B NDINGS Vol. 32, No. 3 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Fall-Winter 2012 Why do so many Catholics support marriage equality? Blame the Catholic imagination By Jamie Manson of Catholics having been raised in a jus- verse." formed with many anti-gay evangelical The National Catholic Reporter tice-oriented tradition. The answer to It is the Catholic theological tradi- pastors all the more troubling.) October 8, 2012 why so many Catholics support marriage tion that made Thomas Merton see, in Of course, the Roman Catholic equality lies, I believe, in understanding the middle of a Louisville, Ky., shopping Church bases its teaching on homosexu- In late September, Archbishop John the Catholic imagination. center, that he was so in love with all of ality on its interpretation of natural law, J. Myers of Newark, N.J., upped the ante In his book The Catholic Imagina- the people buzzing around him that he arguing that all sex acts must take place in the hierarchy's culture war against tion, Fr. Andrew Greeley writes, longed to tell them that "they are all within the state of marriage and must LGBT civil rights by declaring that those "Catholics see the Holy lurking in crea- walking around shining like the sun." have the potential to procreate. who support marriage equality should tion. As Catholics, Those with a sacramental But the Catholic imagination sees refrain from receiving the Eucharist. we find our houses view of the world find it God everywhere, believes that God re- With somewhere between 52 percent and and our world haunt- challenging to separate veals Godself in all things and under- 72 percent of Catholics in this country ed by a sense that the the sacred from the pro- stands God can work through any human supporting same-sex marriage, a lot of objects, events and fane in this world. The being or human relationship. By insisting people are going to be turned away hun- persons of daily life theological ideas that that genital complementarity is an abso- gry from the altar. are revelations of support the Catholic im- lute requirement for marriage, the hierar- Myers articulated his position in a grace." agination were articulat- chy places limits on God's power to work 16-page letter on marriage. Not surpris- The Catholic ed during the Refor- within all of the relationships of all God's ingly, most of the document reads as an imagination, or mation period as a re- beloved children. argument against same-sex relationships "Catholic sacramen- sponse to the increasing- Those who possess a sacramental rather than a pastoral letter that offers tal view of the ly influential theology of view of the world often realize that any counsel on the many challenges that world," as my mentor John Calvin and other human person or relationship that brings plague heterosexual marriages. Margaret Farley calls reformers. love, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, gen- Myers' also calls on "Catholic politi- it, has its roots in the Calvin's understanding erosity or faithfulness into the world is a cians who serve the common good" to Catholic understand- of grace and nature was sign of God's grace. Perhaps this is the "defend the truth about marriage against ing of the relation- radically different from reason so many Catholics defend mar- those who would try to deconstruct or ship between grace the Catholic tradition. He riage equality: They have recognized radically alter its meaning." This, too, and nature. Jamie Manson believed human beings these graces can come forth as much may prove an uphill battle for the bish- In Catholic theol- are totally depraved and through same-sex couples as heterosexu- ops since, as I have written previously in ogy, grace perfects enslaved to sin. God saves al couples. Those who have a Catholic NCR, the marriage equality movement nature. Yes, human beings are a mess, human beings in spite of who they are, imagination recognize that a couple's has been advanced to a good extent by and we're born into a very messy world. not because of any intrinsic goodness or ability to enter into a marriage commit- Catholic politicians. Many of the gover- But because we are created by God and merit that they have. Calvin believed ment is not contingent on their anato- nors -- including Andrew Cuomo in New because everything God creates is good, God predestines who will and who will mies, but on the depth, strength and fruit- York, Martin O'Malley in Maryland and there is intrinsic goodness in us. God not be saved. In order to be redeemed, fulness of their bond. Christine Gregoire in Washington state -- offers us countless opportunities of grace the human being had to completely die to Given their sacramental view of the who have signed marriage equality bills to help us transform ourselves and to the old, irredeemable self. world, it is little wonder that so many into law are Catholic. redeem us. Calvinism still pervades the evangel- Catholics dissent from the bishops' dis- Since multiple studies and surveys Catholics believe the finite is capa- ical tradition and has helped shape the paraging characterization of LGBT per- have confirmed that more Catholics ble of the infinite. This is why Greely evangelical position on homosexuality. sons and same-sex relationships. The agree with marriage equality than the says objects, events and persons all have Given Calvin's theological understanding hierarchy's position simply does not do overall population and history has al- the capability to reveal God's grace to us. of the human person as being wholly justice to the power of the Catholic imag- ready demonstrated that Catholics have That grace can come in our experiences depraved and irredeemable, it's easier to ination. played a key role in passing same-sex of love, forgiveness, compassion, justice, understand why evangelicals can justify So there is a deep irony in Archbish- marriage legislation, I've often wondered sacrifice, but also in the midst of suffer- their belief that no good can come out of op Myers' demand that Catholics who whether there is a connection behind the ing, brokenness and desolation. a