Readers React: Signs of change on LGBT issues in the Catholic Church

To the editor: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics are deeply disappointed that the final summary of the synod on the family at the Vatican omitted the welcoming and respectful language that received such widespread media attention when the interim report was issued last week. (“Catholic leaders at synod backtrack on welcoming gays to the church,” Oct. 18)

Clearly there are deep divisions among the cardinals and bishops on how to realistically address the presence of same-sex couples in the pews, especially as increasing numbers of them are able to legally formalize their relationships. For now, it appears the damaging old doctrines have won the day.

However, the very fact that there was welcoming language to purge from the final synod document is a sign that there is a growing portion of the church hierarchy that is in line with the majority of Catholics who support justice and equality for LGBT people. We take this as a sign of hope for the future of our church.

Christopher Cappiello, West Hollywood

The writer is president of the San Fernando Valley chapter of DignityUSA, an organization that focuses on LGBT rights in the Catholic Church.

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