DIGNITY U.S.A.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 25, 2006

Press Statement on Bishops' Pastoral Care Guidelines

In conjunction with our allies in the National Religious Leadership Roundtable,
DignityUSA issued the following statement about the United States Catholic
bishops' proposed guidelines, "Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual
Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care"

"Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Catholics have been looking for sensitive, respectful and compassionate leadership from their bishops for decades. Some of the more welcoming language in this new document could be interpreted as an attempt to provide that. However, every positive statement in these proposed guidelines is contradicted by the bishops' own statements and even more by their actions.

"This document attempts to welcome gay and lesbian people into an institution that is simultaneously leading attacks on our civil rights, relationships and families all across the world. It is an invitation to collaborate in our own oppression.

"As LGBT Catholics, families and friends, we call on the U.S. bishops to listen to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics, who will willingly tell of the gifts we have received through our God-given orientation and the blessings we know through our loving relationships — as well as of our spiritual struggles in our church. Our voices and that of the Holy Spirit speaking in and through our lives must be heard in outlining the pastoral care the church provides."