Bishop Taylor signs national anti-bullying LGBT statement

Published: February 12, 2021

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor was one of 12 U.S. bishops who signed a statement on protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth from bullying. The statement was organized by the Tyler Clementi Foundation, a non-profit that works to end bullying and harassment in schools, workplaces and faith communities.

The statement reads in part, ”As Catholic bishops in the United States, we join with the Tyler Clementi Foundation in standing up for at-risk LGBT youth in our country. 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; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBT people are to be treated with ‘respect, compassion and sensitivity’… 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.”

Also signing the joint statement were Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.Y.; Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, N.M.; Bishop Steven R. Biegler of Cheyenne, Wy.; Bishop Robert W. McElroy of San Diego; Bishop John E. Stowe of Lexington, Ky.; Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger of Tucson, Ariz.; Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz of Jackson, Miss.; Auxiliary Bishop John P. Dolan of San Diego; retired Bishop Ricardo Ramirez of Las Cruces, N.M.; retired Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden of Baltimore and retired Auxiliary Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton of Detroit.

Tyler Clementi, a target of anti-gay cyberbullying, died by suicide Sept. 22, 2010, at age 18.

Jane Clementi, Tyler's mother who is co-founder and CEO of the Tyler Clementi Foundation, said, "I am most hopeful that now is the time for the Church's leadership to have a Damascus road experience. Change is possible. It is always the perfect time to engage in conversation and to show the love and hope of Christ into this world."

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