B NDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Summer 2012 Vatican criticizes US theologian's book on sexual ethics By Jerry Filteau herence with the Just Love: A ties," Farley said. "In doing so, I offer National Catholic Reporter central aims and Framework for not only ideals for human sexual rela- June 4, 2012 insights of these Christian Sexual tions, but also some absolute require- theological and Ethics was pub- ments." The Vatican Congregation for the moral traditions." lished in 2006 by In 2008 she received the prestigious Doctrine of the Faith has sharply criti- While the Continuum, an Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Relig- cized Just Love, an award-winning book Notification international pub- ion for the book. on sexual ethics by Mercy Sr. Margaret briefly quotes her lishing company Now a professor emerita, Farley has Farley, a prominent Catholic theologian conclusions on specializing in taught Christian ethics for 50 years and at Yale . each of the five scholarly works. began her career at Yale in 1971. She "Among the many errors and ambi- specific topics The book argues was the first professor appointed guities in this book are its positions on that are singled that justice is a full-time to the masturbation, homosexual acts, homo- out, followed by a key quality in faculty. She and noted spiritual writer sexual unions, the indissolubility of mar- brief summation human sexual share the distinction of riage and the problem of divorce and how those conclu- relationships be- being the first Catholics ever on the remarriage," the congregation's five-page sions depart from cause authentic school's faculty. "Notification" said. the church's teach- love is formed, "I do not dispute the judgment that In those areas, it said, the author's ing, Farley said guided and pro- some of the positions [expressed in Just position "contradicts" or "is opposed to" the congregation's tected by justice. Love] are not in accord with current offi- or "does not conform to" church teach- critique "does not In its core Chapter cial Catholic teaching." she said. "In the ing. also consider my 6, "Framework for end, I can only clarify that the book was Made public Monday but dated arguments for a Sexual Ethic: not intended to be an expression of cur- March 30, the Notification was approved these positions" or J u s t L o v e , " rent official Catholic teaching, nor was it by Pope Benedict XVI and signed by the "complex among the topics aimed specifically against this teaching. U.S. Cardinal William J. Levada, prefect theoretical and Sister Margaret Farley, RSM treated are person- It is of a different genre altogether." of the congregation, and practical contexts hood, free consent, In an email to NCR Lisa Sowle Ca- Luis F. Ladaria, its secretary. to which they are a response." mutuality, equality, commitment, fruit- hill, a well known Catholic theologian, Farley said, "Although my responses In that way it "misrepresents – per- fulness and social justice. author and professor of ethics at Jesuit- to some particular sexual ethical ques- haps unwittingly – the aims of my work "Ultimately, in this book I propose a run Boston College, said, "Theologians tions do depart from some traditional and the nature of it as a proposal that framework for sexual ethics that uses do not see or present their work as Christian responses, I have tried to show might be in service of, not against, the criteria of justice in evaluating true and 'official church teaching' and few of the that they nonetheless reflect a deep co- church and its faithful people," she said. faithful sexual relationships and activi- (Continued on page 6) ministry group refuses to sign oath By Brian Roewe "take public action to clarify the status of at its national conventions. The associa- lics, particularly those who feel unwel- National Catholic Reporter CALGM with regard to authentic Catho- tion maintains an office and mailing ad- come in the church. While it strives to June 25, 2012 lic ministry" should they refuse to take dress in Berkley, Calif., placing it under present church teaching clearly, its board an oath that requested that each member the watch of the Oakland bishop. stated in an April 15, 2011, letter to Cor- Following a more than yearlong "strive to clearly present Catholic doc- The investigation into the associa- dileone, the association does not view investigation into the group's "adherence trine on in its fullness" tion and its "adherence to the fullness of catechesis as one of its duties. to the fullness of Catholic teaching," the and "profess personally to hold and be- Catholic teaching" began in late 2010 "We never speak anything opposed future of a national association of minis- lieve, and practice all that the holy through a Dec. 22 letter from Cordileone. to Catholic teaching. Regardless, our tries to gay and Catholics is un- teaches, believes and Since then, the two sides have met in focus is pastoral ministry, not catechesis. certain because its board members re- proclaims to be true, whether from the person twice, and exchanged nearly a We bring people to a place where they fused to sign an "oath of personal integ- natural moral law or by way of revelation dozen letters. can seek catechesis from their own parish rity" to Catholic teaching given to them from God through Scripture and tradi- CALGM defines itself as a pastoral or faith community," Arthur Fitzmaurice, by the local bishop. tion." outreach organization and views its mis- a CALGM board member and its re- Declining the oath could result in The board has twice rejected the sion as "setting the table" for gay Catho- (Continued on page 9) Bishop Salvatore Cordileone of Oakland, bishop's request. Calif., declaring the Catholic Association "That you would require such an for Lesbian and Gay Ministry, or unprecedented and extensive manifesta- CALGM, as "not authentically Catholic," tion of our consciences suggests to us a letter to its members from the associa- that, irrespective of our pastoral effec- tion president warns. tiveness, you wish to force an end to "In good faith, we have done most these, admittedly difficult, conversations. everything required of us to maintain a You will not be receiving any signed legitimate space within the boundaries of oaths from the Board members," Nelson the institutional Church," president wrote in a March 29 letter, the first in- Sheila Nelson wrote to members April 5. forming the bishop of their decision. "Yet, this has not seemed to be adequate Formed in 1994 as an independent or satisfactory to the office of the bishop. 501(c)(3) charitable organization, We have repeatedly, abundantly and CALGM is a nationwide network of gay humbly submitted that our work is pas- outreach ministries. Its 200-plus mem- toral in nature and not political or pri- bers provide pastoral care for gay Catho- marily doctrinal." lics and their families in 25 states, and The Oakland bishop declined NCR's include nearly two dozen diocesan and request for comment. Mike Brown, the parish ministries -- each independent and diocese's director of communications, subject to its local pastor or diocese. issued a statement saying, "If the Bishop Casey Lopata, the cofounder of For- decides to make a public statement about tunate Families and a longtime member the CALGM organization, he will then of CALGM, said the network "keeps decide the best time and communication people connected … rather than in isola- method to do so." tion," but its importance extends beyond Cordileone's list of concerns with those in ministry. the association have included the omis- "I think the importance is that the sion of specific church documents on its people in the pews understand that there At World Pride in website and publications; its use of the is a Catholic-affiliated association that terms gay and lesbian; members' state- supports gay and lesbian people and their New Ways Ministry‘s Executive Director Francis DeBernardo (left) proudly car- ments deemed critical of the church; and involvement within the church," he said. ries the organization‘s banner with Martin Pendergast, a longtime supporter, in the backgrounds, affiliations and public Though not an official organization the World Pride March in London, Englnand, on July 7, 2012. DeBernardo took statements of both conference speakers of the U.S. bishops' conference, CALGM part in a World Pride multi-faith international conference on faith and LGBT is- and board members. and its members interact regularly with sues while in London. He also conducted New Ways Ministry‘s ―Next Steps ― In an April 12 letter to the associa- bishops nationwide, and several bishops program for people in the .  tion's board, Cordileone stated he would have spoken or celebrated the Eucharist Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 Catholics Among Christian Leaders B NDINGS Supporting LGBT Rights in Uganda Summer 2012 Vol. 32, No. 2 Bondings 2.0 people pose an inherent threat to our children and our so- Www.NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com cieties. LGBT people exist in every country and culture, Francis DeBernardo, Editor July 25, 2012 and we must learn to live in peace together to ensure the freedom of all, especially when we may disagree. Board of Directors The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human ―We condemn misguided actions that have led to in- Mary Byers Rights has released an open letter by American Christian creased bigotry and hatred of LGBT people in Uganda that Matthew Myers leaders expressing solidarity with LGBT Ugandans as that debases the inherent dignity of all humans created in the Ryan Sattler nation continues to consider anti-gay legislation. Among image of our Maker. Such treatment degrades the human the 46 signatories are 28 who are connected with Catholic family, threatens the common good, and defies the teach- Board of Advisors institutions (see below). ings of our Lord – wherever it occurs.‖ Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX The announcement on the Kennedy Center‘s website To read the full text of this letter and to see the full list Anna Koop, SL states: of signatories, go to www.rfkcenter.org/american- Anthony LoGalbo, OFM “Washington — July 24, 2012 Today, a group of 46 christian-leaders-speak-out-against-anti-homosexuality- Patricia McDermott, RSM American Christian leaders issued an open letter express- laws ing solidarity with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and The signatories associated with Catholic institutions

(LGBT) Ugandans in the face of ―increased bigotry and are: Staff hatred.‖ The letter, coordinated by Faith in Public Life, Ambassador Thomas P. Melady, Former U.S. Ambas- Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director Human Rights First and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for sador to Uganda and the Vatican; Gerald J. Beyer, Ph.D., Robert Shine, Staff Associate Justice and Human Rights, comes as a new Political Re- Saint Joseph‘s University; Nicholas P. Cafardi, Duquesne search Associates report released today accuses, among University; M. Shawn Copeland, Boston College. Rev. Co-Founders others, evangelicals such as Pat Robertson, Catholics and Paul Crowley, S.J., Santa Clara University; Nancy Dal- Sr. Jeannine Gramick Mormons of setting up campaigns and fronts in Africa de- lavalle, Ph.D., Fairfield University; Francis Schüssler Rev. Robert Nugent signed to press for anti-gay laws. . . . Fiorenza, Harvard Divinity School; Jeannine Hill ―‗It‘s important for Ugandans to know that not all Fletcher, Fordham University; Sister Mary Ann Hinsdale, Bondings is a seasonal publication designed Evangelical and Catholic leaders think LGBT people IHM, Ph.D., Boston College; Bradford E. Hinze, Ph.D., to keep our subscribers informed of issues should be criminals,‘ says Frank Mugisha, executive direc- Fordham University, Rev. James Hug, S.J., Center of that pertain to lesbian and gay people tor of Sexual Minorities Uganda and the 2011 Robert F. Concern; John Inglis, ; Reverend and the Catholic Church. Kennedy Human Rights Award laureate, ‗This letter from Raymond B. Kemp, Woodstock Theological Center; Paul prominent American Christians is a crucial step in our ef- Lakeland, Fairfield University; Rev. John Langan S.J.; forts to introduce Ugandans to more positive and loving Georgetown University; Rev. Bryan N. Massingale, Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry Christian messages in contrast to the harmful rhetoric from S.T.D., Marquette University; Joseph A. McCartin, is an educational and bridge-building our own pastors that only leads to more violence and Georgetown University, Alex Mikulich, Loyola Univer- ministry of reconciliation between the hate.‘‖ sity, New Orleans; David J. O’Brien, Ph.D., University of Catholic gay and lesbian community In part, the text of the letter reads: Dayton; Christopher Pramuk, , Cincin- and the institutional structures ―Regardless of the diverse theological views of our nati; Thomas J. Reese, S.J., Woodstock Theological Cen- in the Roman Catholic Church. religious traditions regarding the morality of homosexual- ter; Stephen F. Schneck, Ph.D., The Catholic University ity, the criminalization of homosexuality, along with the of America, Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM, Institute for New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate violence and against LGBT people that in- Communal Contemplation and Dialogue; Terrence W. prevalent myths and stereotypes evitably follows, is incompatible with the teachings of our Tilley, Fordham University; Edward Vacek, S.J., Boston about homosexuality and supports civil faith. College; Todd Whitmore, University of Notre Dame; To- rights for lesbian and gay persons in society. ―As American Christians we recognize that groups and bias Winright, Ph.D., Saint Louis University; Sandra leaders within our own country have been implicated in Yocum, Ph.D., University of Dayton. efforts to spread and discrimination in Uganda. Almost 42% of Uganda‘s population is Catholic, the New Ways Ministry We urge our Christian brothers and sisters in Uganda to largest denomination in this predominantly Christian na- resist the false arguments, debunked long ago, that LGBT tion.  4012 29th Street Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 (301) 277-5674 [email protected] Gay-friendly Catholic church in SF draws heat www.NewWaysMinistry.org for ban idea