same-sex relationship. support marriage equality should refrain Catholic theological tradition and this It is the Catholic imagination that But the affirming nature of the Cath- from the sacrament of the Eucharist. Be- particular issue. gave Dorothy Day the vision to see a olic view of the human person and the cause it is precisely the Catholic sacra- I don't think this phenomenon is prostitute with advanced syphilis as Jesus core Catholic belief that all finite things mental view of the world that helps us to evidence of increased secularization Christ on her doorstep. are capable of the infinite makes the Ro- see the goodness and holiness that can among Catholics. Cuomo, O'Malley and It's Catholic sacramental view of the man Catholic position on LGBT persons come from LGBT persons and same-sex Gregoire, for example, all claim their world that allowed Pierre Teilhard de and same-sex relationships much more unions  faith is an important part of their identi- Chardin to see that "Christ has a cosmic problematic. (And it makes the alliances ties. Nor do I think it is simply the result body that extends throughout the uni- that some Roman Catholic bishops have Minnesota gay-marriage supporter denied confirmation By The Associate d Press consulting with the Catho- his mother said. The San Francisco Chronicle lic Diocese of Crookston Her husband, Doug November 15, 2012 about the issue. Cihak, said the family is not Shana Cihak tells The allowed to participate in BARNESVILLE, Minn.— A teen- Forum (http://tinyurl.com/ Communion at Assump- ager who posted his support for same-sex bkqjleu ) she was called tion. He insisted that he's marriage online has been denied a Catho- into a private conversation not mad at LaMoine, ex- lic rite of passage at his northwestern with the priest after the plaining that the priest is Minnesota church, his family said. Facebook photo was post- just a "messenger" of Shana Cihak said her 17-year-old ed and was told her son the church. son, Lennon, wasn't allowed to be con- wouldn't be allowed to Lennon said the experi- firmed at Assumption Church in complete confirmation. ence hasn't altered his faith. Barnesville last month after posting a Lennon has gone to church "I don't want the church Facebook picture of himself with a polit- every week and volun- to be put down. I don't want ical sign he altered to oppose the mar- teered around the commu- the Catholic religion to be riage amendment on Minnesota's ballot. nity in preparation for his put down," he said. "It's just Voters on Nov. 6 rejected the constitu- confirmation this year, the way the priest has tional amendment to ban gay marriage. Shana Cihak said. things running. He's so Assumption Rev. Gary LaMoine Lennon said other strict. He won't loosen up told The Associated Press Thursday that students in his confirma- about things." the teen was not denied confirmation but tion class "liked" the photo Shana Cihak said she declined to explain, calling it an "internal on Facebook, but they was confirmed at the same Lennon Cihak holds up the sign Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, that and pastoral" matter. were still allowed to church, but doesn't plan to he photographed and posted on his Facebook page and was ulti- "Some people chose to run out into be confirmed. return to Assumption.  mately denied taking part in his Catholic Church confirmation about the public and put it out in the media," "I just thought it was three weeks ago in Barnesville, Minn. Photo: The Forum, Dave LaMoine told the AP, adding that he was wrong to single him out," Wallis / AP Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 3 Bishops and Vatican React to B NDINGS Marriage Equality Electoral Victories Summer 2012 Vol. 32, No. 2 By Francis DeBernardo show some magnanimity on his part. His misguided cru- Bondings 2.0 sade to change our Constitution, spending more than a NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com million dollars and, more importantly, much goodwill, has Francis DeBernardo, Editor November 10, 2012 been rejected. Elections have consequences.‖ In Washington State, Archbishop Peter Sartain of

It is understandable that certain Catholic bishops Seattle also seemed prepared to continue the debate about Board of Directors would be disappointed in Tuesday‘s ballot victories for marriage. In a statement, he said: Mary Byers marriage equality in Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, and ―I am disappointed that so many voters failed to rec- Matthew Myers Washington State. All the bishops in those particular ognize marriage between a man and a woman as the natu- Ryan Sattler states were vocal in trying to defeat marriage equality initi- ral institution for the permanent, faithful covenant of love atives. for a couple, for bringing children into the world, and for Board of Advisors In Maine, Bishop Richard Malone attempted to be nurturing and educating those children. This change in Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX reconciliatory in his statement following the vote. While civil law is not in the best interest of children or society.‖ Anna Koop, SL noting that he was ―disappointed‖ in the outcome, he also More joyous in response was Washington State‘s Anthony LoGalbo, OFM showed some awareness that Catholics who supported Catholic Governor Christine Gregoire, who had signed the Patricia McDermott, RSM marriage equality did so out of a sense of justice, though marriage equality legislation into law. The Seattle Post- he disagreed with their motivation: Intelligencer quoted her reaction to the vote: Staff ―I trust that those who voted for such a radical change ― ‗Washington has made history and I couldn‘t be Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director did so out of concern for our brothers and sisters who prouder,‘ said Gregoire. ‘Voters stood up for what is right Robert Shine, Staff Associate struggle with same-sex attraction. Respect and acceptance and what is just and said that all Washington families are of all people regardless of sexual orientation is not a point equal under the law . . .

