US bishops show solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth

Roman Catholic cardinal Joseph Tobin and Archbishop John Wester of Santa Fe, shared a message of support for LGBTQ+ youth, along with a handful of other US bishops. The bishops released a statement in collaboration with the Tyler Clementi Foundation, named for the Rutgers University student who took his own life in 2010 after his sexuality was made public, saying: “All people of goodwill should help, support and defend LGBTQ+ youth.”

Along with Tobin and Wester, the statement was signed by bishops John Stowe of Lexington, Robert McElroy of San Diego, Steven Biegler of Cheyenne, and Edward Weisenberger of Tucson. It was also signed by two retired auxiliary bishops, Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit and Dennis Madden of Baltimore. It says LGBTQ+ youth are much more likely to experience homelessness or suicide attempts as they “are the target of violent acts at alarming rates.”

The statement continues: “We take this opportunity to say to our LGBTQ+ 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.”