The EquipCast

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

Episode  |  February 21st, 2023  |  57 mins 50 secs

catholic church and gender issues, challenging traditional beliefs, church teachings and gender, conversations about faith and belonging, faith and gender identity, faith-based perspectives on gender, integration of faith and personal identity, love and acceptance in the church, navigating gender identity and spirituality, overcoming fear of scandal

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.