Quote of the Day

Elton John’s [recent] praise shows that probably a good portion of the world sees that Pope Francis is trying to develop a new approach to LGBT issues. Despite the minor setback that the Synod’s final report caused in the movement for greater welcome, people are picking up, instead, on the idea that Pope Francis is pushing for greater reforms.

Perception vs. reality? Pope Francis has certainly done more for LGBT people than any other pope, by his simple and powerful gestures and statements. Yet, we have yet to hear direct support for LGBT inclusion. We see him nudging the Church in a direction that is more welcoming, but we don’t see him making bold statements.

Is his nudging a strategy? For example, would making bold statements alarm too many conservatives? On the other hand, is his simple nudging a way of simply providing new window dressing for the same old, same old? Frankly, it’s hard to say.

I tend to be an optimistic person and one who favors pragmatic solutions over ideal ones. So, I guess I lean toward the side that Pope Francis may be more genuine in his welcome than not. Part of my perception is that I see the pragmatic effects of his nudging: pastoral leaders are becoming a little more courageous. Perhaps not much, but somewhat less fearful.

– Francis DeBernardo
"Is Elton John Correct? Is Pope Francis a ‘Hero’ for LGBT People?"
Bondings 2.0
October 31, 2014

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
• LGBT Catholics Respond to Synod 2014's Final Report
• Colleen Kochivar-Baker on the First Anniversary of the Papacy of Francis
• Pope Francis' Understanding of Catholicism: An Orchestra in Which All Can Play!
• Why I Take Hope in Pope Francis' Statement on Gay Priests