LGBT families preparing for Pope's visit

As pilgrims across the continent prepare to make their way to Philadelphia for Pope Francis' first US visit, LGBT families are among them. Our own Equally Blessed pilgrims are preparing to spend a whole week at the World Meeting of Families participating in the event and witnessing to the wholeness and holiness of LGBT Catholics and their families.In preparation for the event, pilgrims are meeting by phone every month to get to know one another, explore their own spirituality and learn some tips for talking to the media and engaging in challenging, courageous conversation.

Members of Fortunate Families will also join them for the WMF. These loving parents of LGBT children will share their own stories and the message that being a supportive, loving parent is not only a Catholic value but an essential element to keeping our children safe." If we were to meet Pope Francis, we would tell him that we love our son and we love the Catholic Church. The pope's simple phrase, “Who am I to judge?” gave us hope that one day our church would see our son for the brilliant, kind young man that he is. We hope that by going to World Meeting of Families, we can join Pope Francis in building that church." say pilgrims Paul and Alecia.

You can support the pilgrimage and learn more about the families at wmf.equallyblessed.org.