Pennsylvania Catholics respond to Archbishop Chaput, want candid discussion about LGBT issues during Pope's Philadelphia visit

PENNSYLVANIA –  Keystone Catholics is disappointed by the November 19th statement by Archbishop Chaput in which he suggested issues dealing with sexuality are driven by the media and therefore will not be widely covered at the World Meeting of Families next September in Philadelphia.

Not talking about the issue doesn't make the problems go away. Problems such as firing gay teachers for getting a state marriage license, hate crimes towards the LGBT community, or the high suicide rate of LGBT people due to persistent discrimination and persecution.  

"These serious issues affect all of us and shouldn't be cast aside simply because Catholics on opposing sides of the issue hold strong views," said Stephen Seufert, State Director of Keystone Catholic, "there are too many people needlessly suffering because those in a position of leadership either want to blame others, cast judgment, or simply ignore the issue."

Since the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in October, it's clear to Keystone Catholics Pope Francis welcomes a discussion on human sexuality in relation to marriage and the family.  

Seufert added, "The World Meeting of Families is a chance to have an open, honest discussion of what it means to be a part of a family. Now isn't the time to close our minds and hearts to such a discussion."