May 17 is a day for the whole community to stand against LGBTQIA+ discrimination, an International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia. IDAHOBIT  is a day to activate, educate and change.

Respect for the human person proceeds by way of respect for the principle that “everyone should look upon his neighbor (without any exception) as ‘another self,’ above all bearing in mind his life and the means necessary for living it with dignity.”37 No legislation could by itself do away with the fears, prejudices, and attitudes of pride and selfishness which obstruct the establishment of truly fraternal societies. Such behavior will cease only through the charity that finds in every man a “neighbor,” a brother. (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1931)

 During the First Assembly, as Members of the Plenary Council, we devoted time to thinking of and praying for people who have experienced marginalisation within the Church, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those who are divorced, those who identify as LGBTIQA+, and those who have suffered abuse of any form. We express our profound sorrow to those who have been hurt through an encounter with the Church. We call on all members of the Church to make our community one in which all the baptised find welcome and inclusion. (Plenary Council Decree 3 Paragraph 8)

The Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission, and Service through the Office for Justice, Ecology, and Peace have also published a statement for the day.

How will you acknowledge this day in your community?