B NDINGS Vol. 39 No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Spring 2020 German Bishops Affirm Homosexuality as “Normal,” Say Relationships Are “Hot Topic” By Robert Shine er the magisteri- sensus that human Bishop Bode, Görlitz’s Bishop Wolfgang Bondings 2.0 al ban on prac- sexuality encom- Ipolt, and Mainz’s Bishop Peter Kohl- NewWaysMinistry.org/blog ticed homosexu- passes a dimension graf, some of whom serve on other com- December 12, 2019 ality is still of pleasure, repro- mittees for the nation’s episcopal confer- timely has been duction and rela- ence. Several auxiliary bishops also par- At the conclusion of a consultation a hot topic, just tionship. . .Two ticipated. they sponsored on human sexuality, Ger- like the question members of the Beginning with a January plenary, many’s bishops issued a statement in of the legitima- German language the Synodal Way process, which is bind- which they affirmed homosexuality as a cy of using arti- group of the Ro- ing, will take up issues under four work- “normal” part of human development, ficial contracep- man Synod of ing groups, according to a German Bish- and they labeled church teaching against tives in mar- Bishops of October ops’ Conference spokesperson, Matthias same-gender sexual activity a “hot top- riage and un- 2015, Archbishop Kopp. In addition to the group on sexual- ic.” married cou- Koch and Bishop ity, the other working groups will be The Commission for Marriage and ples.” [Franz-Josef] “Power, Participation, Separation of Family of the German Bishops’ Confer- This con- Bode, underlined Powers,” “Priestly Existence,” and ence held the consultation, “Human Sex- sultation is part the importance of a “Women in Services and Offices of the uality – how to discuss scientifically- of the German solid discussion Church.” The bishops have admitted that theologically and judge ecclesiastical- church’s Synod- supported by hu- the genesis of this process was the ly?,” in early December and included al Way that manities and theol- “dissatisfaction of many believers,” ac- several outside experts in its delibera- kicked off this ogy and empha- cording to a statement on the Conference tions. In a concluding statement, the Advent, which sized the develop- website. Commission summarized the consulta- includes a work- ments that can al- The Synodal Way could have rami- tion’s discussion of homosexuality: ing group on ready be observed fications not only for the German church, “[T]here was agreement that the sexual morality in Amoris Lae- but for the universal one. While the out- sexual preference of humans is expressed that will include titia.” comes of this two-year process cannot, during puberty and assumes a heterosex- the consulta- Archbishop Heiner Koch Significantly, the and according to Archbishop Koch, ual or homosexual orientation. Both be- tion’s results in its bishops’ statement should not be pre-determined, German long to the normal forms of a sexual pre- deliberations set to begin next February. also suggested that a sexual relationship Catholics could see significant develop- disposition that can not be changed or Berlin’s Archbishop Heiner Koch con- by a Catholic who is divorced and civilly ments. If those participating truly listen changed by any specific socialization. In nected the December sexuality consulta- remarried is “not now qualified as a seri- to and learn from how the sciences un- the Church’s thinking, this means that tion to this wider process, as revealed in ous sin” and therefore there is “no gen- derstand human sexuality and relation- any form of discrimination against ho- the public statement: eral exclusion from the reception of the ships today, they can then incorporate mosexuals must be rejected, as has long “[Koch] emphasized that the synodal Eucharist” for such people. such findings into theological reflection been demanded by the Magisterium, and path should be started without prejudice In addition to outside experts, Nove- and pastoral practice. What could emerge is also explicitly emphasized by Pope and without already fixed positions, but na News reported that a number of bish- is a groundbreaking moment for Catholic Francis in the Post-Synodal letter Amoris by no means without knowledge of the ops participated in the consultation, in- LGBTQ issues.  Laetitia. However, the question of wheth- state of the sciences. There was a con- cluding Archbishop Koch, Osnabrück’s German Laity Endorses Blessings for and Couples

By Robert Shine month urging their bishops to explore a tionships. Franz-Josef Bode and Hamburg's Arch- Bondings 2.0 “Church-mediated blessing of God" for "In the resolution passed Saturday, bishop Stefan Hesse, joined their voices NewWaysMinistry.org/blog same-gender couples to avoid "hard- the ZdK insisted that the current Church to the call for greater pastoral welcome December 16, 2019 ships" and "existential emergencies" for ban on blessing gay couples is outdated, to LGBTQ people. Novena News report- them. Novena News reported: and not worthy of the Catechism’s call to ed that Hesse, an adviser to ZdK, echoed Lay Catholics in Germany formally "That resolution formalised the posi- respect homosexuals 'with respect, com- that call at the group's assembly. It also endorsed church blessings for same- tion of the ZdK since at least 2015, when passion, and sensitivity'. reported that the archbishop "called for a gender couples, while in nearby Switzer- it first backed in principle the idea of "The ZdK also urged priests and deeper theological investigation into how land, bishops have chosen to remain neu- blessings for gay couples. bishops not to focus on the alleged defi- the Church can better accompany gay tral on an upcoming LGB referendum. "In the motion, the ZdK 'encour- ciencies of gay Catholic couples, but couples, so that any future blessing rites The Central Committee of German aged' the German bishops to further in- instead celebrate the love and longing for are properly anchored in the Church’s Catholics (ZdK, the acronym for their vestigate possibilities for ceremonies for God inherent in their desire to have the theology."  German name, "Zentralkomitee der gay unions, but also for those other cou- Church recognise their partnership." deutschen Katholiken"), the nation's top ples barred from Church weddings, such Earlier this year, two German lay association, passed a resolution last as divorced Catholics living in new rela- church leaders, Osnabrück's Bishop Spanish Archbishop Proclaims Respect for Same-Sex Families

