Local LGBT-rights activists were optimistic following comments about homosexuality made by Pope Francis.
In a lengthy interview, the pope said that the Catholic Church has been too focused on the issues of abortion, same-sex marriage and contraception, suggesting it find a "new balance" to deliver its message, according to USA Today.
The Rev. Antonio Spadaro—a fellow Jesuit and editor-in-chief of La Civilta Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit journal—conducted the interview over three meetings.
"We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods," the pontiff said. "This is not possible. I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that.
"But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context. The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time."
Regarding homosexuality, the pope said, "A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: 'Tell me: When God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?' We must always consider the person."
Rick Garcia of The Civil Rights Agenda said Pope Francis' comments echo "what I and other gay Catholics have been saying for years. The Gospels preach love and acceptance over rigid dogma. God loves all his children and I'm thrilled the Holy Father is sending a clear message to the Church hierarchy to stop spreading hatred."
Garcia added, "As a Catholic, I'm always shocked—even after all these years—to witness Church leaders testifying against God's children. …I pray that Cardinal George and others throughout America will take the gospel-centered advice of our Holy Father."
In a statement, Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov said Pope Francis "offered a new prescription to Catholic bishops and faithful for considering inclusion of LGBT people. Just weeks ago, the Pope admonished his followers not to ostracize or marginalize gay people, and today he took the next step in saying that the Roman Catholic hierarchy should not be 'obsessed' with opposition to LGBT people. His insistence on respect and inclusiveness naturally opens the discussion to other subjects, such as protecting all families and building a better, more equal society."
Joe Murray, executive director of Rainbow Sash Movement, regarded the comments as a positive development as well. "On the face of it, it looks like what he's saying is about love, it's not about dogma. I like the fact that he seems to be giving permission to have a dialogue about this."
Chris Pett of Dignity/Chicago said that after the pope's remarks this past summer, his organization had a sense "of cautious optimism that he was going to be a true agent of change for the Church."
He added that he regarded the interview as a call for the Church to end their various campaigns against the LGBT community.
"That directs some questions towards Cardinal George," Pett said. 'What actions will you take as a cardinal, and how does that compare to what your leader is speaking of?' …From our perspective, it's an opportunity to reach out for dialogue, hopefully one where we can learn from each other and it's not just him telling us what is right and wrong."
Murray cautioned that the Church is likely a long way from full acceptance of the lives of its LGBT members.
"While this is positive, you have to remember that the LGBT community has been at the epicenter of the Church's war on morality," he added. "A lot of people have been alienated. While I appreciate what he said, a lot more needs to be done. If the Pope is sincere, he needs to pull the homophobes back—homophobia is the 900-pound gorilla in the cathedral."
For now, Murray said he hopes that the Pope "reaches out to the community in a more dramatic way"—but he's not planning on letting up in his activist work on behalf of gay Catholics anytime soon.
"I'm not going to stop my public opposition to Francis George only based on what Pope Francis says," said Murray.
The Archdiocese of Chicago did not respond to a request for comment.
—Assistance: Andrew Davis
Muted reaction from Cardinal George
Cardinal Francis George released a statement Sept. 20, following Pope Francis' interview calling for less focus on gays and abortion, according to Chicago Sun-Times.
While the statement praised the pope's message of love, it ignored some of his more provocative statements. George wrote:
"In his beautiful reflection published in English in America magazine, Pope Francis begins by identifying himself as a sinner, and so are we all. The first thing a sinner striving for conversion needs to hear is that God loves him or her. Mercy is love eager to forgive.
"That has become the leitmotif of Pope Francis' teaching, and it puts into perspective the demands of discipleship expressed and clarified in the Church's established doctrinal and moral teaching. For who the Pope is, we should all be grateful. From how he teaches the truths of the Catholic faith, we can all profit."
Several members of the Catholic LGBT community expressed hope Thursday that the pope's comments signaled an increased tolerance from the Church, as well as diminished political opposition to gay issues.
See related story: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Popes-statements-seen-as-good-sign-/44513.html .
