member of the LGBTQ Catholic community, THANK YOU for taking this bold step to create a more inclusive and loving church, society and broader community of faith.
Thank you ❤️
Thank you for supporting all people made in the image of God!
Thank you for your courage.
We are all God's children. Thank you for standing up and speaking out.
Grateful, especially, for Cardinal Tobin’s leadership.
I have many friends in the LBGT community, some I met in Catholic Schools and others through my work or just in every day life. They are among the most caring and generous humans I know. Thanks to all Catholics and especially to these bishops for standing up for this special group, who simply deserve our love & kindness.
God bless you for your courage! Please keep on going, thank you very much!
Thank you for making us feel welcome and closer to the Church and for believing in love as the central message of Christ.
This is a ray of light, I’m so glad to see people in a position to make real change happen, stepping up and entering the conversation around keeping our LGBTQ community safe. All Gods children deserve to be loved, respected, honored and kept safe, emotionally and physically.
Thank you! May more members of our Church leadership be called to join with you.
Thanks for being the light.
Thank you
God created us all in His image; thank you for sharing His love for ALL His creatures!
Thank you to the Bishops for signing this! This shows that you care about all people, all of us. No one should ever be bullied! No ONE!
Thank you for standing up for the LBGTQ Community & promoting the belief that we are all God's children.
Love as Jesus loves.
Thank you to the signers. Anything from Venice Florida diocese?
Thank you for using your voices for such an important issue.
Thank you! God made all of us.
Thank you for caring for all lives
Created in God's image, we are all beloved!
It is always the right time to do what’s right. Never too late! Thank you.
Too often, I hear stories of LGBT Catholics feeling like they have no home in the church. Too often have clergy turned a blind eye to the bullying and negative way Catholics portray LGBT people in and outside the church. This is a beautiful step in the right direction. Thank you for this.
For family and friends! God loves you!
As a queer Catholic who is navigating the delicate balance of honoring Church teachings with being honest with and loving myself, thank you for signing this. There is a long road ahead, but this is a heartening step in the right direction.
Thank you for caring.
Thank you for standing strong on the side of compassion and for living Christ's message of love ❤️
Thank you for standing up for the marginalized. Praying all bishops will realize and support that all are welcome at God’s table.
Thank you to the U.S. Bishops who have already signed on to this declaration! God has always been on the side of all of these people. Your recognition of that is an appropriate response to the Gospel mandate so that "whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me." Please encourage your brother bishops to pray, reflect, and find it in their hearts to also support this statement publicly.
Thank you for showing what a true follower of Christ should be.
Thank you for seeing the face of Christ in all your brothers and sisters.
Thank you for being true examples of what the shepherd of your flock should be.
Thank you.
Thank you for making this important message clear to the millions who need to hear it
Thank you for supporting all of our brothers and sisters.
Thank you! God loves all His children.
In deep gratitude to the Bishops who understand the importance of accepting all God's Children. We are all made in God's image and all are deserving of love and acceptance. Of course, no surprise, Cincinnati Archbishop Schnur has not signed.
Thank you Bishops , for standing in solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters ..giving hope and love where so often it is not evident ..
Thank you. You are all courageous men of God.
Thank you for supporting forward and modern thinking, acceptance, love, and all in light of our faith. I hope Vermont’s bishop joins in with support soon!
Please jump on board archdiocese of Denver.
Thank you for responding generously to the needs of others, that is the life and value of LGBT youth. Doing so provides hope and light for youth and models the Jesus traits of care, compassion, love, justice. Gratitude ❣️
Thank you for acknowledging the light that shines in all God's children.
Thank you.
Thank you Bishops for your great example of leadership and caring for all individuals. Just wishing more would follow in your path.
This is a good first step, but our Church knows sexual orientation has nothing to do with morality anymore than eye color does. We need to recognize LGBT folks as full members of our Church.
Thank you.