By Carolyn Copland grams, suppers for the homeless and AIDS support groups. The San Francisco Examiner ―This is not a ban on drag queens or an insult to the TO SUBSCRIBE August 13, 2012 gay community whatsoever,‖ Poma said. ―In the church COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM hall there have been issues with weddings and other Although a gay-friendly Catholic church in The City‘s groups, so we decided to put an end to them altogether. We Castro neighborhood is receiving heat for allegedly ban- are part of the community here and to think that we‘re ban- Enclosed is: ning drag queens from all future events on its premises, ning drag queens is obnoxious and ridiculous.‖ church officials are saying that while they opposed the idea However, Castro Country Club members seem to be _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada at first, they quickly viewing the new policy as changed their minds. an intentional slight. _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada Members of the Cas- ―In previous years, we tro Country Club, an have had Ivy Drip and _____ I wish to receive Bondings, LGBT addiction recov- Heklina, both well-known but cannot donate at this time. ery group, say the new entertainers and commu- pastor of Most Holy Re- nity fundraisers, serve as deemer Catholic Church emcees of the event, and Name ______told them they could not we felt we could not in hold their third annual good conscience abide by Address ______Harvest Feast fundraiser the new policies,‖ the on the premises if drag club‘s board said in a City ______queens were to partici- statement to the Bay Area pate. Reporter. State ______And although church The ban on outside events Business Manager Mi- was scheduled to go into Telephone ______chael Poma acknowl- effect at the end of Sep- edged that Pastor Brian tember, but was pushed Email ______Costello did tell members of the Castro Country Club that forward after the church consulted with the San Francisco they could not hold their event if drag queens were sched- Archdiocese. Although the Bay Area Reporter suggested uled to attend, Poma said he quickly reversed his decision. Salvatore Cordileone, who is set to be the next archbishop, Please make check payable to ―New Ways ―Father Brian wasn‘t educated about the importance of made the decision, the archdiocese insists it was com- Ministry‖. Outside the US, please use only drag queens in the gay community,‖ Poma said. ―Once it pletely up to the parish. checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars or was explained to him, he said they were welcome to attend ―The new archbishop has absolutely no authority until go to www.newwaysministry.org. as long as their behavior was church-appropriate.‖ Oct. 4 when he takes over,‖ Archdiocese spokesman Church officials now say the new policy is not a prohi- George Wesolek said. ―I‘m pretty sure he didn‘t even hear Mail to: bition against drag queens, but rather an end to all one-time about this issue until now.‖ New Ways Ministry events that do not originate at the church. Poma said the Wesolek said there have been several events on the 4012 29th Street ban applies to all outside events — gay or straight — in- premises that were not ―church-appropriate.‖ The San Mount Rainier, MD 20712 cluding weddings, parties or fundraisers. The church is still Francisco Gay Softball League allegedly held an event planning to hold its own events, including 12-step pro- consisting of men stripping and simulating sex acts.  Summer 2012 BONDINGS Page 3 LCWR will continue dialogue, but not compromise mission

By Joshua McElwee the differences that exist within the Deacon, who is also the congrega- the group, allow individual tables to dis- National Catholic Reporter Catholic church‖ and create ―spaces for tional leader of the Sisters of St. Francis cuss the matters among themselves, have August 10, 2012 honest and open conversation on the of Assisi based in St. Francis, Wis., pre- time for representatives, from those ta- critical moral and ethical questions that viously served at the United Nations as bles to talk to the entire group, and then ST. LOUIS -- The organization face the global community.‖ director of the New York office of Fran- allow facilitators to gather the thoughts which represents the majority of U.S. LCWR‘s members also urged their ciscans International, a nongovernmental together. Catholic sisters said Friday afternoon it officers ―not to allow the work with CDF organization that lobbies for justice is- ―Sometimes the Holy Spirit just would continue discussions with church to absorb the time, energy and resources sues. speaks to us in a very un-programmed officials regarding a Vatican-ordered of the conference nor to let it distract the Before LCWR‘s announcement of and unprocessed way,‖ said Garvey, an takeover, but ―will reconsider‖ if it ―is conference from the work its mission its statement Friday, three past presidents organizational consultant for religious forced to compromise the integrity of its requires,‖ reads the statement. of the organization were part of a press congregations who also serves on NCR‘s mission.‖ Speaking at the press conference briefing in which they explained some of board. The statement by the Leadership the process that Sr. Marlene Weisenbeck, a member Conference of Women Religious, which eventually led to the of the community of Franciscan Sisters represents some 80 percent of U.S. sis- statement, and what of Perpetual Adoration, said in the brief- ters, came at the end of the group‘s an- would happen fol- ing that while the 900-member group did nual assembly, held this week in St. lowing its release. not take a vote on every issue, they did Louis. Sr. Helen Garvey make sure to hear ―from the entire group The sisters were responding to an said at the briefing, … what is surfacing about the thinking April 18 mandate by the Vatican‘s Con- the LCWR national of the sisters from the group.‖ gregation for the Doctrine of the Faith board will meet to ―It‘s easy to see whether or not we that ordered the group to revise and place discuss the state- are coming to consensus,‖ said Weisen- itself under the authority of three U.S. ment in more detail beck, who served as LCWR president in bishops. before meeting with 2010. ―It is very clear.‖ Reading aloud from a prepared state- Sartain for two Asked at the Friday morning press ment, which came after approval from hours on Saturday conference about whether LCWR mem- the 900 sisters gathered at the assembly, Aug. 11. bers felt empowered to make decisions LCWR‘s president, Franciscan Sr. Pat Asked at the brief- regarding the mandate on behalf of their Farrell, said LCWR membership wanted ing how LCWR was entire communities, Weisenbeck said to use the occasion of the Vatican order Sister Pat Farrell, OSF handling the logis- that generally LCWR members feel a ―to explain to church leaders LCWR‘s Friday, Farrell said that while the process tics of coming to a single decision among spirit from their congregational members mission, values and operating princi- of approval of the statement didn‘t in- the some 900 members attending the that they can ―do what they need to do.‖ ples.‖ volve ―voting as such,‖ the statement gathering, Garvey, who served as LCWR As an example, Weisenbeck said As part of the Vatican‘s mandate, ―had a high level of approval by the president in 1987, said that the process that before leaving to represent her con- LCWR has been ordered to place itself members.‖ was ―not much different from what we gregation at an LCWR assembly years under the authority of an ―archbishop In order to get a sense of how each do in our congregations.‖ ago her congregational members pre- delegate,‖ Seattle‘s Archbishop Peter of the some 900 gathered felt regarding A typical flow to the executive ses- sented her with a bouquet of roses. Sartain. parts of the statement, one member told sions, said Garvey, saw LCWR‘s leader- ―I understand their trust and their LCWR national board is expected to NCR following the press conference, the ship explain some of the questions before empowerment,‖ she said.  meet with Sartain in St. Louis Saturday, assembly used different colored cards to Aug. 11, for about two hours. The focus allow members to express support or of that meeting ―will be on beginning to disapproval. process with him and see how that un- When the final draft was read aloud New Ways Ministry Statement on folds,‖ Farrell said at a press conference. at Friday‘s afternoon executive session, The LCWR expect ―open and honest said Benedictine Sr. Anne Sheperd, the Vatican Assessment of LCWR dialogue‖ with Sartain that ―may lead not group gave a ―lasting standing ovation‖ only to increasing understanding between to the final draft. Francis DeBernardo not providing effective leadership and the church leadership and women reli- Asked what she hopes to receive in Executive Director example to their communities, but gious, but also to creating more possibili- dialogue with Sartain, Farrell said New Ways Ministry place themselves outside the Church‘s ties for the laity and, particularly for LCWR wants ―to be recognized and be Mount Rainier, Maryland teaching.‘ women, to have a voice in the church,‖ understood as equal in the church.‖ April 18, 2012 In 2007, many leadership teams of the statement said. ―And really we do want to come to women‘s religious communities wrote ―Religious life, as it is lived by the the point of having an environment … For all of our 35-year history, to the CDF to express their concern women religious who comprise LCWR, for the entire Catholic church to search New Ways Ministry has been strongly about the CDF‘s directive to the is an authentic expression of this life that for truth together, to talk about issues supported by Catholic women religious Archbishop of St. Paul, Minnesota, to must not be compromised,‖ it said. that are very complicated. And there is in the United States. This support, deny permission to our organization to ―The assembly instructed the LCWR not the environment right now.‖ manifested by so many generous and celebrate the Eucharist at our national officers to conduct their conversation The Vatican‘s critique of LCWR courageous acts, has, indeed, been the conference in that archdiocese. As far with Archbishop Sartain from a stance of said the Vatican congregation identified backbone of our bridge-building minis- as we are aware, the content of these deep prayer that values mutual respect, a "prevalence of certain radical feminist try for lesbian/gay Catholics and the letters questioned the Vatican‘s denial careful listening and open dialogue,‖ the themes incompatible with the Catholic wider church community. of the Eucharist without addressing the statement said. ―The officers will pro- faith" in the group's programs and So, it was with great dismay that other issues of pastoral care of lesbian ceed with these discussions as long as "corporate dissent" in the group regard- we learned that the Congregation for and gay people or Catholic teaching on possible, but will reconsider if LCWR is ing the church's sexual teachings. the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) today human sexuality. forced to compromise the integrity of its Farrell said during questioning from released a document on the recent The CDF‘s criticism of receiving mission.‖ the press that ―dialogue on doctrine is not ‖Doctrinal Assessment of the Leader- letters seems intended to silence dis- The statement was approved by a going to be our starting point.‖ ship Conference of Women Reli- cussion of important issues in the wide majority of the membership, two ―Our starting point will be about our gious,‖ (LCWR) in which the Congre- church. Why are Vatican leaders afraid members of the group told NCR. own life and about our understanding of gation announced the appointment of to hear what women religious think on Over the past week, LCWR mem- religious life,‖ Farrell continued. ―And an Archbishop Delegate to oversee a topic such as homosexuality that is bers have been meeting in closed-door the documents, in our view, misrepresent LCWR‘s activities. We are even more being so widely discussed in all other ―executive sessions‖ during the assembly that.‖ deeply saddened that support of New quarters of society? The Catholic faith to discuss the mandate. Members were Following the issuing of the Ways Ministry by women‘s religious is a living faith that requires dialogue asked to keep those discussions confi- LCWR‘s statement Friday, the group is communities and by LCWR leaders and discussion, not only to thrive, but dential.At the last executive session, held to host a Mass at which the annual transi- was singled out as one of the reasons also to be a viable witness of God‘s Friday afternoon, ―99.9 percent‖ of the tion of the group's top leaders will occur. that a doctrinal assessment was under- love in the world. members present stood and clapped in LCWR‘s leadership is composed of a taken. From the document: If the leadership of the Catholic approval when a final draft of the release president-elect, president and past presi- ‗Policies of Corporate Dissent. The Church is unwilling to listen to the idea was read aloud, said Sr. Nancy Corcoran, dent, who govern the group collabora- Cardinal [, CDF Pre- of the leaders of some of its most dedi- a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of tively with the group's secretary, treas- fect] spoke of this issue in reference to cated members, then our Church will Carondelet of St. Louis who represents urer and executive director. letters the CDF received from never be able to grow or to respond in a her order as an LCWR member. At the ceremony, Farrell will move ―Leadership Teams‖ of various Con- Gospel way to the needs of our world. ―People were thrilled,‖ said Cor- to the position of past president, while gregations, among them LCWR offi- The CDF‘s repressive action towards coran. ―You could have heard the hoot- Franciscan Sr. Florence Deacon, cur- cers, protesting the ‘s actions LCWR further erodes Catholicism‘s ing and the cheering and the yelling. It rently LCWR's president-elect, will be- regarding the question of women‘s ability to be a vital force in the world. makes me proud. It was worth all the come its president. ordination and of a correct pastoral New Ways Ministry, in gratitude time and effort.‖ Asked if that change in leadership approach to ministry to homosexual for all we have received from women‘s In their statement, the LCWR mem- would affect their dialogue with Sartain, persons, e.g. letters about New Ways religious communities, pledges our bers also reference the wide support the Farrell said the process of having three Ministry‘s conferences. The terms of prayerful support to LCWR and all its group has received from lay people, seen sisters working together in leadership the letters suggest that these sisters members during this period of trial. in vigils hosted in cities across the coun- allows for ―continuity.‖ collectively take a position not in We know that our God, who has graced try this week. ―But there is change over and that agreement with the Church‘s teaching these women with gifts of justice, forti- LCWR members, the statement really speaks to who we are and how we on human sexuality. It is a serious mat- tude, and wisdom, will guide and sus- reads, recognize that many lay people share leadership,‖ Farrell continued. ―It ter when these Leadership Teams are tain them at this critical time.  had urged the group to help ―reconcile really speaks to who we are.