CommunionFilm.com​

“Profoundly personal and deeply moving, Matthew LaBanca’s ‘Communion’ takes us behind the headlines to reveal the inspiring story of his struggle to remain part of his church community as both a believer and a gay man."
James Martin, SJ,
author of "Building a Bridge"
“It’s more than a film—it’s a balm, a mirror, and a quiet revolution."
Rev. Brandan Robertson
author of "Queer & Christian"

"Communion" Trailer

What is "Communion?"​

After years of performing on Broadway and numerous national tours, Matthew LaBanca took a break from the musical theater grind and served for 10 years near his home in Queens, NY, as the music teacher at a local Catholic school and as the head of the music ministry at a nearby Catholic parish. His initial concern that being an openly gay man would be problematic was soon eased when his school and church communities lovingly welcomed him and his longtime partner, Rowan. But soon after their wedding, the Diocese of Brooklyn alerted him that someone had reported him and that his marriage was not compatible with Church teachings. [CONTINUE READING]

Watch the Film

"Communion" has not been officially released yet, but you can watch a pre-release screening via video on demand here.

Rent Video-on-Demand

Media Review Screening?

Media Review?

Are you a member of the media interested in seeing “Communion” for review purposes?  Please email your request to [email protected] and we will email you a code to watch it.

Once you’ve watched it, we would greatly appreciate it if you would fill out our “Communion” Questionnaire below.

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News

“That God made me gay has been the biggest blessing of my life.”

Matthew LaBanca on accepting the Fr. Mychal Judge Award

On September 21, after mass at All Saints Catholic Church in Syracuse New York, Matthew LaBanca received the parish’s Father Mychal Judge Award. The honor, awarded by All Saints LGBTQIA+ Task Force, is given to people and groups who exemplify the values of the gay, Franciscan priest and NYC Fire Department chaplain who died in the 9/11 attacks. MORE


Matthew LaBanca receives the Mychal Judge Award from All Saints Catholic Church, Syracuse 

Other Documented LGBTQ Employment Cases

Since 2007 there have been 126 documented cases in the United States of people who have been fired, forced to resign, had offers rescinded, or had their jobs threatened. New Ways Ministry has compiled information on all the cases here.

Q&A with Matthew LaBanca

Q: Has there been any feedback to your story that really surprised you? 

ML: The phrase I’ve heard over and over is “I wish my parents could see this.”  [more]

Download the “Communion” press materials here.

Once you have watched  “Communion,” please take a moment to answer our questionnaire below. 

Audience Questionnare

Communion Screening Questionnaire

1. What was your reaction to the movie overall?(Required)
2. Would you recommend this movie to your friends?(Required)
5a. Rate: Matthew LaBanca(Required)
5b. Rate: The Story(Required)
5c. Rate: The Settings(Required)
5d. Rate: The Pace(Required)
5e. Rate: The Music(Required)
5f. Rate: The Ending(Required)
5g. How "religious" would you consider yourself?(Required)
5h. What is your present religion, if any?(Required)
6a. Which words best describe the movie?(Required)
You can choose multiple options.
Please add any names and contact info below. Many thanks for helping us spread the word!
10a. Gender(Required)
10b. Age Group(Required)
Name (optional)
We will keep you posted on any news about "Communion."
NOTE! Please hit the black "Submit" button below just ONCE and wait for the button to turn red while it records your responses.

Once you hit "Submit" and your responses have been recorded, the screen should read "Thank you for completing the Communion Screening Questionnaire." If you do NOT get that message, please notify us at [email protected]. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you!