More than Welcome

Many Catholics, energized by Francis’s papacy, are animated by the hope that the Vatican will institute sweeping changes to Church teaching about diversity of sexuality and gender. But history demonstrates that change starts small, often beginning with the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of local churches. Over the past few decades, more Catholics have taken up the baptismal call of all Christians to exercise the priestly, prophetic, and political dimensions of their vocations. And the Church has slowly become more inclusive. From the Second Vatican Council to the Synod on Synodality, it has created pathways—however slowly—for LGBTQ+ persons to journey together with the rest of the Catholic community. At last the Spirit is being heard.