Robert Shine

Robert Shine advocates for a just and inclusive Catholic Church. He presently serves as associate director of New Ways Ministry, a center of justice and reconciliation for LGBTQ Catholics, and has studied theology at Boston College and The Catholic University of America. For more about Bob's work and writing, visit www.robertgshine.com.

By this Author

Members of the General Secretariat of the Synod, from left, Msgr. Riccardo Battocchio and Jesuit Fr. Giacomo Costa, both special secretaries for the synodal assembly; Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of the synod; and Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the synod, attend a news conference at the Vatican Oct. 26. (CNS/Lola Gomez)

Nov 01, 2024

Despite shortcomings on LGBTQ+ people, synod report holds pockets of faith

Here is what I say to fellow LGBTQ+ and ally Catholics who have also been disappointed and disillusioned: Take a few days off, find a park bench and begin the synod document anew.

The interior of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa (Wikimedia Commons/Farragutful)

Oct 11, 2023

Davenport guidelines prove a synodal church can benefit LGBTQ+ Catholics

The Davenport Diocese's new guidelines for LGBTQ+ pastoral care are a strikingly positive approach that could shift the trend of transgender-negative diocesan policies, writes Robert Shine of New Ways Ministry.

The program for the Mass celebrating the 60th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and the feast of St. John XXIII is seen near a glass urn containing the body of the pope, who opened the council Oct. 11, 1962. (CNS/Vatican Media)

Oct 31, 2022

Theological reflection on gender doesn't compete with Vatican II

Michael Sean Winters' line about nonbinary identities is disparaging and harmful. Nonbinary and trans people have become easy targets not only in society, but in Catholic spaces, too.

Jul 01, 2020

New book urges white Christians to assess their 'abuses of faith'

Book review: The book takes down a number of the personalities, institutions and structures of white Christian nationalism that led to President Donald Trump's election and who pose a continued serious threat to multiethnic democracy in the United States.

Dec 19, 2018

The answer to suffering is justice

Book Review: Soul force is the place "where the Spirit of God and our human resilience meet," and it is "an awakening to the realization that we have a creative force within us, because we all bear the divine imprint of the Creator."

Aug 08, 2018

Interfaith dialogue really is relational, accessible

Book Review: Finding Jesus Among Muslims should act as a "facilitator of dialogue." The book raises more questions than it answers, encouraging readers to go forth and learn more.