B NDINGS Volume 25, No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Fall-Winter 2005 Gay Catholics protest bishops, avoid arrests Some see progress at meeting, others discouraged By Adrian Brune for the past two years, Monsignor congregate. more and more stringent language The Washington Blade Walter R. Rossi, hesitated when he saw But the perennial showdown takes coming from the Vatican, bishops still November 19, 2004 them. He offered Perez only a blessing, place at the Shrine, before what Catholics remain reluctant to engage them, at least and in a show of solidarity, Speltz say symbolizes the body of Christ. The publicly. It was just minutes before the start of refused the host. church says it won’t tolerate a group of Many bishops have come to accept the the plenary mass for the It was an about-face from two years people using the sacrament as a protest gay protesters and passively take their Conference of Catholic Bishops, and ago when Rossi mistakenly denied tool. The gay Catholics contend they’re brochures. However, after four days of devout Catholics Kara Speltz and Mike Speltz, too, and she protested vocifer- not; they’re just asserting the fact that long vigils and run-ins with angry Perez were running late. With the clock ously, leading to her arrest after which they exist. Catholics, there’s little visible support for ticking and the 200 or so bishops lining she was jailed for 30 hours. The incident “The protesting is taking place out- the gay cause within this very hierarchi- up for the procession, they finally received national attention. side,” said Brian McNeill, the head of the cal religion. abandoned their spots on the picket line But Speltz’s resolve to see her church Rainbow Sash Alliance, the group that “I haven’t given their literature deep outside to take their carefully selected change has not weakened. has raised the ire of Catholic leaders. reflection yet,” said New Orleans seats in the National Shrine of the “Our goal is to help these bishops “We’re just wearing who we are.” Auxiliary Bishop, Roger Morin, after Immaculate Conception, just as they have the courage to tell the truth they The communion controversy represents picking up a Soulforce “Stories of have for the past four years. know in their ,” Speltz said. myriad issues gay Catholics have with Courage” pamphlet, “but I have no Perez wore a rainbow sash, something Each November, bishops from all over their church these days, but mostly they feelings of animosity toward them.” the bishops have found offensive in the the country come to Washington to want an end to “spiritual violence,” a term The protesting began early Sunday, as past, and Speltz wore a rainbow cross, discuss the church’s pastoral needs, they use to describe adverse teachings bishops arrived at the Hyatt Regency both symbols in full view. followed by dozens of gay protesters from the pulpit. Though many believe near Capitol Hill. Dignity USA, the most An hour into the lengthy ritual, the gay who stage long vigils outside of the their visibility has resulted in some familiar of the gay Catholic groups, had activists rose for communion. As he has Hyatt Regency hotel where they recognition and therefore, progress, with Continued on page 2 Catholic parents as ‘secret weapons’ A gay son talks to his Catholic parents about grassroots support, challenges from church hierarchy, and their new book ‘Fortunate Families’ By J.A. Lopata Ellen Lopata conducted a descriptive In Newsweekly survey of Catholic parents with gay sons Boston, Mass. and lesbian daughters. She asked about July 2004 their religious background, their reaction to learning of their child’s homosexual ROCHESTER, NY — When I came out orientation and what kind of pastoral to my parents in 1983, while support response they received from their church. resources for young gay men like me were She also collected actual stories and blossoming, there were precious few experiences from Catholic parents. My places for Catholic parents to turn for dad, Casey Lopata, who has a master of their questions of faith and belief. Their divinity degree from the Roman Catholic Mary Ellen, J.A., and Casey Lopata search for reconciliation with the love St. Bernard’s Institute, provided some they felt for me and the anti-gay mes- perspectives on Catholic doctrine and INSIDE... sages coming from theology. All of this resulted in the book, authorities led them to founding their “FortunateFamilies: Catholic Families own ministry of working with Catholic with Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons.” I Same-Sex Marriage 2,6 families who have gay and lesbian asked my parents a few questions on a International News 4,5 members. They call these families recent visit home. Gay Ministry 3,6,7 “Fortunate Families” after a term from in newsweekly: You’ve been working in Native American Plains Tribes who value ministry to Catholic families with gays for Gay Friendly Parishes 7 families with unique individuals in them. over 12 years now. What’s the status For her master’s thesis, my mother, Mary report? Continued on page 8 Page 2 BONDINGS Volume 25, No. 2 B NDINGS Dioceses fund campaign for same-sex Fall-Winter 2005 Vol. 25, No. 2 marriage ban Francis DeBernardo, Editor National Catholic Reporter Proposal 2 will be decided in the courts. Jennifer Morgan, Production Manager and Design October 29, 2004 Parish priests across were urged to preach in support of Proposal 2 during Masses the weekend of Oct. 8-10. Cardinal , Board of Directors LANSING, MI – The Catholic dioceses of Michigan Michigan’s church leader, has also taped an Mary Byers have provided more than half of the $1 million raised endorsement. Frank O’Donnell, SM thus far to secure voter approval of a constitutional In that message to parishioners, Maida said, “We Rev. Paul Thomas ban on same-sex marriage in the state. have an opportunity this fall to make sure that our According to campaign finance reports filed Oct. 8 government does not change the meaning of Board of Advisors by the Citizens for the Protection of Marriage, the marriage for us today or our children tomorrow. Mary Ann Coyle, SL dioceses of Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, “If we change the meaning of marriage, then William Hunt, SFO Saginaw, Lansing, Gaylord and Marquette have marriage loses its meaning and the family, the Patricia McDermott, RSM contributed $505,000 through Oct. 1 to the effort to bedrock institution of society, would be jeopar- Barbara Regan, rc pass Proposal 2. All told, the group raised $1,006,989 dized.” and spent $552,472. He does not condemn in the Staff The Coalition for a Fair Michigan, the group oppos- message. Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director ing Proposal 2, reported raising $194,815 and spending The Coalition for a Fair Michigan includes the Terence Cant, Program Specialist $154,406. Group officials say they hope to raise $1 Michigan State AFL-CIO, the Michigan Education Jennifer Morgan, Staff Associate million for their campaign to urge a “no” vote. Association and Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Proposal 2 says, “The union of one man and one Granholm, a Catholic, has also been at odds with Co-Founders woman in marriage shall be the only agreement the church over her 2003 veto of a bill criminalizing Sister Jeannine Gramick recognized as a marriage or similar union for any some late-term abortions. Father Robert Nugent purpose.” Dana Houle, spokesman for the coalition, said, Opponents of Proposal 2 argue that the term “similar “At a time when the Catholic church is closing Bondings is a seasonal publication designed to keep union” would bar future legislatures from providing churches and cutting programs, spending $500,000 our subscribers informed of issues that pertain to lesbian same-sex couples the legal benefits of marriage for a ballot proposal is stunning.” and gay people and the Catholic Church. through civil unions. Supporters say the reach of Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry is an educational and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between the Catholic gay and lesbian community and institutional Gay Catholics protest bishops structures in the Roman Catholic Church. continued from page 1 scheduled a lay liturgy—most bishops have orders see Msgr. Rossi, the priest who refused commun- New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate prevalent myths not to preside at any of their meetings—but the group ion to three Soulforce Catholics, including Speltz, and stereotypes about homosexuality and supports civil didn’t show. in 2002. rights for lesbian and gay persons in society. “We didn’t have the numbers to do anything,” said Though Rossi has changed his view of the Matthew Gallagher, Dignity’s executive director. rainbow cross to a symbolic “affirmation of faith” For more information, contact: “From talking to our members, I sense real discourage- he remained firm on the sashes: No communion for New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th St., ment.” those who wore them. Mt. Rainier, MD 20712 Later that afternoon, about 50 members of Soulforce, “The Eucharist is a moment of community and a (301) 277-5674 an interfaith movement, and Rainbow Sash arrived for sign of our unity,” said Susan Gibbs, the spokes- E-mail: [email protected] their vigil. They received significant media coverage, person for Washington, D.C. Web: www.newwaysministry.org but little clerical attention. Theodore Cardinal McCarrick. “We have all come However, on Monday as the bishops were electing together to celebrate Christ above all else. It’s not USCCB’s new president, Bishop William S. Skylstad of an appropriate place to break that communion.” Spokane, Wash., a bishop who plans to declare his “It also doesn’t get their message across to TO SUBSCRIBE... diocese in bankruptcy due to sexual abuse claims, the disrupt mass; it turns people away from their COMPLETEPlease add my name AND to RETURN your mailing THE list. Enclosed FORM is: BELOW protesters were demonstrating in full force. message.” ___ $15.00 in the U.S. or Canada Again, Soulforce stood in solidarity, while SNAP, With diminished momentum, Soulforce continued ___ $20.00 outside the U.S. or Canada the Chicago-based Survivors Network of those its silent vigils through Tuesday and then ___ I would like to receive Bondings, but cannot donate at this time. Abused by Priests, expressed grave concern. Wednesday. ___ An extra contribution for those unable to donate “We see with the elevation of Skylstad that the Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit, gay problem is not being fixed in the church,” said David Catholics’ sole visible ally, came out to greet the Name ______Clohessy, SNAP’s national director. “Bankruptcy demonstrators, as did one other unidentified bishop. Address ______obscures the truth and delays healing; it sets up But other bishops responded to them with City ______another arbitrary and unjust deadline by which downward stares and furtive glances. Occasion- State/Province ______Zip______victims must immediately come forward or be left out ally, a support staff member or hotel guest con- Home Phone______in the cold again.” fronted them, mentioning either the sin of Sodom Work Phone ______Disappointed and defeated, SNAP had put forward a or a psyche ward. E-mail ______list of candidates, but was also rebuffed; the group When asked how they regard gay Catholics only Please make check payable to “New Ways Ministry.” Outside the departed later that afternoon, leaving the more two answered. U.S., please use use only checks drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. optimistic contingency of Soulforce alone in front of “I see them as sons and daughters of God. I dollars; no postal money orders. the Hyatt. operate from that point of view,” said Bishop J. Mail to: New Ways Ministry, Before the plenary mass that evening, which Terry Stein or Memphis, Tenn. “I pray for their 4012 29th Street, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. celebrated the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Bishops’ welfare and ensure that as members of the church pastoral denouncement of racism, Speltz arranged to they are given their dignity.” Fall-Winter 2005 BONDINGS Page 7 Gay ministry at a Gay-Friendly Parishes crossroads Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic parishes and faith communities. Thank you continued from page 6 for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of such a parish that is known as welcoming to lesbian and gay Catholics as members and active parishioners, please let us know. Tell us if this Michael Reinbold. Born into the church, welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in gay he left as a young adult when he believed community events, involvement with parents, or simply the friendliness of pastoral staff. Catholic teachings excluded him. He said that about the time he was in college and studied church history, he realized “this Alabama Illinois Long Island: Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Deer Park; is not what I want to belong to. So I left.” Montgomery: St. Bede Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle St. Bridget’s, Westbury; St. Elizabeth, Melville Years later, his body succumbing to an Chicago: Loyola University, St. Clement, St. Gregory Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus; St. Joseph, HIV infection, Reinbold accepted an Arizona Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Greenwich Village; St. Francis Xavier; St. Paul the invitation from his sister to attend Easter Mesa: Christ the King Morton Grove: St. Martha Apostle service at St. Joan of Arc. “We were in Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Rochester: Emmanuel Church of the Deaf, St. for such a surprise at St. Joan’s,” he said. Tempe: All Saints Catholic Newman Center Indiana Augustine, St. John the Evangelist (Humboldt The church bulletin listed events for Tuscon: Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Our Evansville: St. Mary St.), St. Mary’s, St. Monica Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Notre Dame: GALA Notre Dame/St. Mary’s College Syracuse: St. Andrew the Apostle the gays, lesbians, bisexuals and Utica: St. Francis DeSales transgendered people. The priest only California Iowa occasionally delivered the Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Iowa City: St. Thomas More North Carolina himself, allowing guests instead to speak Claremont: Mother of