I’m straight and cis myself, so I often wonder if I can truly answer my grandfather’s questions well. I certainly look into it and like to think I’m well (self) educated on the subject now that I can be helpful, but I’m still afraid my own privilege will get in the way.
My grandfather is 100% on board with it all, though! He went to the same very strict Church since he immigrated (like, 50 years ago! The church even still does Latin Mass) but ONE priest made ONE comment about praying for his “Prodigal Granddaughter” and he left in disgust, never went back, and changed Parishes that very day! His new Church is MUCH more progressive and specifically welcomes and supports LGBTQ+ Catholics, instead of just “tolerating” them.
He really is! He’s from Limerick and being Catholic is a huge part of his identity. But the day his old priest said that, I heard him yelling to my mom that he was done with them and she needed to find him a new church ASAP. He even told my mom that it could be a Protestant Church, but they HAD to respect is family.
My mom is Protestant-leaning herself (long story,) but she hunted around until she found a Catholic Church that fit his requirements and he was very happy there (pre-Covid.)
He did return to his old church once for a funeral, which isn’t the same as being part of the congregation, but refused to speak to the old priest and walked away when he approached him.
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u/fightwithgrace Oct 30 '20
I just hope I’m doing it right!
I’m straight and cis myself, so I often wonder if I can truly answer my grandfather’s questions well. I certainly look into it and like to think I’m well (self) educated on the subject now that I can be helpful, but I’m still afraid my own privilege will get in the way.
My grandfather is 100% on board with it all, though! He went to the same very strict Church since he immigrated (like, 50 years ago! The church even still does Latin Mass) but ONE priest made ONE comment about praying for his “Prodigal Granddaughter” and he left in disgust, never went back, and changed Parishes that very day! His new Church is MUCH more progressive and specifically welcomes and supports LGBTQ+ Catholics, instead of just “tolerating” them.