LGBT Catholics+ Westminster Pastoral Council - The following are elected and co-opted members of the LGBT Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council 2019-20: Neil Cocking (co-opted 2019 - 530 Music Group), Emma Cooper (elected 2019), Peter Hart (Catering/Refreshments), David Hothersall (Website), Kirk Jacob, Godfrey Kawalya (co-opted 2019 - Welcoming & LGBT+ Refugees Liaison), Martin Kelly (elected 2019), Rose Kelly (co-opted 2019), Robert Kirabira (re-elected 2019 - LGBT+ Refugees Liaison & Welcoming), Peter Liska (re-elected 2019 Treasurer & Pride Liaison), Thomas Lofaro (Chairperson), Rámond Mitchell (elected 2019 - Secretary), Janet Obeney-Williams Mount Street Gardens Farm Street Church (elected 2019), Martin Pendergast (Communications & Media), Joe Stanley (Co-Chair). Observers: Entrance Main Entrance Fr. Dominic Robinson SJ (Farm Street Parish Priest), Steven Fachada (Chairperson, Farm Street FEBRUARY 2020 - NEWS & NOTES Parish Council), Mgr. Keith Barltrop (Westminster Diocese), Ruby Almeida (Quest).
The Diocese of Westminster & LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council Terms of Reference, recognised by the Diocese of Westminster : welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender Catholics, parents, families and friends to the Jesuit Church - to identify the pastoral and sacramental needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans Catholics, their of the Immaculate Conception (Farm Street), 114 Mount Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 3AH. As part of parents and families; the Catholic Diocese of Westminster’s pastoral provision for LGBT Catholics, we are invited to gather for - to take part in 2nd & 4th Sunday 17.30 Masses at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Farm the 17.30 Masses at the Jesuit Church, on 2nd & 4th Sundays. Street, and to be responsible for the planning and organisation of faith-development activities Nearest Tube Stations: relevant to LGBT+ Catholic communities; Bond Street & Green Park - to communicate with the Archdiocese of Westminster on matters of pastoral care relating to LGBT+ (Central /Jubilee) (Piccadilly/Victoria/Jubilee) Catholics, their parents and families.
The LGBT Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council - Feel free to submit agenda items to the above 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH, is in the heart of Mayfair, central London, between PO Box/e-mail address for future meetings. Date of next Pastoral Council meeting: tbc 21 April 2020. Hyde Park and Regent Street. The nearest tubes are Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines). There are many buses within half a mile of the church, 2, 6, Mgr. Keith Barltrop, [email protected] - Parish Priest of St. Mary of the Angels, Bayswater, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 36, 38, 73, 74, 82, 94, 98, 137, 139, 148, 159, 189, 390, 414, 436, and is Chaplain and our Liaison with Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and available for pastoral support.
C2, with the 113 and 274 stopping slightly further away. A very warm welcome to visitors and 1st-timers at Farm Street - please join everyone in the Parish Hall after Mass for refreshments, prayer and chat ! LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, PO Box 24632, London E9 6XF - 020 8986 0807 [email protected] - www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org https://www.farmstreet.org.uk/activities See also the Farm Street Parish Newsletter for other information & events https://www.farmstreet.org.uk/ [email protected]
The words of welcome above have special meaning for us NOW. A number of our regular attenders, from Egypt, Sri Lanka, Uganda, currently struggle with their asylum claims. Here are just some details of Godfrey’s story: https://www.change.org/p/uk-home-office-stop-the-deportation-of-a-gay-ugandan refugee?recruiter=29970461&utmsource=shareforstarters&utmmedium=copyLink SEE ALSO: http://westendextra.com/article/ugandan-gay-man-fears-for-his-life-if-he-is-deported & http://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/6993/0/catholics-rally-behind-gay-ugandan-who-faces-deportation Westminster Diocese Website Link: http://rcdow.org.uk/diocese/lgbt-chaplaincy/ GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) You will know that Europe-wide Regulations came GOOD NEWS FOR A CHANGE! Great news for Emmanuel from Nigeria who has now received leave to into force on 25 May 2018. As a recognised diocesan chaplaincy we comply with the Roman Catholic remain in the UK and will now be able to find work again. It’s also been great to see Pryanga Nilmini and Diocese of Westminster (RCDOW) policy in this regard. If you wish to stop receiving our e-mail her 2 children back from Sri Lanka after a very difficult time there and renunited with Anne. communications, please inform us and we will unsubscribe you from our circulation-list: The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council has also endorsed the North London Metropolitan [email protected] Community Church’s LGBT African Asylum Seeker Research Project. The work was also supported Forthcoming Masses : February/March 2020 : The Jesuit Church of the Immaculate by the United Kingdom Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group ( UKLGIG) - https://uklgig.org.uk/?p=2870 Conception, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH. We gather for the 17.30 evening Mass on 2nd & 4th Sundays: The MCC-NL Report can be downloaded here: http://mccnorthlondon.org.uk/wp- 9 & 23 February; 8 (2nd Sunday in Lent) & 22 March. Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, is 26 content/uploads/2019/09/LGBT-African- Asylum-Seeker-Research-Project Report.pdf
February – see Farm Street Newsletter for details. You are also welcome at these other Sunday Mass STOP DEPORTATIONS NOW! Times : 18.00 (Sat), 8am, 9.30am (Family Mass), 11am (Sung Latin), 12.30pm, 17.30. Weekday Masses SAY IT LOUD www.sayitloudclub.co.uk + OUT & PROUD AFRICAN LGBTI GROUP - and Holy-days of Obligation : 8.00, 13.05, 18.00 Saturdays : 8.00, 18.00 (First Mass of Sunday) Public https://www.facebook.com/opalgbti/ & MOVEMENT FOR JUSTICE www.movementforjustice.org Holidays : 13.05. (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 12:30pm). The Sacrament of RAINBOWS ACROSS BORDERS http://rainbowsacrossborders.org.uk/ and this one in Uganda, Reconciliation : The Sacrament of Reconciliation and personal confession, is usually possible 10 www.saintpaulsvoicecentre.org/ are groups who are highlighting the situation of LGBT+ people in Uganda minutes before Mass. A priest is on call at 114 Mount Street, in the mornings. and other parts of Africa, as well as the degrading treatment of LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers from these countries, here in the UK. Members of our community are constantly facing threats of dispersal to other parts of the UK where they have no contacts, or deportation back to possibilities of YAG MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE: your inclusion on YAG’s e-mail circulation does not mean that you automatically receive main LGBT+ CW notices. You can also check us out (LGBT Catholics, their families torture and even death in the countries they have had to leave. THIS IS WHY WE TAKE PART IN PRIDE IN LONDON - TO WITNESS THAT IT IS and friends) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LGBT-Catholics Westminster/ 149420788463271
POSSIBLE TO INTEGRATE FAITH, GENDER & DIFFERENT SEXUALITIES AS FAITHFUL Testimonies - www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org/testimonies - moving stories of faith journeys and what PEOPLE OF GOD - PROUDLY CATHOLIC & PROUDLY LGBT+ ! our LGBT+ Catholic community means to people - DO YOU HAVE AN EMPOWERING STORY TO SHARE WITH OTHERS ?
Homilies - You can read some of the homilies preached over recent years on the website: www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org/homilies LUKE DOWDING, known to many of us from Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, is the Faith and Belief Representative for the Community Advisory Board of Pride in London - [email protected] LGBT+ Catholics Westminster YAG - 22 March hosts a Book Club, currently reading THE BELL by Iris Murdoch PRIDE IN LONDON 2020 WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, 27 JUNE 2020
LGBT+ Catholics T-Shirt LGBT+ Catholics Ignatian Prayer Group - Parlour 2, 114 Mount Street W1K 3AH, on 3rd Fridays of the month - next: 21 February 2020, 19.00 to 20:30, tea and coffee from 18.30. It includes a gospel contemplation, quiet prayer and an opportunity to share in a safe and welcoming environment. No experience required and an ideal way to end the week. For further information, or to let us know you will be coming, e-mail [email protected]. Everybody welcome! Every Monday, the Mount Street Jesuit Centre offers a drop-in prayer session, 18:30-19:00, with a trained prayer-guide. Different ways of quiet prayer are facilitated every Monday, making it an ideal way to start the week. No need to sign-up, just turn up at 114 Mount Street, London W1K 3AH. This is a time of quiet prayer and spiritual refreshment, and all are welcome. We are also delighted to offer you the chance to buy our very own T-shirt! You can select your size and it will be sent directly to you. The price is £10.96 (plus standard delivery of £2.75 and handling fee of Reading & Eucharistic Ministries - 17.30 Masses - It is good practice to have more than one £0.42). In order to make sure that you receive the t-shirt quickly we suggest that you add 'rush delivery' person reading at Mass so as to express the diversity of all God’s people. Those named on the rota for at additional cost of £3.99 and in that case the total price of your t-shirt will be a bargain! CLICK HERE 17.30 Masses on 2nd & 4th Sundays are requested to contact others from within our community to assist TO ORDER: https://teespring.com/LGBT_Catholics_Grey1 (if for some reason the website does not show with the Readings & Bidding Prayers. At present, the rota fails to include any of the women who you prices in £, please make sure that you select 'United Kingdom' in shipping info below the image) have previously read regularly. Perhaps we can give a more inclusive example to the rest of the Parish? If you would like to join the Farm Street Readers’ Rota for the 17.30 Masses, please contact URGENT NOTICE - After-Mass Refreshments Rota : George McCombe, Parish Administrator, indicating your availability: 0207 529 4835 [email protected]