of controversy. It is a teaching of the Church, but so is the ― ‗This is a day history will look back on as a turning Co-Founders authentic meaning and definition of marriage. That is why point for equality. It is a day I will look back on as Wash- Sr. Jeannine Gramick the Catholic Church will continue its commitment to work ington state leading the nation. And it is a day that I will Rev. Robert Nugent for the basic human rights to which all people are entitled, carry with me forever.‘ ‖ while remaining devoted to preserving and strengthening Commenting on all four successful votes, Archbishop Bondings is a seasonal publication designed the precious gift of marriage.‖ Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco, who is chairman of to keep our subscribers informed of issues Although Bishop Malone needs to learn that not all the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops‘ Subcommittee that pertain to lesbian and gay people gay and lesbian people ―struggle‖ with their sexuality– for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, also seemed and the Catholic Church. indeed, many see it as a gift from God and celebrate it as intent on putting a negative spin on the outcomes in his such–it is commendable that in this statement he reaffirms statement: Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry his dedication to human rights.In Maryland, Archbishop ―Yesterday, November 6, was a disappointing day for is an educational and bridge-building William Lori responded to the vote for marriage equality marriage, as the effort to preserve the unique meaning of ministry of reconciliation between the Cath- in his state by continuing to speak as if the campaign were marriage in the law lost by only a narrow margin in four olic gay and lesbian community still ongoing, instead of a settled affair. In The Catholic states, even though vastly outspent by those who promote Review, the archdiocesan newspaper, quotes from Arch- the redefinition of marriage. and the institutional structures bishop Lori‘s response: ―The meaning of marriage, though, cannot be rede- in the Roman Catholic Church. ― ‗I think that vote will prove not to have been for the fined because it lies within our very nature. No matter common good of our state,‘ Archbishop Lori said. . . . what policy, law or judicial decision is put into place, mar- New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate ―The election results on same-sex marriage should riage is the only institution that unites a man and a woman prevalent myths and stereotypes serve as a ‗wake up call‘ for Catholics,‖ Archbishop Lori to each other and to any children born of their union. It is about homosexuality and supports civil said, demonstrating ‗our need to redouble our efforts to either this, or it is nothing at all. In view of the fact that rights for lesbian and gay persons in society. defend marriage, to preach about what marriage is, and to every child has a mother and a father, our society either help people understand it as a unique relationship that does respects the basic right of every child to be raised by his or not discriminate against anyone, but is for the good of chil- her mother and father together and so supports the true and New Ways Ministry dren and for the good of our society.‘ ‖ unique meaning of marriage for the good of children, or it 4012 29th Street Lori‘s comments differed greatly from those of Ryan does not. In a society marked by increasing poverty and Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 Sattler, a Catholic layman who was profiled by The Na- family fragmentation, marriage needs to be strengthened, (301) 277-5674 tional Catholic Reporter for his work on marriage equality promoted, and defended, not redefined. I hope and pray [email protected] in the state, and who was sought for his reaction to the that political leaders, judges, and all people will seek to election‘s outcome. Sattler stated simply: honor this foundational and common sense truth of mar- www.NewWaysMinistry.org ―On Election Day, Maryland voters chose justice. riage.‖ They chose equality. They chose love.‖ In L’Osservatore Romano, the Vatican‘s newspaper, Similarly, Karin Quimby, deputy faith director of tried to place the Catholic hierarchy‘s position in a positive Marylanders for Marriage Equality, praised the work of cast, even in the face of such resounding defeats. A Reli- Maryland Catholics like Sattler: gion News Service story offers the following summary: TO SUBSCRIBE ―I think the work of Catholics on Question 6 here in ‖ ‗You could say that the church, on this level, is Maryland shows that the social justice teaching in the bound to lose,‘ writes [Lucetta] Scaraffia. ‗But this is not COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM Catholic church is alive and well. Lay leaders did a great the case.‘ job at the grassroots level, making their voices heard, and ―According to the historian, the church‘s fight on mor- Enclosed is: their fellow Catholics responded. Catholics clearly believe, al issues such as gay marriage and abortion has drawn sup- very strongly, that every person has dignity, every person port and admiration‘ from many non-Catholics. _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada should be treated fairly, and every person deserves the ―By opposing legislation allowing gay couples to same rights.‖ adopt in the United Kingdom or fighting the birth control _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada In Minnesota, the Archdiocese of St. Paul, led by mandate in the U.S., the church ‗made it clear for everyone Archbishop John Nienstedt, also emphasized the idea that that this is not about progress‘ but about ‗the loss of one of _____ I wish to receive Bondings, it is time to move forward from the rancor of debate: the founding freedoms of the modern State, religious liber- but cannot donate at this time. ―Although the defeat of the amendment is a very seri- ty.‘ ― ous concern to us, it will not deter us from continuing to In all these cases, where Catholics have been working serve this community and the whole state in pursuit of the on both sides of the marriage question, it will be incum- Name ______common good.‖ bent on the local bishops to work toward reconciling these Father Michael Tegeder, who publicly opposed Arch- factions in the church so that there are no lingering senses Address ______bishop Nienstedt during the marriage debate, called for the of animosity or alienation. This will be particularly im- Ordinary‘s resignation in a letter to the Star Tribune: portant where the bishops have been particularly politically City ______―As a priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minne- involved on the marriage question, and thus have risked apolis, I would ask our archbishop, John Nienstedt, to alienating marriage equality supporters. Now that the elec- State ______prayerfully consider stepping down from his office. It torates have spoken for justice and equality, the work of would be healing for our state and our church and would reconciliation must begin in earnest.  Telephone ______