‖ Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 Several priests shut church door to petitions to block gay marriage By Lornet Turnbull site, the Very Rev. Michael G. Ryan said riage, despite support from 56 percent of The Ref. 74 campaign of those who The Seattle Times he decided not to permit the petitions lay Catholics for such unions. In states oppose same-sex marriage, which in- April 13, 2012 after a discussion with the pastoral team. from Maine to , the church has cludes the National Organization for Mar- He said he believed allowing the peti- advocated — to some degree or another riage, hopes voters will reject the state's Priests at a number of Roman tions would "prove hurtful and seriously — against such unions. new same-sex marriage law. To get the Catholic parishes in the area have said divisive in our community. In saying Yet in supporting the gathering of measure on the November ballot, the cam- no to the gathering of signatures for Ref- this, I do realize that there are some who signatures in local parishes, Sartain went paign must gather at least 120,577 valid erendum 74 at their churches — putting will be disappointed with this decision." further than other bishops, some of signatures by June 6. them at odds with their archbishop on a The decisions by pastors come two whom more recently have backed off At Assumption Catholic Church in statewide ballot measure seeking repeal weeks after the Most Rev. J. Peter Sar- their opposition to same-sex marriage, or North Seattle, the Rev. Oliver Duggan of Washington's same-sex marriage law. tain, archbishop of Seattle, sent a even come out in support of arrange- called the issue the "elephant still in the The majority of parishes in Western lengthy letter to parishioners outlining ments such as civil unions. Still, his rec- room." He said he planned to talk about it Washington are expected to make the his support for Ref. 74 and explaining ommendation was not a dictum, and he on Sunday but declined to reveal what he petitions available — some as soon as why he believes defending traditional left it to the discretion of pastors to de- intends to say. this Sunday, following Mass, according marriage is important. cide for themselves and their parishion- At St. Monica Catholic Church on to a spokesman for the Archdiocese of "We believe that the redefinition of ers how best to handle the matter. Mercer Island, members of the Knights of Seattle. marriage is such a far-reaching and radi- June 6 deadline Columbus will have petitions available But pastors of at least three promi- cal decision that it should not be left Churches risk losing their tax- following Sunday Mass, an administrator nent Catholic churches in Seattle — St. simply to a vote of legislators and the exempt status if they become involved in there said. Mary's Church, St. Joseph Parish and St. signature of the governor," his letter political campaigning, but the restriction Calls to the archdiocese have been James Cathedral — have notified mem- said. doesn't apply to initiative and referen- running about even between those op- bers that the petitions will not be made Sartain's position is in line with the dum campaigns, which are considered posed to the archbishop's stance on the available there. teachings of the Catholic Church, which legislation. Churches are permitted to issue and those who favor it, archdiocese In an item posted on St. James' web- has traditionally opposed same-sex mar- lobby on pending laws. spokesman Greg Magnoni said. "Our bishops determined that mar- riage is such a significant issue for the common good, that it was imperative the Gay-friendly Catholic measure be placed on the ballot so voters can decide," Magnoni said. Colleges and Before legislators in February passed the state's same-sex marriage legislation, Below is a list of known gay-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic institu- Sartain testified against it in Olympia. But tions that have some type of gay/lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc. If you are aware some church members are hard-pressed to of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay/lesbian people, please let us know. recall an instance where — on the issue of gay rights, at least — the church has gone Alabama Syracuse: LeMoyne College so far as to allow signature gathering in- Mobile: Spring Hill College Boston: Emmanuel College, Boston Col- Queens: St. John‘s University side parishes anywhere. lege Francis DeBernardo, executive direc- California Chestnut Hill: Boston College tor of New Ways Ministry, which advo- Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University Chicopee: Elms College Cincinnati: Xavier University cates for gays within the Catholic Church, Goleta: St. Mark‘s University Easton: Stonehill College Heights: called Sartain's position "a very aggressive Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Univer- North Andover: Merrimack College Dayton: University of Dayton step — and in the wrong direction." sity, Mount Saint Mary‘s College Weston: Regis College Pepper Pike: Marriage alternatives Moraga: St. Mary‘s College Worcester: Assumption College, South Euclid: In other states, "there appears to be a Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College College of the Holy Cross Sylvania: Lourdes College trend of the church supporting civil unions San Diego: University of San Diego or domestic partnerships, arrangements San Francisco: University of San Fran- Michigan Oregon short of full marriage," he said. cisco Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy Marylhurst: Marylhurst University For example, he noted, the Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Portland: University of Portland Archbishop of Westminster in England in December came out in support of civil Colorado Minnesota Pennsylvania unions. And in New Hampshire this year, Denver: Regis University Collegeville: St. John‘s University Cresson: Mount Aloysius College the Catholic Church endorsed civil unions Duluth: College of St. Scholastica Dallas: Misericordia University for same-sex couples as a compromise to Connecticut Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Erie: Mercyhurst College a full repeal of that state's same-sex mar- Fairfield: Fairfield University, St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Greensburg: riage law, which has been in place since Sacred Heart University St. Paul: St. Thomas University Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, 2009. New Haven: Albertus College Winona: St. Mary‘s University of Minne- LaSalle University, St. Joseph‘s In 2009, the Diocese in Portland, West Hartford: Saint Joseph College sota University Maine, opposed marriage equality on a Pittsburgh: Carlow University, referendum and made petitions available District of Columbia Missouri Duquesne University in its parishes. Georgetown University, Trinity University Kansas City: Avila University, Radnor: Cabrini College This year, same-sex marriage sup- Rockhurst University Reading: Alvernia University porters in Maine are trying again to legal- Florida St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Scranton: Marywood University ize gay marriage. Last month, church Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University St. Louis University Villanova: Villanova University leaders there announced they would not Miami Shores: Barry University actively campaign against the measure, Montana Rhode Island but would instead educate members on the Hawaii Helena: Carroll College Newport: Salve Regina University issues. Honolulu: Chaminade University Providence: Providence College "Education is the proper role for the Nebraska church; collecting signatures is not educa- Illinois Omaha: Creighton University Texas tion," DeBernardo said. Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Uni- Austin: Saint Edward‘s University In Maine, he said, some parishes have versity, St. Xavier University New Hampshire San Antonio: University of the Incarnate reported a loss in membership as a result Joliet: University of St. Francis Manchester: St. Anselm College Word, Our Lady of the Lake Univer- of the church's position in 2009. River Forest: Dominican University in Nashua: Rivier College sity "That's important for Archbishop Sar- Illinois tain and others to consider," DeBernardo Romeoville: Lewis University New Jersey Vermont said. "This could have a devastating af- Caldwell: Caldwell College Colchester: Saint Michael‘s College fect, regardless of the outcome." Indiana Jersey City: St. Peter‘s College Magnoni, the Seattle Archdiocese Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, St. South Orange: Seton Hall Washington spokesman, said that at least here in Mary‘s College, University of Notre Lacey: St. Martin‘s College Washington state, there have not been Dame New York Seattle: Seattle University opportunities for the church to stake a Albany: College of Saint Rose Spokane: Gonzaga University claim on a moral issue this important to its Iowa Brooklyn and Patchogue: teachings. The archdiocese, for example, Davenport: St. University St. Joseph College West Virginia was not involved in the Ref. 71 campaign, Dubuque: Loras College Bronx: Fordham University, Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University which attempted to repeal the state's do- Manhattan College mestic-partnership law in 2009. Kentucky Buffalo: Canisius College Wisconsin "The church, in the first instance, is Louisville: Spalding University, Loudonville: Sienna College De Pere: St. Norbert College not a political institution," Magnoni said. Bellarmine University New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Madison: Edgewood College "But when there's a political issue with a Iona College Milwaukee: , moral dimension, the church has the re- Louisiana Poughkeepsie: Marist College Cardinal Stritch University, sponsibility to step up and help people New Orleans: Loyola University Riverdale: College of Mount St. Vincent Marquette University understand Catholic teaching around the Rochester: St. John Fisher College issues."  Maryland St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Univer- Canada Baltimore: College of Notre Dame of sity Toronto: Regis College Maryland, Loyola College of Maryland Sparkill: St. College Summer 2012 BONDINGS Page 5 Washington State Catholics talk marriage equality By James Whitely riage in relation to the church and soci- affair, then came under the purview of is what makes a family. The quality of a Seattle Gay News ety, in an effort to dispel myths and em- the church as well. relationship is what Catholics should call August 24, 2012 power the audience to do the same in 'It moved from the family, to the moral or immoral. conversations with other Catholics. state, to the church,' said Gramick. 'This 2) Not supporting same-sex mar- On Wednesday, August 22, about 60 riage is discriminatory, and the Catholic local Catholics gathered at St. Mark's faith tells its adherents not to discrimi- Episcopal Cathedral to hear from two nate. longtime Catholic friends of the LGBT 3) Catholics want to protect chil- community, who are unequivocal sup- dren. All children, regardless of what porters of marriage equality. Sister kind of family they live in, should have Jeannine Gramick and Francis DeBer- the same support and benefits. nardo of New Ways Ministry spoke on 4) Likewise, same-sex couples de- why Catholics should (and mostly do) serve equal protection, with the same support marriage equality and offered societal and social rights of straight cou- some historical perspective on the issue. ples. 'We are committed to give a progres- 5) Marriage equality helps develop sive Catholic witness on issues like mar- strong families and thus makes society riage equality and others where we be- stronger. The Catholic faith tells adher- lieve our hierarchy is out of touch,' said ents that they should work for the com- Betty, a local Catholic, introducing the mon good of all people and the progres- two nationally renowned speakers. sive development of society. The Numbers 6) The church should not dictate 'Catholics are more supportive of public policy for all people. marriage equality than any other denomi- 7) Even if a Catholic disagrees with nation in the country,' said DeBernardo, homosexuality, Catholics believe in 'while public opinion seems to reflect the equality and fairness for all. opposite.' Senator Murray Thanked Citing polls from the Public Relig- DeBernardo, who is New Ways ion Research Institute, DeBernardo said Ministry's executive director, said he Francis DeBernardo, Senator Ed Murray, Sister Jeannine Gramick pose at only 22% of Catholics oppose same-sex wanted to acknowledge a very special Seattle meeting. marriage and 71% are in favor of same- local Catholic in the audience that night - sex civil marriage. According to DeBer- State Sen. Ed Murray, who, along with nardo, the reason these numbers are sur- She detailed how marriage evolved gradual assumption took a thousand the state's Catholic governor, Christine prising to many people is because the from a private affair between families, years.' Gregoire, have made same-sex marriage leadership of the Catholic Church is so with no civil or religious significance. Gramick then made an effort to dis- a potential reality here in Washington. outspokenly against marriage equality. 'They [marriages] gradually became pel some other myths that opponents of DeBernardo said Murray was DeBernardo reported that about one- civil ceremonies, as civil arrangements same-sex marriage typically spread, such 'instrumental' in the fight to achieve mar- fourth of the Catholics he's spoken with were made to define the right and re- as the idea that churches will be forced to riage equality in the state, and that 'he is say they regularly hear some sort of mes- sponsibilities that people had in mar- perform same-sex marriages and that if really the hero of this campaign.' sage about Gays and in church, riage, like to manage property and inheri- they don't, they could be sued or lose Murray received a standing ovation and two-thirds of that group say those tance,' said Gramick. 'But it grew from a their tax-exempt status. from everyone in the room. messages are negative. private family affair.' 'The bishops are saying a lot of 'Were going to have to show them 'That's what's causing that percep- 'In fact,' Gramick continued, 'Some things that are not true,' said Gramick. that enthusiasm in November and all the tion problem,' said DeBernardo. 'The early Christian writers said that the A Matter of Principle way through to November,' added De- people with the microphones are giving church should not be involved in the 'So why do Catholics support mar- Bernardo after the applause died down. those negative messages, not the people institution of marriage at all. 'Leave it to riage equality?' DeBernardo asked rhet- 'No human being has the whole in the pews.' the state [they said], because it inevitably orically. She said there are seven rea- truth. But we, as the faithful have a re- Catholics with Facts involves sexual intercourse, and that's a sons, and what they all boil down to is sponsibility to shape our church,' said Gramick, a co-founder of New Ways little dirty.' that Catholics' support is 'not in spite of Gramick. 