Good Counsel, Our Charlotte: St. Peter during the part of the mass in which the Lady of the Assumption Kentucky Durham: Immaculate Conception parishioners are instructed on how to Eagle Rock: St. Dominic’s Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the Assumption, St. Fayetteville: St. Patrick live. Goleta: St. Mark’s University Parish William’s Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi “It was exciting,” said Reinbold. “It was Hawthorne: St. Joseph’s (Spanish) like going to a place of enlightenment. I LaPuente: St. Martha Maine Ohio joined right away in probably one of the Long Beach: St. Matthew’s Saco: Most Holy Trinity Akron: St. Bernard, St. Martha most crucial times in my life, when I Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the Cincinnati: Lesbian/Gay Ministry, Xavier needed spiritual awakening.” King, Loyola-Marymount University, Mother University; Newman Center, University of Cincinnati It’s not hard to find people at St. Joan’s of Good Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA USC : Corpus Christi, Loyola College, St. Francis Cleveland: Ascension of Our Lord; Gesu Parish who, like Reinbold, say the things they Medical Center (Spanish), St. Paul the Apostle of Assisi, St. Philip and James University Heights; St. Ladislas, Westlake; St. found at St. Joan’s drew them back to the North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Malachi; St. John Vianney, Mentor; St. Mary of Catholic Church after years away. St. Patrick’s Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima the Immaculate Conception, Wooster Reinbold sings in the choir and writes Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Hagerstown: St. Ann Columbus: Newman Center, Ohio State University for the parish’s Web site. He said he feels San Diego: Christ the King, Our Lady of the Severn: St. Bernadette Dayton: University of Dayton Campus Ministry that he is a part of the ministry. “We’re Sacred , St. Didicus San Fransisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Old St. Mary’s Massachusetts Oregon asked to grow,” he said. “We’re asked to Cathedral Boston: Boston College, Jesuit Urban Center, Paulist Central Point: Shepherd of the Valley question.” San Luis Obispo: Old Mission of San Luis Obispo Center, St. Anthony’s Shrine Portland: Koinonia Catholic Community, St. Reinbold said he regards Wertin “as my San Rafael: Church of San Rafael & Mission Newton: Our Lady Help of Christians Andrew, St. Phillip Neri, St. Vincent de Paul spiritual father. His never preach San Rafael Archangel Provincetown: St. Peter the Apostle ‘that you must be saved,’ but rather Santa Clara: GALA, Santa Clara University Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows insist ‘you’ve already been saved, so get Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Worcester: Holy Cross College Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph’s, Old St. Mary’s, St. on with your life and commit to social Santa Monica: St. Monica’s John the Evangelist, St. Vincent de Paul justice.’ “ Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Michigan York: St. Joseph, San Damiano Though the past several weeks have Valinda: St. Martha’s St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola been a struggle for Catholics such as West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, St. Victor’s Rhode Island Reinbold, parish administrator Peter Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Missouri Providence: St. Francis Chapel & City Ministry Center Eichten said: “I think there is consensus Kansas City: Cathedral of the Immaculate among the staff that we are not Colorado Conception, St Francis Xavier Texas going to leave.” Arvada: Spirit of Christ Catholic Community St. Louis: Holy Family, Holy Innocents, St. Cronan, Austin: University Catholic Center-Univ. of Texas Parishes that have left have not fared Boulder: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Margaret of Scotland, St. Pius V Dallas: Holy Trinity well on their own, Eichten said. There’s Denver: St. Dominic’s Plano: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton no reason for new people to come to that Minnesota San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Word church, and though the original members Connecticut Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, St. Joan of Arc, may have felt they had good reason to Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony St. Stephen Virginia St. Paul: College of St. Catherine, Univ. of St. Thomas Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace strike out on their own, they eventually District of Columbia Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sacred die off and there’s no one to replace Dahlgren Chapel-Georgetown University, New Jersey Heart Parish them, he said. Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, St. Matthew Cathedral Clifton: St. Brendan Roanoke: St. Gerard’s “We are the church,” he said. “We Wayside: St. Anselm Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas cannot let the institution and the Florida hierarchy become our view of the church. Casselberry: St. Augustine New Mexico Washington That’s part of the church, but it’s not the Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, St. Maurice Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Seattle: St. Benedict totality of the church. We ... need to stay : Ascension Parish in it to make it better.” Naples: St. John the Evangelist New York West Virginia “We’re Catholic,” he said at the Winter Haven: St. Matthew Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Shepherdstown: St. Agnes meeting for gay and lesbian parishioners. Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Boniface “And we’re staying Catholic.” Georgia East Islip: St. Mary Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Fairport: Church of the Assumption Madison: St. Benedict Center Sunday Assembly Milwaukee: Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe Fall-Winter 2005 BONDINGS Page 3 Gay, Catholic and confused As the demonizes gay relationships, some local parishes are clearly not getting the message that gays are not wanted.

By Kevin Naff Just three months ago, my sister was one Mass each Sunday. And the church denouncement of gay relationships and The Washington Blade married in a Catholic church in Baltimore. was half empty. gay rights initiatives. Mixed messages November 26, 2004 Fearing Old Testament- tirades “White flight” has depleted this indeed. against gays and warnings to my sister church of its congregants and it seems As the wedding approached, I met the The Catholic Church is mired in an that she obey her husband, I visited the the only worshippers left are a few priest who would marry my sister. He had identity crisis. Pope John Paul II, church for a Sunday morning Mass hardy old-timers along with pioneering been alerted that the bride’s brother is sounding more and more like an out-of- to wedding day. My fears about the gay men and lesbians who are buying gay, has a partner, and would be serving touch curmudgeon clinging to by-gone church couldn’t have been more offbase. up and restoring properties in the old as a groomsman. days of 1950s-style morality, again this Upon arriving at the church, I