The University of St. Michael’s College is the first Catholic university in Canada to offer support for a statement from American Catholic Bishops calling for protection of at-risk LGBT youth. St. Michael’s signed the document—God Is On Your Side: A Statement from Catholic Bishops on Protecting LGBT Youth, released by the Bishops in partnership with the Tyler Clementi Foundation—with unanimous support from the Executive Committee of St. Michael’s Collegium.
“Offering our concern and support for the wellbeing of LGBT young people, including our own students, is entirely in keeping with our core values at St. Michael’s,” says University President David Sylvester. “As our strategic plan notes, we affirm and respect the intrinsic value of each person, and we treat everyone in a fair and equitable manner. That means caring for, and safeguarding, all people.”
Citing Gospel teachings on love, mercy, and welcome for all people as their motivation, the 14 Bishops who have signed the document so far represent dioceses from California and Wyoming to Mississippi and Michigan. Other signatories include Catholic parishes, orders, and schools, as well as individuals.
“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,” the Bishops write.
“All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBT youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates,” they note.
Recent statistics from the Centre for Suicide Prevention, a branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, show that LGBT youth are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Figures from Statistics Canada indicate that LGBT youth are “much more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be victims of violent crime.”
The Tyler Clementi Foundation was established by Tyler’s family to prevent bullying, emphasizing the importance of inclusion, dignity and respect. Aggressive cyber-harassment led the 18-year-old Rutgers freshman to take his own life.
“Know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side,” the Bishops write in conclusion.