Ethan Walker
Commonwealth Catholic Charities, based in the greater Richmond region, helps individuals facing housing instability. However, Catholic Charities agencies have been criticized for their stance on the LGBTQ+ community. While the Catechism of the Catholic Church does not consider homosexual orientation sinful, it has been criticized for its negative attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. Catholic Charities agencies have been accused of discriminating against LGBTQ+ individuals and families in adoption and foster care services, with some employees resigning in protest. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Catholic charity that refused to consider same-sex parents eligible to adopt foster children, citing religious freedom. This ruling and the actions of Catholic Charities agencies have sparked protests and debates about the balance between religious liberty and anti-discrimination laws.
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What You'll Learn
Catholic Charities' stance on LGBT adoptive parents
The Catholic Church's stance on the LGBTQ+ community has been described as negative, with the Catechism of the Catholic Church naming "homosexual acts" as "intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law". The Church's teachings also equate birth anatomy with gender, though there is no official policy on transgender individuals. Despite this, the Church does not consider "homosexual orientation" sinful, and Pope Francis' famous remark, "Who am I to judge?", has been interpreted as a neutralization of Pope Benedict's previous instruction.
In the United States, Catholic Charities agencies have been at the centre of controversy over their decision to cease providing adoption and foster care services to avoid serving LGBT clients. This decision has been met with protests and criticism from both the public and former Catholic Charities employees, who argue that it harms LGBT youth and adults and goes against the message of love and inclusiveness promoted by Jesus. The bishops' conference has also been accused of advocating for policies that harm the LGBTQ+ community while claiming to respect gays and lesbians.
Catholic Charities of Buffalo, for example, ended its adoption and foster care services after a same-sex couple inquired about adopting a child. The agency's CEO, Dennis Walczyk, claimed that the situation was "unique" and "difficult", and that they still welcomed clients of any sexual orientation. However, critics argue that this decision perpetuates discrimination against the LGBT community and uses children as vulnerable pawns in a political struggle.
In addition to the protests, the ACLU of Illinois and other organisations have reacted to Catholic Charities' support for LGBTQ discrimination in court cases. For instance, in the Fulton v. City of Philadelphia case, Catholic Charities argued that they should be able to deny state-funded services to unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, despite Illinois law recognising the freedom to marry for all couples. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favour of Catholic Charities, stating that Philadelphia violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment by imposing its anti-discrimination law on the religious organisation.
While the Catholic Church's official stance on LGBTQ+ issues remains complex and varied across different parishes, the actions and statements of Catholic Charities agencies and bishops have been perceived as discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the context of adoptive and foster parents.
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Bishops' support for anti-LGBTQ+ court cases
The Catholic Church has a complicated relationship with the LGBTQ+ community. While the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "homosexual persons are called to chastity" and that they "must be accepted with respect and sensitivity", there have been instances of LGBTQ+ employees being dismissed from Catholic schools and parishes. This is due to the Church's stance that "homosexual acts" are "intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law". This conflicting approach has led to a divide among Catholic leaders, with some bishops advocating for inclusion and respect, while others actively supporting court cases that discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has been particularly vocal in its opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. In 2020, Catholic Charities organisations in Joliet and Springfield submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court in the case of Fulton v. City of Philadelphia. The case centred on whether a religious organisation could demand government contracts for child welfare services while refusing to comply with LGBTQ+ non-discrimination requirements. The bishops supported Catholic Charities' position, arguing that discriminatory policies are necessary to protect their religious liberty.
In another instance, the U.S. bishops' conference supported court cases and regulatory efforts to prohibit LGBTQ+ workplace protections. They opposed the Equality Act pending in Congress and a new component of the National Suicide Hotline offering resources for LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, they have presided over the firings of gay teachers and church employees.
However, it is important to note that not all Catholic bishops agree with these discriminatory stances. Some, like Robert McElroy, the bishop of San Diego, and John Wester, the archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, have taken a pastoral, respectful, and inclusive approach. They, along with a dozen other bishops, have spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ youth and adults, signing statements such as "God Is on Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth". Unfortunately, these inclusive voices are in the minority within the Church's leadership.
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Catholic schools' dismissal of LGBTQ+ employees
The Catholic Church's stance on the LGBTQ+ community has been a contentious issue. While the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that "homosexual persons are called to chastity" and that they "must be accepted with respect and sensitivity", it also names "homosexual acts" as "intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law". This contradiction has led to a varied experience for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church, with some parishes offering a warm welcome while others deny membership to those who identify as LGBTQ+.
This conflict is also reflected in the Church's treatment of its LGBTQ+ employees. In recent years, there have been several instances of LGBTQ+ employees being dismissed from Catholic schools and parishes in the United States. These dismissals have often occurred following the celebration of a same-sex couple's marriage or the discovery of the employee's same-sex relationship. For example, in 2020, Terry Gonda was fired after 36 years of service in music ministry at a parish in Detroit because of her same-sex relationship. More recently, in January, Maggie Barton, a technology teacher at a Catholic school in Denver, was fired after the archdiocese found a photo indicating she was in a same-sex relationship.