'In this particular issue the Ministry and member of the Sisters of But after the Roman Empire fell, being Catholic, but because of being church depends on LGBT people and Loretto, an order of nuns deeply con- according to Gramick, the church as- Catholic.' their allies. We need to speak out.'  cerned with social justice, gave an over- sumed more of a civil role. Naturally, The seven reasons she cited are: view of the history of Christian-era mar- marriage, which had grown into a state 1) What matters is love, not gender. Love Catholic Vice President Biden on Gay Marriage: „Who Do You Love?‟ By Michael Larotonda tle with and think about because I have a ―I think ‗Will and Grace‘ probably ―The Vice President was saying ABCNews.go.com whole host of friends who are in gay did more to educate the American public what the President has said previously – May 6, 2012 partnerships,‖ he said. than almost anything anybody‘s ever that committed and loving same-sex cou- The admini- done so far,‖ he ples deserve the same rights and protec- Vice President Joe Biden expressed stration has held said. ―People fear tions enjoyed by all Americans, and that a candid openness to gay marriage today, to that stance that which is dif- we oppose any effort to rollback those but stopped short of saying whether since and Gregory ferent and now rights [...] Beyond that, the Vice Presi- President Obama would seek to legalize asked whether they‘re beginning dent was expressing that he too is evolv- it as an institution in a second term. Biden‘s views had to understand.‖ ing on the issue, after meeting so many ―I am absolutely comfortable with also evolved. Biden wouldn‘t committed couples and families in this the fact that men marrying men, women The White say whether the country.‖ marrying women and heterosexual men House has tradi- administration LGBT groups are expressing general marrying women are entitled to the same tionally held would seek legis- support for Biden‘s comments, although exact rights,‖ he said. ―All the civil warm relations lation federally some express wariness the White House rights, all the civil liberties. And quite with the LGBT recognizing gay and Obama campaign‘s statements are an frankly I don‘t see much of a distinction community and marriage in a sec- attempt to walk-back the Vice Presi- beyond that.‖ has hosted multi- ond term stating, dent‘s candor. A written statement from Biden made the remarks during an ple conferences ―the president sets the Human Rights Campaign reads: interview that aired on NBC‘s ―Meet the on the subject. the policy.‖ But ―We are encouraged by Vice Presi- Press‖ this morning. The vice president Obama himself the Obama cam- dent Biden‘s comments, who rightly ar- told host David Gregory his personal appears in a video paign has already ticulated that loving and committed gay views were a matter of heart. from the ―It Gets jumped in, with and lesbian couples should be treated ―Who do you love? Who do you Better Project,‖ a top strategist equally. Now is the time for President love and will you be loyal to the person series of videos David Axelrod Obama to speak out for full marriage you love?‖ Biden said, ―And that‘s what supporting gay downplaying the equality for same-sex couples.‖ people are finding out what all marriages victims of bully- Vice President Joe Biden event roughly an HRC spokesman Fred Sainz would at their root are about.‖ ing. But after the repeal hour after it aired. He later write ABC News, ―There‘s no ques- The comments could signal a further of the military‘s ―Don‘t Ask Don‘t Tell,‖ tweets: tion the VP was voicing his support for shift for the Obama administration as the policy and the Justice Department‘s ―@DAVIDAXELROD @chucktodd marriage equality, not some form of am- president‘s reelection campaign enters chilling of the Defense of Marriage Act, @meetthepress What VP said-that all biguous relationship recognition.‖ full swing. Since the 2008 election, speculation has run over how the admini- married couples should have exactly the However, at least one high ranking Obama has officially supported only civil stration could go forward heading into same legal rights-is precisely POTUS‘s official within gay rights organizations unions, leading to some friction with November. position.‖ said that this walk back isn‘t likely to do liberal supporters. But in October 2010 The vice president told Gregory that The White House echoes Axelrod. much damage to Obama‘s relationship the president suggested to a group of he measured the subject on how social In a statement released to Politico, a with the gay community. The president, progressive bloggers his views could culture changed to deal with it. He cited spokesperson from the Vice President‘s said this source, ―has a lot of good will change. open portrayals of gay and lesbian char- office maintains Biden‘s comments do among the gay donor community.‖ ―Attitudes evolve, including mine, acters on television as evidence of wider not fall outside the administration‘s cur- Currently, gay couples can wed in and I think that it is an issue that I wres- acceptance of the topic. rent stance. six states and the District of Columbia. Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 Reminding those in despair of God‟s love By Father Peter J. Daly Centers for Disease Control and Preven- Twenty years ago, I was asked to As I came down from the podium on Catholic San Francisco tion, which was released last year, gay represent Catholic University at the read- the National Mall, an elderly couple ap- May 11, 2012 and lesbian youth are much more likely ing of names of people who had died of proached me. They were crying. They than their heterosexual peers AIDS at the presentation of said I had read their son‘s name. They The young man began to cry. to have thought about sui- the NAMES Project AIDS told me their pastor had refused their son I asked him why he was so unhappy. cide or to have attempted No one Memorial Quilt in Washing- a burial when he had died of AIDS be- He said it was because his family would suicide. should feel ton, D.C. Each of us was cause he was publicly gay. They said that not accept him. I asked why they would Why do they commit given 20 or so names to read. I was the first priest who ever prayed for not accept him. He answered, ―Because suicide? excluded We were told by the organiz- their son in public and were grateful. I I am gay. They are very Catholic.‖ Some are bullied at from ers not to add anything or to embraced them. I started to cry, too. school. Some feel rejected give any speeches. How could any pastor of souls re- Three times in 25 years of ministry I by their peers, their parents God’s love. When I got to the micro- fuse consolation to the dying and a have sat across the room from young and their families. Some- phone, I read my list of prayer for the dead? They are part of the men who have attempted suicide because times they feel rejected by No one names just as I was told. spiritual works of mercy. That is our they were gay or feared they were gay. their religion and their pas- should ever But at the end of the list, reason for being. Several other times, especially when I tors. Some feel they are something moved me to want If we are not in the business of was in campus ministry at The Catholic unacceptable to the God be driven to pray for them. It did not showing love to God‘s children, we don‘t University of America, I talked with who made them. That is a to despair. seem adequate to merely say have a reason to be in business. I thought young people despondent over their gay- great wrong and a great their name. So I quickly said of that elderly couple as I sat across the . tragedy. our traditional prayer for the room from the young man who had tears I have talked with people who cut or What can people in dead. ―Eternal rest grant unto flowing down in his face. disfigured themselves because they had pastoral ministry say to them? them, O Lord, and let perpetual light No one should feel excluded from such a deep self-loathing because they First, I think we should say we love shine upon them. May their souls, and all God‘s love. No one should ever be were gay. them. And so does God. the souls of the faithful departed, rest in driven to despair. Ever.  According to a study done by the Second, we can offer them prayer. peace.‖ Vatican criticizes US theologian's book on sexual ethics (Continued from page 1) the church "and the moral sense of the released, and the commitment can be was," and those in such a situation can- faithful are confused about this fact." faithful have been in no doubt and have justifiably changed.'" not receive Communion unless they re- Sr. Patricia McDermott, president of firmly maintained that masturbation is an "This opinion is in contradiction to pent, confess in the sacrament of penance the of the Americas, intrinsically and gravely disordered ac- Catholic teaching on the indissolubility and commit themselves "to living in expressed "profound regret that this No- tion," even if one must also take into of marriage," the congregation said. Its complete continence." tification was issued." She said Farley account factors such as "affective imma- response, citing church law and the Sec- The congregation said that because "assiduously attempts to present the turity, force of acquired habit" that may ond Vatican Council among its sources, of its positions "in direct contradiction Catholic tradition as formative of her "lessen or even extenuate moral culpabil- said in part that "Love seeks to be defini- with Catholic teaching in the field of own rich experience while recognizing ity," the congregation responded. tive; it cannot be an arrangement 'until sexual morality,"Just Love "cannot be the ecumenical audience she often en- Homosexual acts: "Sr. Farley writes: further notice.' … The Lord Jesus in- used as a valid expression of Catholic gages." 'My own view … is that same-sex rela- sisted on the original intention of the teaching, either in counseling and forma- What the Notification says tionships and activities can be justified Creator who willed that marriage be in- tion, or in ecumenical and interreligious The doctrinal congregation said that according to the same sexual ethic as dissoluble. … Between the baptized, a dialogue." after an initial examination of the book, heterosexual relationships. It closed with a call to theologians to in March 2010 it sent Farley and her reli- Therefore, same-sex oriented study and teach moral "in full gious superior a "preliminary evalua- persons as well as their activi- concord with the principles of Catholic tion...indicating the doctrinal problems ties can and should be re- doctrine." present in the text." spected whether or not they Other reactions Farley's response that October "did have a choice to be otherwise.'" Harold Attridge, dean of Yale Divin- not clarify those problems in a satisfac- "This opinion is not ac- ity School and a Catholic, said, "Honest tory manner," the congregation said, so it ceptable," the congregation and creative theologians have often met a undertook a full examination of the book said. While persons with homo- critical response to serious theological under its Regulations for Doctrinal Ex- sexual tendencies "must be reflection, and it is no surprise that Pro- aminations. accepted with respect, compas- fessor Farley's work has done so as Following a second exchange in sion and sensitivity," it added, well." 2011 between the congregation and Far- church tradition, based on He added, "In time, I suspect, those ley and her superior, the congregation Scripture, "has always declared who react negatively to it now will come concluded that her responses to the that homosexual acts are intrin- to appreciate the important contribution "grave problems" in the book were still sically disordered. They are it makes to what must be our constant inadequate and decided to proceed with contrary to natural law." effort to examine the foundations of our the Notification, which is a standard Homosexual unions: Not- moral life." form in which the congregation notifies ing that Sr. Farley argues that Farley is a former president of the church leaders and members that it has antidiscrimination laws play an Catholic Theological Society of America found serious doctrinal problems with a important role in reversing ha- and of the Christian Ethics Society. She theologian's work. tred and stigmatization of gays has received 11 honorary degrees and in On Farley's general approach, it said and lesbians,, the congregation 1992 was awarded the CTSA's highest that in addressing moral issues she quoted from the book, honor for theological achievement, the "either ignores the constant teaching of "Presently one of the most ur- John Courtney Murray Award. the magisterium [official church teaching gent issues before the U.S. pub- Boston College theologian Cahill authority] or, where it is occasionally lic is marriage for same-sex said in her email to NCR that the Notifi- mentioned, treats it as one opinion partners – that is, granting of cation adopted a strategy of only report- among others. Such an attitude is in no social recognition and legal ing Farley's conclusions on five specific way justified, even within the ecumeni- standing to unions between moral issues and countering them with cal perspective that she wishes to pro- lesbians and gays comparable the conclusions of church teaching – mote." to unions between heterosexuals." ratified and consummated marriage can- without "engaging any of the substantive It also accused her of a "defective "This position is opposed to the not be dissolved by any human power or arguments for or against" the church understanding of the objective nature of teaching of the magisterium," the congre- for any reason other than death." teachings. the natural moral law," long a linchpin of gation said, quoting from the Catechism Divorce and remarriage: "Sr. Farley She said this approach creates the official Catholic moral teaching. "This of the Catholic Church and from previ- writes '…[T]he lives of two persons once "unfortunate impression" that: approach is not consistent with authentic ous statements it has made on the sub- married to one another are forever quali- "Engaging Sr. Margaret's arguments Catholic theology," the congregation ject, including, "The principles of respect fied by the experience of that marriage. and replies to previous inquiries [over said. and nondiscrimination cannot be invoked … But [if that ends in divorce] does what the two-year investigation] is superfluous On the five specific issues on which to support legal recognition of homosex- remains disallow a second marriage? My and unnecessary because the condemna- it criticized her positions here is a short- ual persons" – in part because that would view is that it does not … any more than tion of her book was predetermined and ened version of what the congregation mean "approval of deviant behavior, with the ongoing union between spouses after the investigation a mere formality. quoted from her book and its responses: the consequence of making it a model in one of them has died prohibits a second "There are in fact no reasonable ar- Masturbation: "Sr. Farley writes: present-day society." marriage on the part of the one who still guments to back the positions asserted by 'Masturbation … usually does not raise Indissolubility of marriage: "Sister lives." the Notification. any moral questions at all. …[T]he Farley writes: 'My own position is that a Quoting Christ in Mark's Gospel -- "The CDF itself has abandoned the norms of justice as I have presented them marriage commitment is subject to re- "Whoever divorces his wife and marries grounding of moral theology in the would seem to apply to the choice of lease on the same ultimate grounds than another commits adultery against her; 'objective nature of the natural moral law' sexual self-pleasuring only insofar as this any extremely serious, nearly uncondi- and if she divorces her husband and mar- and is relying solely on the authority of activity may help or harm, only insofar tional, permanent commitment may ries another, she commits adultery" – the past conclusions."  