Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Celebrating an Aug. 3 Mass for the Outreach 2024 LGBTQ Catholic Ministry Conference at Georgetown University, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington emphasized the importance of sincere dialogue in seeking unity within the Catholic Church.

“In many respects, you are engaging in an act of synodality — the vision and invitation proposed by Pope Francis that sincerely and openly speaking and listening to one another under the light and guidance of the Holy Spirit is the way that the church grows in perfection,” Cardinal Gregory said during his homily at Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart.

The annual Outreach conference, held from Aug. 2-4 this year, gathers Catholics who identify as LGBTQ along with supporters of their community. According to its website, the conference aims to “build community, share best practices and worship together.”

Cardinal Gregory commended attendees for their willingness to engage in discussions amid challenging times for both the Catholic Church and the United States.

“The increase in violence, the forfeiture of civility in public discourse, [and] disavowal of once well-known hallowed values can be found in both institutions. You nonetheless gather now for dialogue at this moment in time, and your willingness to engage in sincere dialogue is itself a welcome source of hopefulness,” he stated.

Reflecting on a Gospel reading during Mass, Washington’s archbishop noted that “John the Evangelist reminds us that unity, being joined with each other, is a goal to be achieved, and it remains a sign that Christ himself is there in our midst urging us to reflect the unity that he shares uniquely with his father and invites us to share with him.”

Cardinal Gregory highlighted that achieving unity within both U.S. society and the Catholic Church requires continuous effort.

“Our national unity needs constant attention as does the unity of our church,” he remarked. “Unity does not mean uniformity or sameness of opinion in heart and mind. There is a word that we frequently use to describe spiritual connectedness: communion.”

He praised Outreach conference participants for striving towards inclusivity within faith communities despite differences.

“Occasionally, we may find it difficult as Catholics and as Americans to achieve such a state of being together harmoniously,” he said. “Needless to say, such unity must remain a goal... This gathering is an opportunity for people to listen to one another in love — knowing full well that we might see another’s position as difficult to understand.”

Concluding his homily, Cardinal Gregory acknowledged challenges related to addressing LGBTQ issues within religious contexts but stressed sincerity and compassion.

“The presence and pastoral needs of our LGBTQ sisters and brothers may often be viewed as a volatile topic but they must be faced with sincerity [and] genuine compassion," he said. "I pray this conference advances that goal [and] makes us stronger [and] more welcoming."

Michael O’Loughlin, executive director of Outreach told The Catholic Standard newspaper about efforts aimed at fostering awareness among those wishing practice their faith actively despite societal divisions over cultural issues involving sexuality/gender identity dynamics prevalent today

“People don’t always see desire from LGBTQ Catholics who really want involvement practicing faith; often presented through culture war lens whereas showing different side things here faithful group simply wanting space affirming them gifts coming forth betterment overall” explained O'Loughlin

O’Loughlin reported increased attendance numbers from last year's event (250) up significantly reaching total 350 attendees spanning diverse groups including family members educators clergy working alongside those identifying themselves accordingly discussing potential regional expansions further engagement moving forward

“We were honored having Cardinal Gregory attending past bishops present first cardinal participating conference just words welcome meaningful chapel conversations afterwards reflecting impact presence warm sentiments shared among participants” added O'Loughlin

While acknowledging progress made thus far concerning inclusivity measures taken by church entities via events like Outreach conferences hopes continue fostering even greater acceptance supportive environments future endeavors envisaged ahead