The Congregation for Catholic Education has released a new document on Catholic identity that could impact how LGBTQ+ employment issues are addressed. The document calls for careful handling of disputes, suggesting that dismissal should be the last resort and that dialogue should be pursued first. However, some LGBTQ+ advocates worry that bishops will use the document to justify discriminatory actions.
The Catholic Church's treatment of its LGBTQ+ employees is part of a broader pattern of exclusion and discrimination. Catholic Charities agencies have excluded LGBTQ+ individuals from fostering and adoption services, and bishops have supported court cases and regulatory efforts to prohibit LGBTQ+ workplace protections. These actions have been justified by the Church's teachings on homosexuality and the belief that children should ideally be raised by a mother and a father.
However, it is important to note that not all Catholic leaders agree with these discriminatory practices. Some bishops and archbishops have spoken out in support of the LGBTQ+ community, and organisations like DignityUSA and Fortunate Families work for respect and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals within the Church. Additionally, research has shown that LGBTQ+ educators are a "unique and indispensable blessing" to Catholic schools.
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The Catholic Church's teachings on homosexuality
The Church's stance on homosexuality is based on the belief that all sexual acts must be open to procreation and express the symbolism of male-female complementarity. Homosexuality is seen as a tendency towards sin, and gay people are called to practice chastity. The Church actively campaigns against LGBTQ+ rights, including same-sex marriage, and does not recognise sacramental marriages between same-sex couples.
Despite this, the Church also teaches that LGBTQ+ individuals "must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity", and that "every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided". Pope Francis has taken a notably different approach from his predecessors, supporting civil unions for same-sex couples and publicly denouncing sodomy laws.
In practice, the experience of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Catholic Church can vary widely across dioceses and parishes. Some parishes have denied membership to LGBTQ+ individuals and dismissed employees for celebrating same-sex marriages, while others actively welcome LGBTQ+ members within the limits of Church policy.
The Church's teachings on homosexuality have evolved over time, influenced by papal interventions and theologians, including the early Church Fathers. Canon law regarding same-sex sexual activity has been shaped by decrees issued by ecclesiastical councils, initially targeting clerical or monastic discipline before being widened to include laymen in the medieval period.
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Commonwealth Catholic Charities' work with homeless people
Commonwealth Catholic Charities (CCC) has been supporting communities and individuals in Virginia since 1923. The organisation provides a variety of resources for those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. CCC's dedicated staff offer street outreach and case management services, connecting individuals with resources to help them secure stable, long-term housing. CCC also operates a Housing Resource Center, providing a safe and welcoming space for those in need during the day. Here, individuals can access phone chargers, food, clothing, and toiletries, as well as receive support to resolve housing crises.
CCC partners with various organisations, including homeless service providers in the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care and the Crater Area Coalition on Homelessness, to assist households in overcoming housing challenges. The charity's street outreach team adopts a person-centred approach, focusing on building trust and rapport with each individual they encounter. CCC's ultimate goal is to help individuals achieve their long-term goals of safety and stability, walking alongside them as they work towards their personal objectives.
While CCC's work primarily centres around housing and homelessness, the charity also offers a range of other services. These include adoption, counselling, foster care, immigration and refugee services, and supportive housing. CCC's adoption and foster care services have, however, been criticised for their stance on LGBTQ+ parents. CCC has supported court cases and regulatory efforts to prohibit LGBTQ+ workplace protections and has submitted amicus briefs in Supreme Court cases, arguing for the right to exclude LGBTQ+ individuals from fostering and adoption processes.
Despite these controversies, CCC maintains that their priority is to help people find safe and stable housing, providing compassionate human services to those in need.
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Frequently asked questions
Commonwealth Catholic Charities, based in the greater Richmond region, helps individuals facing housing instability. While there is no evidence of their exclusion of LGBT individuals, other Catholic Charities agencies have been accused of discrimination against the LGBT community.
Yes, Catholic Charities agencies have been accused of discriminating against LGBT individuals in adoption and fostering services. In 2018, Catholic Charities of Buffalo ended its adoption and fostering services to avoid serving LGBT clients. In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favour of a Catholic charity that refused to consider same-sex parents eligible to adopt foster children.
The Catholic Church does not consider "homosexual orientation" sinful, but it does have a negative attitude towards it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes "homosexual acts" as "intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law" and "homosexual tendencies" as "objectively disordered". However, the Catechism also states that "homosexual persons must be accepted with respect and sensitivity" and that "every sign of unjust discrimination against them should be avoided".
There have been instances of LGBT employees in the United States being dismissed from Catholic schools and parishes following the celebration of a same-sex couple's marriage. However, there are also Catholic organisations, such as DignityUSA and Fortunate Families, that work for respect, inclusion, and justice for LGBT individuals within the Church.