By Mada Jurado form of father, mother and children? cant number of members of our society.” NovenaNews.com Planellas answered that, in the first “The family is and will be the frame- January 8, 2020 place, the modern increase in life expec- work where the human being carries out tancy “has contributed to marriage ceas- his and her first and fundamental experi- A Spanish archbishop has proclaimed ing to be a life-long project in favour of ences, the laboratory where humans live his respect for same-sex families, adding becoming a life project with an unpre- the creative and humanizing possibilities moreover that “the Gospel never con- dictable duration, and to divorce becom- of our species,” Planellas said, certain demns” these relationships. ing very important.” that “the future of the family seems as- “Today the family structure has “In a world where separations and sured.” ceased to be limited to what we under- divorces become more However, given this stood as a nuclear family, composed of frequent every day, fami- ever-changing nature of parents and children, to give way to a ly relationships are sub- the family, the Church diversity of forms that range from living ject to endless processes “The Gospel must remember that its together between men and women with- of family reclassifica- contribution to the fam- out marriage certificates (de facto cou- tion,” Planellas recog- never condemns.” ily can only have sense ples), the single parent family, couples nised. and meaning if it is “a with different homes for husband and Archbishop Joan Planellas “It is also necessary to call to live love and wife or families between people of the underline provisionality, give oneself with all the same sex with legal recognition,” Arch- which has become one of the dominant magnanimity, delicacy and stringency bishop of Tarragona Joan Planellas ing among the causes of that fragility the social values; that contrasts sharply with that implies.” wrote in an article in Spanish paper La “complicated” economic conditions, what happened in other times, in which That on the Church’s part supposes a Vanguardia December 29, reflecting on excessive work demands and the unem- stability was the obligatory reference of “critical” but also a “respectful attitude,” that day’s Feast of the Holy Family. ployment that “demoralises young peo- social systems. Planellas recalled. “Talking about the family currently ple and destabilises homes.” “For many, the family has become a “There is no perfect family realisa- means talking about families, because On top of those practical reasons for ‘transitional phase of life’ or a ‘part-time tion. The Gospel never condemns, but the forms they have acquired are di- the fragility of the family today, Planel- community,’” Planellas acknowledged. assumes, encourages and corrects, in verse, from a social and legal point of las said, “mentalities evolve.” The point of the archbishop’s socio- order to grow in the one Spirit. This is view,” Planellas declared. “There are new relationships in the logical analysis of the family today was how the Gospel saves not only people, “The family is the object of great family, in addition to the new role of to stress the point that “it is not that the but also human groups, and especially hope throughout the world, but today, at women in society,” the observed. family as such is in danger of disappear- the family,” Planellas concluded.  the same time, it has become very frag- But why this diversity today in fami- ing, but simply that a certain family ile,” the archbishop affirmed, denounc- lies which historically have taken the model is no longer accepted by a signifi- Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 2 B NDINGS Deacon’s Homily on LGBTQ Issues: This Is My Beloved By Deacon Ray Ortman calls all of us beloved. Sometimes these things which di- Spring 2020 Vol. 39, No. 2 St. Victoria , Victoria, Minnesota. vide us are easy to spot, like white or black, thin or fat, Delivered January 12, 2020. English- or Spanish-speaking. Sometimes they are not that Posted on Bondings 2.0 January 16, 2020 obvious: the scars and hurts that we bear from life’s jour- Francis DeBernardo, Editor ney, including the struggles that too often come to define us but that are not us: poverty, disease, addiction or a Board of Directors The following is the text of a homily preached by criminal record. Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair Deacon Ray Ortman at St. Victoria Parish, Victoria, Min- The Church opens wide her doors to all of these. In- Dr. Jerry Fath nesota, on Sunday, January 12, 2020, the Feast of the deed, she is dedicated and compelled to seeking them out Ryan Sattler Baptism of the Lord (Gospel text: Matthew 3:13-17). preferentially in the name of Jesus. Ours is and must be a Cristina Traina Some background material can help set the context mission of welcome, compassion, healing and love, be- of this message. In September 2014, Archbishop John cause we share in the mission of Jesus. The same Jesus Board of Advisors Nienstedt (now retired) demanded that Jamie Moore, the who gave us just one command in John 13: “Love one an- Robert Brady parish’s music director, resign because of his upcoming other!” Here in our parish, we have many wonderful out- Rev. Peter Daly marriage to his fiancé. Many parishioners and pastoral reach ministries to the poor, to the sick, to the homeless Jeremy Dickey staff were devastated. Deacon Ortman, who is also the and those in prison. This is Christ’s love in action! This is Brian Flanagan parish business administrator, was beautiful. It is already changing the lives ministering there at the time. The of God’s children for the better. And ours Rev. James Kiesel following homily provides news about too. I’ve seen the smiles that grace the Elizabeth Linehan, RSM the parish related to the firing. faces of many a cheerful giver. Anne Marie Miller, RSM Hugs, tears, emails, applause, From our parish survey last Fall we and other expressions of support were also know that you want to do even more Staff offered for the simple message that all to welcome and to love unconditionally Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director are loved by God unconditionally, and those who feel unwelcome by the Church Matthew Myers, Associate Director that all are welcome. Several parish- or alienated from God’s love or from ours, Robert Shine, Associate Director ioners even came back to Mass a sec- especially our gay brothers, our lesbian Dwayne Fernandes, Staff Associate ond time to hear the message again, sisters, our bisexual and some bringing loved ones or children neighbors and loved ones, and anyone Co-Founders that they thought really needed to else who identifies as LGBTQ. If we can- hear that simple enduring message not look them in the eye and say “I love Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL that lies at the heart of the Gospel. Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS you” without condition, without “if this” or “but that,” then we have work to do. Bondings is a seasonal publication designed If we cannot believe and declare that God “This is my beloved Son.” My names each of them “beloved” just as to keep our subscribers informed of issues beloved. What a joy to hear those much as any of God’s other children, that pertain to LGBT people words! What child does not want to without “if this” or “but that,” then we and the . hear those words, need to know that Deacon Ray Ortman have work to do. I think we do have work to they are loved? Jesus needed to hear that do. But it is a joyful labor, a labor of love. Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry from His Father, too. A declaration of unconditional love. And if love is really at its heart, it is not really a labor at all, is an educational and bridge-building Coming at the Baptism of our Lord, before Jesus began His it is a joy! ministry of reconciliation between the ministry, those words convey the truth that God’s love did Each of us is precious and unique, worthy of under- Catholic LGBT community not depend on anything Jesus had done. He hadn’t done standing and worthy of love. We are all Beloved. But when and the institutional structures anything yet! Rather, God loved His Son for who He was: we withhold that love (or worse), we cause hurt, we inflict in the Roman Catholic Church. His Son, his child. Could it really be that simple? pain, and we sow alienation. For many years, our sign out- Over the years, I have been blessed to have baptized side has read, “All Are Welcome.” Until now that message New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate hundreds of children. Each time I see the love that their has been mainly just an aspiration for the welcome that parents have for them. So full of pride and joy. Their ba- LGBTQ persons deserve, and we have experienced prevalent myths and stereotypes bies haven’t done anything yet either, except maybe smile about homosexuality and gender identity firsthand the hurt when we have fallen short. and coo delightfully. But it doesn’t matter! They love their So let’s commit together that we will keep working on and supports civil rights for LGBT persons children unconditionally, and they would do anything for this. We have learned much already about love, and we in society. them. Anything so that they would know love. Their love. have so much more to learn. And there is no better way to God’s love. That’s why they come to the Church. Isn’t that learn more deeply about love than by giving it away. So New Ways Ministry why we all come to the Church? To experience and to re- let’s begin by making it a priority to offer unconditional 4012 29th Street ceive God’s love and the warmth of the family of God? love to all who feel marginalized in our church, and espe- Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 And to love God and each other in return? We are all God’s cially to our LGBTQ brothers and sisters. For some of us, (301) 277-5674 children! We are all infinitely lovable and loved. I think we this may be something we are already doing. For others it [email protected] all know this. But sometimes we forget. I know I do. may be a challenge. That’s okay. To be open-minded and NewWaysMinistry.org Sometimes I think I have to earn God’s love, that I’m to search deeply with a heart of love is a good start. never good enough. That I’m not worthy of such amazing According to your survey responses, that same invita- love. That it comes with an asterisk or a loophole that tion of love and welcome should also be extended more leaves me out in the cold. But that’s not true! We know that expansively to divorced persons. How could anyone deny TO SUBSCRIBE God loves us no matter what because “while we were yet access to God’s love to those who feel so keenly unloved? COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM sinners, Christ died for us!” [Romans 5:8] Sometimes I It doesn’t have to be complicated. Really, it’s just as simple think we also forget that God loves everyone else too. That as “I love you.” That doesn’t mean it is easy. Family is BELOW we are invited to love everyone with the same kind of love never easy. Right? But it’s worth it. with which God loves us. Unconditionally. Regardless of That’s why Jesus came in the flesh in the first place, to what we’ve done or haven’t done. Regardless of who we inaugurate a great Family Reunion! It wasn’t easy, but He Enclosed is: are or who we aren’t. did the hard part. Not, as Isaiah reminds us, with shouting

Often we dwell on incidentals, things that tend to sepa- or fanfare. Nor with anger or imposing change upon any- _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada rate us from each other. We judge, we fear, we do not un- one. But rather with gentleness and patience. With God

derstand the things that make us different — oftentimes the holding us “by the hand,” gently assuring us that all of us _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada very things that make us special, unique and precious. That are welcome and that all of us are beloved.  make us ourselves. We would remake our brother or sister _____ I wish to receive Bondings, in our own image, rather than in the image of God who but cannot donate at this time.

Name ______Former Ambassador to Vatican Blames Religious

Address ______Rejection for LGBTQ Youth Homelessness

By Miguel Diaz ‘displacement’ from familial relationships. Those that City ______National Catholic Reporter come from socially marginalized racial and ethnic commu-

January 14, 2020 nities (e.g., black and Latinx) experience this kind of dis- State ______placement at a much higher rate than the

Miguel Diaz, a theologian and a rest of their peers. They also suffer more DayPhone ______former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, regularly the physical and emotional

has taken up Pope Francis’ exhortation threats to life that come with homeless- Night Phone ______to care for internally displaced persons ness.

