As the Catholic Campus Minister at UNCA, I affirm that all LGBTQ+ persons are loved, affirmed, and welcomed by Catholic Campus Ministry, and that LGBTQ+ members of our UNCA Catholic Community are unequivocally valued. We are committed to be more accepting and to ensure the inclusion, voices and perspectives of those who our society and even the hierarchy and members of the Church often push away. God’s desire is that in Jesus Christ, ALL persons may be drawn into communion with God and each other, overcoming all barriers. We seek to embody that divine desire.
Often actions and proclamations of the hierarchy of the Church cause pain and suffering to LGBTQ+ individuals and must leave them wondering “Where is there a place for me in the Church?” At Catholic Campus Ministry at UNCA, the answer is HERE YOU HAVE A PLACE.
You have a place in our community of faith where you are one of the Mystical Body of Christ, and without you we would be broken and incomplete. This is just as true for everyone at UNCA: God desires union with you through faith in the Redemptive Mission of Word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ, and the Sacraments of the Church that effect that union.
To our LGBTQ+ friends, specifically, I stress again that Catholic Campus Ministry at UNCA is enriched by your presence, your gifts, your ministry and leadership. The Catholic Community at UNCA sees you, values you, and recognizes that you are a gift from God with the full dignity of someone made in the image and likeness of the Divine.
Your Servant in Christ,
David Mayeux
Catholic Campus Minister
Asheville Catholic Campus Ministry 