Task Force welcomes Vatican discussion on LGBTQ people

WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 13, 2014- Today the Vatican issued a discussion paper called "Relatio" where it proposes a new position on LGBTQ people.

"This Vatican discussion is a step in the right direction in tone. We look forward to the day that the Vatican's new tone produces substantive change in doctrine and practice. While we are heartened to see the Vatican leadership recognize the gifts that LGBTQ people bring to the Catholic Church, the discussion paper does not reflect an appreciation of - and the diversity within - our LGBTQ community with gender identity being totally missing in the text. And it is a very far distance from recognizing marriage equality. We hope that this paper will lead to a full and representative discussion in the meeting of bishops currently taking place in Rome - and actual change. We also hope that the Catholic Church will have a discussion about reproductive rights and that it leads to a fundamental change in their position to reflect the realities of women and couples' lives - and to further help end the HIV/AIDS epidemic."

Rev. Darlene Nipper, Deputy Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force