Click here to have your name added to the statement of support.
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STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
We, the undersigned, pledge our support for Spirit Day. We pledge our support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth who have been victims of bullying, so as to let them know that they are truly created in the image of God and they are loved.
“At the center of all Catholic social teaching are the transcendence of God and the dignity of the human person. The human person is the clearest reflection of God’s presence in the world; all of the Church’s work in pursuit of both justice and peace is designed to protect and promote the dignity of every person. For each person not only reflects God, but is the expression of God’s creative work and the meaning of Christ’s redemptive ministry.”
– The Challenge of Peace, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1983
As a symbol of our support, we pledge to wear purple to Mass on Sunday, October 14 at parishes across the country.
We believe that our Catholic faith provides a solid basis for standing up against bullying and working to ensure that our schools are safe for all students without exception. Catholic social teaching reminds us that bullying is wrong.
SIGNERS
Clara A.
St. Joseph, MN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I believe we are all created by a good God, we are one and need to be in harmony with one another.”
Joel Allegretti
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier
New Jersey
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “The Church of St. Francis Xavier is an inclusive community. It embraces and ministers to all Roman Catholics.”
Joseph A. Amodeo
St. James
Highland, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying should not be tolerated.”
Joseph T. Amodeo
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier
Manhattan, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I’m pledging my support, because I believe that Catholic social teaching compels us to stand with those most in need. We must stand up against bullying and work to ensure that our schools are safe for all students.”
Melanie Amodeo
St. James Church
Highland, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I support an end to bullying.”
Kayla Anderson
Kountze, TX
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because we are all God’s people, and we should love each other as He does. God does not ridicule and shun, so why do some of us try to justify doing so?”
Meg. B.
Patchogue, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am choosing to support #spiritday because I believe in always supporting Love over fear. In all my years of Catholic schooling, I was never taught to exclude. I was taught and inspired to lead with love and welcome all of God’s children into my heart. We are all One. One Spirit. One Love.”
Russell Beeman
Laingsburg, MI
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am totally against bullying. It has no purpose. I also support the young men and women who are struggling with their sexuality/identity, since the Church does not.“
Toddy Berry
St. Joseph University Parish (Celebrating 175 years of faith and service)
Terry Haute, IN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am a JustFaith graduate, and Catholic social teaching has taught me that our compassion should first and foremost be extended to those who are the weakest–the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and also the youngest and most elderly. Study after study has shown that LGBT youth are far more likely to attempt suicide, and this all due to the societal pressures and bullying they experience. It’s time to be Christ to them, to step in the gap and protect them. End bullying now!“
Marilyn Bisordi
St. Charles
San Carlos, CA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am against all bullying and support equality for all. As a mother and grandmother, the thought of any child, young adult or adult being discriminated against, is appalling. As a Christian, we must lovingly protect everyone from harm. We must give voice and visibility to this issue.”
Matt Blum
St. Joan of Arc
Minneapolis, MN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “As Catholics we need to support our members of the LGBT community. I choose to go against the status quo and both support members of the LGBT community as well as welcome them into our faith. There is room for all – even if it seems the church is forgetting that simple fact. “
Patrick Brewis
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier
New York, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It’s simple really: my Catholic upbringing deeply instilled in me the value of loving all people. Jesus’ core message: Love, love, love,“
Joel Buchman
St. Pius X
Tucson, AZ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because “Where charity and love is, God is there.” (Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.)”
Miriam C.
Our Lady of Lourdes
West Islip, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because of what it represents.”
Terence C.
St. Matthias
Somerset, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Personal beliefs> blind beliefs”
Neil V. Christensen, c.s.e.f., Th.D.
Good Shepherd
Sacramento, CA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “As a Gay Man and a Cleric, not to mention a follower of Jesus, I have no other Choice!”
Lisa Click
St. Francis
Lebanon, MO
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I believe everone is gods chosen”
Marissa Coates
St. Peter’s Catholic Church
Roswell, NM
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because it is the right thing to do and it IS what Jesus would do.”
Drew and Kathleen Conneen
St. Frances Cabrini
Castle Pines, CO
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “All children deserve to be treated with respect and love. We particularly hope that our Catholic parish youth programs will compassionately reach out to those youth who are struggling with their sexual identity.”
Thomas Conroy
Beacon, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It is a matter of fairness. Also, Jesus never condemned gay people, and so the Pope and Bishops should follow his example.“
Elline Cruz
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
New York, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “The Roman Catholics know that bullying is a crime.“
Mark Danis
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier
New York, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “There’s no room for bullying in our society. That lesson begins at home.”