If you are already a Eucharistic Minister in your home-parish or would like to be considered for the Farm Street Rota, please contact Fr. Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest: [email protected]
Peter Hart takes the lead in organising after-Mass refreshments. Help is needed to set things up before Mass and to clear-up/wash-up afterwards. This gathering-time is a key moment to greet new-comers and visitors, engage with each other, and pray briefly for any of our particular concerns. Please contact LGBT+ Catholics [email protected] if you are able to help, or call Peter - 0751 3636
809 The 530 Music Group, provides music for both 2nd & 4th Sunday 17.30 Masses. Neil Cocking - 07850
790747 - coordinates music for these Sundays. We're looking for more singers, particularly women’s OUR LEAFLETS We’ve produced an updated version of the Catholic Bishops Conference voices, and especially instrumentalists, including guitarists, woodwind, etc, to join the group. Great if of England & Wales Marriage & Family Department’s leaflet, Everybody’s Welcome as well as 3 other you can read music, but it’s not necessary ! Interested ? Contact Neil / [email protected] leaflets: Wonderfully Created - an introduction to being transgender & the Catholic Church; Come and join us in contributing to Farm Street Parish’s liturgical diversity. Gender Identity & the Bible; Bisexuality & the Bible. We also have copies of Created Design, a booklet containing the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales 1979 pastoral care guidelines and WANT TO HELP? We particularly need help welcoming people at the beginning of Mass, and to take up Cardinal Basil Hume’s 1997 “Note” on Church teaching. the collection. Speak to a Pastoral Council member after the 17.30 Mass on 2nd & 4th Sundays. This
vibrant LGBT+ Catholic community doesn’t run on auto-pilot! If you’d like to help in any way, please It is right and just … that we account for Mass collections, particularly on 2nd & 4th Sundays. Your e-mail us and/or fill in a TALENT SHEET today! This will also help us keep in touch with you, let you offertory gifts contribute to the day-to-day expenses of Farm Street Parish including the provision of know about other events. pastoral activities. This information is available in the Farm Street Newsletter. Current LGBT+ Pastoral Council funds: £894.26. The World AIDS Mass Collection in aid of the Mildmay Hospital’s pastoral LGBT+ Pastoral Provision - Cardinal Vincent has mandated us to develop pastoral provision for care of people living with HIV raised £250.00. LGBT+ Catholics, parents and families in Westminster Diocese. This means that pastoral provision should If you wish to receive the latest LGBT+ Catholics information by e-mail, please complete an E- not ONLY focus on Mass-attendance, but also develop our awareness of the Church’s teaching on mail Request Sheet on the information-Table, during after-Mass refreshments, or e-mail us - sexuality, not least as expressed by our own local Church in England & Wales. This enables us to [email protected] Please keep an eye on OUR WEBSITE: www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org integrate our faith and sexuality with conscientious integrity. It continues to surprise how poorly understood is the Church’s developing understanding of human sexuality and gender identity, as well as our historical contexts, even by clergy and pastoral workers. We therefore aim to hold regular discussions on these themes, as well as to promote allied events & conferences. the sacred text intends to promote, thus avoiding repeating to the letter what it carries with it, even cultural traits of that time. The contribution provided by the human sciences, together with the reflection of theologians and moral theologians, will be indispensable for an adequate exposition of the issue, which has only been sketched out in this document. Furthermore, pastoral attention will be required, particularly with regard to individuals, in order to carry out that service of good which the
Church has to assume in its mission for people. God calls each person, whatever his or her sexual orientation, to fulfil that part of his created design which only that person can fulfil - Cardinal Basil Hume, 1995 German Church Expert Consultation on Human Sexuality: The Commission for Marriage and