by connecting it with the problem of “The lives of the LGBTQ young men Cell Phone ______homelessness in the U.S. today. In par- and women I have interacted with in Chi-

ticular, Diaz highlighted the plight of cago, who are members of this homeless Email ______LGBTQ people, especially youth, who body, certainly reflect this heartbreaking are housing insecure. reality. Sadly, I must say, religion and reli- Please make check payable to “New Ways He wrote in the National Catholic gious perspectives play a contributing role Ministry”. Outside the US, please use only Reporter: in the displacement of these marginalized checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars or “While homelessness impacts per- youth. Those who accompany LGBTQ go to www.newwaysministry.org. sons from all walks of life, some popula- youth made homeless observe, ‘The cause tions are more vulnerable than others. may be the family’s poverty. Sometimes it Mail to: Miguel Diaz New Ways Ministry For instance, in any given year, an esti- is because of their parents’ mental illness or 4012 29th Street mated 4.2 million youth and young adults drug addiction. But the reason we hear most Mount Rainier, MD 20712 experience homelessness. Moreover, 40% of our nation’s frequently is religious rejection — parents whose religious homeless youth are members of the LGBTQ community. beliefs cause them to reject their LGBTQ children.'”  LGBTQ persons, too often, may already be experiencing Spring 2020 BONDINGS Page 3 As Welcome, Bishop Introduces Gender-Neutral Language for Baptism Certificates By Robert Shine “Joint work was carried out by the Baptizing the children of LGBTQ Bondings 2.0 Commission for the Reform of Adminis- parents is an opening for more welcom- NewWaysMinistry.org/blog trative Acts of the Church of France, the ing pastoral care, efforts supported by an December 16, 2019 Commission for Pastoral, Liturgical, and increasing number of church leaders in- Sacramental Work and the Council for cluding Pope Francis. Changes similar to The bishop charged with handling Canonical Questions. Approved by the that proposed by Metz-Noblat could easi- questions of canon law in France has Permanent Council, the attached form is ly be expanded worldwide within the encouraged his episcopal colleagues to mainly concerned with the baptized per- parameters of existing canon law and use gender-neutral language on baptis- son, making a simple statement of their doctrine, as has happened in Colom- mal certificates in an effort to be more family situation, without making a moral bia and in Spain. And beyond helping welcoming to LGBTQ parents. judgment on it.”Metz-Noblat concluded parents in same-gender relationships, Bishop Joseph de Metz-Noblat of his letter by asking fellow bishops to making church records gender-neutral Langres made his recommendation in adopt a gender-neutral practice on baptis- and adaptive to LGBTQ needs could a December 13, 2019 letter to France’s mal certificates in their dioceses as it greatly help transgender and intersex bishops in his role as president of the seems “most appropriate for our time.” Catholics, too (as evidenced in the Phil- national episcopal conference’s Council His letter included an attached template ippines). for Canonical Questions. Metz-Noblat for such a certificate. Instead of reading While many pastoral ministers have wrote that the “increasingly complex the “son/daughter of ______and _____,” offered such baptisms for some time, situation of families in France” has as had been the case previously, the pro- structural reforms like adapting baptis- raised challenges for pastoral practice, posed certificate reads “Names and sur- mal certificates are necessary to be fully particularly in regards to baptism. He names of parents or other holders of pa- inclusive. France’s bishops would be continued: Bishop Joseph de Metz-Noblat rental authority” with spaces below and wise to adopt the proposed gender- “Knowing that, according to canon an area to note the parents’ civil status. neutral language and to open their doors 843, ‘ministers cannot refuse the sacra- held responsible for the situation of their The signatory lines for godparents, how- even wider so that all who wish to be ments to people who request them parents, many chancelleries have been ever, still read “Godfather” and baptized feel welcome.  properly’ and that children cannot be confronted with vocabulary problems in “Godmother.” the expressions to be used. In Washington State, Students Protest LGBT Teachers’ Resignations By Heidi Schlumpf signs at the protest referenced students' part because they see such a stance as Catholic schools, where our goal is for NCRonline.org faith, which they saw as supporting in- necessary to the viability of their schools. people to know and love Jesus," Hickey February 21, 2020 clusion not discrimination: "Pray the hate The perception that the church is said. "But this really hurts young people. away" and "I bet Jesus was not homo- anti-LGBTQ is already contributing to Because today's kids have only known Two teachers who have reportedly phobic." the exodus of young people from Cathol- the church of the clergy abuse crisis, it's been forced to resign from a high school News reports quoted LGBT students icism, he said. really hard to establish trust with them. outside Seattle now join a group of near- who were especially pained by the loss, "It's a very bad pastoral move in They get angry and they just leave." ly 100 employees who have lost their including a sophomore who said Beattie terms of evangelization," DeBernardo In his email, Hickey noted that Seat- jobs at Catholic institutions in the last 13 had comforted her after she was bullied said. "If part of [schools'] mission is to tle Prep's employment policies also re- years because of LGBT issues, according and called homophobic slurs by other evangelize, this is the worst thing they quire employees to respect "fundamental to records kept by a ministry that advo- students. could be doing. For young people, Catholic, Jesuit teachings" and the cates for LGBT Catholics. Democratic State Sen. Joe Nguyen, LGBTQ issues and equality are para- school's mission. But "employment deci- The cases of Michelle Beattie and who is a Kennedy Catholic graduate and mount." sions involve a variety of factors. Just as Paul Danforth of Kennedy Catholic High a friend of Danforth, shared his support That young people and parents are we are not a one-issue Church, generally School in Burien, Washington, follow a of the protesters on social media. "voting with their feet" saddens the pres- no one issue is fully dispositive in any similar pattern of employees at Catholic "Institutions like the Archdiocese of ident of another Seattle Catholic high employment decision," he wrote. institutions who have been fired, forced Seattle are on the wrong side of history school. To those wanting a "specific list of to resign, had offers rescinded or had and this will be a moment they'll look "Our youth are fleeing the Catholic permissible and prohibited behaviors," their jobs threatened because of LGBT back on in shame," he wrote. Church in droves. … One of these rea- Hickey said, "Unfortunately for those issues. Cases like Kennedy Catholic and sons is our tendency to exclude people people, the Catholic faith is not a list After their engagements to same- others are "creating a bad name for Cath- instead of walking with them," Kent faith." gender partners became known to admin- olic education," said New Ways Ministry Hickey, president of Seattle Preparatory Instead, Hickey referenced Jesus' istration, health and fitness teacher Beat- teaching to love God and our neighbors tie and English teacher Danforth left in as ourselves. "That, in a nutshell, is what the middle of the school year. 'fundamental Catholic, Jesuit teachings' While the school and archdiocese means at Seattle Prep," he wrote. maintain the resignations were voluntary, "Perhaps, just as was the case when Jesus attorney Shannon McMinimee, who rep- was questioned by the Pharisees, that resents both teachers, told NCR they nutshell isn't big enough for some." resigned after the archdiocese made clear Hickey also noted that in his 22 "that continued employment was incom- years in Catholic school administration, patible with being honest about being he had never terminated the contract of gay and engaged." an employee who had divorced and re- Such actions on the part of Catholic married without an annulment, in part institutions "focus on the wrong thing," out of respect for employees' privacy, said Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick, a co- which is also part of Seattle Prep's em- founder of New Ways Ministry, which ployment policies. advocates for justice and equality for He noted that many Catholic schools lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender do not acknowledge employees' privacy (LGBT) Catholics. rights through the use of the "ministerial "When bishops or leaders in Catho- exemption" in which every teacher is lic institutions complain that teachers or labeled a minister and thus exempt from students need to follow the teachings of some employment protections. the church, the teaching that we need to He said the accompanying public follow is the gospel. And the gospel is and private doctrinal requirements of clear about the dignity and respect of Parents, students, alumni and friends of Kennedy Catholic High School in such "ministers" were not only unjust but every human person," Gramick told unrealistic — and nearly always focused Burien gathered at the Archdiocese of Seattle offices to protest two LGBT NCR. on sexuality. teachers who lost their jobs. (Joel Connelly/Seattle Post-Intelligencer) Seattle Archbishop Paul Etienne, "When is there going to be media who has been in the position for less than coverage of a Catholic teacher who was a year, confirmed that "within the family Director Francis DeBernardo, who be- School in Seattle, wrote in a Feb. 19 fired because his lifestyle did not include of God, all are welcome, and all are lieves parents will choose to not send email explaining their school's policies. a commitment to helping the poor?" he loved" in a Feb. 19 statement. their children to Catholic schools if they He wrote the email "so that all of said. "These things are always related to The statement added that "those who are seen as intolerant and discriminatory. our people know how deeply they are some sexuality issue, as if that was the teach in our schools are required to up- "And young people are just not go- respected and valued and cared for here," be-all and end-all of Catholic core princi- hold our teaching in the classroom and to ing to stand for this kind of nonsense," he told NCR. ples. I taught religion for 35 years, and model it in their personal lives. We rec- he told NCR. "They're being pushed out The email was disseminated widely, it's just not the case that our personal ognize and support the right of each indi- of the church." resulting in responses from some Catho- sexuality is something that Jesus often vidual to make choices. We also under- DeBernardo said at the university lics who said exclusion of LGBT people discussed as a core principle." stand that some choices have particular level, administrators have more inde- is one reason why they do not send their DeBernardo also expressed concern consequences for those who represent the pendence from local bishops and many children to Catholic schools, Hickey about how Catholic institutions church in an official capacity." have been in the forefront of promoting said. "overextend" the ministerial exemption Gramick said she was encouraged LGBTQ equality in their institutions, in "This saddens me greatly. I love to apply to employees who are not minis- by "grassroots Catholics" who support terial, including some who are not even victims of discrimination, as protests by "When bishops or leaders in Catholic institutions com- Catholic. students and parents have become part of "I'm a strong believer in the separa- the regular pattern after news of such plain that teachers or students need to follow the tion of church and state and [the ministe- employment decisions. teachings of the church, the teaching that we need to rial exemption] is important for religious Hundreds of Kennedy Catholic stu- institutions," he said. "But I think the dents walked out of the classes Feb. 18, follow is the gospel. And the gospel is clear about the way the bishops are interpreting religious joining about a hundred more parents dignity and respect of every human person." freedom these days is overstepping the and other community members to protest boundaries." the loss of the beloved teachers. Many —Sister Jeannine Gramick (Continued on page 6) Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 2 LGBT-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known LGBT-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 welcomes LGBT Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mis- sion statement, participation in LGBT community events, or involvement with parents. For links to many of these parishes’ websites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org/resources/parishes.