was neighborhood. After being introduced to me at the week intoned against tampering with the greeted enthusiastically by a rather To their credit, officials at this church, rehearsal, the burly priest with a booming “irreplaceable” institution of marriage. effeminate priest. Granted, it’s a stereo- which I won’t name so as to spare its voice wrapped me up in a warm embrace, Meanwhile, as Catholic bishops met type, but I’ve run into enough closeted priests certain ex-communication, are assuring me that this is the most gay- last week in Washington, D.C., there were priests at Central Station and the Hippo openly welcoming gay worshipers. friendly church in Baltimore. signs that not all bishops are towing the to know that all these guys aren’t exactly During my visit just before Fat Tuesday Since the Catholic Church is not a Vatican line against gay relationships. As adhering to their celibacy vows. this year, the priest and even democracy, it is unclear how this gay protesters descended upon the I read a copy of the church bulletin wore Mardi Gras beads during the struggling little inner-city church can get Conference of Catholic Bishops, at least while waiting for mass to begin and was service. The priest urged everyone to away with its gay outreach, other than two bishops, including auxiliary Bishop surprised to see an ad publicizing a “party hearty, because after Tuesday, by flying below the radar. Surely, no Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit, greeted meeting of the church’s gay and lesbian it’s all over!” bishop or other official in the church demonstrators, while others merely ministry. Was this a Catholic Mass or a circuit hierarchy saw that letter or knew of this glanced away and walked by quietly. It was then that I started noticing all the party? church’s status as “gay friendly.” Word of the pope’s staunch opposition gay and lesbian faces in the half-empty A few weeks later, my sister received a The problems of repression in the to gay rights initiatives, and same-sex pews. This beautiful, historic church with letter from the parish explaining that the church go beyond the failure of church marriage in particular, is clearly not 100-year-old stained glass windows, church welcomes everyone, including leaders to cope responsibly with the sex trickling down to all of the church’s local mosaic tile floors, marble-covered walls gays. The letter added that the local abuse scandal. That same culture of fear, pastors. and sturdy mahogany pews offers just parish does not agree with the Vatican’s silence and denial that enabled pedophile priests to shift around from parish to parish is restricting the ability of local Informal exorcism pastors, priests and to deal honestly and fairly with the question of at St. Paul Cathe- how to welcome gay worshipers. Individual priests know who their gay dral prompts parishioners are—they are active in their churches, donate time and money and, in investigation some instances, even operate outreach programs to other gays in the commu- Star Tribune nity. St. Paul, Minn. But the Vatican, and this narrow- Nov. 24, 2004 minded, misguided pope in particular, are preventing the full acceptance and open, ST. PAUL – Police are investigating an honest participation in the life of the informal exorcism at the Cathedral of St. church by gay Catholics. Paul, which was directed at gay Roman If only more Catholic officials would Catholics and will cost thousands of acknowledge publicly what they pri- dollars to clean up, police and church Rainbow sashes at Mass vately know to be true: that gay and officials said. Unidentified men wearing rainbow-colored sashes stand after being denied lesbian parishioners are already playing They said the ritualistic sprinkling of Communion at a Nov. 15 Mass at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in vital roles in their churches and deserve blessed oil and salt around the church Washington during the U.S. bishops’ conference meeting. Unlike some other to be recognized instead of demonized. and in donation boxes earlier this month bishops across the country, Archbishop Harry Flynn of Minneapolis-St. Paul has The church has seen what happens amounted to costly vandalism and allowed Communion to be given to members of the pro-gay rights group known as when its leaders keep quiet and choose possibly a hate crime. Rainbow Sash. That has prompted criticism by some Catholics in his archdiocese, secrecy over honesty. If they have The damage was discovered Nov. 7 after and at one Mass a group of lay people tried to block the aisles to prevent sash- learned anything from the sex abuse the noon Mass, and after words were wearers from receiving Communion. Flynn said he discussed the issue in a private scandal, it should be the need for more exchanged between members of the meeting in in early December with Cardinal , head of the openness and honesty in church life. Rainbow Sash Alliance, a gay rights Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments. Flynn said he was not It’s time for all those pro-gay priests group, and the opposing group, Catholics asked to change his policy. “I got the clear understanding that this is recognized who whisper words of quiet support for Against Sacrilege. as a very complex pastoral issue which must constantly be looked at in all its their gay parishioners to stand up for Police speculate the damage could ramifications,” Flynn said. “It needs to be handled prayerfully and reflectively,” he the full, proper inclusion of gays in havebeen done anytime between late said. church life. As Christmas approaches, Saturday afternoon and during the Mass there could be no better gift for gay -National Catholic Reporter, Dec. 24, 2004 itself. Catholics. continued on page 6 Page 6 BONDINGS Volume 25, No. 2 Liberal Nuns Denounce Gay Marriage Amendment By Kevin Eckstrom “ ‘Liberty and justice for all’ means The U.S. Conference of Catholic Joseph Ratzinger, of the Religion News Service that the political definition of marriage Bishops has endorsed the proposed Congregation for the Doctrine of the August 26, 2004 must not be discriminatory,” the nuns amendment banning gay marriage. Faith, was written by men about women said. “If heterosexual unions or mar- “The bishops are very clear on the without consulting women, and makes WASHINGTON, DC – A group of riages are recognized by the state, not position that it is important to uphold the church appear “ludicrous and out liberal Catholic nuns said it is “politically recognizing same-sex unions or mar- the sanctity of marriage as defined as the of touch.” and morally wrong” to deny gay couples riages is unfair. Such unfairness is union of a man and a woman,” said “Where is the document that speaks the right to marry, and said church politically and morally wrong.” Sister Mary Ann Walsh, a spokeswoman of men’s lack of fidelity to women, teachings against homosexuality are “unjust.” The nuns said all people have a right for the bishops. men’s unwillingness to participate in The 500-member National Coalition of to “choose how they fulfill the divine In other business, the nuns called for a the raising of children, men’s American Nuns approved the statement command to love one another,” and said top Vatican cardinal to “step