Revival of Faith Among Gen Z as Young People Return to Church
Steve Doocy recently spoke with young individuals at America’s largest church who are rediscovering religion as a source of truth and community. Interestingly, there’s a notable revival of faith observed in Houston. Bryce Crawford, a Gen Z Christian influencer, shared her personal journey of finding solace from depression and anxiety through her relationship with Jesus. She encourages her peers to reconnect with faith, suggesting that they are on a quest for deeper fulfillment that, in her view, can only be found through Jesus Christ.
In a different context, many prominent Catholic universities this spring are organizing separate graduation ceremonies that affirm LGBTQ+ identities. These events, often referred to as “lavender graduations,” include elements like drag performances and are meant to honor the achievements of LGBTQ+ graduates. According to various university sources, at least 20 Catholic institutions are either hosting or planning these events, which are distinct from the main graduation ceremonies.
“Lavender” has been associated with LGBTQ+ identities for a long time, but it carries additional connotations within Catholic circles, where critics have coined terms like “lavender mafia” to describe alleged gay networks in Church organizations.
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These ceremonies have drawn scrutiny from groups like Cardinal Newman Society, which supports traditional Catholic teachings. They have highlighted multiple lavender ceremonies happening this year, arguing that such celebrations promote ideologies that conflict with Catholic doctrine.
For example, Seattle University, which is hosting its own LGBTQ+ graduation, has announced a “Lavender Celebration” featuring a performance by Drag Queen Sativa. This is scheduled just before an event called “DICK’S DELUXE DRAG EXTRAVAGANZA.”
At the University of San Francisco, alongside the lavender graduation, there’s a plan for a “queer prom.” It’s interesting to note that some schools are offering unique honors and speakers at these events, along with various social activities.
Critics argue that these ceremonies, while intended to support students, may inadvertently reinforce damaging ideologies. The Cardinal Newman Society has expressed concern that such events could lead students away from the authentic teachings of the Church, emphasizing that while same-sex attraction is not sinful, it is considered “objectively disordered” from the Church’s perspective.
Additionally, some Catholic universities that host LGBTQ-focused events are also organizing culturally specific graduation ceremonies aimed at non-white students, blurring the lines of identity-focused celebrations. It’s a complex landscape, to say the least, where faith, identity, and education are all intertwined.