To recommend a community for the list, please email [email protected] or call 301-277- 5674. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. If you learn that any of the plac- es on this list are no longer LGBT-Friendly, please inform us of that, too.

PARISHES Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Louisiana New Mexico Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. New Orleans: St. Augustine Albuquerque: Holy Family, Alabama San Felipe de Neri Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord Ignatius Loyola Lafayette: Immaculate Conception Maine Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Montgomery: St. Bede Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic, Lakewood: St. Bernadette Littleton: Light of the World, Our Lady of Hope New York Arizona Saco: Most Holy Trinity Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Glendale: St. Thomas More St Frances Cabrini Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Mesa: St. Bridget Maryland Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Phoenix: St. Patrick Connecticut Guilford: St. George’s Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Bellport: Mary Immaculate Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony New Haven: St. Thomas More Chapel St. Matthew, St. Vincent dePaul Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia, Columbia: St. John the Evangelist St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, St. Thomas More Newman Center & Center Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima St. Augustine, Immaculate. Hagerstown: St. Ann Heart of Mary California Delaware North Wilmington: Holy Child Severn: St. Bernadette Buffalo: St. Joseph University Parish Baldwin Park: St. John the Baptist Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Wilmington: St. Joseph, Sacred Heart Oratory Massachusetts East Islip: St. Mary Burney: St Francis of Assisi Amherst: Newman Catholic Center of Elmira: St. Mary Carlsbad: St. Patrick District of Columbia UMass Fairport: Church of the Assumption Camarillo: Padre Serra Parish Boston: St. Joseph, Paulist Center, Henrietta: Good Shepherd Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral St. Anthony Shrine, St. Cecilia Ithaca: St. Catherine of Siena El Cajon: St. Luke Brimfield: St. Christopher Manhattan: Ascension, Blessed Sacra- Encino: Our Lady of Grace Florida Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Buzzard’s Bay: St. Margaret’s/St. ment, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Fran- Escondido: St. Timothy Mary’s cis deSales, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar East Longmeadow: St. Michael Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius Loyola, Fresno: St. Anthony Claret, St. Paul Medford: Catholic Community at Tufts St. Paul the Apostle Newman Center Ft. Lauderdale: Blessed Sacrament, St. Anthony, St. Maurice University Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish Monson: St. Patrick Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Key West: Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea Newton: St. Ignatius St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Hayward: All Saints Provincetown: St. Peter Saratoga Springs: St. Peter Huntington Beach: Sts. Simon and Jude Tampa: Sacred Heart Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Schenectady: St. Luke LaPuente: St. Martha Springfield: Sacred Heart Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Georgia Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Whitinsville: St. Patrick Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Long Beach: St. Matthew, Our Lady of Conception Historic Old St. John’s Refuge Michigan Wading River: St. John the Baptist Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Idaho Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Wantagh: St. Frances de Chantal Christ the King, Mother of Good Boise: St. Mary Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu West Islip: Our Lady of Lourdes Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Parish Westbury: St. Brigid USC Medical Center (Spanish), Livonia: St. Edith St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle, Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola North Carolina St. Anselm Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Charlotte: St. Peter North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de St. Clement, St. Gertrude, Durham: Immaculate Conception Chantal, St. Patrick St. Gregory, St. Peter, Minnesota Fayetteville: St. Patrick Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Sylvester, St. Teresa of Avila, Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi St. Columba, St. Jarleth St. Thomas the Apostle, Our Lady St. Joan of Arc Oceanside: St. Thomas More of Lourdes, Our Lady of Mt. Car- St. Paul: St. Thomas More Ohio Orange: Holy Family Cathedral mel, Old St. Patrick Akron: St. Bernard Orangevale: Divine Savior Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Palm Springs: St. Theresa, Our Lady of Country Club Hills: St. Emeric City: Guardian Angels, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Francis de Guadalupe, Our Lady of Solitude Evanston: St. Nicholas Holy Family, St. James, St. Francis Sales Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Inverness: Holy Family Xavier Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Redondo: St. Lawrence Martyr Johnston City: St. Paul St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier St. Malachi, St. Martha Redwood City: St. Matthias Morton Grove: St. Martha St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Columbus: St. Thomas More Ross: St. Anselm Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Scotland, St. Pius V Newman Center, St. Francis of Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Sienna-St. Lucy, St. Giles Assisi San Carlos: St. Charles Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Montana Fairlawn: St. Hilary San Diego: Ascension, St. John the Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Mentor: St. John Vianney Evangelist, St. Jude Shrine, Catholic Indiana University Heights: Church of Gesu Community of UC San Diego Dyer: St. Maria Goretti Nebraska Westlake: St. Ladislas San Dimas: Holy Name of Mary Franklin: St. Rose of Lima Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart, Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. St. John Parish (Creighton Conception Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Gabriel the Archangel, St. Pius X University) St. Dominic, St. Ignatius, Oklahoma St. Teresa of Avila Iowa Nevada Tulsa: St. Jerome San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, Coralville: St. Thomas More Las Vegas: Christ the King, San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis Des Moines: Holy Trinity Guardian Angel Cathedral Oregon San Ramon: St. Joan of Arc Beaverton: Spirit of Grace San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & Kentucky New Hampshire Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of As- Mission San Raphael Arcangel Lexington: Historic St. Paul Church, Merrimack: St. John Neumann sisi, St. Phillip Neri, Downtown Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe St. Peter Claver Pelham: St. Patrick Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul), Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the St. Ignatius Santa Monica: St. Monica Assumption, St. William, Our La- New Jersey Spring Valley: Santa Sophia dy of Lourdes Cherry Hill: Christ Our Light Pennsylvania Stanford: Catholic Community at Clifton: St. Philip the Apostle Danville: St. Joseph Stanford University Hoboken: Our Lady of Grace Latrobe: St. Vincent Basilica South Pasadena: Holy Family Keyport: St. Joseph Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Valinda: St. Martha Lawrenceville: St. Ann Old St. Mary, St. John the Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church of Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul the Deaf Assisi Wallingford: St. John Chrysostom Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Maplewood: St. Joseph Wilkinsburg: St. James West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Monmouth: Precious Blood St. Victor Pompton Lakes: St. Mary Rhode Island Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption River Edge: St. Peter the Apostle Providence: St. Raymond South Plainfield: Sacred Heart Warwick: Sts. Rose & Clement Colorado Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Wickford: St. Bernard Arvada: Spirit of Christ Turnersville: Sts. Peter and Paul Avon: St. Edward Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart, Our (Continued on page 5) Lady of the Pines Spring 2020 BONDINGS Page 5 LGBT-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities (continued)