aside” and workaholic and alcoholic behaviors, during its Aug. 18-21 convention in a proposed constitutional amendment to be replaced with “a feminist woman” men’s attitudes toward marriage Denver. The sisters also approved ban gay marriage is “nothing more than after a recent document was critical of relationships that do not honor the resolutions against war, nuclear weapons an attack on gay and lesbian people and the “lethal effects” of feminism. God-given talents of women?” the and sexual abuse by nuns. their families.” The nuns said the letter by Cardinal nuns said. Gay ministry at a crossroads By Matt McKinney lesbian causes remains as uncertain as decidedly orthodox posture and is a led to a protest by about 200 church Star Tribune ever. longtime nemesis to the Twin Cities members in favor of Itzin. St. Paul, Minn. Wertin was ordered in mid-October to archdiocese from the polar opposite As for Catholic teaching on homo- December 13, 2004 remove extensive Gay Pride material from ideological spectrum of St. Joan’s. sexuality, gays and lesbians are his church’s Web site after an anony- Earlier clash welcome to full participation in the MINNEAPOLIS – The two visitors to the mous complaint to church authorities. A St. Joan’s has been censured before. Catholic mass as long as they are meeting were quick with their comments directive from the Vatican was delivered Kathy Itzin, a religious education celibate. The same teaching holds true — and their exit moments later. Gays have in person by two bishops. The Archdio- coordinator at the parish, was denied an for heterosexuals who are not married. no place in the church, they said. Stop cese of St. Paul and Minneapolis also award from the archdiocese last year Same-sex unions are forbidden, and making trouble. told the church to stop allowing the because she is a lesbian in a committed priests must be celibate, regardless of Then they left the gathering of gay and unordained to speak during mass, a long- relationship. Flynn withdrew the award sexual orientation. lesbian parishioners at St. Joan of Arc standing practice at St. Joan’s in which after Catholic Parents Online com- That falls short for Catholics such as Catholic Church in south Minneapolis, a guest speakers talk about everything plained to him in a letter. That decision wave of confusion and anger closing in from scripture to American history to continued on page 7 behind as the others watched them leave. overseas missionary work to homosexu- “I try not to listen to that crap,” a ality. continued from page 3 lesbian parishioner said as she relayed The consequence for future violations Informal Exorcism the conversation to others a few moments could mean removal of Wertin, St. Joan’s The groups are at odds over gays Schnell, who noted that the incident later. She started to say something else longtime senior priest, and installation of participating in communion, one of the seemed aimed to coincide with the but then, shaken, stopped. a replacement chosen by the archdio- holiest rites in the church. Earlier this presence of the Rainbow Sash group. The encounter at St. Joan’s last month, cese. year, about 40 men, members of the group Schnell said police have no leads, but brief as it was, was like a window into the A request to interview Archbishop Ushers of the Eucharist, knelt in the aisles several religious people familiar with the soul of the Catholic Church today. The Harry Flynn about St. Joan’s is pending. at the Cathedral to block Rainbow case said it is probably the work of fringe tension among straight and gay Catholics A church spokesman said that Flynn was members from taking communion. Catholics who advocate using has become a persistent and personal one not immediately available because of a The Rev. Michael Skluzacek, of sacramentals, or holy objects, to cleanse illustrating both the rising power of the busy schedule, but that he would talk to the cathedral, said he immediately places where gays take communion. American gay rights movement and the the Star Tribune at a later date. understood the symbolism when he was “I don’t know who did it,” said Dr. nation’s rightward shift on social issues. The archdiocese distributed a state- told that someone had sprinkled the oil David Pence, a member of Ushers of the “I really think this is part of a much ment several weeks ago that called on St. and salt around the church. Eucharist. “I do know that some people larger struggle,” the Rev. George Wertin, Joan’s to return to more traditional “It’s a sign of exorcism,” he told the Star have used sacramentals to engage in the pastor at St. Joan’s, told the gay and practices: “Pope John Paul II has Tribune of Minneapolis. “It’s a sign of some kind of holy war against people. lesbian parishioners at last month’s announced the coming liturgical year as casting out the power of evil.” Nobody wants to see church property meeting. He then referred to the civil ‘The ’ and as part He said salt is used to bless holy water, damaged in the name of an exorcism.” rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s of that observance has called for ‘unity and the oil, once it is blessed by a bishop, Michael Bayly, coordinator of the that helped overturn discriminatory laws. of purpose and commonality of practice,’ is used for . By sprinkling Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual “What happened for black people has to “ the statement read. the salt and oil, he said, the vandals Minorities, an advocacy group for gays happen now for a new group of people.” Still, one of St. Joan’s more vocal critics thought they were making the church holy and lesbians, said such fringe groups The conflict in the Twin Cities among says it’s hard to see that much has again. perceive gays and lesbians who take Catholics has flowed beyond St. Joan’s of changed at the parish since the directive “Regardless of why they did it, it was a communion as evil. late. Twice this year people have pro- was handed down. very disruptive act,” Skluzacek said. He said he received an e-mail Nov. 5 tested at the Cathedral of St. Paul, the St. Joan’s Web site still carries an He estimated the clean up cost at from a man who threatened to douse archdiocese’s home parish, including a abundant amount of information for gay thousands of dollars, involving crews Rainbow Sash members at the Nov. 7 group known as the Ushers of the and lesbian Catholics, and also a link to a working three days to remove the oil and Mass with what he described as “exor- Eucharist whose members knelt in church Web site for gay dating that promises, salt and cleaning the doors, steps and cised” oil blessed by a priest. aisles to block members of a homosexual among other things, “romance.” boxes. Bayly said the same man often appears advocacy group known as the Rainbow “It seems to me the only thing they A report was filed with St. Paul police, at CPCSM and Rainbow Sash events and Sash Movement from participating in pulled off the Web site [was a photo- who said the case could be prosecuted as prays the rosary while walking apart from mass. graph of the Gay Pride week],” said Al a hate crime if someone is arrested. group members. And the road ahead for St. Joan’s and Matt, editor of the Wanderer, a Twin “It does have an