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Fall-Winter 2012 BONDINGS Page 3 Maryland Catholic fights for legal recognition of same-sex marriage By Nicole Soojung Callahan churches and religious organizations, and Research poll in which 58 percent of anytime soon. Archbishop William Lori The National Catholic Reporter urging fellow Catholics to vote for Ques- Catholics said same-sex marriage should of Baltimore has repeatedly urged his Novermber 5, 2012 tion 6. His commitment to progressive be legal. flock to vote against Question 6, so that - causes is deeply rooted in his faith. He "Catholics know that we have a duty - as Lori explained in a Catholic Review Baltimore—Ryan Sattler, 68, thinks to seek justice for every- column Sept. 20 -- "marriage as it has about his sister Mary every day. The one, that it is wrong to been known for centuries will remain as youngest of four siblings, Mary was "the treat anyone as a second- God intended." The archbishop of New- darling" of their close-knit Catholic fam- class citizen because of ark, John Myers, recently stated that ily. She was barely a teenager when she their sexual orientation," Catholics should not present themselves told Ryan's wife, Joan, and later Ryan he said. "When we, as for Communion if they support same-sex himself, that she was gay. It was difficult Catholics, go into the marriage. for Mary's parents to accept at first, but voting booth, having Ryan said many people have asked Ryan says their "fierce love" for her formed our consciences him why he is still Catholic, given the helped them overcome their initial shock through prayer and study bishops' staunch opposition to same-sex and disappointment. and openness to the Spir- marriage. Ryan worried about his sister, who it, many of us are going "The church has given me God's never seemed entirely happy. He over- to vote for justice and love, God's true presence," he said. heard her lying about nonexistent boy- equality." "When I receive the Eucharist, I'm not friends, even while living with her part- Three hundred Baltimore thinking about the bishops. I receive the ner. Catholics signed a body and blood of Jesus, who loves me "She was afraid people wouldn't pledge, published in the and welcomes all people to his table -- accept her as she was. She couldn't be Baltimore Sun on Friday, the same Jesus who is asking me to do herself," he said. to vote for Question 6. what I can to feed the hungry, help the When her long-term relationship Ryan estimated that there poor, love my neighbors. I know that I ended, Mary felt she had nothing -- not are more than 1,000 need a relationship with him and that I the heterosexual life she'd been lying Catholics statewide need to share his love with others. That's about and not the life she was building working to pass the refer- why I'm Catholic." with her partner. She began drinking endum. According to In a Baltimore Sun poll last month, heavily and taking pills, and shut out her Karin Quimby, deputy 49 percent of respondents said they sup- family's repeated offers to help. Five Ryan Sattler faith director of Mary- ported Question 6; 39 percent remained years ago, she took her own life. and Joan worked for racial integration in landers for Marriage Equality, Ryan and opposed. In another Sun poll last week, There are many reasons why Ryan Milwaukee with their Catholic communi- other Catholic lay leaders have been that 10-point lead had vanished. What supports Maryland's ballot referendum ty, protested the Vietnam War alongside "very effective" at the regional level. will Ryan do if Question 6 is defeated? on marriage equality. But first and fore- priests from Marquette University, and "Catholics like Ryan are active in "I'll be heartbroken if, when given most, there is Mary. helped establish a local food pantry and this campaign because of their faith," she the opportunity to love, we choose dis- "Watching my sister live two lives an anti-racist organization in York, Pa., said. "They have a deep need to speak crimination -- especially if a majority of and then losing her like that makes me before their move to Maryland three out about justice and equality." Catholics do," he said. Regardless of the want other people to have a life that is years ago. Ryan often wears a "Catholics for outcome, Ryan knows there will be a better than hers was," he said. "An open "Ryan is a good, faithful Catholic," Marriage Equality" T-shirt or button and need for healing: "We'll have to continue life, a life without shame, a life of love said Fr. Joe Muth, his pastor at St. Mat- has given away dozens of each to Catho- working to break down the walls that and fullness." thew Catholic Church in Baltimore. "He lics who stop him to talk about Question divide people on this issue." The Civil Marriage Protection Act and others have tried to encourage 6. One woman he spoke with recently Ryan said he wishes his sister could of 2012 passed the Maryland General thoughtful discussion about same-sex told him of her internal struggle. have experienced the kind of lasting hap- Assembly in February and was signed marriage at our parish. People want to "She said, 'I love my church, I re- piness he and his wife have known -- the into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley on talk about their beliefs and seek truth spect the bishops, but my daughter is in a same love he believes committed lesbian March 1, but opponents gathered enough with compassion -- it's not necessarily relationship with a wonderful woman. and gay couples share. signatures to force a referendum. Mary- healthy to shut down those conversa- They want to adopt a child, start a fami- "I'll always wish that I could have land voters will decide the fate of same- tions." ly.' This is a highly personal issue for helped Mary more," he said. "But I know sex marriage Tuesday. Question 6 will not pass without people -- many Catholic parents I talk to that she will be with me when I vote."  