(Continued from page 4) Washington Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes Conception (Farm Street Church, Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, Wauwatosa: St. Pius X Mayfair) Tennessee St. James Cathedral, St. Joseph, St. York: Bar Convent (Middlesborough Memphis: St. Patrick, Cathedral of the Mary’s Outside the U.S. Diocese LGBT+ Ministry) Immaculate Conception Spokane: St. Aloysius Canada Tacoma: St. Leo Montreal: Holy Cross, Saint-Pierre- Ireland Texas Apôtre, Dublin: Orlagh in the City Austin: Univ.of Texas Catholic Center Wisconsin Ottawa: St. Joseph Colleyville: Good Shepherd Fond du Lac: Holy Family Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes Northern Ireland Dallas: Holy Trinity Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Belfast: Clonard Monastery Parish El Paso: All Saints Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd England Houston: St. Anne, St. Teresa Milwaukee: St. Bernadette, Good Shep- Bristol: St. Nicholas of Tolentino South Africa Odessa: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton herd, Prince of Peace, Trinity- London: Church of the Immaculate Johannesburg: Holy Trinity Plano: St. Elizbeth Ann Seton INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITIES Virginia Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Arizona Community Virginia Glen Allen: St. Michael the Archangel Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community Mechanicsville: Church of the Redeemer Community McLean: PAX Community Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred California Heart, Sacred Heart Parish Bermuda Dunes: St. Clare of Assisi Michigan Washington Roanoke: St. Gerard Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Grand Rapids: Marywood Lacey: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Triangle: St. Francis Pleasanton Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholic Catholic Community Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas San Diego: Mary Magdalene Catholic Community Minnesota Wisconsin San Francisco: Dignity/San Francisco Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Catholic Community Milwaukee: Mary of Magdala, Apostle District of Columbia to the Apostles Communitas, Dignity/Washington Ohio Dayton: Living Beatitudes Community Outside the U.S. Florida Tampa: Franciscan Center Oregon Ireland Portland: Journey and Koinonia Dublin: Orlagh in the City Iowa Catholic Community Coralville: Full Circle Small Faith Korea Community Pennsylvania Seoul: Alpha Omega Commuinity Drexel Hill: St. Mary Magdalene Maryland Community Baltimore, Annapolis, Thurmont: Pittsburgh: Dignity//Pittsburgh Living Water Inclusive Catholic LGBT-friendly Catholic Colleges and Universities Below is a list of known LGBT-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic institutions that have some type of LGBT student group, support group, ally group, program, or policy. If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to LGBT people, please contact New Ways Ministry. Phone: 301- 277-5674; Email: [email protected]. Alabama St. Mary’s College, Univ. of Notre St. Louis University Dallas: Misericordia University Mobile: Spring Hill College Dame Erie: Mercyhurst College Montana Greensburg: Seton Hill University California Iowa Helena: Carroll College Immaculata: Immaculata University Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur Davenport: St. Ambrose University Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, University Dubuque: Loras College, Nebraska LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s Goleta: St. Mark’s University Clarke University Omaha: Creighton University University Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Pittsburgh: Carlow University, University, Mount Saint Mary’s Kentucky New Hampshire Duquesne University College Louisville: Spalding University, Manchester: St. Anselm College Radnor: Cabrini College Moraga: St. Mary’s College Bellarmine University Nashua: Rivier College Reading: Alvernia University Oakland: Holy Names University Scranton: Marywood University Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Louisiana New Jersey Villanova: Villanova University San Diego: University of San Diego New Orleans: Loyola University Caldwell: Caldwell College San Francisco: University of San Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Rhode Island Francisco Maryland Newark: Seton Hall School of Law Newport: Salve Regina University Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Baltimore: Notre Dame of Providence: Providence College Maryland University, New York Colorado Loyola University of Maryland Albany: College of Saint Rose Texas Denver: Regis University Brooklyn and Patchogue: Austin: Saint Edward’s University Massachusetts St. Joseph’s College San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Connecticut Boston: Emmanuel College, Bronx: Fordham University, Word, Our Lady of the Lake Univer- Fairfield: Fairfield University, Chestnut Hill: Boston College Manhattan College sity, St. Mary’s University Sacred Heart University Chicopee: Elms College Buffalo: Canisius College New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Easton: Stonehill College Loudonville : Siena College Vermont West Hartford: Saint Joseph College North Andover: Merrimack College New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Weston: Regis College Iona College District of Columbia Worcester: Assumption College, Poughkeepsie: Marist College Washington Georgetown University, Trinity College of the Holy Cross Rochester: St. John Fisher College Lacey: St. Martin’s University University St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Univ. Seattle: Seattle University Michigan Sparkill: St. Thomas Aquinas College Spokane: Gonzaga University Florida Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy, Syracuse: LeMoyne College Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Marygrove College Queens: St. John’s University West Virginia Miami Shores: Barry University Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University Ohio Hawaii Minnesota Cincinnati: Xavier University Wisconsin Honolulu: Chaminade University Collegeville: St. John’s University Cleveland Heights: John Carroll De Pere: St. Norbert College Duluth: College of St. Scholastica University Madison: Edgewood College Illinois Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Dayton: University of Dayton Milwaukee: Alverno College, Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Pepper Pike: Ursuline College Cardinal Stritch University, University, St. Xavier University St. Paul: St. Thomas University South Euclid: Notre Dame College Marquette University Joliet: University of St. Francis Winona: St. Mary’s University of Sylvania: Lourdes College River Forest: Dominican University in Minnesota Outside the U.S. Illinois Oregon Romeoville: Lewis University Missouri Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Canada Kansas City: Avila University, Portland: University of Portland Toronto: Regis College Indiana Rockhurst University Hammond: Calumet College St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Pennsylvania Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, Maryville University, Cresson: Mount Aloysius College Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 2 New Book on Bishop Gumbleton Details Strong Record of LGBTQ Advocacy By Robert Shine clergy, indeed Catholics generally, is his to speak out for gay rights. In 1974, director of New Ways Ministry, said in a Bondings 2.0 willingness to name honestly the sins of Bishop Gumbleton joined Bishop Joseph dust jacket endorsement that the book is NewWaysMinistry.org/blog the church that he clearly loves. Even in Imesch in calling for the church to “root a gift to the church: January 26, 2020 his early days as auxiliary bishop of De- out structures and attitudes that discrimi- “Peter Feuerherd beautifully cap- troit, Gumbleton protested the archbish- nate against the homosexual as a person” tures the rare mixture of this shepherd’s op’s closing of ur- in response to the De- courage and humility-two virtues which “We need credible witnesses,” ex- ban parishes in the troit diocesan newspa- have made him an effective advocate for horted Pope Francis in 2017, explaining city. And that eccle- per firing an employee marginalized groups. This book, like its that credible witnesses are people who sial critique has because he was gay. He subject, is a gift to the Catholic commu- refuse to be indifferent and who choose meant Gumbleton addressed New Ways nity.” to risk for the Gospel. Few Christians played a decisive Ministry symposia in I am pulled to biographies because living today offer as credible a witness as role in Catholic ef- the 1990s and 2000s, the lives of others, the meek of history as Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, his life a forts for LGBTQ even though he re- much as the great figures, can be so in- masterclass in how to pursue justice even inclusion. ceived severe criticism structive for how we should live our when it hurts. Thankfully for younger Feuerherd cap- for his inclusive mes- own. I first met Bishop Gumbleton years Catholics and for historical memory, tures the LGBTQ sage. ago at a Pax Christi USA event, and in Peter Feuerherd captures this witness aspect of Bishop He was instrumen- the intervening years met him through well in a new book, The Radical Gospel Gumbleton’s minis- tal in getting the U.S. LGBTQ work. But I had no idea just of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton (Orbis try in a chapter titled bishops pastoral let- how profound his commitment to justice Books, 2019). “A Mother’s Ques- ter, Always Our Chil- is and how much he has done until I read Bishop Gumbleton has been active tion.” That mother dren, developed and Feuerherd’s book. It was necessary read- and outspoken on major social justice was Gumbleton’s, approved. He held lis- ing for this younger Catholic. And, in the issues since the 1960s. In his early days and the question she tening sessions, minis- wounded church and the troubled world as a priest, he challenged the Vietnam posed to him was tered to gay priests we inhabit, studying the credible witness War, and for decades after as a bishop he whether her son Dan around the country, and of Bishop Thomas Gumbleton who re- has championed the cause of nonvio- was going to hell for refused to join Michi- fused to be indifferent and risked so lence, co-founding Pax Christi USA. He being gay. He was gan’s bishops in con- much for the Gospel is precisely what we has decried both repression in Central clear in his answer: demning marriage need to be people of hope and action.  America and the ’ deep- no. Dan’s coming equality. In short, he is seated racism, chancing arrest by the out would prompt Bishop Thomas Gumbleton a prophet for inclusion. [Editor’s Note: Bishop Thomas state and scorn by his fellow Catholics Bishop Gumbleton At just over one Gumbleton, retired auxiliary of Detroit, numerous times. Still, in these efforts for to become a strong hundred pages, The is an early and long time courageous peace and justice, the bishop had episco- advocate for LGBTQ people. Radical Gospel of Bishop Thomas Gum- supporter of LGBTQ people. New Ways pal supporters. He moved from being a priest guid- bleton is a quick read. But crowded in Ministry presented him with its Bridge But Bishop Gumbleton’s advocacy ed by anti-gay seminary lessons to a those pages are the lessons from a credi- Building Award in 1995. Bishop Gum- did not stop at the church’s threshold. bishop who lived “Who am I to judge?” ble witness that we should contemplate bleton served on the New Ways Ministry What has set him apart from so many decades before Pope Francis. He began deeply. Francis DeBernardo, executive Advisory Board.] Cardinal: God’s First Question Is Not About Sexual Orientation