as it supports or limits,, well-being and cease to bind. … Can it hold absolutely, congregation answered that in church liberty of spirit. This remains largely an in the face of radical and unexpected teaching in the case of civil divorce and empirical question, not a moral one.'" change? My answer: sometimes it can- remarriage, "a new union cannot be rec- The firm and constant teaching of not. Sometimes the obligation must be ognized as valid, if the first marriage Summer 2012 BONDINGS Page 7 Teacher fired for same-sex marriage views prays for dialogue By Dan Gunderson moments of dialogue was I thinking, 'gee Cameron said church officials told wanted Mrs. Cameron to teach here next Minnesota.publicradio.org I'm jeopardizing my employment?' No," her the definition of marriage is an issue year, but she believes gay marriage is June 27, 2012 she said. "That never crossed my mind." with no room for discussion. OK, so she can't.' And I could say I really Cameron said her decision to speak She believes her firing was not justi- want to teach here next year, but I be- MOORHEAD, Minn. — Trish Cam- out goes back to a day last fall, when fied but is not planning any legal action lieve gay marriage is OK, so I can't. And eron comes from a strong Catholic tradi- Bishop Michael Hoeppner of the Diocese against the church. from there we both stand with the fall- tion. She attended Catholic schools in of Crookston made his Cameron said she under- out." Moorhead for 12 years. She regularly annual visit to her class. stands the church re- Immediately after church officials attends Mass. "When he came to quires teachers to adhere asked her to resign, Cameron declined But after losing her job at a Catholic talk to my fifth graders to Catholic tenets and interview requests, saying she didn't elementary school for challenging the this year this was the beliefs and that church want to contribute to an angry, polarizing church's position on same sex-marriage, topic, gay marriage and officials may terminate discussion. Cameron, 46, now prays for healthy dia- the Minnesota Marriage employment at any time. But she said when church officials logue on a "closed and painful" topic. Amendment," she re- But she said she never remained silent, she decided to speak After 11 years teaching fifth graders called. "And it ended discussed her opinion of publicly. Cameron believes she repre- at St. Joseph's Catholic school in Moor- with a direct call to 'talk same sex marriage with sents a segment of the Catholic Church head, the same-sex marriage issue was to your parents,' kind of Trish Cameron her students. no longer willing to simply accept what on Cameron's mind as she filled out her 'tell them how to vote and St. Joseph's School Super- the church leaders say without discus- annual self-evaluation form this spring. make sure — this is important for the intendent Monsignor Mike Foltz declined sion. Cameron said she has heard from Part of the evaluation asked teachers church.' And I was really troubled by an interview request. In an email, he many Catholics who tell her they are also to rate how well they support the teach- that, I was very uncomfortable with wrote, "It is of revelation and struggling with the same-sex marriage ings of the church. In the comment box, that." what more can I say?" issue. Cameron wrote, "I do not agree with all Cameron said she felt a fifth grade Cameron said the school wanted her "We want to talk. This matters in our church teachings on a personal level, but classroom was not the appropriate place to simply resign her position, but she did life. To some of us it's extraordinarily I do not bring my own opinions into re- for a political discussion of the marriage not want to leave parents and students painful. To some of us it's really confus- ligion classes." amendment, which would change Minne- wondering what happened. After a lot of ing," she said. "I have teenagers with That comment led to a meeting with sota's Constitution to allow marriage intense discussion, Cameron said, the close friends that are openly gay and her principal and superintendent where only between a man and a woman. Cam- church allowed her to send a letter to those friends matter to them." she explained her break with the church eron said she can't remember another parents. She explained she was asked to Cameron also said that she and other on the issue of same-sex marriage. One instance in 11 years where a bishop ex- leave the school because of her position parents are afraid that the battle over week later, they asked her to resign. pressed political views in the classroom. on same-sex marriage. same-sex marriage will alienate their "I don't think there was any hiding Bishop Hoeppner's office did not The school also sent a letter to par- children from the church. my feelings, but along the way at the respond to an interview request. ents announcing that Cameron would not "After generations of being planted return to her fifth grade class. In the let- and rooted in the Catholic faith, we're ter, school officials don't refer to the afraid we can't hand this faith comforta- Maine diocese makes right move same-sex marriage issue directly, but bly to them," she said. said, "As a school we hold ourselves to a Cameron said she is not asking the by choosing not to promote bias standard to embrace and hold dear the church to sanctify same sex-marriage. church's teachings, particularly Sacred But she does want church officials to talk By David Flynn My father raised me in the Catholic Scripture and Sacred Tradition." about the issue. She worries they have Portland Press-Herald faith that taught lessons about justice and By mailing the letters, school offi- slammed the door on dialogue. Portland, Maine the common good. He taught me that as a cials made Cameron's challenge of "If that is what the church chooses to June 16, 2012 Catholic, I can be part of a powerful, church teachings become public, just as say in the end — divine revelation and positive force in the world. He taught me the school year ended. no more dialogue, then I guess for me LYMAN - This Sunday is Father's that God's greatest gift is love. And I Cameron said she hoped to use the even my own future as a Catholic which Day. Across the country, families will passed these values on to my children. teacher-evaluation process to express her matters a lot to me, that part of it I don't gather for Sunday dinners and backyard By avoiding the divisive politics of concern about the church bringing poli- know yet," she said. "It really does mat- barbecues. We raise a glass together, this election year, Maine's Catholic tics into her classroom. She also wanted ter how the church responds to this." because it's not only a day families cele- Church has seemingly learned from past to start a discussion about same-sex mar- Cameron said her faith is strong and brate their fathers -- it's a day that we mistakes. In 2009, more than 140 riage that she hoped would spill over into she won't turn away from the Catholic fathers celebrate our families, too. For all churches across Maine took a second local congregations. Church in the near future. But she said if Americans, Father's Day is about love, collection to oppose marriage equality Cameron recalls a proposal she the church continues to ignore the plea to respect and commitment. for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual made during discussions with school talk about difficult questions like same- I was raised Catholic, educated at a and transgender community. officials about how to handle her dis- sex marriage, she will have no choice but Catholic university and raised my sons in When this happened, many people missal from the school. to find a more open and accepting place the church. Our family was very in- stood up and walked out of church. "Wouldn't it be something if we to worship. volved in our parish. I have served as Sadly, many have never come back. In could walk out of these doors together This fall, Cameron will start a new Parish Council president, and my wife fact, according to a study by the Pew me in the middle, principal on one side, job teaching in a Fargo Public School. and I were both Eucharistic ministers and Research Center, one in three Catholics priest on the other and [say] 'we really  Sunday school teachers. born into the faith have stopped calling All three of my sons served as altar themselves Catholic. boys. I was proud to raise my kids in a They leave because Catholics want Cardinal Calls for Equality of faith with a deep commitment to care for their faith known for its ability to inspire the most vulnerable in our society. a culture, not for the political activities of My wife and I raised all three boys its leaders. Heterosexuals & Homosexuals the same. They went to the same schools, I believe that engaging in the politics TheLocal.de them to be imprisoned," he said. played sports, hunted and fished, and of fighting secular laws regarding civil May 18, 2012 His comments were met with disgust occasionally got into trouble. They are same-sex marriage is wrong for any from a sexual abuse victim in the audi- now grown men, and I am extremely church. And a review of public opinion Some sex abusers should continue to ence, who said it was incomprehensible proud of all of them. polls illustrates that the strong majority work for the Catholic church, that offenders continued to One of my sons is gay. I've always of Catholics agree with me. a bishop said on Thursday, work for the church. . . . known that his life would be more diffi- According to a public opinion sur- while a cardinal argued for But some momentum for cult than that of his brothers. As a father, vey conducted in March by the Public some homosexual relation- change was evident from a all I want is for all my boys to live Religion Research Institute, nearly 60 ships to be treated like het- speech by Berlin Cardinal Rai- happy, healthy, fulfilled lives. percent of adult American Catholics sup- erosexual ones. ner Maria Woelki. On Father's Day, many Maine port civil marriage for same-sex couples. The contrasting com- He told a crowd on Thurs- churches will be participating in a special This is a higher rate of support than ments came on the second day that the church should "second collection." This second collec- among the general public or members of day of the 98th Katholiken- view long-term, faithful homo- tion won't be used to fund a mission trip other Christian denominations. tag, a major conference that sexual relationships as they do to Africa or to help feed Portland's home- It would seem the Catholic Church is expected to draw 60,000 heterosexual ones. less. Rather, these churches will use this in Maine is listening to the voices of the Catholics to Mannheim over "When two homosexuals money to fight civil same-sex marriage faithful in choosing not to promote dis- the weekend. take responsibility for one rights for my son. crimination. The Roman Catholic Dio- There should not be a another, if they deal with each Cardinal Woelki While this is an unfortunate, anti- cese of Maine has signaled that it will blanket ban from employing other in a faithful and long-term family move on the part of certain reli- not actively campaign against this No- priests who have committed way, then you have to see it in gious denominations, I am proud to say vember's ballot question allowing civil sexual crimes, argued Bishop of Trier the same way as heterosexual relation- Maine's Catholic leadership has opted to marriage for same-sex couples. The dio- Stephen Ackermann, the church official ships," Woelki told an astonished crowd, avoid the divisiveness of this issue. cese's decision to "take a pass" on the responsible for dealing with the sex according to a story in the Tagesspiegel The fact that these other churches second collection is a good indication abuse scandal in the church. newspaper. would participate in such activity is dis- that it will keep that promise. There are "a number of motives," Woekli acknowledged that the appointing. More than wanting my son to Because Father's Day is about love, Ackermann told a crowd listening to a church saw the relationship between a be able to marry the person he loves, I respect and commitment, I'm one Maine debate on the subject. It made sense to man and a woman as the basis for crea- want my son, and every father's son in father who's proud of my son and my differentiate among the different types of tion, but added that it was time to think Maine, to be proud of their faith tradi- church.  offenders, he said. "Otherwise we could further about the church's attitude toward tions. slide into a dynamic that calls for all of same sex relationships.  Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 Study challenges anti-gay perception of Latinos, especially Catholics

