“Always Our Children: Catholic and Protestant Teachings on Homosexuality,” a program sponsored by the Student Affairs Mission & Identity Committee, was selected by JASPA as February’s Community Impact Award winner.
The panel discussion, which took place February 6 in St. Robert’s Auditorium, featured Prof. Jeffrey Suker (of the Dept. of Theological Studies), Dr. Mimi Hoang (Student Psychological Services), Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht (LGBT Student Services) and Daniel Perez (LMU student).
The discussion addressed the Catholic Church’s stance on gay rights as it continues to be a source of confusion, as official acceptance of LGBT people emerges on a seemingly intermittent basis. Pope Francis continues to persuade Church leaders to support his compassionate attitudes toward homosexual persons.
“It is important to be able to have these programs to support our faculty and staff and to show compassion for one another,” said Father Paul Vu, Assistant Dean of Students and director of Mission & Identity.
The JASPA Community Impact Award was established to recognize outstanding efforts, coordinated by a staff member at a Jesuit institution that has met the following criteria:
- Significant, positive impact in your collegiate community;
- Meaningful contribution on the college student experience; and
- Overall contribution in the spirit of our Jesuit mission.
For more information about JASPA, visit http://www.jesuitstudentaffairs.org.