Youngstown church hosts LGBTQ+ film screening to show alliance

On a cool Wednesday night, the parking lot at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Youngstown sat full...but not for a mass.

Inside the church's rectory, more than 50 people gathered - not to worship - but to watch a movie.

"The film being shown is called "Mama Bears", says Daphne Carr, an organizer with Mahoning Valley Queer Action. "And it's an incredible documentary that tells the story of LGBTQIA children and family members whose loved ones are Christians trying to figure out how to be good allies to their children.

The church joined other faith and human rights groups to host the film screening.
Reverend Gayle Catinella says it's both to show solidarity, and give youth groups and faith leaders resources to be more inclusive.

"You can say whatever you want but if your actions don't reflect God's love in the world, who's going to believe it, right?" says Rev. Catinella. 

The Cleveland Catholic Diocese recently issued an edict disavowing support of the LGBTQ+ community.
But the believers who gathered on this night say that support is part of their purpose.

"Jesus talks about loving one another, feeding the poor, including people who are not included, building a community that loves and cares for one another," Catinella said.

You can watch a trailer for the film by CLICKING HERE.