John 13:34-36 "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
It's that simple. Thank you for making your voice heard on this issue.
Thank you for emphasizing the love and compassion for all people taught to us by Jesus Christ. I pray more bishops open their hearts and minds to truly reflect the message of the Gospels.
Thank you for living the Gospel and exhibiting leadership to the faithful.
Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
May we all come to know that God Loves all of us exactly as we were created.
Love is love.
Thank you!!!
Thank you for affirming the worth of every life.
Thank you so much.
Thank you so much for taking a stand, and supporting the LGBTQ community.
Thank you and blessings
Thank you for signing and reminding all of the dignity of every human life that God Himself designed and created.
God's LGBTQ children have special gifts, including the healing of families and communities. Thank you for speaking up.
Thank you for this beautiful and inclusive message.
Thank you for stand up ashamed and bigotry and doing what our lord would do. Much love and respect. 💜💜
Thank you for supporting and showing love to the LGBT youth in our communities. I will be so happy if/when Archbishop Allen Vigneron adds his name!
Thank you
We are all God’s children!
Thank you for the compassionate voices!!
Thank you, Archbishop Wester and colleagues, for expressing Christ's love in our damaged world.
Thank you loving and serving all the children of God.
Thank you for your courage and commitment to bringing all of God’s people deeper into the folds of the Catholic Church.
Thank you Bishops for welcoming us into your hearts and churches!
We need to protect the most vulnerable in our society. Bullying shouldn't be tolerated in schools. Although we don't support the homosexual act charity toward the person should be paramount. Thank you Bishops
This is such important work and ministry. Thank you for your witness to truth, beauty, and goodness.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the voice of the Mystical Body of Christ in such a very, very important matter.
To see any child of God treated as "less" - or worse, tormented and endangered - is a tragedy and a travesty.
Your clear support and leadership in this is such an important part of the "Pro-Life" commitment that we all profess.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My thanks to the bishops who are doing what Jesus would do!
Thank you for standing for those on the margins. Every life is worthy of love and compassion and it brings me joy to see church leaders stand against hate. This is a big step in healing the divide and strengthening relationship with God in communities who have been excluded. Thank you, thank you!
Thank you to the Bishops for adding their names to this initiative and standing with the LGBTQ and their loved ones. God is love.
Thank you for supporting! God loves all of us and tells us not to judge.
Thank you for reaffirming that we are all made in the likeness of God.
Thank you, Bishop McElroy and Bishop Dolan, for signing this statement which shows love and respect towards children of God. I am proud to be a member of the Diocese of San Diego.
We are all created in God’s image and likeness. God is Love!! Thank you for signing ❤️
Thank you!
Thank you, Bishops, for leading the way in the support of these precious young people. We are all God's family and we need to be there for each other in every way possible.
Thanks so much for your support
Thank you.
Thank you and bless all who support and advocate for the LGBTQ community. They are us. We are all beloved of God.
Thank you for following Christ.
For those not yet signing on... this should not be hard.
Thank you for signing. I have seen the fears, tears and wounds of many young people in my career as an educator from bullying because they were "different". They are not :disordered". They are so worthy of love and support. Blessings.
Thank you
Thank you for standing with the LGBT Youth. Jesus always stood with those who were the "others" in the community. His message was one always of Love.
Thank you for continuing in his footsteps.
Thank you. You are alleviating unnecessary, thoughtless suffering.
Thank you for being the voice of reason and love in storm of ignorance and fear.
This is what our loving God calls us to each day. Please Seattle Archbishop Etienne, it is time. Prayer for us all.
Thank you for acknowledging that we are ALL God's children.
Thank you
Thank you, for recognizing and respecting the Christ that lives within every human being.
Thank you.
Dear Most Reverand Bishops and Archbishops: I am so grateful for your courage in standing up for all of the children of God. You have opened a positive dialogue in the name of those who Jesus loves, yet who have felt so marginalized in the past. My prayers are with you! 🙏
Thank you for signing!
