September 30, 2015. Boston, MA. DignityUSA, the leading organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) Catholics, responded to the Vatican's confirmation that Pope Francis had met with Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis with dismay.
"The news that Pope Francis met with Kim Davis while failing to respond to repeated requests for dialogue with LGBT Catholics and their families will be deeply disappointing to many Catholics, gay, trans, and straight alike," said DignityUSA Executive Director Marianne Duddy-Burke. "It may be seen as putting the weight of the Vatican behind the US Catholic bishops' claims of victimization, and to support those who want to make it more difficult for same-sex couples to exercise their civil right to marriage. This encounter could, in many people's minds, transform the Pope's US trip from a largely successful pastoral visit to the endorsement of an exclusionary political agenda.
"I fear that this meeting and claims that the Pope told Ms. Davis to 'stand strong' will embolden the many US bishops and others who continue to try to turn back support for LGBT people. It will make even more of us feel like the Pope's message of mercy and love was not meant for LGBT people and families. It points again to the deep divide between Catholics who affirm and support their LGBT family members and friends, and the hierarchy, which is tragically out of touch," continued Duddy-Burke.
"It would be helpful for the Vatican to be more forthcoming about the circumstances that led to this meeting, and what the Pope hoped to convey in his discussions with Ms. Davis," said Duddy-Burke.
In July 2015, DignityUSA, GLAAD and over 30 endorsing organizations sent a letter to Pope Francis, urging him to meet with LGBT Catholics and their families during his U.S. visit. The letter cited the "enormous pastoral crisis" with regard to LGBT people and the grave damage being done to LGBT youth as compelling reasons for this dialogue. The letter was followed by several petitions urging that such a meeting take place. No response was received from the Vatican.
"We still believe that for the Pope to hear the stories of LGBT Catholics and our families would be a key step in reversing the official Church teachings that damage so many people," said Duddy-Burke. "In fact, his meeting with Ms. Davis makes this even more urgent. We have people in Rome right now, on the eve of the Synod of the Family reconvening, who would be happy to talk with the Pope if he's willing to take a small step towards righting this injustice."
DignityUSA is the nation's leading organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered ( LGBT ) Catholics. It recently announced its goal of working for full sacramental equality for LGBT individuals and families in the Church.
