News Summary
Historic St. Paul Catholic Church’s LGBTQ ministry in Lexington is set to feature on CBS Evening News, discussing the impact of Pope Francis on LGBTQ acceptance. Stan Zerkowski, the ministry’s founder, emphasizes the Pope’s progressive stance and its significance in fostering inclusivity within the church community. The segment aims to showcase how local efforts contribute to national dialogues surrounding LGBTQ inclusion in faith settings, especially following the Pope’s passing.
Lexington – A local LGBTQ ministry at Historic St. Paul Catholic Church in Lexington is set to be featured in an upcoming CBS Evening News segment, bringing attention to the impact of Pope Francis’ legacy on LGBTQ acceptance within the Catholic Church. This segment is scheduled to air on Tuesday, May 6, following the Pope’s recent passing.
Stan “JR” Zerkowski, the founder of the ministry, received a call from a CBS producer about three weeks ago after the news of Pope Francis’ death. The producer was looking for individuals who could discuss the Pope’s legacy, particularly his stance on LGBTQ issues. Zerkowski established the LGBTQ ministry in 2017, inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis, which emphasized compassion and acceptance.
A television crew visited Lexington on April 27 to interview Zerkowski, ministry members, and Lexington Bishop John Stowe. The CBS segment aims to highlight the experiences and contributions of the ministry in fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ individuals within the church community.
Zerkowski remarked that establishing such a ministry would have been exceedingly difficult without the progressive atmosphere under Pope Francis’ leadership. The Pope created an environment where LGBTQ individuals could find acknowledgment and support within the Church, countering longstanding marginalization.
Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88, has been recognized for his progressive views on various issues, including LGBTQ rights. In a notable statement made in 2013, he suggested that if an individual accepts the Lord and has goodwill, he has no right to judge them. In 2023, the Pope further expanded the Church’s stance when he issued the declaration “Fiducia Supplicans,” which allows priests to bless same-sex couples and those in “irregular situations” without necessitating church approval of those unions.
Additionally, during the same year, the Pope personally acknowledged Zerkowski’s work, sending him a handwritten note commending his ministry for its efforts toward LGBTQ individuals. The ministry has provided a supportive community for many, including members such as J.T. Hulan, a gay Catholic who had prior negative experiences with the church.
Bishop John Stowe has been a vocal supporter of Zerkowski’s ministry, emphasizing the importance of human dignity as the foundation of their work. The Bishop, along with Zerkowski and other members, expressed hope that the national discourse initiated by the CBS segment could pave the way for further LGBTQ inclusion within the Church.
The local Catholic community is currently mourning the death of Pope Francis. Bells tolled in downtown Lexington in observance, and a memorial was established at Historic Saint Paul Catholic Church. This memorial reflects both local and global reactions to the Pope’s passing.
Special prayers for the late Pope are expected to take place during Mass throughout the week, following church protocol. Notably, Historic St. Paul Catholic Church has garnered attention for its stance on same-sex couple blessings, encouraging couples to reach out to their pastor directly instead of adhering strictly to Vatican rules, which suggest blessings should be spontaneous.
Zerkowski has previously made headlines for receiving a personal message from Pope Francis, which encouraged his outreach to LGBTQ individuals. Historic St. Paul Church is recognized for its inclusivity, exemplified by its depiction of the Blessed Virgin Mary draped in a gay pride flag, and its mission to create a safe space for LGBTQ people despite facing controversy.
The upcoming CBS segment is anticipated to shed light on the important dialogue surrounding LGBTQ acceptance in the Catholic Church, showcasing how local ministries like Zerkowski’s are responding to the evolving landscape influenced by influential figures such as Pope Francis.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com
- Catholic World Report
- Advocate
- Wikipedia: Pope Francis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pope Francis
