Our parish recently joined St. James Cathedral Seattle, St. Joseph Seattle, and St. Leo the Great Tacoma parishes in signing on to the “God is on your Side” statement. The statement, signed by 14 U.S. Catholic Bishops, stands with at-risk LGBT youth in our country. The letter states, in part, “As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy, and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way…The Catholic Church values the God-given dignity of all human life and we take this opportunity to say to our LGBT friends, especially young people, that we stand with you and oppose any form of violence, bullying or harassment directed at you. Most of all, know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side.” To read the full state and to see the other Catholic orders, organizations, and schools who have signed on, visit https://tylerclementi.org/catholicbishopsstatement/