Thank you all for your courage, your leadership and your love!
Thank you.
Thank you for reminding our LGBT community that God is on their side!!!
Thank you for leading on this simple truth- God loves all of us, having called us out of nothingness to exist as His beloved children, just as He fashioned us one by one. We are to follow suit, imitating our Lord in loving as He loves. I hope and pray you are joined by your brother bishops soon.
I would like to add a voice by thanking these great men of God for standing with this community. The members deserve love, compassion and inclusion. Big ups from Uganda.
I am so happy to see the number of bishops who support and love all increase. I do hope to eventually see our Archbishop on this list
Thank you, Gentlemen!
Thank you for signing and supporting!
Our God has love ❤️ for all his children. We appreciate you taking a stance on ignorance and fear. Everyone is welcome to the altar.
Thank you for signing this on behalf of family and friends who are lgbtq. Peace and good.
Thank you!
It may sound trite, but what would Jesus do? Reading his words, I know He would act with compassion.
Jesus Christ hung and bled on the cross for each and every one of us. He made us, he loves us, and he has prepared a place for us. We must convert our hearts to love him and love one another, before our lives pass by.
Thank you!
Your signatures begin the process of healing, acceptance, and saving lives. Thank you for signing.
Thank you for taking a stand on this issue. Jesus loved everyone and we must as well.
I want to thank all the clergies and religious who are advocating the lgbt Catholics . As I am part of the lgbt community, I spent quite a number of years being afraid that I would be persecuted in church. It was just recently that I met a priest who told me that God loves me and died not just for a group of person but everyone including me , including the lgbt community. He said there was nothing wrong I did , I am just loving another person. I am also so blessed to know a friend who is in the seminary who loves me for who I am too. I have known three wonderful priests who have accepted me for who I am and have not condemned me . I think that it has given me a whole new perspective of how amazing God's love is for me and everyone He has made.
Thank you for your spirit of inclusiveness that is foundation of our Catholic faith.
Thank you for your efforts to protect all God’s children.
Thank you for recognizing the power of love.
Thank you for your vocal support!
-Catholic in RI
Thank you for publicly taking a stand on what we know, that our Creator loves all of us!
May God bless you for pointing out what should have been happening all along. We are all God's children and none of us deserve to be outcast, abused, harassed. We are all deserving of His love and we need to respect and love another as well.
Thank you. All are welcome.
Thank you for using your voice for the vulnerable in our community! This is an authentically Catholic mission. Thank you all for taking this courageous step when it would be easier to stay silent.
The responsibility of protecting LGBT youth belongs to all of us. #freeaunthugs
Thank you!
Thanks so much for supporting some of our most vulnerable loved ones
While not LBGTQ, I still had a very hard childhood and adolescence. My local parish embraced me and kept me going. Thank you for loving our young people and giving them hope.
On behalf of the Peace and Justice Coalition at St Patrick in Urbana, Illinois and our LGBTQ+ ministry, we are extremely grateful for your leadership and witness to the Catholic Church and the world at large. We desperately need this pathway forward in loving one another and treating one another with full dignity and respect. We partner with you in ending homophobia in the church and in creating a welcoming home for all who enter our parish doors.
What is our church made of, if not love, first and foremost? Thank you for supporting this urgently needed initiative.
Thank you for your love and courage. We are all equal in the eyes of God and we are all loved.
Thank you!!!
I am most grateful see this support. It gives me hope in a time when I witness such a divided church! Your truth, compassion and witness to the gospel of Christ as well as your support of dear Pope Francis offers light to many of us who see such darkness.
January 20 began a new day of promise. I pray more voices will follow.
Thank you for emphasizing the love that God has for LGBT people!
Congratulations to these bishops. Bullying is anti-Christ in the extreme and needs to be called out
Thank you for your bold statements of love and support of all.
Thank you for your statement and showing us Jesus through your actions.