Leonard Discenza
St. Patrick-St. Anthony
Windsor, CT
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I believe we should extend all the support, resources, action and prayers we possibly can to let all LGBT persons, especially LGBT youth, know that God loves them and so do we as Catholics.“
Renee Domeier
St. Joseph, MN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “because I uphold what my Catholic faith has taught me about the innae dignity of every human being. . .“
Wanda Engracia
St. Francis of Metuchen
Metuchen, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am choosing to support #SpiritDay because love is blind. Every day we should strive to be more inclusive and loving.“
Michael Exum
Our Lady of Lourdes
South Pittsburg, TN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I’m a bi/gay Roman Catholic. I want to show my support to fellow LGBT Catholics. We just want to be treated as equal members of the body of Christ ! Thank you for your help & support!”
Linda Ferraro
St. Lawrence
Shelton, CT
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because I truly believe that God loves everyone equally.“
Trish Fowlie
St. Lawrence
Turnbridge Wells, Kent (United Kingdom)
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “We are all God’s wonderful, diverse and beloved children.“
Angela Flynn
Immaculate Conception
Durham, NC
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because everyone is a blessed and beloved child of God!“
Jerry and Lucy Furlong
Omaha, NE
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “For the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of our children.”
Joshua Gonnerman
Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle
Washington, D.C.
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “If the Church’s sexual ethics do not render her anti-gay, we need to redouble our efforts to stand with the queer community. Supporting Spirit Day is only a beginning.“
Edward Gonzalez
Immaculate Conception
Atlanta, GA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I want to show my support for the least of my brothers and sisters.“
Salvador Gonzalez
Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
Belleville, IL
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying affects young people of all races, colors, ethic or religious backgrounds. We need to stand up against all evils.“
Robert Heikkila
Myrtle Beach, SC
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Enough of the coordinated hate campaign coming from the Vatican. American Catholics know better.“
Rita Hemker
St. Charles Borromeo
Coldwater, MI
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I have a wonderful gay son and I am against all kinds of bullying. I was a victim of bullying as a child myself. I firmly support same sex marriage and all Human and Civil rights for LGBT and all persons!“
Michael Huberty
Cathedral of St. Paul
St. Paul, MN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because my Catholic faith teaches me that I have a duty to speak out for justice and peace.“
Timothy J.
Maqrquette University Campus Ministry
Wilwaukee, WI
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I pledge my support for #SpiritDay because the love of God compels me to embrace all my brothers and sisters and return the love and kindness I have received. “
Melissa Jeffries
Pittsburgh, PA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I believe that God loves everyone regardless of their race, religion, or sexual orientation. I also belive that bullying needs to end! I want LGBT youth to know that there are many Catholics who love and support them. The gay and lesbian friends that I have are some of the kindest, loyal, and loving people I know. I stand with the LGBT community as an ally and friend. “
Nick K.
St. Celestine’s
Elmwood Park, IL
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I’m gay and a practicing Catholic and I want to show that they are not mutually exclusive. I have never been made to feel unwelcome in my parish nor have I ever been condemned by my parish priest or religious. I have only ever been welcomed unconditionally by my fellow Catholics. This is where the true faith is, not at the hierarchical level. The parish is the true center of belief, not Rome.”
Rebekah K.
St. Paul’s Catholic Church
Marion, IN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Though I have never been a victim of bullying, many of my friends have. I fully support LGBT rights and I myself am pansexual. I think that most Catholics do not take bullying of LGBT youth seriously enough and I want to show how much of a terrible thing it can be.“
Linda Karle-Nelson
St. Andrew
Farmington Hills, MI
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I have been involved in LGBT ministry for 20 years. I have a gay son. I am also co-chair of an anti-bullying program in Manistee, MI under the umbrella of PFLAG. I am a cradle Catholic who bemoans the stance my Church has taken on LGBT people.“
Christina Keogh
St. Maximilian Kolbe
West Chester, PA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “God made us all in HIs image and likeness.”
Fred Kiesche
St. Matthias
Somerset, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “All are welcome. And should be supported.“
Jane Kindlen
Redhill (United Kingdom)
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Proudly Gay & proudly Catholic – God created me in His image & God is love.“
Mary Kucynski
St. Margaret of York
Maineville, OH
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I lost a cousin to Aids in 1991 and my brother is living with it. The teaching of the Bible is to love one another….don’t read anymore into what else you read.”
Lynn LaGatutta
St. James
Highland, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “To pledge my support for LGBT youth who are victims of bullying.”