By Robert Shine “Believe Togeth- ty and AIDS, continuing: Cardinal Schönborn’s response Bondings 2.0 er,” hosted by the “[W]orking with [gay activist] Gery should not be misunderstood. He is not NewWaysMinistry.org/ city’s cathedral and Keszler is also a sign for me that we real- suggesting, as some church leaders do, blog organized by ly need to work together for this help. that sexual orientation should be down- January 17, 2020 LGBTQ activists. Concern for AIDS sufferers was the fo- played or ignored. Schönborn is an ally. Schönborn told cus of this night taking place a third time. This AIDS fundraiser is the third A cardinal has defend- the German maga- I think that is a very right effort. I am Schönborn has hosted in Vienna’s cathe- ed his participation in an zine Die Fur- very aware that the right way to deal with dral, and he has spoken warmly of his AIDS fundraiser by sug- che that the event homosexuality is a big social and also a friendship with Keszler. His repeated gesting the first question was focused on big church issue. Here I strongly advo- welcomes to LGBTQ people are evi- God asks is not about a helping an AIDS cate not looking first at the question of dence he recognizes the importance of person’s sexual orienta- hospice in South sexual orientation, but at human quality. sexual and gender identity in people’s tion, but about how they Africa, which he The first question is: how are you with lives. But without mitigating that im- treat other people. said primarily other people? And that’s the first ques- portance, Schönborn can offer the credi- Conservatives target- cares for hetero- tion God asks us. Not the only one, but ble reminder that what is most important ed Cardinal Christoph sexual victims. But the first. The great gospel speech in Mat- to God, and therefore should be most Schönborn of Vienna after he acknowledged thew does not ask about sexual orienta- important to us, is whether or not we the cardinal attended an the close ties be- tion, but: I was hungry and you gave me have treated one another, especially the HIV/AIDS fundraiser, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn tween homosexuali- food, and I was naked and you clothed poor and oppressed, with great love.  me. This is how I see these fundraisers in Albany’s Bishop Affirms Gay Priests the cathedral for AIDS relief.” and Gay Love New Ways Ministry Decries Church