Ryan has spent the last several significant support from Catholics, who feel that the church has pushed their gay months speaking at events throughout the represent approximately a quarter of sons and daughters away," Ryan said. [Editor’s Note: Ryan Sattler is a state, volunteering at phone banks, em- Maryland voters. Ryan said he believes He said he does not expect the member of New Ways Ministry’s Adviso- phasizing the law's strong protections for the support is there; he cites a recent Pew church hierarchy to soften its position ry Board.] Knights of Columbus key contributor against same-sex marriage

By Joshua McElwee Knights have yet to file their 2011 tax City, Kan., archdiocese to a corporation after it had been allowed by the state's The National Catholic Reporter return because they asked for an exten- supporting a Kansas state constitutional Supreme Court; and $515,000 to the Na- October 19, 2012 sion of the April deadline, so the total amendment to ban same-sex marriage, tional Organization for Marriage, the sum for donations could be higher. according to the group's tax filings and main political group supporting the prop- The Knights of Columbus, the U.S. While many of the findings detailed political donation records. According to osition. While Proposition 8 passed in Catholic fraternal organization known in Thursday's report have been reported those records, the $100,000 accounted 2008 by about 52 percent, it was ruled to for its wide-ranging charitable work and previously, the report for the first time for over 74 percent of the total raised by violate the U.S. Constitution's right to parish fish fries, has been a significant lays out the due process in federal district court in contributor to political efforts opposing Knights' contri- 2010, a ruling a federal appeals court same-sex marriage across the country, butions on the upheld in 2012. Other donations from the according to a study commissioned by a state level in a Knights that year went to efforts to op- coalition of Catholic groups that support way that indi- pose same-sex marriage in Connecticut same-sex marriage. cates how the ($275,000), Arizona ($100,000) and Since 2005, the Knights of Colum- organization has Florida ($200,000). bus has provided "$6.25 million directly dedicated its In 2009, the Knights again donated to anti-marriage equality efforts" and has resources to the about $1.43 million to the National Or- additionally provided about $9.6 mil- effort over the ganization for Marriage and donated lion "for broader efforts ... to discrimi- better part of the $418,000 to the U.S. bishops' commit- nate against gay or lesbian couples in the last decade. tee ad hoc committee, according to that name of religious freedom," says the Where possible, year's annual report. report, released Thursday. NCR has veri- In 2010, the Knights donated almost Earlier this year, a coalition called fied the figures $750,000 to groups fighting same-sex Equally Blessed commissioned a study in the report. marriage measures, including a reported of the Knights' tax filings, annual state- The Knights Members of the Knights of Columbus carry American flags $722,150 to the U.S. bishops' ad hoc ments and other public documents be- have also donated during the National Columbus Memorial Centennial Celebra- committee, according to tax filings. tween 2005 and 2012. The result is a 37- more than $1.1 tion outside Union Station in Washington in 2010. In 2012, the group has given at least page report, "The Strong Right Arm of million to the $100,000 to the Minnesota Catholic Con- the Bishops: The Knights of Columbus U.S. bishops' Subcommittee for the Pro- the main group supporting the measure, ference's fund to fight a ballot measure in and Anti-Marriage Equality Funding." motion and Defense of Marriage, which which passed by a 70 percent margin. that state, which is also on the ballot this Since 2005, several million dollars was first announced in 2008 as an ad hoc The Knights' donations to groups November. According to public records, have gone from the Knights directly to "joined effort" between the Knights and opposing same-sex marriage totaled at the Knights' donations are the second organizations involved with state ballot the bishops' conference, the report states. least $2.28 million in 2008, according to largest to the fund after a $650,000 dona- initiatives on same-sex marriage, says Among other findings in the report, an annual report attributed to the group's tion by the St. Paul and Minneapolis the coalition, which is made up of Catho- verified through public records: national leader, Carl Anderson. Included archdiocese. lic groups Call To Action, DignityUSA, The Knights' first public donations in those donations were about $1.1 mil- According to public records, the Fortunate Families, and New Ways Min- to efforts to oppose same-sex marriage lion in support of a California ballot Knights have also given at least istry. noted in the report came in 2005, when it measure known as Proposition 8 that $250,000 apiece to two organizations The report also states that the directed $100,000 through the Kansas outlawed same-sex marriage in the state (Continued on page 5) Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 3 The Dignity of Recognition: On Using the Word ‘Queer’ Among many other meanings, queer By Tom Beaudoin a difference in dialogues about abortion, tion. This week, the Rainbow Alliance means the dignity of speaking for one's In All Things blog where people are not allowed to refer to announced that discussions with admin- own identity and desires outside the ex- AmericaMagazine.org each other with appellations like "anti- istrators had led to the official ac- pectations and constraints of what pre- October 7, 2012 life" or "anti-choice," but need to use the ceptance of the word "Queer" as a legiti- sents itself in many areas of