Bradley Leger
Estherwood, LA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I strongly believe in the inherent dignity of the human person.“
Bruce Leier
St. Joan of Arc
Minneapolis, MN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “My faith teaches me to support those whom others attack.“
Pam Linnell
Assumption
Roswell, NM
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Catholic psychologist supporting LGBT youth!“
Joan Loewus
St. Jerome
Newport News, VA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It is the right thing to do.”
Casey Lopata
Rochester, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “To demonstrate support for LGBT people — support our bishops fail to provide.“
Paul Lukasiewicz
Our Lady of Sorrows
Farmington Hills, MI
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It is the right thing to do.”
Alberto Luna
Hermosillo, Sonora
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because is a chance to sensibilize the community about gay people, and have to finish with homophobia.“
Rev. Michael Lynch
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Brooklyn, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Our LGBT Minsitry Team (Glad Tidings) strongly believes we can assist spreading Gospel Values by showing our active support here.”
Katrina M.
St. Paul the Apostle
New York, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because... “God is LOVE, Jesus LOVED, the Holy Spirit moves us to LOVE. If we can’t LOVE as God intended us to, or LOVE the way Jesus did, or be open to the Holy Spirit moving us to LOVE one another, than I couldn’t call myself a Roman Catholic.”
Jim Maci
Forest Hills, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “The church needs to send out an affirming message to LGBT youth.”
Gary Maffei
Asbury Park, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “THE RIGHT THING TO DO.”
Bro. John Mahoney
Baltimore, MD
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying is such an agressive response to what is not a chosen orentation that the Church must support all efforts to get rid o the great American macho attitude to all issues of sexuality”
David Martin
All Saints Church
Baldwinsville, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Children need protection against blind hatred, bigotry, rejection whipsaw seeds are sown in our religions.“
Mari-Celdste Massaro
Queenship of Mary
Plainsboro, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It’s what Jesus would do!!“
Timmian Massie
Poughkeepsie, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying is the antithesis of Christ’s message. LGBT youth need to be affirmed in who they are. They also need to know that, even if they are not embraced by the hierarchy, they are loved and supported by people of faith, including their fellow Catholics.“
David Matz
Society of the Most Precious Blood
Berkeley, CA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I direct the Precious Blood LGBT Ministry which fosters dialogue and inclusion of our brothers and sisters who identify as LGBT.“
Rev. Jack McClure, CPPS
Society of the Most Precious Blood
Kansas City, MO
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I believe it is the right and just thing to do.”
Patrick McGee
Belleville, IL
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because everyone has dignity and deserves love and respect.“
Brian McLauchlin
Techny, IL
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “My Catholic faith impels me to act on behalf of our youth.”
Alexei Michalenko
Alexandria, VA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them ‘brothers.'” Letter to the Hebrews … obviously intended for all of US TODAY!!! THANK YOU, JESUS !!!”
Bro. Benilde Montgomery, O.S.F.
Patchogue, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “To remain faithful to the Gospel.”
Sara M-W.
St. Barbara
Buckley, WA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Jesus taught love, being nonjudgmental, being inclusive, caring for all. That is the basic message of the gospels – we need to get back to that and live accordingly, which includes supporting Spirit Day.”
Grace Nunes
St. Anthony / St. Patrick
Kensington, CT
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “the right thing to do, show support, protect those that cannot protect themselves.”
Ellen O’Rourke
Intentional Community (Wyckoff)
Hawthorne, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “We are all one in the eyes of God.”
David Pais
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier
Brooklyn, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It is imperative that young people understand that they are created in the image of God; that they are the recipients of unconditional love and acceptance, and that they are fine just as they are.”
Mary Jo Pane
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier
New York, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “We are all equal, and the Jesus I believe in loved us all.”
Joseph Parodi
Thompson, CT
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “To support the dignity of each and every person.“
Joseph Pepe
Clayton, NC
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am totally against bullying of any kind and I look to opportunities to expose bullys wherever and whenever I can“
Emily Pfaff
SMG
Arlington, TX
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I’m Catholic and I’m supporting #Spirit Day because we are all created in HIS image. Every human being deserves love and respect. End bullying NOW!”
Eileen Pitone
Plymouth Meeting, PA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Belief in justice and equality”
Dana R.
St. Charles (San Carlos, CA)
Belmont, CA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying for any reason is wrong and should not be tolerated. Jesus preached love, not hate and we need to be inclusive rather than exclusive.“
Rae R.
St. Thomas Aquinas
Ames, IA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “To support LGBT individuals who are hurt physically and emotionally and their families and friends. To grieve the loss of LGBT lives to suicide. To hope for acceptance of LGBT individuals, including in their faith communities. To pray for loving, full acceptance of LGBT individuals within the Catholic Church.”