The Lord created and loves each of us as we are. Science and our Lord recognize there are great differences in people. We love and celebrate all creation, as they were created.
Thank you to all for highlighting, supporting, and standing up for the importance of protecting all of our youth. I hope and pray every leader and member of the Catholic church joins you in this effort.
Thank you all.
Thank you for suppoting our LGBTQ+ sisters and brothers! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Words matter...thank you for using your voice for those most in need and vulnerable...
Thank you Bishops ❤️
Thank you to the Bishops who have signed. Hoping my Bishop, Michael Burbidge will soon sign. Our Church must be more inclusive if it is to grow and truly serve all God’s people.
Thank you for standing up.
Thank you for signing.
Thank you for speaking truth and the message of the Gospel to our young people who so often feel rejected and alone.
Thank you
On behalf of my son, a daughter, a grandson, a godson gay and given to me by the God of Creation to be in my care...God honored me with them and many beautiful gay friends because he knew I would love them. My son is in heaven with God and he knows the truth. He is in a place loved and protected. His church never welcomed him but there were a few priests who did. His family adored him as well. You have done a good thing...a beginning.
We must protect and cherish our LGBT+ youth.
May God protect the most vulnerable amongst us. As the archbishop of Indianapolis, has made clear, the LGBTQ people aren’t welcome. I’m not LGBTQ, but feel that they deserve the sacraments as much as anyone else. How dare the church deprive and dangle the sacraments from the flock.
Thank you for taking a public stance of support and respect. These kinds of statements matter deeply.
Thank you for your support and leadership regarding our LGBTQ community. No one can take my faith from me. We need to others to join you. 🙏
Thanks
Thank you to all the Bishops for showing your love and caring about the LGBT youth in our communities.
Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you.
I invite Archbishop Mueggenborg to pray about signing your support. What are you afraid of?
Thank you. We are all Gods children. He is Our Father, not just certain peoples’ father.
Thank you.
Thank You for leading the way in acting like true Christians by showing love & support for all of Gods Children.
Thank you. Your support makes a difference to so many.
Thank you for following the model that Christ left us
Thank you. Your compassion means so much to me.
Thank you for your action for inclusion, respect and the end of bullying
Thank you!
Thank you for standing with our LGBTQ brothers and sisters and modeling what it means to live our faith; love first, love all, love endlessly.
Thank you. I hope to see our new Bishop, Byrne, from Western MA sign soon.
Thank you for especially protecting our young people.
Thank you for seeking to embody the Gospel.
Thanks to bishops McElroy and Dolan for leading the church in San Diego with compassion, solidarity and hope.
Thanks to the Holy Spirit for softening the hearts of these clergy. Please reach out to the priests and seminarians to also be open to loving all people.
Thank you for offering light and love with this initiative, from a mom whose child felt rejected by God.
In the sincere hope that your voices will be joined swiftly by your peers.
Thanks for an important step forward!
Thank you for your bold leadership.
Thank you!
In gratitude to bishops who have signed this statement in support of our LGBT brothers and sisters. May many more be so inspired.
Thank you for taking this action. I never understood anti-homosexuality. The Bible is overwhelmingly “pro-love,” so why would a particular kind be considered evil or sinful? The Bible’s strictures against homosexuality are never in the context of romantic love. In fact, in several places it is explicitly in the context of prostitution in pagan temples. Maybe that’s the way it is intended to be understood.
Grateful to all of the Bishops who signed on to this recognition that all of God's children deserve love and respect.
Thank you for honoring the human dignity of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters.
I’m Catholic and I am gay. I’ve been blessed and I’ve been hurt from my youth to now as a young adult. Above all, I know I am a child of God. With all of my heart, thank you. Even if you don’t know all of our stories, this means saving lives and healing wounds, including my own. We need more Bishops like you to live the Gospels of today. May this action lead us all closer to Christ rather than away from Him & His church. Peace be with you!
Thank you for reminding the world that we are all a part of God’s family.
