Well that’s a nice change from the usual Vatican line.  Of course they’re still going to think gay folks (and the divorced) should feel guilty for being chock-full of sin, but it’s a teensy bit better than what we’re used to hearing.  The cynical side of me thinks it might just be a little PR work because the Church’s numbers have been plummeting in the past few years, but I’d like to think they’re slowly being dragged into this century…though they’re digging in their heels and making it as difficult as possible.

Vatican Spokesman: Gay People ‘Are Our Sons and Daughters and Brothers and Sisters’

Vatican spokesman Thomas Rosica, speaking at the synod yesterday, talked of the need for the Catholic Church to be more inclusive, particularly with regard to gay and lesbian people.

“There must be an end to exclusionary language and a strong emphasis on embracing reality as it is; we should not be afraid,” he said.  “We do not pity gay persons but we recognize them for who they are. They are our sons and daughters and brothers and sisters.”