The Paulist Fathers today announce the missionary society’s support for “God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth,” an initiative of the Tyler Clementi Foundation.

The Paulist Fathers’ General Council voted unanimously to support the statement.

The statement, which has been signed by Cardinal Joseph Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ, and 11 bishops, reads:

As Catholic Bishops in the United States, we join with the Tyler Clementi Foundation in standing up for at-risk LGBT youth in our country.  

As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBT people are to be treated with “respect, compassion and sensitivity.”  

All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBT youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates.

The Catholic Church values the God-given dignity of all human life and we take this opportunity to say to our LGBT friends, especially young people, that we stand with you and oppose any form of violence, bullying or harassment directed at you.   

Most of all, know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side.

Paulist Fr. Eric Andrews, president of the Paulist Fathers, said he hopes the statement provokes conversations, reconciliation, and the conversion of hearts and minds.

“Given the alarming rates of bullying and suicides among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, there is no question that our younger LGBTQ+ siblings in the Catholic community need our support, love and care,” said Fr. Andrews.

In supporting the statement, the Paulist Fathers are pleased to stand with fellow Catholic religious communities who have indicated support, including: Benedictine Sisters of Chicago; Edmund Rice Christian Brothers North America, Province Leadership Team; Jesuit Schools Network; Loretto Sisters/Loretto Community; The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth; The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas; Ursuline Sisters of Louisville; and U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.