FSPA signs on to Tyler Clementi statement supporting LGBTQ youth

“Most of all, know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side.” 
-Tyler Clementi statement

As reported by Global Catholic Sisters Report, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement signed by five different bishops, expressing “concerns” over President Joe Biden’s decision to extend existing federal protections against sex discrimination to include LGBTQ people. The five bishops wrote that prohibiting discrimination threatens the religious liberty of those who believe differently because it could lead to “mandates that, for example, erode health care conscience rights or needed and time-honored sex-specific spaces and activities.”

In response, and in support of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, 12 Catholic Bishops started the “God is on Your Side” effort. The “God is on Your Side” statement says Christians have a duty to stand up for LGBTQ youth. “As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBTQ people are to be treated with ‘respect, compassion and sensitivity,’ ” the statement says. “All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBTQ youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates.”The statement also says its signatories “oppose any form of violence,  bullying or harassment directed” at LGBTQ people.

FSPA joined the signatories, including many congregations of women religious, of the “God Is On Your Side” statement. Adding that ...

Our Franciscan charism, grounded in the Gospel and guided by the example of Saints Francis and Clare, calls us to actively work to create spaces of inclusivity and love. We denounce all hatred, bigotry and unjust discrimination and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ youth. 

Learn more: Tyler Clementi Foundation