In an effort to help us put down our fear of those who are different from ourselves and to better understand the experiences, expectations and spirituality of gays and lesbians [and their families]

We would like to present our Learning Program for your Parish  

Schedule & Directions

What happens when your child says, "I'm Gay"?  Can you be Gay and Catholic?

  The subject of homosexuality is one which can create emotional reactions in many of us. The Roman Catholic Bishops of the United States recognized this fact when they published their Pastoral Letter on homosexuality entitled “Always Our Children” (Nov., 1997). That letter was addressed not only to parents of homosexual persons, who were encouraged to love and accept their children, but also to those involved in pastoral care who were directed to welcome homosexual persons as full members of the parish community. The Bishops ended their Letter with a quote from John “There is no fear in love…perfect love drives out fear.” [1 Jn 4:18]

The Bishops urged parents to regard their gay and lesbian children as “gifted and called for a purpose in God’s design.”

As early as 1976, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops in their pastoral letter “To Live in Christ Jesus” called for inclusion of lesbians and gay men in the Roman Catholic Church. They said “Homosexuals, like everyone else, should not suffer from prejudice against their basic human rights. They have the right to respect friendship, and justice. They should have an active role in the Church”

PFLAG/Detroit offers presentations which can be held at your church. Members of PFLAG ( a support group for Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will tell of their experiences as parents of a homosexual child.

A group of gay and lesbian describe some of their experiences coming to terms with their sexuality and spirituality. This program consists of a panel presentation followed by a question and answer period. The panel is composed of gay and lesbian persons and parents or family members.

The purpose of this meeting is not to debate religious issues related to this subject. 

The purpose of this meeting merely to open the door

to what has often been a forbidden subject, and offer an opportunity for people to better understand the lives of gay and lesbian persons and their families.

Whether or not you think you know any homosexual persons, please join us to take a first step toward a better understanding of this issue and its effects on real people.