The following books are available at discount prices: Family of the German Bishops' Conference held a specialist consultation on the subject of Human James Martin SJ’s book - Building A Bridge - 2nd Edition available NOW - £10.00. See New Ways sexuality - how to discuss it scientifically and theologically and assess it in Church terms”, ending 4 Ministry Report here: https://www.newwaysministry.org/2019/09/30/father-james-martin-advocate-for-lgbtq- December 2020. The starting point for the consultation is the Synodal Way of the Church in catholics-received-by-pope-francis-at-vatican/ Mark Dowd’s Queer and Catholic - a life of contradiction - Germany. Already in the preparation phase there was a forum that dealt with questions of sexual £10.00; In the Closet of the Vatican - power, homosexuality, hypocrisy, Frederic Martel - £16.00 morality. With the consultation, the commission wanted to make a contribution to discuss the topic from (from £25.00). a sexual medicine, theological, anthropological and moral theological point of view and the state of the ecclesiastical teaching office on questions of sexual morality, as well as to shed light on the history and The Vatican’s Pontifical Biblical Commission (PBC) releases a new book of interest to background of Catholic sex education. The Berlin meeting was held in conjunction with that of Prof. LGBT+ Catholics. What Is Man? An Itinerary of Biblical Anthropology (Che cosa è l’uomo? Un Andreas Lob-Hüdepohl of the Berlin Institute for Christian Ethics and Politics (ICEP). Archbishop Heiner itinerario di antropologia biblica), released 16 December 2019, notes: The story about the city of Koch (Berlin), Bishop Dr. Franz-Josef Bode (Osnabrück), Bishop Wolfgang Ipolt (Görlitz), Bishop Sodom … illustrates a sin that consists in the lack of hospitality, with hostility and violence towards the Dr. Peter Kohlgraf (Mainz) as well as several auxiliary bishops from the Faith and Family Commission, stranger, a behaviour judged to be very serious and therefore deserving to be sanctioned with the who discussed with sex doctors, moral theologians, dogmatists and church lawyers. utmost severity.” The story, however, is not intended to present the image of an entire city dominated by irrepressible homosexual cravings; rather, it denounces the conduct of a social and political entity Archbishop Koch, Chairman of the Family Commission, emphasized that the Synodal Path should be that does not want to welcome the foreigner with respect, and therefore claims to humiliate him, started impartially and without any fixed positions, but by no means without knowledge of the state of forcing him to undergo an infamous treatment of submission. The PBC notes: This way of reading the the art. There was consensus on the question that human sexuality encompasses a dimension of lust, story of Sodom is confirmed by Wisdom, (19:13–17) where the exemplary punishment of sinners (first reproduction and relationship. There was also agreement that the sexual preference of humans is Sodom and then Egypt) is motivated by the fact that they had shown a deep hatred towards the expressed in puberty and assumes a hetero- or homosexual orientation. Both are normal forms of foreigner. It concludes: We must therefore say that the story about the city of Sodom (as well as that sexual predisposition that cannot or should not be changed by any specific socialization. In the of Gabaa) illustrates a sin that consists in the lack of hospitality, with hostility and violence towards the Church's deliberations, this means that any form of discrimination against homosexual people must be stranger, a behaviour judged very serious and therefore deserving to be sanctioned with the utmost rejected, as has been required for a long time as a teacher and has also been explicitly emphasized by severity, because the rejection of the different, of the needy and defenceless stranger, is a principle of Pope Francis’ post-Synodal letter, Amoris Laetitia. However, the question of whether the teaching ban social disintegration, having in itself a deadly violence that deserves an adequate punishment. on practiced homosexuality is still up-to-date, as well as the question of the permissibility of using artificial contraceptives in marriage and in the case of unmarried couples, has been controversial. Examining the scriptural understanding of the human person, Pietro Bovati SJ, Pontifical Biblical Commission Secretary, said the work was carried out at the express wish of Pope Francis. With a preface Two members of the German language group of the Roman Synod of Bishops in October 2015, by Cardinal Luis Ladaria S.J., Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith & Pontifical Biblical Archbishop Koch and Bishop Bode, emphasized the importance of a solid discussion supported by Commission