This page contains the Pastoral Letters published by Archbishop Paul Coakley of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

On Good Shepherd Sunday, April 30, 2023, Archbishop Paul Coakley released a new Pastoral Letter: "On the Unity of the Body and Soul: Accompanying Those Experiencing Gender Dysphoria."

This pastoral letter seeks to address the anthropology underlying the transgender movement and to provide pastoral guidance on how the Church, its ministers and the lay faithful can accompany – walk with – those who struggle with their gender identity, especially those who identify as transgendered.

We are called to bear witness to the truth inscribed in every human body and to do so with great love. Most of us will not directly accompany someone struggling with gender dysphoria but may interact with friends or family who support “gender affirming” treatment and the transgender movement. What is our role? As Pope Francis famously said, “I see the church as a field hospital after battle. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds. And you have to start from the ground up.” Confusion about the goodness of the human body, the gift of biological sex, and what it means to be male and female are foundational wounds.

At the end of the letter there are sources and resources for assisting with accompanying those suffering from gender dysphoria. Please share with parishioners, staff, teachers, catechists or anyone else who might benefit from reading it.

Find a link below to a PDF version of the letter, in English and Spanish.
 

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