element of hate and “I didn’t make the connection until other parishes sympathetic to gay and Cities Catholic newspaper that takes a bias to it,” said police spokesman Paul now,” Bayly said Tuesday. Page 4 BONDINGS Volume 25, No. 2 South African bishop battles church in battling AIDS By G. Jeffrey MacDonald and visiting scholar at Boston College. from the possibility of condoms being Internat National Catholic Reporter “Not many bishops are actual AIDS faulty or wrongly used, they contribute April 16, 2004 ministers, but he is. There is not a to the breaking down of self-control and bishop in the world who has done more mutual respect.” CHESTNUT HILL, MA – For a soft- work with AIDS patients. That’s why we Last year, Vatican Cardinal Alfonso spoken country priest with a gentle brought him here.” López Trujillo said condoms could not be smile, Kevin Dowling has an uncanny In his presentation at Boston College, trusted to prevent the spread of HIV. The knack for ruffling feathers. But to him, Dowling showed clips from a news World Health Organization quickly conflict and controversy seem a small report featuring his work at Freedom condemned the Vatican claim as “incor- News price to pay in a home-front war against Park, a shack village for mostly illegal rect” and “dangerous.” a rampaging AIDS virus. immigrants near one of the world’s At his speech here, Dowling faced Over the past four years, this Catholic richest platinum mines. In the clip, the further criticism from a Catholic physician bishop of Rustenburg, South Africa, in the audience. has grabbed headlines worldwide for “Condoms are not the answer,” said challenging his church’s absolute Dr. Gilbert Lavoie of Boston. “People Europe. For Margaret Farley, a Yale ban on condom use. He has also realize they only bring half the University ethicist and advocate for HIV- gained reputation as a fierce pleasure, so they stop using them. Let infected African women, Dowling is government critic by assailing the public health people focus on the charting an important course by identify- policies that haven’t dented the condoms. You [Dowling] focus on the ing that African women are seldom free disease that now infects close to 30 abstinence.” to make ideal moral choices. million in sub-Saharan Africa and Despite a wave of criticism, Dowling “Many African women have very little kills 600 a day in South Africa alone. believes the church might be making choice in the exercise of their sexuality,” Now Dowling is bringing his battle progress to overcome its stigma in Farley said. “If, for example, husbands to a new front: the minds and purses southern Africa as an out-of-touch want sex, wives are expected to respond, of developed nations, beginning and uncaring institution. The church even if the husband is infected. It seems with the United States. On March 30, provides more AIDS services in the to make utter sense what [Dowling] is for example, he delivered his plea for region than any other nongovernmen- saying, to allow and even encourage help to about 200 people at Boston tal agency, he said. What’s more, condoms, not as a contraceptive but as College. Catholic hospitals and clinics now an instrument to prevent the spread of “We’re at risk of losing entire hand out information about the disease.” nations to this disease,” Dowling potential health benefits of condoms, To those who would support him and said, noting for instance that almost although they stop short of distribut- need a rebuttal for purist critics, he 39 percent of Botswana’s population ing condoms on site. And the more offered one. is HIV-positive. “Are we going to the church publicly debates prohibi- “We need to affirm the sacredness of become a global community or a tions on condoms, he said, the more life in the poorest of the poor,” Dowling Bishop Kevin Dowling world where nations always compete the conversation “brings the church into said. “What concrete action can we offer with each other in a way that causes the bishop’s bright white shirt and clerical ridicule and causes us to reconsider.” as a way out of this misery? To present poor and marginalized to always fall collar give sharp contrast to the resi- To advance his cause, Dowling has an impossible ideal is worse than useless through the cracks? We cannot do it dents’ dark skin and the muddy floors of gained support from a number of Catholic because it creates a sense of hopeless- alone. We need a global solidarity their unlit, makeshift homes. He listens theologians in North America and ness.” movement.” as young, single women tell of their Dowling’s priority is a project to desperate search for money to feed establish 24 church-run treatment children and siblings. He concludes that ‘Family’s more than just clinics across South Africa. More some turn to prostitution as their sole broadly, South Africa needs $200 alternative, and for them the church’s sharing a roof’ million by 2005 to treat about half of the ban on condoms becomes a “death- 5.3 million who suffer from the disease. dealing” code. Lozano, the Vatican’s health secretary, To reach these goals, Dowling said, To date, the Vatican has not censured October12, 2004 was complaining about a proposal by Western nations will need to follow him for defying the church’s prohibition Spain’s government to legalise same-sex where the private sector has already on contraception, Dowling said, because MEXICO CITY – A prominent marriages. gone to help subsidize treatment “I’m too small-fry to worry about, way Mexican cardinal denounced “One of the great goals of the culture programs beyond the reach of African down at the bottom of Africa.” legalisation of same-sex weddings in an of death is destruction of the family,” budgets. Yet his attempts “to construct an ethic interview published on Tuesday, Lozano said, “so on all sides, not Over the long term, Dowling aims to and moral theology around survival” — saying it would be like considering merely in Spain... there are these convince the world that the Catholic and to render condom use as a pro-life cockroaches as part of a family. proposals that say that the family church brings a compassionate and measure or even a moral imperative in Javier Lozano Barragan complained consists of all those who live beneath relevant response to today’s crisis. certain circumstances — have led a that defenders of homosexual marriage the same roof.” Toward that end, he aims to reshape number of church officials to publicly argue that people living together Lozano was participating in the 48th church policies that prohibit all forms of discuss their view of condoms as evil constitute a family, according to the International Eucharistic Congress, birth control. His authority to address instruments. newspaper Reforma. which has drawn thousands of the subject seems to be growing with “Condoms may even be one of the “They even give cockroaches the Catholics to the west-central Mexican each year spent studying AIDS and main reasons for the spread of HIV/ rank of family now because they live city of Guadalajara. ministering to its weakest victims. AIDS,” wrote members of the Southern under the same roof,” Lozano was As the congress began this week, “He is the AIDS bishop,” said James African Bishops’ Conference in July quoted as