January 28, 2025

Most Reverend Timothy T. Broglio, President

Archbishop William E. Lori, Vice President

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Secretary

Bishop James F. Checchio, Treasurer

Rev.Michael J. K. Fuller, General Secretary

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

3211 4^thStreet NE

Washington,DC 20017

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Dear Brothers in Christ,

We are writing on behalf of DignityUSA in response to the January 22, 2025 statement of Archbishop Broglio reacting to the first wave of executive orders issued by President Trump on Inauguration Day.

We appreciate and applaud USCCB’s statement that many of these decrees “are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us.” We also appreciate the hope that “the leadership of our Country will reconsider those actions which disregard not only the human dignity of a few, but of us all.” 

We, too, are deeply concerned about the impact of national policies which further destabilize the lives of those who may be most vulnerable among us. As an organization, DignityUSA, our local communities, and our members have long understood that harm to any member(s) of our community damages the entire body. We have decades of history of supporting refugees and asylum seekers, those in prison, people who are hungry, unhoused, impoverished, or marginalized due to race, abilities, financial status, or other characteristics. Individually and corporately, we have sponsored new residents in our nation, supported and volunteered at organizations assisting immigrants with their transition to this country, taught English language learners, served in prison ministry programs,staffed food pantries and meal service programs, and much, much more. We are more committed than ever to standing with those who are targeted in these and any potential future political actions.

We also must express disappointment in the statement’s positive position on the statement limiting official recognition of gender to male and female. While we are well aware of official church teaching on gender, and work within the context of our faith and informed consciences on this, we are deeply concerned that USCCB’s expression of support for this public policy is inconsistent with the way other vulnerable people are centered. Failing to recognize that people who experience gender dysphoria are also among the vulnerable,  deserve respect for their personhood and dignity, and may face increased violence, social risk, and other challenges to their safety and security puts members of our communities, their families, and others at risk.

In the Scriptures this Sunday, the second reading, from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, reminded us that all parts are members of one body. We believe that signifies that people who identify as transgender, nonbinary,gender-creative, etc. as fully members of the body—the Body of Christ, and the community of humanity living in this country and across the Earth. No matter our theology, we call on the USCCB to live up to your responsibility to advocate for these vulnerable people just as strongly as you stand for other vulnerable people.

We are available to discuss ways that this executive order and other political actions endanger and dehumanize these members of our church and our community. We deeply believe our church has an important role in upholding the dignity of all people and can find creative ways to do so.

In hope, 

Meli Barber, President                                         

Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director

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Cc: CardinalChristophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States

     Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop ofWashington, DC

     Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop-Elect ofWashington, DC