Diane Rapozo
Mt. Carmel
Dubuque, IA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I would like to experience our entire world embracing the LGBTQ people in every aspect of life. What a beautiful world this would be. Peace, Diane”
Andrew Reguindin
St. Pius X
Tucson, AZ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because “Where charity and love is, God is there.” (Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est.)”
Kathy Ronk
St. Thomas Moore
Austin, TX
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “We are all God’s Children….to bully anyone he created is a “Mortal Sin.” We are all in this together.“
Dorene Rose
Good Shepherd
Colleyville, TX
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I believe in an inclusive church. As our hymn says, “”We are many parts, but we’re all one body.”” I pray that our leadership will stand up in support of all GLBT youth and adults, too.”
Monica S.
St. Peter’s
Olney, MD
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “It’s the right thing to do.“
Ariana Sarmiento
St. Thomas Aquinas
Logan, UT
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying is nothing to be taken lightly. It’s hard enough to come to the realization, to accept, that you have attractions to someone of the same sex. That you’re not “normal”, without others adding to this hardship. It takes a lot of bravery to come out and say this is a part of who you are. and no one should be thought of inferior because of it. Everyone deserves respect, anything less should not be tolerated. And “Because its what Jesus would freaking do!”
Annette Shine
St. Mary’s
Shrewsbury, MA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because we are a church of love”
Robert Shine
St. Mary’s
Shrewsbury, MA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because... “There’s no justification to discrimination, hate, or bullying in Catholicism – our faith speaks to the very contrary of that in its belief in human dignity. If we’re not standing up for safety, inclusion, and acceptance, we’re not living out Catholicism in its mandate to love.”
William Shine
St. Mary’s
Shrewsbury, MA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because love and support for all people is how Jesus taught us to live.”
Chris Smith
St. John the Evangelist
Columbia, MD
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “To support the message that LGBT youth deserve love and respect and that any Catholic being true to their faith should support such a message.“
Richard Spurgeon
St. Joachim’s
Madera, CA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “The bullying of children who may be LGBT often originates or is duplicated in the home.“
Audrey Stromberg
St. Thomas Aquinas
Arnes, IA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because it’s the right thing to do.”
Jeanine Thompson
Poughkeepsie, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “For friends all over the world that deserve equality.“
Marie-Louise Thurton
St. Ann
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I support #SpiritDay because I have faith that our church will become a safe place for all of us. I believe that as Catholics become LGBTQ inclusive, that we live and share the gospel.“
Megan Tyler
Austin, TX
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Most Catholic schools do not have gay-straight alliances and fail to fully train staff to prevent anti-LGBT bullying. A group of alumni started Nolan Friends Out Loud on facebook as a virtual GSA for Catholic school students.“
Angela Waples
St. Anthony Shrine (Boston)
Omaha, NE
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I want my church to come back to preaching LOVE!“
Andrew Warburton
St. Anthony Shrine (Boston)
Somerville, MA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because we need to support kids who are being bullied for their gender expression or sexual orientation.“
Joan Ward
St. Elizabeth (Wyckoff, NJ)
Allendale, NJ
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “We are all God’s children and all should be treated as such”
Deborah Watson-Graff
San Carlos
Baltimore, CA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because it is what Christ would do.”
Judy Welsh
St. Teresa
Princes Risborough, England
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “God loves us all.“
Stephen Wilson
St. Anne
Columbus, GA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Because all of humanity is made in God’s image.“
Harriet Winslow
Holy Trinity
Washington, D.C.
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Bullying is abusive, and we are all made in the image of Christ.“
Don Wishart
St. Thomas Aquinas
Ames, IA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Our parish structure includes a LGBT support group, Belonging, that seeks to welcome LGBT individuals in our parish.“
Mary Ellen Wishart
St. Thomas Aquinas
Ames, IA
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I am chair of a group called Belonging, which in our parish is trying to promote treating all people with dignity and respect. We are searching for ways to spread the news that we support LGBT people. Unfortunately we are out of town that day, but I will tell all the Belonging group about the wearing of purple.“
Richard Worthington
St. Anne’s
Nyack, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “I feel sorry for glbt youth and all the bullying and teasing. They must feel so alone and not even the church, where i find solice, will help them. i am saddend by the church’s position of glbt youth.”
Alice Zachmann, SSND
Manakto, MN
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “The issue is one of justice concerning young people who are being ‘bullied’ because of their sexual orientation.”
Anthony Zuco
St. Augustine
Brooklyn, NY
I’m supporting #SpiritDay because… “Catholic Social Teaching at its basic is about being inclusive. No one should be bullied.“
Catholics for #SpiritDay 