saying. “If there’s a cat, a bishops called for renewed efforts to Keenan, professor of moral theology at 2001 in the aftermath of Dowling’s dog, two lesbians and everything halt the loss of members and de- Weston Jesuit Theological Seminary advocacy for condom usage. “Apart living there, it’s a family.” nounced uncontrolled capitalism. Fall-Winter 2005 BONDINGS Page 5 Catholic leaders: Gay unions would be ‘like virus’ in Spain national Associated Press divorce and a relaxed abortion The Washington Blade law. The church spoke out October 1, 2004 Monday with some of its harshest words yet on one of MADRID — The Catholic Zapatero’s boldest endeavors, Church blasted the Socialist gay marriage. Juan Antonio government’s plans to Martinez Camino, spokesperson legalize gay marriage, saying for the Spanish Bishops Confer- Briefs Monday it would be like ence, said the church had nothing releasing a “virus” into against gays but feels a union of Spanish society. The Cabinet two people of the same sex is was expected Oct. 1 to pass a simply not a marriage. Allowing bill allowing same-sex this would create “a counterfeit marriages, setting predomi- currency in the body of soci- nantly Roman Catholic Spain ety,” Martinez Camino said in an CBCP: No to on course to join largely interview on Spanish National secular northern European countries Prime Minister Zapatero Television. Such legislation, he said, is gay seminar- that allow gay marriage or some like “imposing a virus on society, version of it. Prime Minister Jose in April with an ambitious agenda of something false that will have negative ians, priests Luis Rodriguez Zapatero took office social reforms, such as streamlined consequences for social life.”

By Nikko Dizon black and white the Catholic Church’s The manual, which serves as the The manual emphasized that seminar- The Philippine Star preference for heterosexual priests. curriculum for seminaries, gives adminis- ies should be vigilant on the “presence Manila, Philippines But while active homosexuality is not trators the responsibility to help their of sub-cultures... that undermine November 11, 2004 acceptable, Iñiguez said effeminate traits are. students confront and deal with such genuine communion,” which include the “Active homosexuals do harm to issues by creating an “atmosphere code of silence, machismo, convenient An updated manual for priestly formation others through their victims. They do where seminarians could be more open sex and the gay culture, among other released by the Catholic Bishops’ Confer- harm to the Church,” he explained. and honest to them regarding issues things, that have negative effect on ence of the Philippines (CBCP) has Iñiguez said the Catholic Church had they concretely confront in the area of seminarians. expressly stated the Church’s disapproval dismissed homosexual Filipino priests sexuality and celibate chastity.” The manual also stresses that such of gay priests and seminarians. found guilty of abusing young boys. Iñiguez added that it is the seminary vigilance and having “a healthy commu- “Issues regarding homosexuality need to “It is not only the Catholic Church in administrators and formators who nity life in the seminary must continue in be calmly surfaced and clarified,” said the the United States that had to deal with determine whether a seminarian is a a vibrant community of priests after 63-page Philippine Program for Priestly such incidents. It has happened even practicing homosexual. .” Formation, which puts emphasis on the here,” Iñiguez said without elaborating. “This is actually a (difficulty), that’s Iñiguez said the Church is aware that human development of seminarians. Iñiguez said the issue of homosexuality why having psychologists will really there are instances when a seminarian Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, chairman should be explicitly included in the help us,” he said. recognizes his homosexuality only after of the CBCP’s Commission on Public manual to make clear to aspiring priests Iñiguez said seminary formators would he has been ordained a priest. Affairs, said in an interview that while what the Church requires of its clergy. sometimes make inquiries regarding a The manual was the central topic of the subjects of chaste celibacy and Seminarians discovered to be active seminarian reported to be gay but added discussion during the recently con- sexuality were included in the old homosexuals are expelled outright, that this technique has rarely helped in cluded launch of the Church’s Institute manual, the new edition has put down in Iñiguez said. determining the truth. for Seminary Formators held Oct. 21-27 at the San Carlos Pastoral Formation Center in Makati City. Cardinal challenged to gay debate The work to update the Philippine Program for Priestly Formation was Australian Associated Press In her latest invitation, Ms. Ms. Hingston, who has lived with her begun in 1995 by the CBCP Episcopal Hingston, a former Catholic nun, partner Peg Moran for 19 years, said Commission on Seminaries then led by Sydney, urged her second cousin to debate the she would be “delighted by surprised” Manila Archbishop Gaudenco Rosales, Sept. 7, 2004 issue with gay Catholics at the closing if Cardinal Pell took up her offer. in consultation with seminary personnel of gay film festival QueerDOC. “I’m always hopeful that he will nationwide. Lesbian activist Monica Hingston “I encourage my cousin George to respond one day to a request to have Upon assuming Rosales’ post in 1999, has challenged her cousin, Catholic attend this event and join in the vital the church’s hurtful stance explained, Bishop Benjamin Almoneda continued Cardinal , to a public debate that the Catholic Church can but it’s really not likely,” Ms. Hingston the archbishop’s work, this time includ- debate on the church’s attitude no longer afford to ignore,” Ms. said. ing the “societal realities” voiced out by towards homosexuality. Hingston, 64, said. She said the church was determined some seminary personnel. Cardinal Pell is well known for his The forum will follow a screening of to take away the basic rights of The board of drafters was composed of public sermons against homosexuality In Good Conscience, a film about homosexuals. Almoneda and Fathers Aloysius and sparked controversy when, as lesbian Sister Jeannine Gramick who “I am very much concerned that the Cartagenas, Carmelo Diola, James Agoo, Archbishop of Melbourne, he refused was stripped of her ministry by Pope separation of church and state is Timoteo Ofrasio, Rodel Cajot, Eddie gay activists holy communion. John Paul II in 2000. becoming less so,” she said. Mercado and Augusto Angeles. In January, he refused to respond to “Cardinal George Pell was a member “We are frighteningly moving down The draft was revised and finalized by a publicized letter from Ms. Hingston of the congregation for the Doctrine the path of the USA, where religious Bishop and Fr. calling on him to condone same-sex of Faith, the body that attempted to fundamentalist leaders and Republi- Danny Huang, SJ, in June 2003, and was relationships, an action the Vatican silence Sister Gramick,” Ms. Hingston can politicians run the country to- presented to the plenary assembly early has ruled out. said. gether.” this