Creating an LGBTIQA+ inclusive faith community

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Join us for a webinar on LGBTIQA+ realities and Catholic faith. Hear from Stef Rozitis, a PhD researcher on masculinities in education with a lifelong Catholic journey; Angela Han, Founder of Acceptance Perth, an LGBTIQA+-affirming Catholic community; and Tim Smyth, a long-time Acceptance member whose search for a welcoming parish reflects a wider story within the Church. Moderated by Susan Sullivan, a distinguished Catholic education leader and designer of innovative mission-focussed initiatives, this conversation explores faith, identity and belonging — and what it means for the Church to be a place where all are truly welcome.

SPEAKERS:

Angela Han

Angela is the Founder and Chairperson of Acceptance Perth, a LGBTIQA+ affirming Catholic community group in Western Australia. With a background in parish youth ministry and as a pastoral care worker, she brings a pastoral heart to questions of faith, identity, and belonging – and a deep commitment to the Church being a place where all are welcome at the table.

Stef Rozitis

Stef (they/them) is a PhD student researching masculinities in education at Adelaide University and has been a Catholic on and off for 52 years. They knew they were genderqueer as a child, long before they had any words to explain their identity. Throughout their teens and young adulthood they struggled with severe depression, as a result of trying to be what they weren’t. Stef has three supportive, adult children.

Tim Smyth

Tim now lives in Melbourne and married his partner of 23 years in 2018. He has successfully chopped and changed parishes over the years to find a welcoming home, usually after changes in the parish priests. He is active as a lector and music minister and has been a member of the Catholic gay group Acceptance since 2003. 

MODERATOR

Susan Sullivan

Susan has worked in executive mission leadership for a range of Catholic organisations, providing strategic thought leadership in the mission and identity of Catholic services. She has designed and implemented a range of innovative mission-focused initiatives, striving to enhance collaborative resource development across the Catholic sector.