Support for the Tyler Clementi Foundation

As a Congregation dedicated to the ministry of Christian education, 

we join with the Catholic Bishops and many religious orders supporting the Tyler Clementi Foundation. We stand up for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth in our Xaverian ministries and across the globe.

A statement from the Catholic Bishops reads, “As we see in the Gospels, Jesus Christ taught love, mercy and welcome for all people, especially for those who felt persecuted or marginalized in any way; and the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that LGBT people are to be treated with “respect, compassion and sensitivity.”  

All people of goodwill should help, support, and defend LGBT youth; who attempt suicide at much higher rates than their straight counterparts; who are often homeless because of families who reject them; who are rejected, bullied and harassed; and who are the target of violent acts at alarming rates.

The Catholic Church values the God-given dignity of all human life and we take this opportunity to say to our LGBT friends, especially young people, that we stand with you and oppose any form of violence, bullying or harassment directed at you.   

Most of all, know that God created you, God loves you and God is on your side.”In our Fundamental Principles, our Founder, Theodore Ryken, sought to form a community to manifest “God’s care and compassionate love to those who are separated and estranged, not only from their neighbors, but also from their own uniqueness; to those who suffer from want, neglect, and injustice.”

Our work to make Ryken’s vision a reality calls us to stand up for LGBTQ+ youth and against any form of harassment and bullying. 

Brother Daniel Skala, CFX

General Superior

About The Tyler Clementi Foundation 

The Tyler Clementi Foundation was founded by the Clementi family to prevent bullying through inclusion and the assertion of dignity and acceptance as a way to honor the memory of Tyler: a son, a brother, and a friend. In 2010, Tyler’s death became a global news story, highlighting the impact and consequences of bullying, while sparking dialogue amongst parents, teachers, and students across the country. His story also linked broader issues impacting youth and families, such as LGBT inequality, safety in schools, youth in crisis, higher education support systems, and cyberbullying. Click here to read more.