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Indiana diocese issues school guidelines affirming biological sex

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Indiana diocese issues school guidelines affirming biological sex


The Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, released guidelines on Sept.12 affirming that diocesan schools and institutes must practice the Church’s teaching on sexuality and gender while being compassionate toward those struggling with gender dysphoria. 

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Bishop Kevin Rhoades notes in the policy that all diocesan institutes must use pronouns that align with a student’s biological sex. The policy does not permit the use of “‘preferred pronouns” in any capacity.

It further requires that students use the uniforms and bathrooms that match their biological “God-given sexual identity” and attend single-sex sports and programs that match their biological sex as well. 

The 11-page document, approved earlier this month by Rhoades, also prohibits “public advocacy for, or celebration of, sexual behavior or ideologies contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church.”

“Active, hostile, and public defiance of these teachings is prohibited since it is harmful to the institution’s Catholic identity and mission,” Rhoades writes. 

Regarding the treatment of people struggling with gender dysphoria, Rhoades recommends a compassionate response that does not involve life-altering surgeries or sterilizing drugs. 

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Diocesan institutions may not cooperate in “transgender” surgical or chemical interventions such as puberty blockers or surgery on diocesan property, the guidelines say. 

“While we strongly support efforts to alleviate the suffering of those who struggle with their sexual identity, we cannot support interventions which we believe ultimately harm them,” Rhoades notes. “We support pastoral and counseling services to alleviate their suffering and assist them in accepting the God-given gift of their sexual identity.”

Rhoades highlights the importance of chastity for all people. Single people must live chastity in continence, while married couples must live “conjugal chastity.”

“One of the greatest challenges today is the criticism and rejection by many of the Catholic Christian anthropology,” he writes. “In particular, the truths we uphold regarding sexual identity, sexuality, and marriage have become increasingly unpopular after decades of a cultural shift away from a previous consensus on these matters.” 

Rhoades’ diocese has faced challenges in this area in recent years. The bishop last year spoke out against the all-female Catholic St. Mary’s College, accepting any students who “identify” as women. The college has since reversed the policy.

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In the diocesan guidelines, Rhoades highlights the importance of “compassion and sensitivity” toward all those who struggle with gender dysphoria and same-sex attraction. 

The diocese expects all who work with young people to uphold Church teaching while affirming people’s “God-given dignity and worth, and to treat them with the love and compassion of Christ.” 

“Ministers have a special responsibility to assist those who are hurting or struggling, including those dealing with confusion about their sexual identity or with same-sex attraction,” Rhoades writes. “Ministers must not tolerate any ridiculing, bullying, or hostile speech or behavior directed against them.”

The bishop provided guidance on pastoral accompaniment of those struggling with gender dysphoria or same-sex attraction. 

“It is important, through listening, to gain an understanding of the needs, difficulties, and challenges experienced by the young people regarding their sexual identity or regarding their same-sex attraction,” Rhoades notes. “These are often complicated realities.”

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Rhoades notes that when talking to young people who may be distressed about this, it is important to “be attentive to their pain, to listen to their voicing of their pain with a compassionate ear and heart, to assure them that they are not alone in their suffering.”

“The dialogue and conversation should proceed according to the needs of each individual young person, their questions, and their personal struggles,” he writes. 

Rhoades notes that in some cases, it may be helpful or necessary to provide referrals to mental health counselors or psychologists “who are faithful to authentic Catholic Christian anthropology.”

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“It is also good to help them to bring their needs to God in prayer, to rest in his love, and to have recourse to the Lord’s grace and healing in the sacraments, especially reconciliation and the holy Eucharist,” Rhoades adds. 

“It is a special challenge for us to educate and guide our young people according to the Church’s teachings on sexuality and chastity,” Rhoades notes. “It is important that we present these teachings as a path of love, a way to human flourishing, happiness, holiness, and true freedom.” 





