From: communications@pflag.org Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 11:18:21 -0500 Subject: PFLAG Lauds Catholic Bishops' Message of Support October 1, 1997 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Janice Hughes, jhughes@pflag.org 202/638-4200 Ext. 225 PFLAG Lauds Catholic Bishops' Message of Support to Parents Of Gays and Lesbians Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays President Nancy McDonald today praised the U.S. Catholic bishops for urging parents nationwide to accept and love their gay and lesbian children. "We strongly support the U.S. bishops' willingness to reach out in an open, inclusive way to mothers and fathers of gay and lesbian children," McDonald said. The National Conference of Catholic Bishops today issued a 20 page pastoral statement - what it called an "outstretched hand" - to parents of gays and lesbians. "It's a critical step forward in helping parents accept both themselves as well as their loved ones," she said. "Our PFLAG local chapters particularly welcome opening up channels of dialogue with Catholic parishes in their hometowns." McDonald also lauded the bishops for urging parents to seek out education and support groups. This year, PFLAG is hoping to increase awareness about the need for "safe space" for gay youth in communities of faith, as it has already done in schools nationwide. "This will help parents see that religion shouldn't come between them and their children," said PFLAG member Rev. Jack Flynn of Orlando, FL. "It's an opportunity for parents to feel free to 'come out' of the closet in their Catholic communities and to receive love and support from others." Parents from several of PFLAG's 400 chapters said they are hopeful that more parents will have the strength to stand by, and not abandon, their gay and lesbian kids. In the letter, the bishops urged parents not to break off contact with a child, warning that rejection can lead to suicide or substance abuse. President Nancy McDonald is available for interviews at 918 742-8565. PFLAG parents are also available. ### Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian and bisexual persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure civil rights. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Serving more than 69,000 members, PFLAG affiliates are located in more than 400 communities across the United States, and in 11 other countries. 1101 14th Street, N.W., Suite 1030 Washington, D.C. 20005 * (202) 638-4200 * Fax: (202) 638-0243 * E-mail: info@pflag.org Web: http://www.pflag.org