By Lori Van Buren 20 other people working in the Diocese Leaders for Coronavirus Statements The Times-Union of Albany” attended "safe space" train- Albany, New York ing to learn how to make gay congre- The following is a statement from “enemy” behind the virus to perpetrate January 11, 2020 gants feel welcome and protected. Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Min- acts of violence toward LGBTQ peo- It’s not simply gay worshippers he stry’s Executive Director, responding to ple. Instead of saving lives, the bishop [Editor’s note: Excerpts from an wants to welcome. the statements of Cardinal Burke and and cardinal are endangering them. interview with Bishop Edward Scharfen- “I know priests who are gay and Bishop Castro about LGBTQ people and With no scientific evidence— berger of Albany, New York.] they’re great,” Scharfenberger said. the coronavirus. because none ex- He knows the church’s definition of ists—these church- [Bishop Scharfenber’s] trying to marriage as a union between a man and a Two high- men have exploited build bridges to gay Catholics. His com- woman is alienating for many gay Cath- ranking Catholic the world’s most munications director, Mary DeTurris olics. But he has his own message for leaders have dangerous modern Poust, said that in 2017, “in an effort to them. blamed the corona- public health crisis be sensitive to the needs of the LGBTQ “It is never wrong to love another virus pandemic on to promote their community, Bishop Ed and I and about person. Never,” the bishop said.  LGBTQ people, own biased and displaying rash prejudiced views of irresponsibility in a LGBTQ peo- Students Protest Teachers’ Resignations time when the ple. The lack of world is already scientific (Continued from page 3) what has happened in all of the LGBTQ suffering from knowledge about Former Seattle mayor Greg Nickels, employment disputes that New Ways danger, fear, and the virus mirrors a graduate of Seattle Prep, noted that Ministry has followed." instability. their lack of scien- King County's anti-discrimination ordi- Last year, administrators at Brebeuf Bishop Ramón tific knowledge nance would otherwise protect Catholic Jesuit Preparatory School in Indianapolis Castro of Cuerna- about LGBTQ peo- school employees. "Any other employer refused to fire a gay employee in a same- vaca, Mexico, included transgender ple. The combination of these anti- would be breaking that law to fire two sex relationship, which resulted in the youth as one of the evils for which he intellectual perspectives is a volatile well qualified employees simply because archdiocese attempting to remove the claims God has caused the virus to infect mixture. they are gay," he wrote on Facebook. "It school's Catholic status. The Vatican the world. Cardinal Raymond Burke, a Pope Francis should remove both is wrong and the school should be held to Congregation for Catholic Education U.S. prelate currently living in Rome, men from public ministry for dangerous account." temporarily lifted the decree until its said that churches should be open for and irresponsible language about New Ways has called for local Cath- final decision. Masses and prayer services because he LGBTQ people, and also for promoting olic institutions to adopt non-discrim- Said DeBernardo: "Part of the prob- claims the world is in grave danger, in ignorant disinformation in the midst of a ination policies. DeBernardo praised lem of this trend is that it's like playing part because of sexual and gender identi- global health crisis. The Catholic Seattle Prep's policy as "excellent." the carnival game of whack-a-mole," he ty equality. Church, a worldwide religion already "It reflects Pope Francis' call to be a said. "It keeps popping up somewhere These irresponsible messages from widely discredited, cannot ignore such church of discernment and accompani- new."  highly-placed church leaders will only recklessness. ment," he told NCR. "The policy repudi- incite desperate people seeking an —March 24, 2020 ates a litmus-test approach, which is Spring 2020 BONDINGS Page 7 Parish Ministry Seeks to Bridge Gap to LGBTQ Community with Love, Blankets By Jesse Williams Harris said making blankets was a currently reaching out to LGBTQ people Bridges Ministry is part of a larger, ZIP06.com special and heartwarming way she and and their families who are practicing grassroots movement by many Catholic January 14, 2020 the other members of Building Bridges Catholics or former Catholics, hoping to organizations particularly in the United felt they could directly reach out to document their stories and publish them States that want to pass over these dog- A special ministry at St. George LGBTQ folks in a personal, loving way. for the broader community, a strategy mas and focus instead on love and ac- Catholic Church, Guilford, Connecticut, she said she ceptance. is working to reach out to LGBTQ peo- hopes will help That inclusiveness, Harris said, is ple, aiming to create healing and under- other Catholics what she and the other members of the standing in a relationship that members understand the ministry want to emphasize to LGBTQ said has long been defined by judgment humanity and people who might be struggling with and discrimination. struggles of their Catholic faith. This year, the Building Bridges their LGBTQ “They were baptized into the church Ministry hand-made more than 30 blan- neighbors. and have just as much right to be there kets to be sent to the Trinity Place Shel- “It’s not just, as we do,” she said. ter in New York City, a refuge for home- ‘Oh it’s one of Harris said in the past, Building less LGBTQ youth associated with the them.’ They Bridges has screened documentaries Lutheran church that offers educational start to put focusing on LGBTQ experiences and and practical resources to help these faces to stories tracing the history of the Catholic young people, who have often been re- and names with Church’s teachings and treatment of non jected by families and loved ones. stories and -heterosexual relationships and identi- The Building Bridges Ministry was really see that ties. founded three years ago by Diana Harris we’re really More than anything, she said the and Margot Burkle, who were inspired more similar ministry is made up of people who want by their own LGBTQ children to work then we are to see love and acceptance shown to within their Catholic faith toward mak- different. And everyone. ing connections between the church and we all need to “Just people who feel this is an im- the LGBTQ community. The ministry’s Some of the blankets from the St. George Parish “Building be welcomed portant cause, and want everyone to feel mission, Harris said, is finding ways to Bridges” Ministry. and reached out welcome,” she said. show “true Christian love and support” to,” Harris said. Harris invited anyone who wanted to LGBTQ people, who have often been “And this is a special situation be- The Catholic Church’s official to share their stories about their own or rejected or experienced discrimination at cause not only do they use the blankets stance on homosexuality is that it is loved one’s experience of being LGBTQ the hands of church officials because of there but...the people get to take the “inherently disordered,” and “homo- and Catholic to send email to: their identities, as well as educating blankets with them as they start their sexual acts” are broadly considered sin- [email protected]. community members about LGBTQ lives out on their own,” Harris said. ful, according to the United States Con-  issues. Building Bridges Ministry is also ference of Catholic Bishops. Building QUOTE TO NOTE: The Pope’s New Message on Lesbian and Gay Couples By Francis DeBernardo question of marriage,’ for example say- gal protections for same-gender couples. ner, welcoming them warmly. In July Bondings 2.0 ing it was important to ensure gay cou- In fact, in November 2013, early in his 2017, he sent a congratulatory note to a NewWaysMinistry.org/blog ples have access to public benefits, but pontificate, he said that “on an educa- Brazilian gay couple on the occasion of January 31, 2020 insisting gay couples cannot marry, the tional level, gay unions raise challenges their children’s baptisms. archbishop said. ‘Marriage is Of course, his statement to the bish- The U.S. bishops are having their ad unique; marriage, by its na- ops was not public, but it is also im- limina visits, group meetings with the ture, is complementarity portant to note that he gave this advice pope which occur every five years for a between man and woman. about legal protections for gay and lesbi- particular nation. This past week, Pope And he spoke about the dan- an couples to a group of U.S. bishops, Francis met with bishops from Califor- ger of the gender ideology many of whom have opposed and contin- nia, Nevada, and Hawaii, as a group, and how it denies differ- ue to oppose legal recognition of any offering pastoral advice on a variety of ence,’ the diversity with kind for same-gender couples. In partic- issues. Though the meetings are private, which God created human ular, Archbishop Cordileone is the for- some bishops are letting people know beings male and female.” mer chair of the U.S. bishops’ committee about the pope’s messages as they give While the pope’s ad- for the defense of marriage and the cur- interviews to the press. monitions against “gender rent chair of the Committee on Laity, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of ideology” were reported by Marriage, Family Life, and Youth. San Francisco told America magazine other bishops, what is inter- (Cordileone has expressed interest in that among the topics the pope discussed esting about Cordileone’s developing more pastoral messages to were the pastoral care of LGBTQ people. report is that he relates that Pope Francis the LGBTQ community.) The news story, quoting and summariz- the pope believes it is im- Someone should pull the pope aside ing Cordileone, stated: portant for same-gender cou- at some point and tell him to drop “‘He spoke about the pastoral care ples to have legal protections, essentially for us today which for us are sometimes “gender ideology” from his vocabulary. that we have to give’ and the need to approving domestic partnership and civil difficult to understand.” It’s a meaningless term designed to cause understand the suffering many of them union arrangements. This is a new and His actions, however, sometimes fear, not communicate information. The have endured, including being shunned important message to note. The pope has pointed in a different direction. In Sep- pope has made some great pastoral ges- by their families. been strong in his advocacy for a hetero- tember 2015, during his apostolic visit to tures towards transgender people, but he “‘He made important distinctions sexual definition of “marriage,” but he the U.S., he met with Yayo Grassi, a still has a lot to learn about gender iden- between the (sexual) orientation and the has said nothing publicly supporting le- former student, and Grassi’s male part- tity.  Editorial: The Pope Is NOT Upset with Fr. James Martin National Catholic Reporter They also said that his Jesuit superiors Conference of Catholic Bishops. While it "talking to" and "never heard anything Editorial had called him to task about his ministry might not engage in reporting that would negative from Jesuit superiors." Ncronline.org and that the pope had actually given him rock the institutional barque, it is honest It is important to understand some of February 27, 2020 a "talking to." and professional in what it does and the back story contained in the reporting Some clarity is necessary here. Do would never trade in this sort of transpar- of NCR national correspondent Heidi A sequence of events unfolded in not mistake Catholic News Agency ently shoddy attempt to smear. Schlumpf about the incident. The author recent days — a "What did the pope real- (CNA) for Catholic News Service (CNS). The tale took a remarkable turn, of the "report" was J.D. Flynn, CNA's ly say?" intrigue — that might have the The former, which posted the anony- however, when Archbishop John Wester editor in chief who previously worked in quality of a Molière comedy, except that, mously source of Santa Fe, New Mexico, decided to go the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, and in the end, the hidden whisper campaign drubbing of public to refute the CNA account. the Denver Archdiocese, at the latter misrepresented the pope and was aimed Martin, is "Our meeting with the Pope lasted under Archbishop Charles Chaput, a not- at destroying a good priest's reputation. affiliated with almost two hours and forty-five minutes, ed Francis critic. Days before the CNA Worse, it further fueled the most extreme EWTN, which so it is difficult for anyone to remember article appeared, Flynn had authored a fringe of the Catholic right and its insane we've previ- with precision anything that was said," piece critical of Martin in the conserva- fixation on homosexuality. ously profiled he wrote. "However, the general tone of tive publication First Things. The plot had its beginnings in the in our series the Pope's responses to issues raised with It is enough to say here that websites recent ad limina visit to the Vatican of on the far- him was never angry, nor do I remember labeling themselves Catholic have en- bishops from Region XIII, an area cover- right Catholic the Pope saying or implying that he was gaged in absolutely unhinged homopho- ing Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, money and unhappy with Father Martin or his minis- bia and made Martin a primary target. Utah and Wyoming. The visit included a entities at- try." That bishops — dare we point out that conversation with Pope Francis. tempting to He also said that while Martin and they are fellow priests — should provide On their return, Catholic News fashion a nar- his ministry were discussed, it was not even the slightest legitimacy to such dan- Agency announced to the world that row Catholic the pope who raised it but rather some gerous thinking is horrifying. "several" bishops, who remain anony- Fr. James Martin, SJ narrative for bishops. In the current atmosphere, and given mous, told them that the pope was quite the wider cul- Following Wester's Feb. 21 account, the traditional standards of secrecy and upset, even angry, with Jesuit Fr. James ture. It is a narrative that can't imagine a Bishop Steven Biegler of Cheyenne, Wy- silence among the episcopal culture, the Martin, who has a noted ministry to the church that would embrace and celebrate oming, stepped up to say publicly that church owes a deep debt of gratitude to Catholic LGBT community. The object its LGBT members with the same Wester's response "accurately describes Wester and Biegler for their courage in of the pope's concern, said the anony- warmth and enthusiasm as it welcomes the tone and substance of the short dia- supporting a good priest and setting the mous several bishops, was the way Mar- others. logue regarding Fr. James Martin." record straight on their conversation with tin was characterizing his celebrated CNS, on the other hand, is the offi- Martin himself, thanking Wester on Francis.  meeting with the pope last September. cial news service of the United States social media, said he's never had a Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 2 Sister Luisa DeRouen: Truth and transgender lives

