Episode 113: How to Accompany Someone Through the Intersection of Faith and Gender Identity with Fr. Sean Kilcawley

How do we share the love of Jesus with someone who finds our beliefs contrary to their way of life? Accompaniment can be particularly tricky when we find ourselves called to walk with someone whose behaviors may not align with Church teachings. But we know the transformative power of God’s love and should not keep it to ourselves. So how do you walk the fine line between accompaniment and accommodation with someone like this? Today, I talk with Fr. Sean Kilcawley of the Diocese of Lincoln. Over the years, the Lord has called him into ministry with people who struggle with addiction and/or question their identity. He has made a career out of answering the question: What would it be like to make it safe for people to name the difficult things in their hearts? Specifically, we dig into the topic of gender identity, encouraging empathy, love, and understanding when dealing with complex issues related to faith, gender, and identity. In this episode: Explore the idea of normalizing conversations about identity and creating safe spaces for individuals to share their struggles. Understand the power of witnessing to the transformative effects of God's love in one's own life. Learn how sharing personal experiences of integration can help others connect and empathize with those who are facing complex issues related to faith, gender, and identity. For more on this topic, check out Fr. Sean Kilcawley's Youtube Channel and the book The Seven Desires of Every Human Heart by Mark and Deborah Laaser. For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/. A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)