Cardinal Apologizes to LGBTQ Community for Past Church Treatment

In a groundbreaking moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who has led the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., since 2019, held a special prayer service on January 22nd for members of Dignity Washington, a local LGBTQ Catholic organization.

The service, while similar to a traditional Catholic mass, did not include the offering of holy communion. It was held at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown, a location significant for its inclusive spirit. This event was the culmination of discussions held in September between Dignity Washington officials and Cardinal Gregory, during which they extended an invitation for him to conduct a service specifically for the LGBTQ community.

Vince Rodriguez, President of Dignity Washington, expressed the honor and profound emotion felt by the members upon hearing Cardinal Gregory not only conducted the service but also offered an apology for the Church's historical treatment of LGBTQ people.

Meeting of Minds and Hearts

Cardinal Gregory, in his homily, directly addressed the issues, stating, "There is no room for religious bigotry that is largely fueled by lack of knowledge and ignorance on the part of peoples who may call themselves religious but whose behavior violates the basic tenets of most of the great faith traditions of the world." His words were met with appreciation and hope by those in attendance.

"I apologize for my own failure to emulate Christ’s compassion," he continued. "The way that we have treated our LGBTQ brothers and sisters has brought them tears and to many of us disgrace." With these words, Cardinal Gregory acknowledged not only the actions of the Church but also his personal shortcomings in fostering an inclusive environment.

His heartfelt apology included a request for forgiveness, "I apologize from the heart for the hurt that has resulted in the loss of so many of our family members who belong to God no less than I do. I apologize not only for those whose past actions have scandalized and wounded these men and women. I apologize for my own lack of courage to bring healing and hope, and I ask forgiveness."

This service, attended by approximately 80 participants, mostly Dignity members, became a powerful event for those present despite the cold evening.

A Step Toward Reconciliation

Peter Daly, a retired Catholic priest and member of Dignity Washington, highlighted an administrative oversight that nearly impacted attendance. The archdiocesan office did not inform Dignity Washington until less than two weeks before the event. However, they managed to spread the word in time, ensuring a significant turnout.

"And it turned out to be a wonderful service," Daly shared. "His homily was exceptional. I’ve never heard an archbishop or a cardinal, and I’ve heard a lot of them, say and offer an apology not only on behalf of himself but on behalf of the church and other hierarchs for the way the LGBTQ community has been treated."

This sentiment was echoed by Jeannine Gramick, a Catholic nun and member of New Ways Ministry, another local LGBTQ Catholic group. "I think Cardinal Gregory’s remarks are a watershed moment in the relationship between the Archdiocese of Washington and the LGBTQ+ community," she remarked.

Looking to the Future

Cardinal Gregory's apology and the service itself have set a hopeful precedent for the Catholic Church. "I am hopeful this will set an example for other bishops to embrace Dignity communities across the U.S.," Gramick added, emphasizing the pioneering role of Dignity as the first group to organize and advocate for the rights of baptized LGBTQ+ Catholics.

In a related development, Pope Francis recently appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy of San Diego, known for his support of LGBTQ rights, to succeed Cardinal Gregory as the Archbishop of Washington, D.C. McElroy's installation is scheduled for March 11th at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, marking another promising chapter for the Archdiocese and its relationship with the LGBTQ community.