Ministries for gay and lesbian Catholics?

Question

I posted this in the religion/spirituality section too, but maybe I'll get some different responses here...

I am a Catholic lesbian woman, and have chosen to live a celibate lifestyle. Does anyone know of any Catholic ministries in the St. Louis, MO area specifically for homosexual people? I'm open to all serious answers. Please do not respond by telling me that I have no place in the Church, because I am fully aware of Church teaching on sexuality, and I am not engaging in any act which would run contrary to that teaching. On the flipside, please do not tell me that the Church is causing me to repress who I truly am, or that I am brainwashed--this is a personal decision and is not forced--and I do respect those who have chosen a path different from my own. Having said that, any resources would be greatly appreciated :)

Also important to note: I'm looking for a safe place where I will be accepted as I am. Not looking to be "cured."

I'm very thankful for all the answers so far, but I'd really appreciate it if I didn't get any more responses telling me that I'm automatically living a contradiction for wanting to embrace both my faith and my identity. If you would really like to know how I reconcile the two, feel free to email me.

Answer 1

You have only a few choices if you choose to remain with a church that rejects you as "intrinsically evil," according to the infamous 1980s Ratzinger Letter - you know, from the current Pope. :o)

1) Dignity, for LGBT Roman Catholics,
2) MCC (Metropolitan Community Church), which affirms all faiths and orientations, and
3) Any other house of worship that welcomes LGBT people, such as most UU, many Episcopal, and other denominations.

As for me, the above mentioned letter pushed me over the edge and out of Dignity to MCC. Personally, I have no use for a religion that tells me I am wrong for following the plan God made me for.

Answer 2

There is "DignityUSA" which works for respect and justice for all gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support.

Also there are other Christian churches that support GLBTQ people. Another useful web-site is "A Letter to Louise" that gives research on what the Bible really says about GLBQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer) issues.

You do not have to be celibate unless you plan to become a nun. You can have a "good Christian" relationship with another woman, fall in love, raise a family (children), and so on. But it looks like you are still coming to terms with who you are.

Answer 3

Why would you waste your time? You say you are fully aware of the church teachings on homosexuality and since your lifestyle is contrary to that and you choose to live that way, why would you contradict yourself or do something halfway. They don't agree with eachother so you obviously can't be both. Chose weather you want to be a lesbian or a cotholic and go to it. That way you will be happier doing what you want. Since you know that the church is against it how can you believe in something the church doesn't. Do what makes you happy and don't worry about anything else. Let me know how that works out, good luck.

Answer 4

great dear.Its hard to utter and accept the truth in open.Cheers for you first and secondly I am agrred by your words but will say in other words.Instead of making a seprate society or ministry for LGBT I will recommend for complete marital rights to them in social.Else that in all they are having equal rights & duties but you can say such people are seen by another eyes by the straight.And by setting a special ministry for them I think they will become a diff sigh for society.And then a war between gay society & straight society will brust up.Recommend to remove social imbalance and make awareness amoung society and let them to understand those which nature has given to them.Ignorant word must need to be replace.After that they will have a common look like others and One ministry need to be mantaiin in which LGBT will also deserves equal rights .
Whats you all thinks of....................

Answer 5

You might want to scroll down in the questions recently asked.
There are some good links to Gay Christian sites where you might be able to get the information you're looking for.

Answer 6

I just wanted to say God bless you. I wish I had your faith and committment. You are an example for us all. God bless.

Answer 7

Try:
+ Dignity: http://www.dignitychicago.org/Current.htm
+ AGLOChicago: http://www.aglochicago.org/index.html

God bless.

With love in Christ.

Answer 8

i wish ihade enough time to read it, lol