Archbishop Alexander Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon released A Catholic Response to Gender Identity Theory: Catechesis and Pastoral Guidelines on January 25th. In an introductory letter, he explained that its purpose is “to provide clarity on the Catholic Church’s teaching on gender identity theory.” He said the guidelines are offered as “a teaching and formation resource and also as encouragement and hope for everyone working with those dealing with gender identity issues.”
“This document,” he continued, “aims to provide preliminary guidance for Catholic schools, religious education programs, sacramental preparation programs and youth ministry activities for our youth up to 18 years of age in the Archdiocese of Portland, in order to support and accompany gender-questioning students and their families in a way that ensures our Catholic institutions fulfill their Catholic mission.”
CWR: In the document, you note that the number of “trans-identified” people in the U.S. has doubled since 2017. Why do you believe this is so?
Archbishop Sample: This phenomenon has really felt somewhat like a tsunami coming at us. I am at a loss to explain how it has taken such a foothold in our culture. The cultural shift that has happened has been quite stunning. Forty-three percent who identify as transgender are below the age of 25, and I think it is undeniable that social media has had a great influence on them rather than older persons or the wisdom of the Church. In a moment of confusion young people are exposed to these ideas that say you can be something other than what you’re created to be and you can define what you are.
I also suspect that making money is involved, in the area of treatment for transitioning….
CWR: You conclude your document with a section entitled: “Whole-Person Affirmation: A Catholic Response.” Suppose someone you care about has embraced gender identity theory perhaps even to the point of considering “transitioning” him or herself. Talk about accompaniment and what a proper Catholic response might be.
Archbishop Sample: As we outline in the document, these young people need to be reaffirmed in their belovedness. As we accompany them, they need to know up front unequivocally that they are loved, and that we love them, and we will be there for them. We will not abandon them, and will not judge or condemn them. We will walk with them and lead them to the truth and to Jesus.
We need to affirm the sacramentality of their bodies, and that the body is good. We need to declare that there is no hard, fast right way to be a boy or a girl. We have lost sight of this; we don’t have to live with gender stereotypes, there is a lot of diversity in how one can live out masculinity and femininity.
We have to walk with them, talk with them, engage with them, hear them and love them deeply. This is especially important for parents to do with their children.
CWR: Any final thoughts?
Archbishop Sample: In responding to some of the resistance the document has received, I wonder how many have read it. We are heavily influenced by the culture around us, and many of our own Catholic people may have adopted gender identity theory. I want them to read this document — not just the guidelines, but to dig deep into the teaching. Read it carefully, slowly and prayerfully. Read it again. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you through the wisdom of the Church, and the wisdom of the Creator.
One comment by the “de-transitioned” Chloe Cole that struck me was that she said adults need to take a stand. Complacency is what let this to happen to her in the first place. For the sake of our children, we have to be the adults in the room. We need to help these young people, guide them, and lead them in mercy and in love.
Full interview by James Graves at Catholic World Report.
In the 1970s, some people talked about the “Marcus Welby” effect: that whenever a disease was featured in that then-popular drama, doctors would complain of patients suddenly deciding they had it, almost always without evidence. Social media is far more powerful than 1970s television and Americans are less well connected with family and friends who would tell them: “We love you, but stop being silly, because there’s nothing wrong with you”.
While agreeing there are different ways of living out male and female (Joan of Arc v. Teresa of Avila, St. Louis v. St. Francis of Assisi), I hope in the full interview the bishop reaffirms that “male and female He created them”: that God has given us our sexuality, that it is intended for procreation within a sacramental life-long marriage, and that we deny either at the risk of our immortal souls.
Might Bishop Cantu, Cardinal McElroy and others do the same?
And, might Bishop Cantu not renew the contract of the gender-confusing pro-abortion president of Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose?
Maybe if you paid as much attention to them when they were not transitioning…
Jordan Peterson interviewed the young woman above, and it is really enlightening as to how the adults in her life, including some psychologists, failed her so badly. Many of them had an agenda of their own that was not to her benefit. Well worth watching.
Very unfortunate.
I do think there is something demonic in this as well.
It’s all about the $$, these procedures and “treatments ” make everyone except the victim money, greed is always somewhere in this evil process.
Sometimes love is misguided. There are people who feed their kids sweets all the time because they love them and they want them to be happy. There are people who never feed their kids sweets because the love them and want them to be healthy.
As more people transition, there is better information.
If the Church says not to transition and someone obeys the Church, they might live a miserable, unhappy life but one day appreciate it.
i am getting around to reading the document and I do not think they really understand gender theory.
They conflate transgender with gender theory.
I think there presentation is inaccurate.
This is a good document with the above exception.
It is excellent when it speaks of Catholic anthropology and world-view.
It elucidates the decisions that have been made for their Catholic schools and churches.
It’s decision to treat the whole person is excellent.
I hope they really do it and not just say it.