By Lornet Turnbull Hispanic Perspective," was funded by equality — just as there is in the popula- among lay Catholics at around 56 per- The Seattle Times the Arcus Foundation, an organization tion as a whole. cent, church teachings and most church April 13, 2012 focused on environmental and social- Some Latino groups, for example, leaders oppose same-sex marriage. justice issues, including equality for rallied in New York last year against that Among Catholic Latinos in the A new national study challenges the gays. state's same-sex marriage bill. And exit SSRS survey, 57 percent said they sup- widely held perception Latinos are persis- "There is a clear misperception polls showed more than half of Latino port same-sex marriage, while support tently anti-gay. among the general population about voters in California backed Proposition among other Christians was around 43 Released Thursday by the research where Latinos stand" on lesbian, gay, 8, the ballot measure repealing that percent. group Social Science Research Solutions bisexual and transgender issues, said state's same-sex marriage law. "The Protestant/Catholic divide is (SSRS) and the Hispanic advocacy or- David Dutwin, vice president of SSRS The study found foreign-born Lati- huge ... ," Dutwin said. ganization National Council of La Raza, it and author of the report. nos are more traditional and therefore A partner with Washington United found Latino support for many pro-gay "In reality, as society is evolving on tend to be less supportive of gay equality for Marriage, the coalition seeking to policies at least on par with that of the LGBT issues and becoming more ac- than those who were born in the U.S. or retain the state's same-sex marriage law, population as a whole. cepting of this community, so too are consider themselves "Americanized." Seattle-based Entre Hermanos is work- Latinos in the SSRS study, for exam- Hispanics." Latino men, Latino Republicans and ing to take the message of LGBT equal- ple, support same-sex marriage at a rate of Based in Media, Pa., SSRS is an Latinos who don't know or associate ity to the Spanish-speaking population in 54 percent, compared with 53 percent of independent research organization that with anyone who is gay are also more the state, said its executive director, Mar- those in the general population who indi- conducts national and international likely to oppose gay rights. cos Martinez. cated such support in a Gallup poll last population research work. Its researchers And then there's the question of re- It is important, Martinez said, to year. interviewed 1,001 Latinos 18 and older ligion. frame the conversation of gay rights And by even wider margins, respon- between March and April of last year. Three out of five Hispanics in the around family because that is such an dents in the SSRS study favor policies To be sure, there is opposition U.S. identify as Catholic. And while important part of Latino life.  aimed at protecting gays against hate among Latinos against all facets of gay polls put support for same-sex marriage crimes and discrimination related to jobs, housing and military service. The findings come as a referendum Dignity President Offers Latino/a Insights at Briefing seeking to place Washington's same-sex Excerpted from Dignity Dateline strength of families, and the breadth of marriage law on the November ballot has May 2012 extended family, are reasons to keep begun circulating across the state and ap- creating opportunities and models for pearing in churches — including Catholic Lourdes Rodriguez-Nogues, presi- LGBT people to come out and make civil parishes, where many Latinos worship. dent of DignityUSA, a national organiza- rights issues personal.” Referendum backers, including the Na- tion of LGBT Catholics and supporters, She also offered some personal tional Organization for Marriage, are hop- recently was a panelist at a U.S. Con- background and insight: ing voters ultimately reject the new law. gressional briefing on Latino/a support “She reflected on her many years of With a population exceeding 50 mil- of LGBT issues. The panel, organized being „out in English, but not in Span- lion, Latinos represent the fastest-growing by La Raza, a national Latino/a advo- ish,‟ and on the desire not to introduce a group in the U.S., one with a strong fam- cacy organization, and sponsored by topic of prospective discord into her ily-oriented culture and firm religious U.S. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, fo- family as the reason for this. Lourdes beliefs. And where they stand as a group cused on a newly released research said that when she ultimately did decide on issues like same-sex marriage is gain- study, LGBT Acceptance and Support: to come out to her mother, who like in ing increased national attention. The Hispanic Perspective. DignityUSA‘s most Hispanic families is both the head Last month, for example, publicly newsletter, Dateline, reports that Rodri- Lourdes Rodriguez-Nogues and the heart of the family, her mother released internal documents from the Na- guez-Nogues provided some cultural the center of society. Therefore, efforts to responded with two questions. „She tional Organization of Marriage revealed context for understanding the report: create division in families, such as has asked me if I was happy, and if I had a that group's strategy of trying to make “Discussing the implications of the been recently documented to be a tactic relationship with God,‟ said Lourdes. opposition to same-sex marriage "a key survey data, Lourdes went on to explain of the National Organization for Mar- „Those were the things that mattered to badge of Latino identity." that in Hispanic culture, the family and riage, could be particularly damaging her.‟ ”  Thursday's SSRS report, entitled the group, rather than the individual, are among Hispanics. She noted that the —Marianne Duddy Burke "LGBT Acceptance and Support: The Church must change its ideas toward gay and lesbian employees

By Francis DeBernardo strongly alert Catholics to a coming cri- say on this ecclesiological issue. expression is applied to policy questions National Catholic Reporter sis in which my friend‘s prediction of a The church also needs to examine of relationship and marriage? No hierar- May 3, 2012 church without lesbian or gay workers how to weigh adherence to sexual ortho- chical statements were issued when the could end up coming true. Eight states doxy — or any orthodoxy for that matter national conversation was focused on the In 1995, at a major national confer- and the District of Columbia now have —against a person‘s other characteris- topic of bullying toward sexual and gen- ence for Catholic pastoral ministers, I marriage equality laws on the books. As tics: job performance, overall moral der minorities that results in a higher rate had a conversation with a friend of mine more and more lesbian and gay couples character, loyalty to the employing of suicide for them. Similarly, there has who is a lesbian woman, observing that take advantage of the protections and agency, to name just a few. In the two been no serious thought given to the so many of the conference participants benefits these laws provide, more and most recent incidents, news reports indi- question of employment of lesbian and were openly lesbian and gay people. My more potential employment conflicts can cated that not only was there no problem gay people other than in simply applying friend commented, ―If all the lesbian and erupt in church institutions. with job performance in either case but, sexual prohibitions. gay church workers left their jobs, the in fact, supervisors were aware of the Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schön- church would be bereft!‖ We chuckled at nature of the employees‘ relationships. born‘s recent support of the election of such a thought, though realizing that it Does a relationship become problematic Florian Stangl, a partnered gay man, to was unrealistic to consider that this pos- to employment only when it becomes his parish council offers a precedent that sibility would occur. public? Does serious sin only enter a other prelates can emulate. Dialogue, not Today, I am not so sure. relationship when the partners seek legal dismissal, was Schönborn‘s approach. Within the space of three weeks, two protection? If the employment of lesbian and news stories reported that gay musicians At the core of all these issues is the gay people in church institutions does were fired from their church jobs as par- much more important question of the not get resolved more positively than the ish music director and school teacher/ A number of questions arise from Catholic institution‘s poverty of dis- recent American cases above exhibit, the parish music director. These stories, one these cases and the future they portend. course on the question of homosexuality. church stands to lose its position as an which took place in Charlotte, N.C., and How just is it to fire someone whose life Because every issue concerning lesbian effective agent for good in the world. one in St. Louis, shared a common or practices are not in accord with offi- and gay people is seen through the lens Not only will the church lose the gifts, theme: New York state‘s marriage equal- cial church teaching? Where do you of sexual ethics, there is precious little talents and expertise of the many lesbian ity law beckoned both workers to marry draw the line? Do you get fired if you else that can be said that does not echo a and gay people it currently employs, but their partners with whom each shared a have remarried without an annulment? sexual perspective. The contemporary church institutions with professional two-decade-long relationship. Do you get fired if you don‘t attend Mass hierarchy‘s focus on the sexual issues of standing, such as hospitals and universi- In 2010, a lesbian administrator at on Sunday regularly? Do you get fired lesbian and gay people has prevented ties, will lose their ability to attract quali- Benedictine University in Springfield, because you are a Protestant who does these leaders from developing any other fied personnel, both heterosexual and Ill., lost her job when she placed a wed- not recognize the Catholic hierarchical discourse on homosexuality. Catholic homosexual. For the good of gay and ding announcement in a local newspaper; structure? thought in the area of homosexuality lesbian people, the church, the world and Marquette University in Milwaukee re- A more theological question is how desperately needs to mature beyond the themselves, Catholic leaders need to scinded an offer of employment for a perfect do all church employees have to level of ―Don‘t.‖ learn to expand their ability to think, dean‘s position because of the candi- be? We are all sinners who fall way short For example, while church officials speak and act on homosexuality. If they date‘s academic writings on lesbians; a of the mark. Will our church employ express in their documents that lesbian don‘t, we will all be bereft.  parish theology teacher with 28 years of only people whose lives are near blame- and gay people should be accepted with experience was fired in Denver when she less? Is this the logical result of the ―compassion, respect, and sensitiv- Francis DeBernardo is executive placed a personal ad for a companionable smaller, more purified church that Pope ity‖ (according to the catechism), why director of New Ways Ministry. relationship on a website. Benedict XVI has envisioned? I wonder has this line of argument never been de- While these five cases might not what St. Augustine of Hippo, scourge of veloped or applied to real-life situations signal a strong trend, they should Donatists and Pelagians, would have to with the vigor that the teaching on sexual Summer 2012 BONDINGS Page 9 Scouts' discriminatory policy finds no support in Catholic teachings

By Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata of homosexual persons must be defended tinue ostracizing these vulnerable adoles- If the scouts accepted gay boys into The National Catholic Reporter and that all of us must strive to eliminate cents, thereby subjecting them to another their troops, the reasoning goes, these July 27,2012 any forms of injustice, oppression, or rejection that can only exacerbate the churches might react negatively, leading violence against them (cf. The Pastoral risks they already face. to a significant thinning in the ranks. We Because the U.S. Catholic hierarchy Care of Homosexual Persons, 1986, no. can only pray that this wasn't the case. strongly opposes legislation that would 10). It is not sufficient only to avoid un- As parents of a straight son who was There is nothing in official church teach- grant lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- just discrimination. Homosexual persons a scout and a gay son who was not, we'd ing that justifies the scouts' discrimina- gender (LGBT) people fuller equality, "must be accepted with respect, compas- like to know the scouts' reasoning. Some tory policy, and it is up to us, as Catho- Catholics can be forgiven for assuming sion and sensitivity" (Catechism lics, to make that clear. that church teaching always supports one of the Catholic Church, no. In central Massachusetts, 15 scout particular "side" in our country's culture 2358). leaders wrote to their local newspaper wars. disassociating themselves from the The Boy Scouts of America, for The bishops solidify this scouts' policy: "We want to reassure you, instance, have recently reaffirmed their theme in their recommendation to our friends, neighbors and colleagues, policy of excluding gay boys and gay "Welcome homosexual persons that ... Troop 500 invites the participation leaders from that organization. At first into the faith community." of all interested 11-to-17-year-old boys blush, the scouts' position might seem The Boy Scouts have chosen and their parents or guardians without consistent with our bishops' increasingly not to accept gay boys age 11-17 regard to ." hard line on LGBT issues, but we believe with respect, compassion and We call on Catholic bishops, par- a closer reading of the church's teaching sensitivity. They have chosen ishes, schools and parents to take similar should lead Catholics to resist this instead to reject them at precisely action. The Boy Scouts have made a sig- wrongheaded and wrong-hearted policy. that time when gay youth need nificant moral miscalculation, and the As early as 1976, in To Live in the support of their communities church has an opportunity to help them Christ Jesus: A Pastoral Reflection on most. to correct it. the Moral Life, the United States Confer- Peer-reviewed research es- We can begin by making it clear that ence of Catholic Bishops (then known as tablishes that LGBT youth are at gay boys, some just beginning to realize the National Conference of Catholic far greater risk of social isolation, their orientation, are welcome in all Bishops) wrote that, rather than being parental rejection, depression, Catholic-sponsored scout troops. We ostracized, gays and lesbians "should verbal harassment, physical vio- must say now what our bishops have have an active role in the Christian com- lence and suicide than their het- been saying for years: God loves every munity." erosexual counterparts. The lead- human person, and we cannot do less. The church's hierarchy is in no way ers of any organization dedicated  more progressive now than it was then, to young people's well-being are familiar writers have speculated that the anony- Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata are yet the bishops returned to this theme in with this data. They know gay boys need mous panel convened to review the mat- the co-founders of Fortunate Families, a their 1998 pastoral message Always Our the sort of nurturing that organizations ter was made aware that many scouts national network of Catholic parents and Children: like the Boy Scouts provide. come from Catholic and Mormon fami- family members of LGBT people and a The teachings of the Church make it Yet, for reasons they have not ar- lies, and that these two churches sponsor member of the Equally Blessed coalition. clear that the fundamental human rights ticulated, the scouts have chosen to con- large numbers of scout troops. Girl Scouts & LCWR: Is the Church sending a message to women?