President, the volume is composed of four chapters: The human being created by God (ch. human sciences and theology and highlighted the developments that can already be seen in Amoris 1); The human being in the garden (ch. 2); The human family (ch. 3); and the human being in history Laetitia. For example, a sexual relationship after divorce and remarriage is no longer generally (ch. 4). classified as a serious sin, and therefore no more general exclusion from reception of the Eucharist is Its 10-page treatment of homosexuality comes in Chapter 3, in a section entitled “transgressive ways”. provided. The results of the specialist consultation will flow into the forum of the Synodal Path "Living The Commission notes the emergence of “voices of dissent” with respect to the anthropological in Successful Relationships - Love Living in Sexuality and Partnership", which will start its work in approach of scripture, as understood and conveyed by the church in its normative aspects. February 2020.” They continue: All this is judged to be a reflection of an archaic, historically conditioned mentality. We know that various biblical affirmations, in the cosmological, biological and sociological spheres, have Parents of LGBT+ People Support - Sue is a founder-member of Called-To-Be-One, an been gradually considered outdated with the progressive affirmation of the natural and human informal phone support for Catholic parents of LGBT daughters and sons. She can be contacted on sciences; similarly - it is deduced by some - a new and more adequate understanding of the human 01642 465 020. European Network for Parents of LGBTQ People - contacts: Joe and Joseanne person imposes a radical reservation on the exclusive value of heterosexual unions, in favour of a Peregin - Drachma (Malta) [email protected] Its mission is to unite the national organisations and similar acceptance of homosexuality and homosexual unions as a legitimate and worthy expression of initiatives of Parents of LGBTQI people at the European level; to be a voice for LGBTQI people’s dignity the human being. What is more - it is sometimes argued - the Bible says little or nothing about this and equality and to empower initiative groups and organisations of parents of LGBTQI to become a type of erotic relationship, which should therefore not be condemned, also because it is often unduly voice for equality for LGBTQI people - https://enparents.org/ See this link to their Launch Video: confused with other aberrant sexual behaviour. It therefore seems necessary to examine the passages https://www.dropbox.com/s/47cvt2k3upa8jsr/ENP_Sept04.mp4?dl=0 of Sacred Scripture in which the homosexual problem is the subject of homosexuality, in particular La Tenda di Gionata, in Italy, has produced this moving video, What happens when a child comes out those in which it is denounced and criticized. to their parents? https://youtu.be/vU62suliiA0 - with English subtitles. The PBC ends its treatment on homosexuality saying: The exacting examination conducted on the Do you know someone who has fallen away from the Catholic faith and is now considering texts of the Old and New Testaments has revealed elements that must be considered for an evaluation returning? of homosexuality, in its ethical implications. Certain formulations of biblical authors, as well as the disciplinary directives of Leviticus, require an intelligent interpretation that safeguards the values that
engaged with a number of trans Catholics and refers to our recent response in this article: https://cruxnow.com/interviews/2018/07/26/ethicist-says-church-teaching-on-gender-not-incompatible-with- accepting-trans-identity/
TRANSCATHOLIC - A USA-based Roman Catholic apostolate to support the dignity and inclusion of transgender laity - https://transcatholicorg.wordpress.com/
TRANSFAITH is a follow-up to THIS IS MY BODY, also published by Darton, Longman & Todd. It is a Landings offers a safe place to land, especially if life has been difficult, and is a place for being pastoral resource including trans-context Bible studies and liturgies, by Chris Dowd, Christina Beardsley & heard, for asking questions and reconnecting with your faith. The Landings process, is run by a small Justin Tanis. Trans Memorial Day is 20 November - resources from can be found here: group of active Catholics, some returnees themselves. In a non-judgmental environment, we share and http://www.tgdr.co.uk/liturgies/liturgies.htm/ https://www.glaad.org/tdor explore our faith together. through lots of listening, telling stories, prayer and sharing. Contact Ruby: It’s good that trans people find a safe and welcoming community amongst us. We value the involvement [email protected] for further details. of trans-people in all aspects of the Church’s life and activities and are happy to enable an occasional
