Re: Our Pride and Joy

Last weekend, for the second year in a row, Fordham hosted the Outreach Conference on Catholic Ministry and the LGBTQ community. With welcome letters from Pope Francis and Cardinal Dolan, the conference created (as the pope described in his handwritten note) a beautiful “culture of encounter.” Outreach followed Fordham’s own impressive Ignatian Q conference.

During this Pride Month, I want to say directly to our own LGBTQ community of students, faculty, administrators, and staff that you are loved by Fordham and by the fellow members of the Fordham community. Most of all, I want you to know in your core that you are bathed in God’s overwhelming love and acceptance.

We are in awe of your courage. As a deep part of our mission, we will work ever harder to make you feel respected, welcome, and safe.

All my best,

Tania Tetlow
President

In the hand-written note to James Martin, S.J., editor of the Outreach website, the pope mentions Fordham by name and sends his prayers and best wishes for presenters and attendees.

“I send my best regards to the members of the meeting at Fordham University,” reads the translation of the letter, which Pope Francis wrote in Spanish and dated May 6, 2023.  “Thank you for delivering it to them. In my prayers and good wishes are you and all who are working at the Outreach Conference.”

It’s the third letter that Pope Francis has written in support of an Outreach conference.

“I’m grateful for the Holy Father’s warm letter, which is a wonderful blessing for everyone joining us this weekend at the conference,” said Father Martin. “And it’s a special grace for LGBTQ Catholics to know that the pope is praying for them.”

Fordham President Tania Tetlow will be a keynote speaker at this year’s event, which will also feature a representative from the Vatican.

Read more on the Outreach website.