By Marianne T. Duddy-Burke avoid including it in employee‘s health consequences of their actions: a brilliant agenda that demonstrates a passion for WashingtonPost.com/OnFaith coverage. Had the ―Blunt Amendment‖ theologian may be marginalized; poor power, rather than for service, and a will- May 23, 2012 passed, it potentially could have deprived women may not receive the mammo- ingness to put women‘s lives and minis- millions of women of access to contra- grams that might save their lives; mil- tries at risk to achieve their political I was a Girl Scout. My daughter is a ception—including many women who lions of U.S. citizens may be denied ac- ends. At first glance it may seem that the Girl Scout. As Catholics, we are stunned use ―birth control‖ pills for non- cess to much-needed medicines; the hierarchy‘s investigation of the Girl by the United States Conference of contraceptive purposes. needy may lose their greatest friends Scouts provides an opportunity to have a Catholic Bishops‘ decision to investigate In April, the Vatican censured the within the U. S Catholic Church, and good laugh at the bishops‘ expense. But an organization that we both deeply love. Leadership Conference on Women Reli- girls may be instructed not to join an it is women and girls who are paying the It is tempting to laugh off this news gious, which represents the great major- organization that will help them to grow price.  as further evidence of how profoundly ity of nuns in the United States, stripping into proud and self-reliant women. All out of touch many of our bishops this because the bishops have picked up Marianne T. Duddy-Burke is execu- are with the lives and concerns of the scent of doctrinal error, discernible tive director of DignityUSA, the leading the people who fill their pews. But only to them and their political allies. organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual the hierarchy‘s attempt to exert The bishops may not acknowledge and transgender (LGBT) Catholics, their pressure on an organization that it, but our church‘s moral authority has families, friends and allies. has helped millions of girls grow been weakened by their pursuit of an into strong, self-reliant and public- spirited women is only the most recent episode in an increasingly Gay ministry group troubling sequence of events. In March of 2010, the U.S. refuses to sign oath bishops‘ Committee on Doctrine authorized a statement critiquing (Continued from page 1) away from sexual behavior (which ―Quest for the Living God: Map- source director, told NCR. . . . "homosexual" clearly evokes) toward the ping Frontiers in the Theology of In an eight-page follow-up letter to matters of orientation and identity, God,‖ by Sister Elizabeth Johnson, the January meeting, dated April 15, which are acknowledged by the one of this country‘s leading 2011, the board sought to clarify ques- Church," the letter stated. Catholic theologians. In compiling the it of its autonomy, and placing it in a tions about the association and its stance The board agreed to "be more con- report on a three-year-old book the bish- kind of receivership under Archbishop on several of the bishop's concerns, one scientious of our use of language," and ops violated their own guidelines about Peter Sartain of Seattle. The report criti- of which was its usage of the terms to utilize Church language -- "persons communicating with a theologian whose cizes the sisters –many of whom spend "gay" and "lesbian" on its website and in with a homosexual inclination" -- when work is under investigation, according to their lives in service to the poor and mar- its publications -- a concern that presenting church teaching, and "gay" reports. Johnson said she was never in- ginalized-- for not spending enough time "honestly surprised" the board. and "lesbian" when communicating with vited to discuss the book with the bish- promoting Catholic doctrine on abortion. Fitzmaurice said that Cordileone those to whom they minister.. . . . ops. And now the bishops have trained said during their Jan. 7 meeting that the When asked how or if CALGM In January 2012, after years of pres- their attention on the Girls Scouts, thanks terms weren't in the church's vocabulary, would continue its ministry should Cor- sure from Catholic bishops across the to a persistent campaign of innuendo by and were promoted by groups opposed dileone declare it not authentically United States, Susan G. Komen for the conservative interest groups. These crit- to the church's moral teaching. Catholic, Fitzmaurice stated that "the Cure announced it would no longer pro- ics now demand the Scouts refrain from The board pointed out it in the letter need for our ministry remains, and we vide grants that have allowed Planned informing young women about the work that archdiocesan ministries in Los An- will continue to do our pastoral work Parenthood to provide mammograms to of the Sierra Club, Doctors Without Bor- geles and Chicago use "gay" and and will respond to opportunities for women who could not afford them. The ders and Oxfam, because these groups "lesbian" in their titles. In addition, the dialogue with our Church leaders." decision was reversed after a public out- believe that it is not immoral to use artifi- Oakland diocese has a page titled "Gay Lopata said it would be "a real loss cry. cial contraception. That the bishops take and Lesbian Ministry" under the family for the church" if CALGM could not In February, embroiled in a contro- the allegations of these fringe groups life ministries section of its website. continue its work. versy with the Obama administration seriously is evidence of their eagerness to "The average Catholic who identi- "If there's not that visible associa- over the coverage of contraception in the exert control over women‘s lives. fies as gay or lesbian is not making a tion with this positive perspective for Affordable Care Act, the bishops sup- In each of these instances, the bish- statement about their sexual activity, gay and lesbian people within the church ported legislation that would have al- ops have behaved as though concerns their political party, their views on same- that is recognized by the church, the lowed any employer who voiced a moral over doctrinal integrity or religious lib- sex marriage, or their 'lifestyle.' ... these church would be much impoverished objection to the use of contraception to erty excuses them from considering the terms are actually used to shift the focus because of that," he said.  Page 10 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 Catholic Nun Challenges Church's Stance on Gay Marriage By Nayana Davis really loved God, you became a priest or cacy and research Catholic center. community because of Vatican letters Towson Patch a nun," she said. "Of course, we now Response from church leaders hasn't asking the sisters to dismiss her if she Towson, Maryland know that's bad theology." been favorable. continues with the ministry. She then June 9, 2012 Though Gramick was initially con- Gramick said the now-deceased joined the Sisters of Loretto, who also tent to accept the religious norm, she said James Hickey, who was a Washington, received threats from the church leader- On the heels of the Vatican's dispute the —a series of D.C. archbishop, and William Lori, then ship but have not taken action against with American nuns, one sister is taking sessions that ran from 1962 to 1965 an auxiliary bishop, made several com- her. a defiant stand against the Catholic hier- where church leaders addressed the faith plaints against her and New Ways Minis- "I discerned and felt that God was archy's opposition to gay marriage. in relation to the modern world— try to the Vatican. She said Lori was still asking this of me; to continue my Jeannine Gramick is the main changed her outlook on Catholic confor- mainly responsible for the dealings with work," she said. speaker for a Saturday program where mity. the church's top leadership. With the conservative-minded Lori Catholics supporting Maryland's mar- "The council had at the helm of the Archdiocese of Balti- riage equality law discuss ways to pre- urged the nuns and priests more, however, Gramick is bracing for a vent the legislation from being repealed to adapt, to be open- tough fight. on referendum during the November minded, to question," she "[Lori's] very virulent," she said. elections. The gathering runs from 1 to 4 said. "You hate to judge others' motives—you p.m. at Goucher College's Alumni Hall. Growing Curiosity shouldn't. I guess I could applaud him for "It's a great shame that the leaders of When Gramick first being an advocate for what he allegedly my church—the bishops—are all out became exposed to gay believes in...I just don't agree." there campaigning against marriage culture while a doctoral Church vs. Parishioners equality," she said. "I want to be proud of candidate at the University Patrick Wojahn and Dave Kolesar, my church and that makes me very of Pennsylvania in the College Park residents who have been ashamed." early 1970s, she indulged together more than 10 years, are staunch Gramick, the 69-year-old co-founder her curiosity rather than advocates of Gramick's cause. of New Ways Ministry—which services shy away from a lifestyle The couple was legally married in homosexuals—has attracted the disap- the Catholic Church con- D.C. in January 2011. Prior to that, they proval of Catholic officials as well. demns. participated in an unrecognized religious "No one should be mislead by the At the time, the Epis- marriage ceremony in 2005 through Dig- claim that New Way Ministry provides copal parish at the school nity Washington, a church not supported an authentic interpretation of Catholic was working on outreach by the Vatican that caters to Catholics teaching and an authentic Catholic pas- efforts to gay students. She and other Christians in the homosexual toral practice," wrote Cardinal Francis asked a pastor if she could Sister Jeannine Gramick community. George, former president of the United serve drinks at a dance for "I think one thing I discovered States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the community. "I've never said this myself but growing up Catholic is that the institu- in a 2010 statement. "Their claim to be "It was pure voyeurism," she said [Lori] was known around the diocese as tional church doesn't necessarily speak Catholic only confuses the faithful re- with a laugh. "I was curious." Cardinal Hickey's hatchet-man," she for the parishioners," Kolesar said. "I garding the authentic teaching and minis- Gramick soon befriended a gay man said. think homosexuality and gay marriage is try of the Church with respect to persons who joined the Episcopal Church after Despite multiple attempts, Patch was one area where the church leadership and with a homosexual inclination." being rejected by Catholic leaders. unable to receive comment from Lori. laity diverge." Gramick's Revelation "He told me priests were throwing Sean Caine, a spokesman for the Arch- In fact, a 2011 survey by the Public Growing up in the 1940s and 50s, him out of confession when he told them diocese of Baltimore—where Lori now Religion Research Institute shows that 52 Gramick described her hometown of about his homosexuality," she said. serves as archbishop—referred Patch to percent of Catholics believe that same- Philadelphia as a "Catholic ghetto" that Shortly afterwards, she became in- the 2010 statement from the United sex couples should be allowed to marry. was blindly obedient to church leaders. volved in weekly liturgies at her friend's States Conference of Catholic Bishops Wojahn, a College Park councilman, "You didn't associate with non- apartment catering to the gay commu- denouncing New Ways Ministry. said it's not the church's place to com- Catholics," she said. "I probably uncon- nity. "New Ways Ministry has no ap- ment on civil marriages. sciously thought that being Catholic "These people were just normal peo- proval or recognition from the Catholic "I'm not going to tell the Catholic made you superior." ple," she said. "They were so reverent, so Church and that they cannot speak on Church what they should or should not Gramick, now a resident of Mt. Rai- grateful that they could have the sacra- behalf of the Catholic faithful in the believe," he said. "But our state shouldn't ner—a Washington, D.C. suburb— en- ments; that there was a priest and a sister United States," George wrote. discriminate." tered the convent at the School Sisters of who didn't recoil from them, who wel- The statement can be read in full on Gramick said she plans to do her Notre Dame in Baltimore when she was comed them." the organization's website. best to avoid just that. 18 years old. She said she first heard 'Hachet-Man' Caine told Patch that Lori affirmed "What I believe the Vatican is trying God's call to become a nun as a young Gramick and ordained priest Robert the statement on Wednesday. to do is stamp out questioning, to stamp child. Nugent founded New Ways Ministry in A Tough Fight out dissent; to really destroy any kind of "You had this idea that nuns and 1977. The organization—which she con- After nearly 40 years with the thinking that's different," she said.  priests were really close to God, so if you tinues to work with today—is an advo- School Sisters, Gramick had to leave the St. Nicholas Parish Celebrates 10 Years of LGBT Ministry

St. Nicholas Parish, Evanston, Illi- history of the ministry at wrote a blessing prayer for those in- moment–the kind that gives one strength nois, recently celebrated the 10th anni- www.stnicksglff.org/history.html . volved in the ministry, of which excerpts to keep going.‖ versary of their Gay, Lesbian, Families As part of the celebration, David are below. Parishioner Debbie Winarski To St. Nicholas Parish‘s outreach and Friends Ministry. You can read a Phillipart, parish director of liturgy, commented, ―It really was a beautiful ministry, we say:―Ad multos annos!‖  St. Nicholas Parish, LGBT Ministry Blessing Prayer Excerpt For a full text of the prayer by David Phillipart, go to www.newwaysministryblog.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/all-are-welcome-st-nicholas- parish-celebrates-10-years-of--ministry/

Holy God, in love you created us: men, women, and children In your own divine image and likeness enlivening the universe with our variety of gifts, traits, abilities, skills, and circum- stances— faults and foibles, too. You created us to love you and to love one another in many and wonderful ways. So the love of Abraham and Sarah brought to birth your people, Ruth and Naomi‘s loving faithfulness to each other shines as a sign of your love for us, and the deep devotion of David and Jonathan to each other reveals how complete is your commitment to us. Rising from the tomb and ascending to you, Christ makes new our capacity to love each other. No longer merely Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female, we love each other as heirs to your promise, St. Nicholas parishioners bless those of their community who are involved in the your daughters and sons, parish‟s Gay, Lesbian, Families and Friends Ministry, on the occasion of the sisters and brothers of Jesus. ministry‟s 10th anniversary. (Photo by Emily Bradfield) Summer 2012 BONDINGS Page 11 Gay-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known ―gay-friendly‖ Catholic parishes and intentional Eucharistic communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of a parish or community that is known as welcoming to lesbian/gay Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in gay community events, or involvement with parents. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. For links to many of these parishes‘ websites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org/