support group, as needed. Other online resources: www.transfaithonline.org / www.shannontlkearns.com LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION ? TranschristianUK - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1239546282786208/ We often have people in our community needing or offering emergency accommodation. If you can ever help, contact us: [email protected] The Sibyls is a Christian spirituality group for trans people, meeting on the 2nd Thursday of every 2nd month, open to all trans people, friends, spouses & supporters. Sibyls News is available on their VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - St Vincent de Paul Society-Farm Street is always looking for more volunteers website - www.sibyls.co.uk 2020 gatherings - 13 February, 9 April, 11 June, 13 August, 8 to take part in their visiting/befriending programme. They receive referrals from social services about October, 10 December 2020 18.00, St. Anne’s Church, 55 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 6AF people living in central London who are elderly, lonely and often confined to their own homes. Volunteers - Contact details: 07546 213 971 / [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] are asked to visit someone regularly (e.g. an hour once a week or every other week). If you are interested in finding out more, contacts: Yasko - [email protected] OR Sandra [email protected] - Spectrum Soho Trans Drop-in Group - 1st Thursdays, 19.00-21.00 - St Anne's Church, 55 Dean 07779 078933. Street, London W1D 6AF Details: www.spectrum.support/#!services/cdf0 OR email : [email protected] or call 0800 587 8302 / 020 3322 6920. Counselling & Spiritual Accompaniment Jenny Bullen SHCJ is a qualified counsellor and British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Teaching, working with young people? Here’s a great video resource if you teach in school: Accredited, offering counselling sessions and has some low cost spaces available. For further details - https://www.truetube.co.uk/film/katie#sthash.pvctfgXe.xiqq 07875 607848 Email: [email protected] Website https://jbsouljourney.wordpress.com Made in God’s Image - a good, anti-homophobic bullying resource from the Catholic Education John Foley - Psychotherapy and Spiritual Direction - offers a secure and confidential setting in which to Service. The document was leaked by conservative Catholics, opposed to the inclusion of LGBT+ talk about whatever issues may be troubling you – whether it is anxiety, depression, repeating patterns people in the Church - Read the full publication here: of behaviour, addictions, problems in relationships, loss and bereavement, long term emotional https://www.catholiceducation.org.uk/images/CES-Project_Homophobic-Bullying-Booklet_JUN18_PROOF-9.pdf AND MORE ABOUT IT HERE: difficulties, or a lack of fulfilment or sense of meaning in life. Further information: www.john-foley.co.uk https://newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/14/new-anti-bullying-manual-for-catholic-schools-is-a-gift- Martin Kelly offers counselling and spiritual direction in London - near Chancery Lane Tube - as well as to-the-church/ in Westerham, Kent, with a basic Ignatian approach. These are offered on low-cost and donations basis Catholics for AIDS Prevention & Support is a national registered charity - www.caps-uk.org. - Further details: 07910 503372 - [email protected] / https://www.martinkellycounselling.co.uk/ Positive Catholics is a peer-support group for Catholics living with HIV - details from 07505 608 LGBT+ Catholics TG Support : [email protected] [email protected] 655 or CAPS PO Box 24632, London E9 6XF or e-mail: [email protected] + Positive Catholics Support Group: [email protected] www.positivecatholics.com POSITIVE FAITH is a website and film The Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education issued a guidance document on Gender, Male & resource on HIV & Christianity - some of it filmed at Farm Street - www.positivefaith.net. Female He Created Them, on 10 June 2019. This prompted worldwide response negative responses. Check out New Ways Ministry for some excellent links and response summaries - LGBT Ecumenical Outreach - LGBT Christians from Bloomsbury Baptist Church, St. Anne’s Soho, St. https://www.newwaysministry.org/ https://www.newwaysministry.org/2019/10/02/fr-martin-shares-trans-related- James Piccadilly, have come together to pray for ministry to the LGBT+ community. Luke & Dawn from letters-with-vatican-official-behind-anti-lgbtq-document/ Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church also do outreach Thursdays, from 18.30 at The Yard, Rupert Street, The Bishops Conference of England & Wales issued this statement on 20 April 2018, at the end of their Soho - from 18.30pm - for more details, contact: facebook.com/sohogathering / @sohogathering on Twitter. Spring Plenary Meeting : Guiding Principles on issues of Transgender http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/Home/News/Bishops-Plenary-Meetings/Plenary-April- 2018/Statement-Gender