At the invitation of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), Dr James Alison, a prominent Catholic theologian spoke at events around the country, to progress the conversation and outreach in the Church on matters concerning LGBTQIA+ people.

Dr Alison broke open a number of topics, including biblical exegesis of interpretations of anti- LGBTQIA+ readings of the Bible; what ‘’radical inclusion” means for a modern synodal Church; developing a pastoral response to LGBTQIA+ members of the Church and their families; and, how the theologies and realities of LGBTIQA+ affirming Christian communities are charting new ways forward in the Church.

He emphasised that diverse sexualities are a “non-pathological minority variant in the human condition,” much like left-handers and that ‘’once you realise this, you can treat people in an entirely different way’’.

*Denise Playoust, President, Catalyst for Renewal and James Alison in Kirribilli.*

Through CRA’s collaborative efforts with other organisations and the support of Catalyst for Renewal, Dr Alison spoke at more than 27 events in 31 days through September and October, at a range of venues and to diverse audiences, including Religious Institute Leaders and co-workers in their education, healthcare and aged care ministries, MPJPs, members of the LGBTQIA+ Christian community and their family and friends, and Catholic university staff and students.

One attendant at an event, Hugo Ditroia, working with the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart spoke of how Dr Alison’s discussion was for him an enlightening, heart-stirring, and transformative experience: “With eloquence and depth, James Alison provided a deep theological, biblical, historical, and personal perspective, that reaffirmed the crucial role of the LGBTQIA+ community in the life of our Church and, above all, their rightful place at the table of the Lord.” He also felt inspired by Dr Alison’s “unwavering continued call to religious congregational leaders and workers to continue their invaluable work in LGBTQIA+ ministry, a role deeply rooted in the history of religious congregations”.

*Participants in Sydney, September 2023.*

Another attendee, Caroline Price SGS from the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, said: “Listening to James Alison explain the biblical/historical of the 2nd Century helped me better understand some fundamental things: the importance of context, and understanding the biblical/historical tradition related to a very different reality that is not the reality of today; that everyone within the Christian community needs to be respectful of each other; that those within the LGBTQIA+ community need to be listened to and heard and encouraged to live their best lives; and the fundamental value of “do no harm”.

Caroline said she came away with a rejuvenated sense of the congregation’s pastoral mission: “It’s time to listen and work towards an inclusive, open and energised Church where members of the LGBTQIA+ are equal as the people of God. I pray and I hope!”

The last port of call for James Alison before leaving Australia was Perth, where Dr Alison spoke of his warm reception around Australia and revealed that on his worldwide mission of 30 years with and among LGBTQIA+ persons it was only with his recent Australian presentations that for the first time he was invited to speak on Religious church property.

In a reflection on the visit, Fr Edmond Nixon CSsR said that CRA-WA decided from the beginning to open the James Alison presentations to everyone. The Australia-wide Alison series set out to explore inclusiveness and this was evidenced by including among those attending, dissenting voices as they occur across the Church. Lucy van Kessel PBVM, as chair of the gathering, facilitated good order.

Held at the Redemptorist monastery, North Perth, the talks (see programme) were set in the midst of prayer, fellowship and shared dining. Most of Perth’s religious communities were represented as were senior staff from the Archdiocese and other church denominations. There was also a good mix of sexual orientations within the group. All up there were 100 people in attendance, said Fr Nixon.

Sr Mary Ryan OP, leader of CRA-WA, coordinated preparations leading up to the gathering, a first, which highlighted the CRA aim of “Bringing Us Together”. Dr Pina Ford, a leader in Catholic thought and spirituality in Perth, expressed thanks to CRA and CRA-WA for sponsoring Dr Alison’s visit to Australia.

Sophie, a participant at the Perth presentations wrote afterwards: “Thanks for a lovely afternoon on Monday. I felt James raised many significant points and gave us much food for thought. I was deeply touched by his emphasis in the final section of the afternoon that for any pastoral approach to work, it has to hold that God truly sees each person for who they are, and that in his eyes, everyone is valued and precious. It is a given that we all share a common humanity, and it is into our humanity that God has already entered.”

Dr Alison’s presentations examined the history behind the anthropology and philosophy expressed in the Church’s response to LGBTQIA+ persons and the theologies and ethics which have put that response in context. Step by step he followed the evolution in the Church’s experience, especially in recent centuries leading up to Pope Francis’ calls for inclusion.

Fr Nixon said that was as much as the Perth gathering could examine in four hours.

“But there is still so much more to explore and learn. And that can only happen by listening to the stories of all, not least the stories of women in the Church, and also, the stories of LGBTQIA+ persons in the Church and beyond,” he said.

*Interview with Dr Meredith Lakes, Soul Search, ABC Radio National.*

“It may seem the two lines of stories are not related, but they are. Until there is inclusion and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ persons, feminism can never find its own finality, and the same applies in the opposite direction. Such is the case until the dignity of persons is appreciated in a way that can transcend the presuppositions buried in society’s experience and the Church’s participation in society. The seminar space available at the monastery remains open for such storytelling.

“To conclude, may I say, “There is a balm in Gilead” (Jeremiah 8:22), and we experienced that balm in the gathering CRA facilitated at the monastery on October 16.”

The gathering concluded in a healing song resting on the words and pathos of the old African American spiritual “There is a balm in Gilead to set the wounded free” (You may join in that prayer with a cappella group ‘Chanticleer’ with countertenor Cortez Mitchell)

The impact of James Alison's talks in Australia has created “talkability” around an often taboo topic. His insightful perspectives and compassionate approach have renewed understandings, fostering a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere within the Australian Church community. As individuals reflect on the powerful messages conveyed by Dr Alison, there is a palpable sense of positive change and a collective willingness to embrace diversity, marking a significant step forward in the journey towards a Church that rejoices in all God’s children.

During his time in Australia, Dr Alison was also interviewed by ABC Radio National, to listen click here, Why do we Scapegoat?

To watch the CRA Seminar with James Alison ”A mission-focused discussion about the Catholic Church and matters LGBTQIA+“, click here

Catalyst For Renewal has kindly shared their recording of a Forum with James Alison ‘What does radical inclusion really mean for a modern synodal Church?’ which can be viewed here.