5
Archdiocese of Denver
STATE OF THE ISSUE
stances, the Church is obligated to equip the faithful with an understanding of
God's creation of the world, the nature of the human person, the importance
of human sexuality, and the grace and virtue needed to be truly alive and happy
on our way to eternal life. The truths of our faith give Catholics resources to
engage in charitable conversation with others on controversial issues related to
sex and gender. In fact, although the Church's view may be unpopular, we have
the support of medicine and science.
In response to these recent developments and pressures, inspired by a
profound love for the human person, especially for those who are experiencing
confusion with their sexual identity, the Catholic Church in Northern Colo-
rado seeks to guide its parishes and schools in responding to these misunder-
standings of the human person and sexuality, and mistaken views of sex and
"gender." Any adequate response must include God's revelation, but also
the findings of medicine and science that reflect the truth inherent in God's
creation. Indeed, the harmony between science and the Church's teaching on
these matters is an illustration of the Church's conviction that faith and reason
cannot contradict each other.
This brief document seeks to provide a basic outline for addressing issues of
the human person, sexuality and gender for use within parishes and schools in
the Archdiocese of Denver. This is necessary due to the widespread confusion
faced by so many Catholics in the face of widespread ideology. The document
will articulate the Church's teaching in succinct fashion, examine some key
findings from medicine and science, and provide an overview of terminology re-
lated to "gender transition." It is meant to serve as a resource to guide thinking
and discussions and to serve as a complement to policy guidelines.
