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Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, has released new diocesan policies concerning the formation of young people in Catholic Christian anthropology and the pastoral accompaniment of those experiencing gender incongruence or same-sex attraction. These policies, issued on September 12, apply to diocesan parishes, schools, and institutions.
The document emphasizes church teachings on human dignity, identity, and sexuality. It affirms the differences between men and women as oriented toward marriage and family life. The guidelines call for compassion towards individuals struggling with their sexual identity while upholding the truths of faith.
“In teaching, guiding, and serving our young people, we have the duty and responsibility to uphold truths of our faith... We also have the duty and responsibility to accompany our young people with love, respecting their dignity as beloved children of God,” states the document.
Specific directives include using pronouns that reflect a person's biological sex and requiring individuals to use facilities matching their sexual identity. Public advocacy for ideologies contrary to Catholic teachings is prohibited.
In an interview with OSV News, Bishop Rhoades discussed these issues further. He highlighted historical parallels between current cultural debates over human sexuality and past challenges faced by early Christians.
“It’s clear that many — at least a significant number of people — reject Catholic, Christian anthropology," he said. "We’re living in a culture today that is in many ways post-Christian."
Despite these challenges, Bishop Rhoades remains hopeful about communicating God's plan for human sexuality to young people: “I see signs of hope.”
He stressed integrating truth with charity in pastoral outreach: “If it’s just truth without love... it’s not even the truth... And love without truth is mere sentimentality.”
On accompanying youth pastorally amid differing cultural languages regarding gender identity terms: “I would find it unhelpful...to correct their language—but I would not use it.”
Bishop Rhoades emphasized prayer's role alongside parish life when addressing such issues: “There’s an epidemic among young people of anxiety... I think sometimes there are other wounds underneath.”
He advocates centering youth ministry around prayer rather than solely social activities while providing spaces where discussions can occur openly within supportive environments faithful to church teachings.
Gina Christian contributed this report for OSV News; follow her updates via X @GinaJesseReina.