Westminster LGBT Community Forum : [email protected] The LGBT+ Catholic The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council response is here: community is regularly represented at this Forum which brings together a range of non-commercial LGBT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZEYj1eCM0NA4rkRUCbLw7sewZlvHgRDO/view groups, including other local churches, voluntary groups, police local health & Council services. On International Trans Memorial Day, having been attacked by some who call themselves Catholics, The Forum deals with community safety, policing, & health issues, update on Pride plans, as well as any the Bishops’ Conference defended its call for prayer, November 2018 : other LGBT concerns in Soho & the City of Westminster. NEXT MEETING: 18.00-20.00, 24 March https://www.thetablet.co.uk/news/11066/church-committed-to-care-of-trans-people 2020, St. Anne’s Church, 55 Dean Street, Soho W1D 6AF. ANYONE who lives, works, spends leisure WONDERFULLY CREATED - an introduction to being transgender and the Catholic Church, is a leaflet time in the City of Westminster & Soho, is welcome. Website: www.westminsterlgbtforum.com/ launched by us in 2018 and available on our website shortly. The following link is to an interview with Facebook: SohoWestminsterLgbtCommunityForum Twitter: @WLGBTF Dr. David Albert Jones, Director of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre, Oxford, who advises the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales on gender identity issues. In the course of this project he has Worried about homophobic /transphobic incidents, or harassed in Soho / Westminster? Let us
Its 2019 highlight was undoubtedly the joy of meeting Pope Francis - another small step towards a Church which know, get in touch with the Westminster LGBT+ Community Forum (see above) or contact LGBT does not judge - now to 2021! Police Liaison Team: PC Zoe Bradley is the LGBT & Hate Crime Liaison Police Officer and is based at See website for recent pilgrimages, including photographs: the Community Cohesion Team, West End Central Police Station, 27 Savile Row, London W1S 2EX - due http://www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org/news-notes/rome-pilgrimage 2015/lentpilgrimagerome2017 to Police restructuring, specific telephone numbers are still being arranged so best contact is e-mail: http://www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org/news-notes/rome-pilgrimage-2015/romepilgrimage [email protected] PLEASE REGISTER YOUR INITIAL INTEREST NOW - We hope to stay at Casa Santa Maria alle Fornaci - http://www.santamariafornaci.com/ DETAILS TO COME SOON including estimated costs for B&B and return flights … [email protected]
Southern France Gite/Guest-house : 40 minutes away from Lourdes in southern France. Our aim is to provide a gay-friendly and non-judgemental environment where people from all walks of life will feel comfortable. You can see our place: http://www.inenglish.biz/listing/france/midi-pyrenees/castelnau-riviere- basse/gites-bb/le-puits-de-la-paix-artist-retreat/ - Simon O'Corra & Nigel Bray. NO PLACE FOR HATE - National Hate Crime Awareness Week: https://nationalhcaw.uk/ HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? Need garden advice/help? The Green Brothers will solve your Unattached ? (from a church that is!) - Apart from taking a more active part in the life of Farm Street problems: www.green-brothers.net or Paul: 0794 995 7514 / [email protected] Jesuit Church of the Immaculate Conception, including its other Masses, you may wish to check out other churches as welcoming communities on Sundays. We are often asked for friendly priests/parishes so let STAY INFORMED! Browse the information table, over after-Mass refreshments, for all the latest news us have details of any church you find helpful since we are updating our list. They don’t have to be in from LGBT+ and other sources.
London. We’re a very international community – See all the links to other parishes worldwide, on our website: www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org Parlate Italiano? www.gionata.org OR http://www.camminidisperanza.org/ Mówisz po Polsku? Wizyta ta www.wiara-tecza.pl/
A number of Dioceses in England & Wales have or are exploring the provision of Masses welcoming LGBT+ Catholics, parents and families. Up-coming Masses: Clifton in Bristol, 3rd Sundays - 15.00, https://tolentino.org.uk/lgbt-mass/ [email protected] - Clifton’s LGBT+ ministry
hosted a day workshop, 1 February 2020: What does the Bible say about LGBTQI issues? Visiting the USA, Trump-willing, or Canada? New Ways Ministry has a list of LGBT welcoming with Jayme R. Reeves ; Middlesbrough, 2nd Sundays, 15.00, Bar Convent, 17 Blossom St, York YO24 churches: http://www.newwaysministry.org/gfp.html See LGBT+ Catholics Westminster website for 1AQ - www.lgbtmiddlesbroughcatholic.org.uk/ - [email protected]; Nottingham Diocese other links.