Thank you! God created us in his own image, and we are all his children, and we all deserve to be treated equally and embraced by His love!
Thank you for your courage and your humanity
Thank you for your support in protecting our youth and our community!
Thank you for standing up for what is right Fathers
Thank you for leading the Catholic Church into the future and letting LGBTQ+ Christians know they are loved, wanted and valuable.
Thank you for following the path of Jesus, who welcomed all. I pray that other Bishops follow your leadership.
Thank you for speaking up in support of all God’s children.
Thank you!
Thank you, Bishops. I hope that Bishop O'Connell joins you.
Than you for your efforts to build a more inclusive world.
Thank you for your stand. It should be a loving stand and not have to be courageous.
We are all God's children. Bullying is a form of violence and it should not be a part of our Christian life. Blessings to all. 💕 Love heals.
The world can always use a little extra kindness. God bless.
Your public support means a lot and will help illuminate the challenges our LGBTQ youth face especially within our church.
Thank you🙏🏼
Thank you for standing up for what is right. God's love knows no boundaries and is for all people.
Thank you for supporting our LGBTQ brethren
Thank you!
Thank you for getting behind the Upstander Cause.
Thank you for doing the right thing.
Prayers for all in the Tyler Clement foundation; your work will save lives, encourage a renewed depth of love, welcome & kindness for LGBT+ young people, and offer hope for those who feel excluded & rejected even by our Church. Thank you to the Bishops & Cardinal who have put your names to this. In very bleak times of great suffering for so many in the world, this is a ray of hope.
Thank you for helping change hearts and minds.
Thank you for continuing to spread the love Jesus spoke about in the gospel.
Thank You.
Thank you for being kind and compassionate. It is disappointing that this not a universally held position and that it is considered bold and courageous to voice support for our fellow human beings.
Thank you for speaking up and spreading God's love.
Professor of Theology,
John Carroll University
Thank you for everything, Father. You've helped so many and restored my faith in Christianity.
Always praying for our priests.
As Jesus (probably) said, We're all in this together.
well done
Thank you for speaking out against hate and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. And thank you for speaking up and showing that our religious leaders are on the side of love for all.
My sincerest appreciation for your support! Keep up the important work of letting LGBT Catholic youth know that the church needs and values them.
A small but welcome step that reflects the commandment of Love. Now to reflect it in real actions and words.
God made us. He loves us. Each one of us is a precious treasure, a gift straight from God. We should do what He commands: love each other as He loves us.
Thank You for loving your neighbor as yourself.
Love will prevail
So grateful for this gospel witness
Thanks!!!!!
Thank you for your leadership.
I stand with all who believe - God loves you just as he made you
Thank you for your goodness and kindness; and thank you for doing what Jesus would have us do.
Thank you for speaking up in support of these children of God.
❤️❤️
Thanks for remembering the marginalized
Thank you for standing up for love and inclusiveness.
Thank you for standing up for all of God’s children
Thank you for leading!
So very grateful to the bishops who have spoken in such a beautiful and pastoral manner. Compassion and mercy pave the way for something more. Thank you!!
Thank you, Bishop Madden of Baltimore. You have always been a great witness and an example of God's love for all especially the poor and the marginalized.
Thank you for standing for humanity and justice! May this be a living example to other bishops and all those in leadership to stand on the side of justice.
Your Excellencies Bishops in USA.From the bottom of my heart,I'd like to thank you for this step,it help many&will save the life of many spiritually&physically.May the Lord bless you!!!God is on our&on your side!!!!
Thanks for your support
Thanks to all the bishops who are standing with their LGBT friends. So many Catholics are grateful for your courageous and compassionate witness.
Thank you very much!
Thank you for speaking up and being an Upstander!
Thank you for leading the path to a better, more loving and inclusive world.
So very grateful to all the Bishops who have added their name to this statement. May many hearts be softened as they shine God's love, mercy and hope into the world.