Friday December 7, 2012, 7:27 am
Here's the full story:

Indiana's Notre Dame University says it will train all of its staff in how to welcome gay students in the Catholic community
06 DECEMBER 2012 | BY JOE MORGAN

Notre Dame University, one of the world’s biggest and renowned Catholic schools, has said it will start supporting and recognizing its gay students.

With more than 93% of Christian students, the college made the landmark announcement after a union of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students complained they felt they faced discrimination.

Notre Dame University, in Indiana, will start a support program for gay students, train all the members of staff in equality, and create a committee to provide advice to administrators on LGBT issues.

‘We want every student on this campus to feel welcomed and included,’ said Erin Hoffmann-Harding, Notre Dame Vice President for Student Affairs.

Administrators said they feel the plan only strengthens Notre Dame’s teachings of respect and inclusion.

‘I think of it very much as arising from our Catholic mission, which is why we’ve studied church teaching so carefully and listened to our students,’ Hoffman-Harding said.

The union of gay students says it is an important first step in welcoming the gay community into the school.

It is a significant decision for a Catholic institution where gay people have not always felt welcome.

In 2010, students who were upset with anti-gay Catholic Notre Dame policies held a protest, urging the university to take a stronger stance in support of gay rights.

Speaking at the march, a junior student Laurel Javors said: ‘When the university refuses to acknowledge club status for alliance and refuses to add sex orientation to the non-discrimination clause, we are reminded of our other-ness.’

In September, Pope Benedict XVI said gay people are not fully developed humans because they do not follow Catholic law.
http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/catholic-college-promises-start-supporting-gay-students061212?utm_source=New+email+sign-ups&utm_campaign=92188593a7-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email

Friday December 7, 2012, 7:35 am
This is good news! I never understand why so many who call themselves Christians don't follow the teachings of Jesus Christ himself on gay people. He never said one word against them, so why do they ignore him and follow the ignorant rants of Moses or Paul etc?

If homosexuality was as big of a deal as so many religionists (I can't call them Christians) make it out to be then why didn't Jesus mention it? Biblical scholars say one of his first converts was gay - the 'eunuch' which was a word used for homosexuals at Jesus' time. Jesus certainly didn't cast him out and preach hate against him, like so many so-called Christians do.

This bigotry is one reason people are leaving the churches which teach Jesus' love of all, don't judge others, forgive etc etc etc, but people are turned off by the churches and their hypocrisy. A poll last year in Australia highlights this: some 60% of Aussies said they left the churches because of their unChristian teaching and actions on gay people.

As usual, the people are ahead of their corporate church leaders in following Jesus' teachings. When will the church realize that it should be leading the people and the world in love for all? They might find people filling the pews again if they did.

Friday December 7, 2012, 8:11 am
good news

Friday December 7, 2012, 8:41 am
Attitudes ARE changing--AS THEY SHOULD!

When the President of the Unites States says publicly that his own attitude has changed...it's progress.

When churches quietly begin having weddings for same-sex couples...it's progress.

When major stores such as JC Penny and IKEA show same-sex couples in their ads...it's progress.

(Now...let's see what the SUPREMES have to say about Prop. 8 and California...)

Friday December 7, 2012, 8:56 am
Pam, yes, fortunately, things are changing, but don't hold your breath for the Supremes. They may be struggling with their own prejudices to much to rule on Constitutional freedoms. One must ask, 'Why haven't they ruled on this - equal rights for LGBT people - long ago?' Why do so many people have to suffer so much and so many have to fight so hard for what the Constitution and Bill of Rights promise in the first place? Same with blacks, women and all minorities. The Supreme Court should step in immediately every time a group of people is deprived of their equal guaranteed rights.

How many more years must we wait until the Supreme Court rules in favor of all disenfranchised peoples? It's a travesty.

Friday December 7, 2012, 9:27 am
The Catholic church is pathetic. So far behind the times. It should be disbanded.

Saturday December 8, 2012, 1:15 am
Very pleased to read this. It should have happened a long time ago.

Saturday December 8, 2012, 4:23 am
Good news Rob and Jay and I hope other organizations follow in their footsteps. It's time for this discrimination to stop.

Saturday December 8, 2012, 5:10 pm
if the catholic church starts acknowledging the legitimacy of homosexuality, perhaps so-called celibate priests may feel less inclined to paedophilic activities?
dream on...
still, this notre dame shift is a step in the right direction

Sunday December 9, 2012, 1:16 pm
It all sounds great but I will believe it when I see it. I know I sound like a doubting Thomas but I know the Catholic church all too well to swallow this hook, line and sinker......