JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Archdiocese of St. Louis disapproves of remarks from a local pastor who recently spoke against legislation that aims to restrict gender-affirming care in Missouri.
On Monday, Rev. Mitch Doyen of the St. Josephine Bakhita parish in north St. Louis testified against House Bill 35 at a Missouri House committee hearing. The bill calls for healthcare providers to “not knowingly perform a gender transition surgery on any individual under eighteen years of age,” among other things.
The Archdiocese of St. Louis told FOX 2 on Doyen’s comments, in part, that he spoke on his own behalf and that his remarks do not reflect church teachings. (NOTE: Scroll down for the full statement)
Doyen expressed his opposition to HB 35 and similar bills under legislation, arguing that they dehumanize transgender individuals and their families. He shared personal experience of knowing transgender youth and adults and emphasized the importance of supporting them.
“I believe in a loving god who has fashioned each human person as a unique reflection of God’s love in the world,” said Doyen to House committee members. “I am not afraid to imagine a world more profound than male and female. And I trust the parents, families, doctors, and counselors, all who love our transgender youth, to make these decisions more than you.”
One lawmaker then asked if there was a disconnect between the Catholic church and opposition to Missouri’s bills on transgender topics. Doyen then acknowledged that fear exists within the church, including among its leaders. He suggested that there is a range of perspectives among bishops.
Doyen emphasized that his stance on Missouri’s transgender bills comes from a place of commitment and listening to individuals directly affected.
“I’m not saying change church teaching,” said Doyen. “Church teaches chastity. Church teaches the dignity of the human person. The church teaches the value of the sacrament of marriage and the beauty of a love between man and woman that reveals God’s love in the world. All of that is true. But why then, because all of that is true, do we have to say that nothing else can be true?
“I think the church is still learning, still growing, and we’re going to have to dial it among ourselves,” he continued. “We need grace, compassion, and connection more than we need to be dividing and pretending that anyone has all the answers.”
FOX 2 reached out to the Archdiocese of St. Louis for a comment on Doyen’s response and its stance on gender-affirming care. The Archdiocese provided the following statement:
“Fr. Mitch Doyen was speaking on his own behalf, and his comments did not accurately reflect Church teaching.
The Catholic Church consistently reaffirms the compassion and inherent dignity of all men and women, including those who experience gender dysphoria. We do not discriminate against anyone based on how they identify or what they believe.
However, our pastoral care and support of individuals who identify as transgender does not mean that we condone chemical treatment or surgical procedures that are designed to alter the appearance of one’s gender. The Church has been consistent on this issue, and any suggestion to the contrary is a misrepresentation.”