Catholics for Choice Praises Catholic Bishops for Trans-Affirming Statement
WASHINGTON – Catholics for Choice, which uplifts and amplifies the voices of the majority of Catholics who believe in reproductive freedom, praised a group of Catholic leaders, including two sitting bishops, for a statement last week on International Transgender Day of Visibility affirming the dignity of transgender individuals.
The statement, released on International Transgender Day of Visibility in cooperation with the Human Rights Campaign, cites the words of St. John Paul II, condemns the ongoing epidemic of anti-trans violence, and speaks of the sacramentality of trans people, noting that “the witness of their lives leads us to greater contemplation of God and the mystery of our faith.” It is signed by Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Bishop John Stowe, OFM, of Lexington, Kentucky.
Catholics for Choice President Jamie L. Manson said:
“We are heartened to see sitting bishops join the ranks of prominent Catholic spiritual leaders, theologians, and lay people in publicly affirming the inherent dignity and worth of transgender individuals and deploring the violence that is all too routinely inflicted upon them. The Catholic Church’s official teachings on gender and sexuality remain deeply discriminatory and harmful. The fact that that only cisgender men signed this statement is a glaring reminder that women and gender-diverse people are denied any power or authority in their own church. Nevertheless, this is an encouraging step in the right direction that may help build momentum for more substantive change and provide hope to transgender Catholics. As a Catholic reproductive freedom organization that advocates for social justice for the most vulnerable, we will never stop affirming and advocating for equality and liberation for all whose needs include reproductive healthcare, including our transgender siblings.”
Catholics for Choice shapes and advances sexual and reproductive ethics that are based on justice, reflect a commitment to a person’s well-being and respect, and affirm the capacity of all people to make moral decisions about their lives.