Philippine E-Journals

From the Outside In: Gay Lay Servants Within the Catholic Church

Clive Alvyn Ocon | Brian Saludes Bantugan

 

Abstract:

The study investigated five homosexuals serving a selected Catholic parish in Metro Manila through direct observation, survey, and one-on-one interview. With the help of Stuart Hall’s conceptualization of cultural identity as an endless process of identification, it was found that the young adult homosexuals possess widely differing family circumstances but were all passionate about their engagement in the Church, with most of them starting early in life. Desiring security and a supportive community as an agent and object of agency, they expect the Catholic Church to address their unique needs and help expand the space that acknowledges their agency. They experience spiritual growth as result of having received love and respect, finding prospects for redemption and flourishing despite being perceived as limited human beings, and creating friendships and equal opportunities for other people, especially homosexuals like them.