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Indiana

Young male dead after shooting on Indy’s northeast side

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Young male dead after shooting on Indy’s northeast side


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Police say one “young man” is dead after a shooting at the 1200 block of Rue Rabelais at about 7:19 p.m. according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

That is near the intersection of 56th Street and Binford Boulevard.

Police say the victim was taken to Riley Hospital where he later died. Investigators say they are still working to identify the victim.

There was no known information about a suspect. Police did say that they believe this is a targeted incident.

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There was no other information immediately available.

This story has been updated with information from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.



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Mother and boyfriend accused in death of 4-year-old boy found in closet

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Mother and boyfriend accused in death of 4-year-old boy found in closet


This story contains descriptions of distressing circumstances involving children.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A mother and her boyfriend were accused of causing the death of a 4-year-old-boy found dead in a basement closet on Monday. 

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department arrested Angel Lovely, 37, and Nicholas Bergdoll, 36, on preliminary charges of neglect of a dependent causing death. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office by Friday had not filed formal charges. 

A sibling found the 4-year-old dead on Monday, according to investigators. Lovely and Bergdoll were in the home at the time but told police they were asleep when he died. 

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Born premature with cerebral palsy, the 4-year old couldn’t walk, was nonverbal, and ate through a feeding tube. Lovely claimed she would rarely put the child in the closet, only “when he won’t stop screaming” or when she “needed a break.” 

But when investigators interviewed Lovely’s three other children, they said that the boy “stays in the closet all day,” and that “mom locks him in the closet” and “does not pay attention to him.” 

An exact cause of death hasn’t been determined, but the child was found with blood in his mouth. Lovely said he’d been aspirating.

One of Lovely’s children told investigators they heard the 4-year-old gagging but didn’t say anything because it wasn’t unusual.

A neighbor living on Monticello Drive, Michelle Johnson, told News 8, “It’s horrible. It breaks my heart.”  

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Johnson had seen the other children outside the home but never knew there was a boy in a wheelchair living there. She said if she suspected they were being neglected, she would have called police or the Indiana Department of Child Services.

“We’re supposed to be a village and raise kids together,” Johnson said. “That’s really heartbreaking.” 

Bergdoll told police, according to the investigators’ report, that he didn’t agree with putting the child in the closet: “I am not going to tell her how to f****** raise her kids.” 

“I’m sickened,” IMPD Public Information Officer Tommy Thompson told News 8 in an interview.
“Think about putting yourself in that situation. Every day, do you want to be in a closet? Locked up, no light?”

Court records show the Department of Child Services had removed the boy from Lovely’s care because of medical neglect, but she regained custody last year against DCS recommendations.  

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Thompson, the neighbor, hopes the tragedy can be an opportunity for others to speak up when they see a child who can’t speak up for themselves. “Maybe you’ve got to make that tough phone call. Reach out. The city has resources.”

Johnson wishes she would have known what was happening so she could have said something. “Children don’t have a voice and we’re supposed to be their voice.”

Help is available for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Below is a list of suggested resources, both national and local:



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Indiana

Police arrest suspect in Westfield homicide

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Police arrest suspect in Westfield homicide


WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) — Police have arrested someone in connection to a homicide earlier this month in the Hamilton County city.

In a Friday night social media post, the Westfield Police Department announced the arrest but gave no details, including who was arrested or what preliminary charges the person may face.

“Due to the active nature of this case, limited details are available for release at this time,” the post said.

As WISHTV.com previously reported, James “Matt” Lushin, 47, was found dead shortly after 7:25 p.m. March 12 with trauma at his home in the 3900 block of Westfield Road, also known as State Road 32.

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Social media posts from the scene showed police tape and emergency vehicles at a red brick house between Shady Nook Road and Gray Road.

Lushin’s obituary said the Kokomo native was a key partner with the real estate investment company, FLF Property. The obituary also said, “Matt was also a respected and accomplished member of the international poker community. He traveled the world competing in tournaments and built an impressive and successful career.”

Police have previously said the death was believed to be isolated, posing no ongoing threat.

Officials have not released a specific cause or manner of death.

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