By Dan Howarth. Dan is entering his 3rd year as a seminarian at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome.

I have always known that my future ministry will be inclusive of our LGBT+ family. Sometimes this feels difficult, as despite Pope Francis' openness and pastoral approach, we often hear of stances against the community within the church (thankfully, not often in Liverpool).

Our synodal report told the archdiocese that we want an inclusive church. I am very proud of that within Liverpool, and of the wonderful LGBT+ Masses led by Monsignor Stephen Maloney. So I was delighted that the Archbishop asked me to write this for Pic readers.

At the beginning of August, I attended Outreach, an LGBT+ catholic ministry conference. Part of America Magazine, founded by Fr James Martin (a well-known LGBT+ advocate) and held at Georgetown University, Washington DC, this event brought theologians, academics, clergy and LGBT+ Catholics and their allies together.

The theme was to build community, and I feel very lucky to have been part of it. The event kicked off with a beautiful prayer service that asked the Holy Spirit for forgiveness, courage, openness and compassion.

Panel events were held to hone in on the voices of people who Cardinal Archbishop of Washington DC, Eminence Wilton Gregory, described as the heart of the church (he also presided over the first Mass) and how their faith sustains them through difficulties. 

Poignantly, Professor AJ Levine (biblical scholar and NT expert) spoke of the times when the Bible has been used to target LGBT+ people, but how this too has often been misinterpreted.

Biblical times were very different from today and social structures in Roman and Jewish cultures back then were more focused on a male, female, slave, or free social class.

For example, in St Paul's letter to the Romans - famously quoted to condemn homosexuals, the original translations were more accurately describing non consensual sex between males from different classes. 

We heard examples of good ministry to LGBT+ people. Some queer Catholics may not feel that their church is a safe place to be open about who they are. For those who question why this is needed, the answer is probably because for many years LGBT+ Catholics may have been told that they are not welcome or even worse, not equal to their straight counterparts.

Good practice here is to remind our parishioners that an inclusive safe space for LGBT+ people is also a safe space for everyone. In the Church's synodal way, we are listening and, importantly, hearing the barriers people face within the church.

Words can hurt all of us, closed attitudes can isolate us, and neither of these are part of Jesus' gospel. As AJ Levine reminded us, the Bible is a rock to stand on, not a rock to be thrown to hurt. 

Finally, I attended a panel discussion on how to preach to LGBTQ+ Catholics, and importantly how not to. Our homilies should never target someone or intentionally cause humiliation and isolation.

And the take-home message – if you start with love, people will hear it with love. This was also live recorded for the “Preach: Catholic homilies” podcast.

Being at this conference reaffirmed my desire to have an open ministry to people with all sexualities and none. I was blown away by the continued faith some people had despite at times hearing very unloving things.

For anyone who struggles to understand the need for LGBT+ ministry, listen to LGBT+ Catholics, or perhaps meet people at the LGBT+ Masses.

For our LGBTQ+ family, you are heard, you are visible, and you are very much loved.

For information on Archdiocese LGBT+ Mass, visit www.facebook.com/p/LGBT-Catholics-Archdiocese-of-Liverpool-100079342640658

For more information on Outreach visit our website outreach.faith

Like this article? Read this and more in the latest edition of the Catholic Pic. You can pick up a copy from your local parish, or read an online version here.