The Rainbow of God's Creation

LGBTIQA+ Realities and Catholicism

A NEW GUIDE BOOK BY TRISH HINDMARSH

Trish Hindmarsh

Trish is the former Director of Catholic Education in Tasmania and has been a teacher and leader in Catholic schools in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia. Her doctorate centred on approaches to ecological education in Catholic schools. Since retirement in 2014, she has continued to take an active interest in education, ecology, Church renewal and social justice. She is a member of the Catholic Earthcare Australia Council, the Tasmanian Catholic Justice and Peace Commission and the St Vincent de Paul Society. She has a particular commitment to the mission of Catholic education to bring Christ’s message of liberation and truth alive for students and their families.

"The Rainbow of God’s Creation outlines the Catholic Church’s teachings and their historical origins in relation to people who identify as LGBTIQA+. The guide explores past and current scientific and theological developments that can inform new approaches to LGBTIQA+ people, challenging remaining Catholic doctrines that condemn non-heterosexual expressions of sexual love. It introduces examples of Catholics encountering, engaging in dialogue with – and blessing the loving commitment of – gay, lesbian, and transgender people.

Inside you will hear from Pope Francis, members of religious orders, priests, and lay founders of Catholic pastoral organisations plus many LGBTIQA+ people themselves. These models of hope are seen as opening the way towards an inclusive, open-hearted Catholic Church, willing to embrace our LGBTIQA+ siblings as precious expressions of God’s limitless, creative Love.

From their dedicated work – and the findings of global consultations such as the Australian Plenary Council and the universal Synod on Synodality – some implications, conclusions, and practical suggestions for response and action from the Catholic Church are offered in the final chapter.

It is recognised that necessary changes in Church teaching and practice require Christian discernment, prudence, and an exercise of Church authority that is respectful of the ‘Sense of the Faithful’, and guided by the Holy Spirit."

Preface by Bishop Vincent Long Van Nguyen, OFM Conv. Bishop of Parramatta.

”It is rare to see such a well-written, straightforward, pastoral and unashamedly Catholic introduction to one of the Church’s best kept, but now emerging, secrets …in addition, this little book is suffused with joy, making it very special indeed.”

– James Alison, Catholic theologian, priest, author and global teacher

”The Church is seeking a new engagement with people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and who o en feel rejected by the Church. It’s not easy to see the way forward, but the journey starts with the ear… In what is offered here, Trish Hindmarsh helps us take a step in the right direction on the long journey of dialogue.”

– Mark Coleridge, Archbishop Emeritus Brisbane

RRP $29.95 - Copies available from: https://www.garrattpublishing.com.au/product/9781923095267/