By Sister Luisa Derouen, OP me. For the past 21 years, it has been my their self-knowing is judged psychotic doned me, concert dates evaporated and I GlobalSistersReport.org privilege to be invited into the sacred and and sinful. It's no wonder, then, that they lost my teaching job. But within my March 3, 2020 often perilous journey of their lives. I are tortured by self-doubt and self- body there was complete calm because have spent thousands of hours with them loathing. They struggle to be in right the journey within was integral to my- I've known this about my friend for as a spiritual companion and have known relationship with God, and understanda- self, and it was a journey made not alone, years, but recently over a wonderful many of them for years. bly so. It's difficult to be in communion but with God.” steak dinner we talked about it again. Transgender people are who they with God pretending to be someone they Reintegration: Gradually, usually She is a soft-spoken, very competent say they are. I have witnessed their in- are not. Try as they might, though, they over a period of years, as they make their professional woman in her mid-60s. She credible courage and faith in the pursuit cannot shake loose the mysterious know- way through the painful and complex is deeply immersed in the life of her of living an authentic life. It is what we ing that this is who they are, and neither stages of transition, self-hatred is re- church, and involved with several groups call transformation in God, conversion of they nor anyone else can change it. placed by self-love. Self-doubt is re- in her city to address the needs of the life. Dawn recalls, “It was impressed placed by confidence in their perceptions poor and marginalized. For her whole upon me in first and judgments. They are finally at home life, and still now, she knows she is both grade that the feel- with themselves and with the world female and male. It has been a conun- ings I had of being around them. They have made the pas- drum for decades, but she is increasingly a girl were wrong sage from what was death-dealing to at peace with this dimension of her and not according what can now be life-giving. graced life. She is far from alone in this to God's will for Scotty asserts, “I am a photographer experience and I have the privilege of me. It was unnatu- and light is central to my art. The best knowing many gender-variant people. ral. I had not pictures are in the hours when light has That's why I felt such sadness and asked for nor cul- nuance. I am twilight, I am a sunrise and disappointment when I read Bishop tivated these feel- a sunset. I am a physical living embodi- 's document intended ings. They were ment of that moment that allows for to guide Catholics in his Springfield, just there inside striking images, fleeting visions and per- Illinois, Diocese in their understanding me, and they were spectives that are not possible during the of and interactions with transgender peo- evil. For decades, dullness of day or night. I am of God and ple. In large part, he echoes the docu- I prayed every day I have beauty in this world that can only ment from the Vatican Congregation for to want to be a be viewed by those who choose to see Catholic Education that states God creat- man, but those it.” ed us male or female at birth and that prayers didn't For 21 years, my mantra to the identity is unchangeable and permanent. help.” transgender community is that the truth I believe Paprocki is genuine in his Disintegration: always leads you to God, never away desire to exercise responsible leadership They finally ac- from God. And the truth does set you for his people, but this is a complex real- Sr. Luisa Derouen, right, with her friend, Scotty knowledge that to free. What holiness looks like is when ity, and is best addressed with nuance, live other than you live your lives as honestly as you humility, sensitivity and in dialogue with from a place of can, being faithful to the person God transgender people. It is a movement from integration to honesty is a pretense they can no longer calls you to be. This is what gives glory By invalidating their existence, lead- disintegration to reintegration. On the maintain. A false life becomes unsustain- to God. ers give religious sanction to the violence way to being whole and holy, we all go able. There are so many with whom I My mantra to those who are not perpetrated against transgender people, through these stages in some way. We have stood on the precipice of sweeping transgender is that transgender people and certainly raise the risk of suicide spend many years making sense of who and profound loss as they made the cou- are God's beloved every bit as much as attempts, which are already at 40% we are and how we live. But there are rageous decision to live in the gender any of us. They, too, are God's dwelling among them. times when the narrative of our life is they know themselves to be. They risk place. With rare exception, they are clos- This document gives no credence to significantly challenged and we experi- losing their family of origin, spouse, er to God after transition. They have a significant number of reputable medi- ence a crisis. What held before begins to children, job, friends and faith communi- been tried by fire in ways many of us cal and psychological national associa- crumble. ty. How many of us have paid that kind cannot imagine. It has brought them to a tions that support evidence-based data Gradually, we live into a more au- of price to live with integrity? This is place of truth, wisdom, compassion, for- that sex and gender are not always thentic life. A big difference between what we call holiness. It is dying to a giveness, joy, peace, generativity and linked. During fetal development our what we experience and what trans- false self to live as one's true self. Jesus immense gratitude. brain as well as our genitals are formed gender people experience is that most of said "You will come to know the truth They have so much to teach us, if by the influence of hormones at various them know from an early age that the life and the truth will set you free" (John only we would listen.  times during the period of gestation. For narrative they are being pressured to live 8:32). most of us, these are aligned, which is false. Sara remembers, “In the tumultuous Luisa Derouen, a member of the means our genitals and how we identify False Integration: What is reflected two-and-a-half years that followed my Dominican Sisters of Peace, began to match, but for a little less than 1% of the back to transgender people repeatedly is decision to transition, I changed my minister among the transgender commu- population they do not match. that others see them in one gender, and name and wardrobe, grew out my hair, nity in 1999 and has been a spiritual The challenges transgender people they experience themselves as another switched my hormonal make-up and way companion to about 250 transgender face are not theoretical or academic to gender. They learn very quickly that of living completely. ... Friends aban- people across the country.

Korean Catholic Mother: ‘I take pride in my gay son’

By Ock Hyun-Ju have lived and died without breaking my their identities hidden for fear of judg- sorry that he had to put up with fear and KoreaHerald.com prejudices, unable to wholeheartedly ment. loneliness on his own.” January 22, 2020 sympathize with the socially marginal- According to the latest Organization For her son, Hong hopes for a world ized,” she said. “My views have been for Economic Cooperation and Develop- where sexual minorities can thrive and When her son Jiho, 38, came out as broadened and my world has been en- ment report published in 2019, Korea find happiness as they are. gay 12 years ago, Hong Jung-seun felt as was fourth from “Most urgently, we need an anti- if her world had stopped. the bottom in discrimination law. Parents of sexual The ardent Roman Catholic asked terms of LGBTQ minorities are worried about their chil- God many times why she and her family inclusiveness dren’s safety every day,” she said. “I just were facing this personal crisis and what among member want my gay son to be able to live here she had done wrong in her life. She countries sur- safely just like others. I am not asking for begged God to change her son’s sexuali- veyed. It scored any privileges.” ty so that he could lead a normal life. 2.8 points out of Religion should be a bridge, not a In the end, it was she who changed. 10, with the barrier, she added, referring to Protestant “I had been so devoted to serving OECD average groups that have been outspoken in their God, but why my son? I thought it was a being 5.1.Teenage opposition to gay rights and expression. punishment for something I did wrong. I sexual minorities Yet, Hong sees signs of positive hated God,” Hong said during an inter- appear to be more change, albeit slow. view with The Korea Herald. vulnerable. The group Hong leads won the Lee For a while, she could not eat. She A 2014 poll by Don-myung Award -- established in spent many sleepless nights in shock, the National Hu- memory of the pro-democracy human denial and guilt. Her mood changed eve- man Rights Com- rights lawyer -- from Korea’s Catholic ry second. mission of Korea Human Rights Committee earlier this Her thoughts were fixed on what her found that 54 per- month. son’s sexuality would mean for his life -- Hong Jung-seun in front of a Catholic church in Seoul, hold- cent of LGBTQ The country’s pride parade is also and for her life -- in a society where sex- ing a book, “Coming Out Story,” which she co-authored with teens experienced getting bigger every year, with the 2019 ual minorities are often denied, discrimi- other parents of LGBT people. bullying and dis- parade in central Seoul attracting a rec- nated against and hated. crimination at ord 80,000 LGBTQ people and their After spending much time alone school, and 19.4 percent had attempted supporters. praying, she came to the realization that riched. I learned the meaning of grati- suicide. Her son is not a source of worry God was teaching her the virtues of love tude.” Most parents who attend Hong’s anymore, she said. He is a source of hap- and acceptance, not punishing her. Now, Hong leads a group of parents group meetings have teenage children piness and reason for gratitude, as well “My life goal was to send my son to of sexual minorities who meet for three who have just come out. Those children, as a bridge to a world that is richer and a good university, get him to have a good hours once a month. It’s her way of sup- Hong said, are walking on the fence be- more colorful. For that, she thanks him job and form a good family. But I porting other parents going through the tween life and death -- and asking for every day for having appeared in her life learned to see and accept him as he is, same agony. help. and being who he is. not as I want him to be,” she said. “God In South Korea, homosexuality is “There was a time when my son was “Thank you, my son, for opening up taught me I cannot change a living thing not illegal, but discrimination against very sensitive and I thought it was just a bigger world for me,” she said.  but I can embrace it as it is. sexual minorities remains widespread. due to stress from studying ahead of the “Without him coming out, I would Many Korean sexual minorities keep college entrance exam,” she said. “I am