Perspectives

Articles, essays, and reflections from progressive Catholic voices.

To contribute to Perspectives or submit an article, contact cta@cta-usa.org.

From Acorn to Oak
young adults Cait Gardiner young adults Cait Gardiner

From Acorn to Oak

For the Third Sunday of Advent, Cait Gardiner reflects on their journey of coming out as a non-binary Catholic and how fellow non-binary and Queer Catholics provided them with the strength and righteousness of the “oak.” This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.

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Vocal Training
Call To Action Call To Action

Vocal Training

For the Second Sunday of Advent, Richard Young reflects on how the wilderness provides us with “vocal training”—the skills needed to be the voice for change and inclusion. How do we fine-tune this training in the wilderness? This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.

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First Sunday of Advent: Queer Reassurance and Diligent Waiting
young adults Call To Action young adults Call To Action

First Sunday of Advent: Queer Reassurance and Diligent Waiting

For the first Sunday of Advent, Sam Barnes reflects on God’s invitation to invite all to the table. How do we prepare for Advent as members of the LGBTQIA+ community? What does it mean to share the table with those who say we aren’t holy enough to be Catholic? This reflection is a collaboration with DignityUSA’s Breath of the Spirit series.

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I feel a lot safer when I’m in charge of what happens to me
Tess Thompson Tess Thompson

I feel a lot safer when I’m in charge of what happens to me

CTA member Tess Thompson explores the intersection of abortion and gender identity in both Catholic theology and the broader national conversation. In this contemporary moment, “cisgender women and trans and nonbinary people of all genders are facing critical attacks on their dignity, their rights to decision-making, and their bodily autonomy.”

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The Sacred Heart of Jesus Belongs to Queer People, Too
young adults Dani M. young adults Dani M.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Belongs to Queer People, Too

When artist Dani of @andhersaints posted her illustration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus online, she wasn’t prepared for the blowback. Dani writes how the Sacred Heart can also be a queer icon that provides her and others with solace and peace. “Queer lives are holy and sacred,” she writes. “This is the message of Pride.”

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The Power of Showing Up
young adults Lauren Barbato young adults Lauren Barbato

The Power of Showing Up

How can DignityUSA pilgrims raise awareness, challenge the institution, and share in the sacraments at World Youth Day 2023? Pilgrims Audrey Carroll, Brian Frank, and Cait Gardiner discuss what it means to be church as a member or ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

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