When Bishop John Iffert of Covington, Kentucky, decided to celebrate Mass with Catholics Embracing All God’s Children (CEAGC), a support group for LGBTQ+ families, he faced pushback from other faithful. Two dozen people sent letters and emails urging him not to attend the Mass, citing moral issues concerning gender and sexuality.
Bishop Iffert was undeterred. He went to the Mass and later wrote about his experience on the diocesan website, defending his participation and the support group’s work. The St. Joseph’s Church, Cold Spring was filled to capacity for the Mass, and the bishop recognized many of the attendees as people who regularly attended his Masses. In his homily, Iffert told the story of a gay man who spoke to him about his love for Christ. The interaction was meaningful for Iffert and had a “lasting effect” on his life.
Iffert also observes that many believe that “homosexual acts — like every sexual act outside of marriage, and any sexual act between spouses that separates the unitive and procreative dimensions of sexuality — are grave matter for sin.” However, he notes that all individuals, including the LGBTQ+ community, are “children of God” who deserve love and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or actions.
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TAKE ACTION: Contact Bishop Iffert at 859.392.1500 and let him know what you think.