life as the term that the other would use to describe mate designation for groups at the uni- obligation to be (or become) "straight." Over the course of teaching college her/himself. versity. The announcement, from the This often quiet revolution is happening in for the past dozen years, and through my And I have seen it often in the class- students, is here. If you read it, you can uneven, but sure, ways across Catholic own many missteps, I have come to see room, where it is important to let people see that a range of student groups were college and university life in the USA. I it as a basic rule of decency that as much define whether they would like to be involved in advocating for this develop- support and am proud of these Fordham as possible, people should be called called "Deacon," "Sister," "Father," ment. students and of Fordham administrators whatever they prefer to be called. I have "Brother," "Doctor," "Professor" -- or The word "queer," which began as a for opening up a new stage of recognition seen this rule of thumb proven helpful in something else. form of hateful speech against persons regarding realities that are, to be sure, many kinds of conversations across sub- Of course, in a great many cases, deemed to be outside heterosexual needful of naming, but about which much stantial differences. letting adults specify the way they want norms/practices, and who were therefore more is at stake than only names. For example, I have seen it in dia- to be addressed is not only a matter of deemed "abnormal," has been appropri- Are there places in your life/work/ logues between baptized Catholics who decency, but also of dignity. This is es- ated by many LGBT-identified persons, church situation where there is room for are at different points on the theological/ pecially the case where a part of oneself, and allies, as a positive term. improvement about what people are political spectrum, where one needs to or even something like one's entire be- As a positive term, it has many called? It can be a learning process for refer to the other as s/he would wish to ing, has not been acknowledged in situa- meanings, including naming a whole everyone, especially for those whose cul- be called -- surrendering epithets like tions where it mattered, and where peo- area of academic thought/research that tural/religious privilege has allowed them "conservative Catholic" or "cafeteria ple could have done differently. has emerged in the last two decades, to be called what they would like most of Catholic" in favor of simply "Catholic," So it was that I received word that a queer theory, and which has proven in- the time, and who are free to call others or whatever one's conversation partner community of students where I teach, at fluential in many fields--including reli- what they think is best, without rejoinder. prefers. Fordham, recently announced some gious studies, and, to a lesser extent,  I have seen this act of decency make good news about the dignity of recogni- theology. Gay-friendly Catholic Stonehill Colleges and Universities amends non- Below is a list of known gay-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic institu- discrimination tions that have some type of gay/lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc. If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay/lesbian people, please let us know. policy Alabama Maryland, Loyola College of Maryland Syracuse: LeMoyne College By Justin Graeber Mobile: Spring Hill College Massachusetts Queens: St. John‘s University Taunton Daily Gazette Boston: Emmanuel College, Taunton , Massachusetts California Chestnut Hill: Boston College Ohio September 24, 2012 Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University Chicopee: Elms College Cincinnati: Xavier University Goleta: St. Mark‘s University Easton: Stonehill College Cleveland Heights: John Carroll University EASTON —Stonehill College has Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Universi- North Andover: Merrimack College Dayton: University of Dayton reversed a long-standing policy and added ty, Mount Saint Mary‘s College Weston: Regis College Pepper Pike: Ursuline College sexual orientation to its non- Moraga: St. Mary‘s College Worcester: Assumption College, South Euclid: Notre Dame College discrimination policy, something students Oakland: Holy Names University College of the Holy Cross Sylvania: Lourdes College say has been 15 years in the making. Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Stonehill‘s Board of Trustees voted San Diego: University of San Diego Michigan Oregon Friday to add the language to its policy San Francisco: University of San Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy Marylhurst: Marylhurst University alongside things like race and gender and Francisco Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Portland: University of Portland religion. There was a small caveat, how- Santa Clara: Santa Clara University ever, that the college would not be asked Minnesota Pennsylvania to do anything contrary to the beliefs and Colorado Collegeville: St. John‘s University Cresson: Mount Aloysius College teachings of the Catholic Church. Denver: Regis University Duluth: College of St. Scholastica Dallas: Misericordia University ―The subject was raised by students Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Erie: Mercyhurst College and employees who have deep and abid- Connecticut St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Greensburg: Seton Hill University ing concerns on this issue,‖ Stonehill Fairfield: Fairfield University, St. Paul: St. Thomas University Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, President Fr. Mark Cregan said in a letter Sacred Heart University Winona: St. Mary‘s University of LaSalle University, St. Joseph‘s to the college community, adding that the New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Minnesota University board sought outside counsel on the issue. West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Pittsburgh: Carlow University, ―Please know that I endeavor to lead Missouri Duquesne University Stonehill as a just and compassionate District of Columbia Kansas City: Avila University, Radnor: Cabrini College community and believe that this change Georgetown University, Trinity University Rockhurst University Reading: Alvernia University has further emphasized that we are a com- St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Scranton: Marywood University munity that is welcoming of all persons,‖ Florida St. Louis University Villanova: Villanova University Cregan wrote. Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Students have been advocating for the Miami Shores: Barry University Montana Rhode Island change for about 15 years, but interest in Helena: Carroll College Newport: Salve Regina University the issue grew over the last year or so. Hawaii Providence: Providence College Last spring, on the backs of a national Honolulu: Chaminade University Nebraska video campaign called ―It Gets Better,‖ in Omaha: Creighton University Texas which celebrities recorded personal mes- Illinois Austin: Saint Edward‘s University sages to gay teens struggling with their Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Uni- New Hampshire San Antonio: University of the Incarnate identity, a number of Catholic colleges, versity, St. Xavier University Manchester: St. Anselm College Word, Our Lady of the Lake including Stonehill and Notre Dame, put Joliet: University of St. Francis Nashua: Rivier College University their own spin on the message. A video River Forest: Dominican University in titled ―It Has to Get Better‖ depicted stu- Illinois New Jersey Vermont dents and faculty imploring the Board of Romeoville: Lewis University Caldwell: Caldwell College Colchester: Saint Michael‘s College Trustees to make the change. There was Jersey City: St. Peter‘s College also an online petition and a Facebook Indiana South Orange: Seton Hall Washington page. Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, St. Lacey: St. Martin‘s College ―Social media was instrumental Mary‘s College, University of Notre New York Seattle: Seattle University throughout this process,‖ said junior Sean Dame Albany: College of Saint Rose Spokane: Gonzaga University Borger. ―It shows non-threatening demon- Brooklyn and Patchogue: strations can work.‖ Iowa St. Joseph College West Virginia For the students, the issue was always Davenport: St. Ambrose University Bronx: Fordham University, Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University one of equality and fairness. Dubuque: Loras College Manhattan College ―The whole Stonehill campus is hap- Buffalo: Canisius College Wisconsin py today,‖ said senior Amanda Macchi. Kentucky Loudonville: Sienna College De Pere: St. Norbert College ―We care about everyone being equal and Louisville: Spalding University, New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Madison: Edgewood College safe and protected.‖ Bellarmine University Iona College Milwaukee: Alverno College, Students said there is still more work Poughkeepsie: Marist College Cardinal Stritch University, to be done in terms of tolerance of GLBT Louisiana Riverdale: College of Mount St. Vincent Marquette University lifestyles on campus, but they welcomed New Orleans: Loyola University Rochester: St. John Fisher College Friday‘s decision. St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Canada ―I‘ve never felt prouder to be a Maryland University Toronto: Regis College Stonehill student,‖ said junior Kristen Baltimore: College of Notre Dame of Sparkill: St. Thomas Aquinas College Bailey. ―It was a great day.‖  Fall-Winter 2012 BONDINGS Page 5 Notre Dame Releases Pastoral Plan for LGBTQ Students By Bob Shine Dame senior, welcomes the decision… it‘s everybody‘s responsibility. And I The formation of strong communities Bondings 2.0 ― ‗Students here are ready for a hope that people take this as Erin said a where all find their place in the pursuit of NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com change, but the climate didn‘t encourage sign of hope. Let‘s make it a better com- education and growth is a noble goal December 7, 2012 open discussion,‘ Abad said. The new munity. Let‘s work together to make it a consistent with a long-standing intellec- student organization will encourage and better community, more inclusive, more tual tradition in the Church. The University of Notre Dame re- support honest discussion of issues relat- welcoming, more supportive.‖ New Ways Ministry applauds the leased a plan yesterday that addresses the ed to sexuality, he said… Fr. Jenkins recognizes, even if progress made at the University of Notre pastoral concerns of LGBTQ community ―He praised the efforts of Erin Hoff- slightly late, that the support and em- Dame, and further applauds the acknowl- members after concluding a five-month mann Harding, who in August became brace of LGBT students on Catholic edgement that this is a forward step and review by the administration, and dec- Notre Dame‘s vice president for student campuses is a demand placed on colleges not an end point in addressing the needs ades-long movement by students, most affairs, for moving the discussions for- and universities by the Catholic faith of LGBT persons.  recently under the 4 to 5 Movement and ward. ‗Throughout this process, she‘s they profess, not the students themselves. Progressive Student Alliance. been in constant dialogue with other ad- The plan, titled ministrators and ―Beloved Friends knows what stu- and Allies: A Pasto- dents need,‘ he New Ways Ministry Financial Statement ral Plan for the Sup- said.‖ July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 port and Holistic In an extensive Development of interview with Statement of Revenue and Expenses GLBTQ and Heter- campus newspa- osexual Students at per, The Observ- the University of er, Vice President Revenue Total % of Total Notre Dame,‖ will of Student Affairs Contributions $ 93,382 39.2 enact three major Erin Hoffman Grants 31,285 13.1 changes on campus Harding described Investments 7,349 3.1 to further education the administra- about and support tion‘s approach to Programs 88,529 37.1 for those who iden- the review. Publications 1,386 .6 tify as LGBTQ. The The interview Rent 15,818 6.6 University ex- is worth reading Other 740 .3 plained these in its entirety for Total Revenue $ 238,492 100.0 changes in a press release. those interested in the intricacies of Foremost, a student organization LGBT movements at Catholic campuses, will be established under the advisement but specifically on