Cabrini Kansas City: Guardian Angels, Old St. Mary, St. John the St. Francis Xavier, St. James Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul Connecticut St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Rhode Island Scotland, St. Pius V Providence: St. Francis Chapel, Delaware St. Mary‘s PARISHES North Wilmington: Holy Child Montana Wickford: St. Bernard Wilmington: St. Joseph Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Alabama Tennessee Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord District of Columbia Nebraska Memphis: Cathedral of the Montgomery: St. Bede Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart Immaculate Conception St. Matthew Cathedral Arizona Nevada Texas Chandler: St. Andrew Florida Las Vegas: Christ the King, Colleyville: Good Shepherd Glendale: St. Thomas More Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Guardian Angel Cathedral Dallas: Holy Trinity Mesa: St. Bridget Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes El Paso: All Saints Phoenix: St. Matthew Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, New Hampshire Houston: St. Anne Scottsdale: St. Patrick St. Maurice Merrimack: St. John Neumann Plano: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, Naples: St. John the Evangelist Pelham: St. Patrick Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Virginia Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Tampa: Sacred Heart, Christ the King New Jersey Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Lawrenceville: St. Ann Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred California Georgia Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Heart, Sacred Heart Parish Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Assisi Roanoke: St. Gerard Burney: St Francis of Assisi Conception Maplewood: St. Joseph Triangle: St. Francis Carlsbad: St. Patrick Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Claremont: Our Lady of the Idaho Assumption Boise: St. Mary New Mexico Washington El Cajon: St. Luke Albuquerque: Holy Family, Seattle: St. Benedict, Prince of Peace Encino: Our Lady of Grace Illinois Shrine of St. Bernadette Newman Center Escondido: St. Timothy Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Tacoma: St. Leo Fremont: St. Joseph - Mission San Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Jose St. Clement, St. Gertrude, New York Wisconsin Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace, Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Hayward: All Saints Apostle, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Bellmore: St. the Apostle Milwaukee: Good Shepherd, LaPuente: St. Martha Old St. Patrick Bellport: Mary Immaculate Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Long Beach: St. Matthew Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Canada Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Evanston: St. Nicholas St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Montreal: Holy Cross Christ the King, Mother of Good Johnston City: St. Paul St. Augustine, Immaculate Heart of- Ottawa: St. Joseph Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Morton Grove: St. Martha Mary Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes USC Medical Center (Spanish), Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle Sienna-St. Lucy East Islip: St. Mary England North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Elmira: St. Mary London: Our Lady of the Chantal, St. Patrick Fairport: Church of the Assumption Assumption & St. Gregory Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes Indiana Henrietta: Good Shepherd Oceanside: St. Thomas More Evansville: St. Mary Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus, Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul the INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Apostle, Church of the Ascension, COMMUNITIES Ross: St. Anselm Iowa St. Francis of Assisi Arizona Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Coralville: St. Thomas More Pittsford: Church of the Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal San Carlos: St. Charles Transfiguration Center San Diego: Ascension, San Rafael, Kentucky Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, St. Jude Shrine Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica California San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Assumption, St. William Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Orange: Koinonia Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pleasanton: Catholic Community of St. Dominic Louisiana Historic Old St. John‘s Pleasanton San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, New Orleans: St. Augustine Wading River: St. John the Baptist St. Martin of Tours (Emmaus Wantaugh: St. Frances de Chantal District of Columbia Community) Maine Westbury: St. Brigid Communitas San Luis Obispo: Old Mission of Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic San Luis Obispo Saco: Most Holy Trinity North Carolina Florida San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & Charlotte: St. Peter Tampa: Franciscan Center Mission San Raphael Arcangel Maryland Durham: Immaculate Conception Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Fayetteville: St. Patrick Maryland Santa Cruz: Holy Cross St. Francis of Assisi, St. Matthew, Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Santa Monica: St. Monica St. Vincent dePaul Community Simi Valley: St. Rose of Lima Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Ohio Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Akron: St. Bernard Michigan Stanford: Catholic Community at Stanford Hagerstown: St. Ann Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Grand Rapids: Marywood University Severn: St. Bernadette St. Robert Bellarmine Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics South Pasadena: Holy Familhy Cleveland: Ascension of Our Lord, Valinda: St. Martha Massachusetts St. Malachi, St. Martha Minnesota Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church of Boston: Paulist Center, St. Anthony Columbus: St. Thomas More Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Catho- the Deaf Shrine, St. Cecilia Newman Center lic Community Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney East Longmeadow: St. Michael Fairlawn: St. Hilary West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Newton: St. Ignatius Mentor: St. John Vianney Oregon St. Victor Provincetown: St. Peter University Heights: Church of the Portland: Journey and Koinonia Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Gesu Catholic Community Springfield: Sacred Heart Westlake: St. Ladislas Colorado Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate Washington Arvada: Spirit of Christ Michigan Conception Olympia: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Avon: St. Edward Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Catholic Community Colorado Springs: Our Lady of Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King Oregon Guadalupe, Sacred Heart St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Beaverton: Mission of the Atonement Wisconsin Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of As- Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Mount Carmel sisi, St. Phillip Neri, Downtown Fort Collins: Blessed John XXIII Minnesota Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul) To add your faith community to our list, Genessee: St. Frances Cabrini Shrine Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, please contact New Ways Ministry at Highlands Ranch: Pax Christi St. Joan of Arc Pennsylvania [email protected] or call 301- Littleton: Light of the World, St Frances Huntingdon: Most Holy Trinity 277-5674. Missouri Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Page 12 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 2 Catholic Media Award to “Modern Family” Bondings 2.0 jects and people in the entertainment weekend anyway.‖ Associates honored the show ‗Modern NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com industry who, by their work, have made LezGetReal.com: Family‘ this past weekend.‖ May 12, 2012 clearer the Word of God. These awards ―There are those on both sides of the The Hollywood Reporter: were created to promote ―Referred to as the ‗Catholic Oscar,‘ Catholics in Media Associates and applaud films, televi- though in this case it would be the (CIMA) awarded its highest television sion programs and other ‗Catholic Emmy,‘ the Catholics in Media honor this year to Modern Family, an entertainment forms that Associates has given ABC‘s Modern ABC comedy which includes a gay cou- uplift the spirit and help us Family its 2012 television award. ple with an adopted baby as part of its better understand what it is ―That may come as a shock for some regular cast. According to the organiza- to be part of the human as the series has come under fire from tion‘s website: family.‖ conservative groups for its representation ―This remains far and away the best Their awards to televi- of alternative lifestyles with Cameron prime-time sitcom: crisp and farcical, but sion and film are some- (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitch‘s (Jesse very kind. This fast-paced mockumen- times referred to as the Tyler Ferguson) gay marriage.‖ tary perfectly captures the experience of ―Catholic Emmys‖ and The Human Rights Campaign: parenthood.‖ ―Catholic Oscars.‖ ―The 11-time Emmy winning Mod- In describing the depiction of Presenting the award ern Family can add another accolade to the gay couple, Mitchell and Cameron, to Modern Family certainly its list: the Television Award from and their adopted Vietnamese daughter, raised a few eyebrows in Catholics in Media Associates. Lily, the CIMA site states: the media world, but cer- ―Conservative groups have targeted ―They‘re learning all the parenting tainly in a positive direc- the ABC comedy for featuring a loving ropes as they go. Fortunately, they have tion. The award went a and committed gay family, or even for the loving support of their extended, long way to help dispel the acknowledging that gay people exist. eclectic, ever-funny family.‖ enduring myth that Catho- ―However, this award from a leading CIMA‘s description of itself on its lics don‘t support marriage Catholic body sends a strong message website is: equality. Some responses that ‗family values‘ can incorporate all ―Catholics in Media Associates was from news accounts about kinds of families, including LGBT ones.‖ formed by working professionals in the the award tell the story: Congratulations not only to Modern entertainment industry whose initial pur- Yahoo.com News: LGBT debate who love to push this false Family, but to CIMA for their wise pose was to share personal concerns of ‖ ‗Modern Family‘ might not be the decision between religion and sexual choice!  faith and spirituality as it is experienced most obvious choice to be showered with identity. There are, of course, those in in the workplace. accolades by a religious organization, but between who want to make it clear that ―From that early beginning came the the ABC comedy was honored by the you do not have to choose between relig- CIMA Awards, recognizing those pro- Catholics in Media Associates over the ion and being gay. Catholics in Media The Growing Abuse of 'Religious Freedom' By Francis DeBernardo in the law and our respect for reli- Executive Director, New Ways Ministry gious differences are what have The Advocate many of us invested in the pains- July 5, 2012 taking process of nurturing good, rights-affirming policies while The United States Conference of uprooting injustice. Our funda- Catholic Bishops has worked fiercely to mental objection to the bishops‘ deny LGBT rights, and now it‘s using the religious freedom campaign is that banner of religious freedom to provide it‘s a misuse of the law — an at- political cover for antigay positions. Al- tempt to create new rights for reli- though we hope any voices that still pre- gious institutions while trampling fer discrimination over equality will be on the rights long-guaranteed to drowned out soon enough, the bishops‘ all individuals. campaign is more than just background The Fortnight for Freedom, a se- noise. ries of public actions organized by The Catholic hierarchy is trying to the bishops to highlight their reli- fundamentally change the legal under- gious liberty crusade, will coin- standing of individual liberties, weight- cide with Pride parades around the ing the supposed rights of religious insti- country. LGBT people in some tutions more heavily than individual states have more reason to cele- rights. At New Ways Ministry, we think brate than others, and it‘s hearten- there are good secular and religious argu- ing that President Obama has ments for not twisting the law into a tool LGBT Catholics and supporters outside the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Im- come out in favor of marriage for discrimination. Last fall, the Catholic maculate Conception, Washington, DC. equality. Policy makers can‘t just bishops created the Ad Hoc Committee stop with the endorsement of same- for Religious Liberty to protect against a discrimination. But the bishops‘ lobby is fighting to protect. sex marriage, however. They need to host of alleged threats, with five of the known for precisely this kind of surrepti- The LGBT community has suffered affirm that ―freedom‖ still means the six predictably having to do with sexual- tious move — playing on Americans‘ under the law, both by discriminatory freedom for individuals to live according ity. The committee opposes same-sex reluctance to be told they are standing in statutes and from a lack of recognition to their conscience, not the freedom of marriage and endorses ―ministerial privi- the way of ―Catholics‘‖ (read: the bish- for dimensions of our lives that don‘t fit religious groups to redefine the law. lege,‖ which sets different employment ops‘) religious freedom. The bishops within existing legal norms. But our faith standards for religious groups, allowing have convinced some lawmakers that the discrimination that is illegal for other majority of Catholics need and want the employers. In addition, religious institu- assurance that others‘ freedom to marry Cardinals Support International Day tions should not have to cover contracep- or use contraception be denied for reli- tion in employee health plans; Catholic gious reasons. Against and charities should continue to be awarded American Catholics understand and federal funds to serve victims of human accept the respect for individual con- Bondings 2.0 ―LGBT groups will pray for lesbian, trafficking while refusing to provide a science, which includes the respect for NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com gay, bisexual and transgender people in full range of reproductive services; and others‘ right to follow their own con- May 17, 2012 , Florence and Palermo, in Sicily as international HIV prevention programs science, even if the bishops don‘t. A part of the International Day Against should not require condom distribution. 2011 Public Religion Research Institute Today, May 17th, is the Interna- Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) None of these positions are in line poll found that Catholics are more sup- tional Day Against Homophobia and to be celebrated . . . in an estimated 100 with the beliefs of Catholics in the portive of same-sex unions than any Transphobia, and it will be marked countries around the world. . . . United States, placing the bishops well other Christian denomination or Ameri- around the world with commemorations ―Cardinal , in Palermo, outside the mainstream. cans overall. But there are already some in scores of countries. . . . [has] backed it, even though he But bitter experience has shown that worrisome precedents set in the name of In Italy this year, the Catholic LGBT banned the vigil last year. The liturgy once an unjust policy is set, it can be all Catholics, among them Catholic organization Gionata (translated there will be celebrated at 9pm . . . in the difficult for our legal system to set it Charities‘ choice to give up its foster ―Jonathan‖) will host prayer vigils San Gabriele Arcangelo church.‖ right. The bishops are attempting to cre- care and adoption services in the District around their country. Three of those The cardinal in Milan is Cardinal ate the idea that the First Amendment is of Columbia and Illinois rather than al- vigils will be supported by the local ; in Florence, it is Cardinal really a blank check for religious institu- low same-sex couples to adopt or same- Catholic Cardinal in each location. Giuseppe Bettori. tions to do what they like with public sex partners of employees to have health GayStarNews reports: Let us keep in prayer today all the funds, when in reality these time-tested insurance. When a Missouri music ―Three Italian Catholic cardinals victims and perpetrators of homophobia protections are for the individual‘s free- teacher was recently fired by the diocese have agreed to prayer vigils held by the and transphobia. Let us pray, also, in dom to worship, and freedom from relig- for merely discussing his plan to wed his religious group Gionata for the victims of thanksgiving for these three Catholic ion. This strategy exploits the guarantees male partner, it was exactly the sort of gay hate and discrimination for the first Cardinals who are supporting these of basic freedoms for the purposes of employer discrimination the bishops are time. prayer vigils. 