Saying that they are “not outsiders” in the Catholic Church, an archbishop has called to accompany persons with same sex attractions with ‘pastoral sensitivity.’
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa said the Church, “as a loving mother and faithful teacher,” is called to embrace every person with compassion and respect, regardless of their condition or orientation.
He stressed that every person “possesses inherent dignity bestowed by God” and should never suffer discrimination, ridicule, or unjust treatment.
“I urge all priests, religious, and lay leaders to accompany our brothers and sisters with same-sex attraction with pastoral sensitivity,” Garcera said in a recent circular.
This accompaniment, he said, means “walking with them, guiding them toward deeper union with Christ, supporting them in living out their vocation to holiness, and ensuring that our parishes remain true communities of welcome, healing, and love.”
Garcera, who will soon assume office as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, also reaffirmed the Church’s teaching that marriage remains “a sacred covenant between one man and one woman” and that same-sex unions cannot be considered equivalent to Christian marriage.
“Yet, this truth must never become a reason for exclusion or hostility,” he said. “Instead, it calls us to a deeper commitment to love.”
The archbishop urged the faithful to make parish communities “reflect the merciful and all-embracing love of Christ,” especially during the Jubilee Year and in the ongoing spirit of synodality.