has expanded its ministry: Saturday 29 February, 12 noon in Leicester, Sacred Heart Church, LE5 LGBT+ Catholic Websites: Links to these and other websites can be found at 3HS; Saturday 14 November, 14:00, Nottingham at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, NG6 9ES; Saturday www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org/External-Resources/websites 11 July 2020, 12:00 noon, Annual Diocesan Mass in Lincoln, St Hugh’s Church, LN2 5AQ. Confessions Check out James Alison - www.jamesalison.co.uk - James recounts the reinstatement of his priestly and Exposition from 10:45 onwards. www.dioceseofnottingham.uk/whats-on/news/nottingham-diocese-lgbt- faculties with a phone call from Pope Francis: http://jamesalison.co.uk/texts/this-is-pope-francis-calling/ ministry / [email protected] ; Salford - Saturday 7 March, 15.00 Mass, followed by a Next https://www.thetablet.co.uk/features/2/16788/-this-is-pope-francis-calling- Steps Meeting, Church of the Holy Name, 336-339 Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PG - [email protected] UK Catholic News on Independent Catholic News: www.indcatholicnews.com For a window into the Vatican, the latest news and gossip, try www.thetablet.co.uk + www.whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com/ Want to prepare reflectively for Mass? These web-sites provide helpful resources on scripture readings, spirituality, justice, and prayer contexts: www.liturgy.slu.edu - www.girardianlectionary.net/ - Catholic Weekly Newspapers are on sale at the back of Farm Street Church. We strongly http://www.bibleclaret.org/celebrating-the-word-of-god British & Irish Jesuits offer these prayer and encourage you to buy The Tablet, the most LGBT+-friendly of UK Catholic publications, theology resources: www.prayasyougo.org.uk / www.sacredspace.ie / www.thinkingfaith.org / and with excellent international Catholic coverage. 4 of its Top 10 articles in 2019 were http://qspirit.net/saints/ LGBT+ related !
ROME PILGRIMAGE FOR LENT - 15-21 FEBRUARY 2021 A Call to Action (ACTA) is an initiative to develop dialogue within the Church in England & Wales, and Join LGBT+ Catholics, parents, and family members from all over England & Wales for our 4th Rome Pilgrimage. to reclaim the renewing vision of the 2nd Vatican Council. It includes laity, clergy and religious. Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, strongly reflects ACTA’s agenda. ACTA Mission Statement: We are a group of Catholics, some of whom are ordained, brought together by our love of Christ's Church and our anxiety about its future. Still inspired by the Second Vatican Council we want to contribute fully to the life of our Church so that we may be more effective sign of the Kingdom of God. To do this, we believe that an atmosphere of openness and dialogue both with each other and with our bishops needs to be developed. http://www.acalltoaction.org.uk - ACTA - Westminster activities: Next Meeting : tbc Further details: Westminster ACTA Secretary, Lauri Clarke: [email protected]
Are you a lesbian or bisexual woman who is a practicing Catholic? This might be of interest - https://www.facebook.com/QueerCatholicWomenStudy
The Global Network of Rainbow Catholics http://rainbowcatholics.org/
The latest GNRC Newsletter is now available: YOUNGER ADULTS GROUP - an opportunity for younger LGBT+ Catholics & their http://rainbowcatholics.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/GNRC-Newsletter-N6-English.pdf
friends to socialise in a relaxed atmosphere beyond church services, with shared meals, games activities, &
discussions, films and other events. YAG meets monthly. For more information : www.lgbtcatholicsyag.org.uk - email [email protected]. or [email protected] - www.lgbtcatholicswestminster.org
or The LGBT Consortium UK LGBT+ CATHOLICS WESTMINSTER PASTORAL COUNCIL http://www.lgbtconsortium.org.uk/ PO BOX 24632, LONDON E9 6XF - 020 8986 0807
THE SANCTUARY - FARM STREET JESUIT CHURCH
TG Support - although there is no regular meeting we are willing to enable trans members of our congregation to gather, as needed. You can read our response to the recent Gender Statement from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZEYj1eCM0NA4rkRUCbLw7sewZlvHgRDO/view
Trans Day of Remembrance - Further details : https://www.glaad.org/[email protected] or [email protected]
Civil Partnerships are no bar to active involvement in the Church - The Bishops of England & Wales on Civil Partnerships: http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2014/05/22/dont-automatically-convert-same-sex- civil-partnerships-into-marriages-urge-bishops/ http://www.thetablet.co.uk/editors-desk/1/2393/a-lesson-in-mercy-and-maturity AND A CATHOLIC VIEW ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE ALL ARE WELCOME IN THIS PLACE https://www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu/images/pdf/2018_conjugacy_en.pdf
Applying Equality Law in Practice : Guidance for Catholics & Catholic Organisations was published by the Catholic Bishops Conference of England & Wales in November 2014 and gives general guidance on equality and diversity issues and the Church: http://www.cbcew.org.uk/equality
The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council is affiliated to a number of international, national and local networks, including :
The European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups http://www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu/index.php/en/
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