Parents of LGBTQ children gather in Detroit

This weekend Fortunate Families will host a retreat in the Detroit area for the parents and relatives of LGBTQ people. Last year's retreat attracted over 40 participants, but this time they were surprised to hear that the Archbishop was banning them from using the Church property they have usually met on. They quickly found an alternative and the weekend's retreat will go on as planned. If you'd like to attend, be sure to contact Linda to be kept up to date.

The Fortunate Families Board and Listening Parents Network have organized days of reflection like this one across the country, providing vital support for families who struggle to reconcile the unwelcoming words of the Church and their deep love of their children. From Minneapolis to Atlanta, they have been places of healing and community building as parents come together to talk honestly and learn from one another's stories.Often the gatherings have been supported locally by members the other Equally Blessed Coalition organizations (CTA, New Ways Ministry and DignityUSA) and this weekend's gathering will feature NWM Director Francis DeBernardo, who will share his experience of being in Rome during the Synod on the Family.

Despite the last minute change of venue, the day promises to be one of "reflection, dialogue and prayer. [Attendees] will focus on our current context & experience, our challenges to live faith with integrity in the midst of tensions, and strategies for the future. We will pray, sing, share, learn, build community and imagine a better church and world for our LGBT children."