year. Page 8 BONDINGS Volume 25, No. 2 Catholic parents as ‘secret weapons’ continued from page 1 her conscience. And then it goes on to say that if he Mary Ellen: I think that parents bring an experience of Mary Ellen Lopata: Well, I think there are two different or she acts against it, he or she would condemn some of the pain and struggle that their children experi- tracks. One is what we read in the newspapers. Mostly himself or herself. It is not a new teaching. It is a core ence in coming out. Certainly not the same degree, but what makes headlines are pronouncements from Rome teaching of the Catholic Church. they understand that process. They can speak about and from many U.S. bishops that are hurtful and in: What should our response be to someone like their own pain and fear for their child, and about their insensitive to gay and lesbian people. If that’s all you Archbishop Sean O’Malley, who requires that priests profound sadness that many, many of their children do look at, your sense would be that things are getting in his diocese read from the Sunday mass pulpit that not feel welcome in the Church, and will not go where worse. However, most of our time and energy is spent civil marriage for gays and lesbians is a “national they are not welcome. And I think that pastors and talking with real people, Catholics who go to church tragedy”? bishops, hearing that message from parents, might hear it every week, who are really involved in their faith Casey: Well, we wrote him a letter. We told him that more readily. The same stories from their children might community. What’s happening there is a very different we disagree. There’s an English theologian James be perceived as self-serving. But a parent puts those picture. There is immense acceptance and affirmation of Alyson. He took this whole issue and said, “OK, concerns in the context of family, which is a very impor- gay and lesbian people in many, many parishes in the here’s what the Vatican and the bishops are saying. tant value to the Church. Your Dad likes to say that United States. In all of them? No, but in many of them. I OK, I’ll grant them the right to say what they want, parents are the secret weapon in this whole struggle. think people would be surprised at the acceptance there but the issue comes down to, “Is it true?” Don’t get in: What are your hopes for this ministry for the future? is at the grass roots. too upset with them, but keep coming back and ask, Casey: One of the things I feel good about is the Casey Lopata: There are a lot of people working on the “Is it true? Where’s the data that shows that lesbian number of people we have dealt with who are more local level, especially a lot of parents who have started couples or gay male couples adopting kids put those involved, more willing to speak, more willing to write ministries in their parishes. kids in a violent environment? Show me. Show me. Is letters, more willing to do work publicly on behalf of gay in: If the hierarchy of the Church is going in a different it true?” and lesbian people, than if we hadn’t been there. That’s direction, which it sounds like, then why even bother Mary Ellen: Don’t be silent. Write letters to him. what ministry is really about — empowering and encour- with the Catholic Church? Write letters to your editor. Talk to people. Explain aging others to speak their truth. Mary Ellen: Because I believe that the Church is the that he does not know gay and lesbian couples or he Mary Ellen: My hope is that someday the Church in people of God. I think that the official phrase is census would know their loving and faithful relationships are Rome will come back to the Gospel teaching of love and fidelium, the sense of the faithful is a part of the essence not a national tragedy. He is wrong. Bishops can be justice. I have the hope that will happen. Because I think of the Church. So it’s not just pronouncements from wrong. You have to refute what you know to be the Holy Spirit is at work in this Church. And I do believe Rome that make Church. When I was growing up — and untrue. that that spirit does work from the bottom, from the I went to — there was never any in: You’ve been an advocate of having parents in people of God. teaching about homosexuality. Until probably the ‘70s, particular speak to priests and bishops about their For more information about the book “Fortunate you didn’t hear in Catholic venues about those six [anti- experiences parenting gay children in the Catholic Families,” connect to www.fortunatefamilies.com. gay] passages in the . The parents of my genera- Church. Why parents? tion at least, and there are many of subsequent genera- tions I believe, get to the heart of Christ’s teachings, which are love God and love your neighbor as yourself, that God’s love is for everyone. When parents hear Rejoice, Beloved Woman: these recent teachings from Rome they find them contradictory to what they’ve grown up with. Is your The Revisioned question, why do I stay with the Catholic Church? in: Yes. By Barbara J. Monda Mary Ellen: I feel a responsibility. As a part of the people of God, it is, I believe, my responsibility to speak ISBN: 1893732800 my truth, my experience. If I don’t do that, then I should Paperback, 192pp leave. The Roman Catholic Church is one of the most Ave Maria Press powerful institutions in the world. There’s a great power phone 1 800 282-1865 fax 1 800 282 5681 for good and there’s a great power for hurt or harm. And E-mail [email protected] in this particular case, I think that power is hurting. And so what ever little bit I can do, I have to try. That’s why I Publisher’s note: stay. If a woman wrote the psalms this is what they would Casey: It’s not all the hierarchy that’s going in a sound like. While there are many books for women different direction. [Detroit] Bishop Thomas Gumbleton featuring the psalms, Barbara J. Monda is the first to is a wonderful ally. And my favorite quote in this offer a woman’s version of these beloved sacred songs. ministry is this one from former Saginaw [Mich.] Bishop She reveals a feminine image of God that embodies the Kenneth Untener: “When we die, and as a moral strong yet nurturing feminine persona. Writing with a theologian I don’t say this lightly, the only thing that deep understanding of a woman’s spiritual perspective, will matter is how we treated each other.” Monda has created poetry that speaks of God in both in: One of the reasons that you’re involved in this feminine and neutral terms. More than a new translation ministry now is because I came out to you. How would or the simple interjection of feminine language, here you you feel if I turned my back on the Catholic Church and will find a new vision of the psalms, fashioned through left? the passionate and enlightened eyes and heart of a Mary Ellen: I would say that you and every person woman. has to follow his or her own conscience. And if in order for you to be free and live a life that is true, you have to Copies can be purchased from Ave Maria Press, leave the Church, then that’s what you have to do. Amazon, Barnes and Noble and anywhere else books Would I be sad? I don’t know. are sold. Casey: There’s a passage in the Catechism. It says that everyone must obey the certain judgment of his or