Students discuss welcoming faith communities

 This week, Ellen Euclide, CTA's Director of Programs, spent the afternoon with college students who were on a week long service trip to Chicago.  The students had decided to spend a week of their Christmas break learning about the many intersecting issues that affect LGBTQ people in our country. The multi-faith group listened and shared thoughtfully their own thoughts on community, faith and Church in the lives of LGBTQ people and their families. They reflected on the privilege and pain of being able to leave a hurtful Church and on the importance of communities that are accepting of individuals who are questioning their orientation and of parents of LGBTQ children.  

The students also talked about the recent firings of LGBTQ Church workers and about the work environment on their own Catholic university campus. As they talked, the students made colorful beaded rosaries. These will be distributed by the Equally Blessed pilgrims at World Meeting of Families, where they will be witnessing to the beauty and presence of LGBTQ families in our Church.  It was a great way to spend a cold Chicago afternoon!