process. She men- of University administrators to program tioned three elements: consultation with Expenses Total % of Total around relevant topics and provide peer- Church teaching in keeping with Catho- Contributions $ 2,380 .9 to-peer support. Students at Notre Dame lic mission; extensive student consulta- Salaries and benefits 112,830 44.2 have long requested recognition of a gay- tion, including nearly four dozen meet- straight alliance group, and an applica- ings with Hoffman Harding alone; and Telephone, equipment, supplies 2,647 1.0 tion by the 4 to 5 Movement last spring external benchmarking, particularly of Postage and printing 30,761 12.1 prompted University president, Fr. John Catholic institutions, for what they pro- Occupancy 7,350 2.9 Jenkins to commission the review. vide students identifying as LGBT. Travel and conferences 69,305 27.2 In addition, an advisory committee Fr. Jenkins spoke in the same inter- Depreciation 4,618 1.8 of students, faculty, and staff will replace view in broader themes about the harmo- the present Core Council with the intent ny, timeliness, and progress of this deci- Fees and payroll taxes 6,024 2.4 of guiding the administration, particular- sion: Staff Dev., library, PR, consultation 19,300 7.6 ly the Vice President of Student Affairs, ―If you avoid controversy, you don‘t Total expenses $ 255,215 100.1 on how best to respond to LGBTQ stu- do anything, controversy‘s ok. But I dents in their questions, concerns, and think if people look carefully at what Fund balance, beginning of year 499,625 desires. we‘re doing and really in a thoughtful The student organization and the way evaluate it, I think thoughtful people Excess for year -16,723 advisory committee will be overseen by a will see that makes sense, it makes sense Other changes in net assets -22,378 full-time staff member focused on edu- for a Catholic university like Notre Dame Fund balance, end of year 460,524 cating the campus, promoting dialogue, to provide such structures to serve their and acting as a liaison between LGBTQ students effectively… *$318,769 of the current fund balance is restricted for a specific students and existing campus resources. ―It really is about building a commu- project and for employee retirement. The fund balance also in- Reception by the Notre Dame com- nity. As Erin said, we‘re not there. We munity is generally positive after a col- should never feel we‘ve got this down. cludes land, building, and equipment assets of approximately laborative review process, as reported by It‘s rather we‘re always trying to im- $88,000. Approximately $54,000 of the current fund balance rep- the South Bend Tribune: prove and it‘s my responsibility and resents a reserve for 3 months operational expenses ―Karl Abad, an openly gay Notre Erin‘s responsibility to work on this, but Knights of Columbus key contributor against same-sex marriage (Continued from page 3) Internal Revenue Service. cal gift." moting that teaching on moral issues," opposing same-sex marriage in Washing- "There's not much guidance on what According to the report and public the statement says. ton state and Maryland, where the matter it means to be a fraternal organization records, the Knights also made signifi- "This report mentions $6.2 million is also on the ballot in November. and what activities are appropriate and in cant contributions between 2006-2010 to donated by the Knights over the past The Equally Blessed group criticizes what amounts," said Marcus Owens, a a number of right-leaning advocacy seven years, during which time we also the Knights' donations to the U.S. Con- former employee of the exempt organiza- groups. donated more than $1 billion to charita- ference of Catholic Bishops as tions division at the IRS who is now a Some of the largest contributions ble causes, with more than $225 million "essentially untraceable." lawyer for the Washington-based Caplin during that period -- totaling at least $1.2 of that coming from our Supreme Of- "Since the USCCB is part of the & Drysdale law firm, which Owens said million, according to tax filings -- went fice." Catholic Church and does not have to has represented the Knights in the past. to the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, The report on the Knights was is- report its charitable contributions, money The lack of guidance on the matter, a nonprofit law firm known for its efforts sued the same day a federal appeals court given to the USCCB's anti-marriage Owens said, suggests the IRS would to spearhead legal challenges to the in Manhattan, N.Y., struck down the equality efforts is essentially untraceable judge political contributions by whether Obama administration's mandate requir- federal ban on same-sex marriage, mak- unless it shows up in specific state-level the "purpose of the particular political act ing health insurance providers to cover ing it the second appeals court this year reporting requirements," the report states. was somehow related to the interests of contraceptive services. to reject the contested Defense of Mar- "This is especially important be- the members of the fraternal organiza- The U.S. bishops' conference also riage Act. cause it makes it difficult to ascertain tion" and whether the political activity has ties to the Becket Fund. Its associate That act, signed into law by Presi- how much the church has invested in "didn't swallow all of the activities of the general secretary and general counsel, dent Bill Clinton in 1996, denies federal influencing voters in Washington, Mary- organization." Anthony Picarello Jr., previously worked recognition of same-sex marriages and land, Maine and Minnesota, where mar- The IRS, however, could also decide at the fund for seven years before joining allows states to refuse to recognize same- riage equality-related initiatives are on that a tax could apply on the organiza- the conference in 2007. sex marriages conducted in other states. the ballot in November 2012," the report tion's political contributions, Owens said. In a statement to the media Thurs- Thursday's decision by the Manhat- says. In that case, he said, the tax would be day, the Knights of Columbus responded tan federal court, which follows a deci- One tax lawyer noted for his work assessed on either the organization's net to the Equally Blessed report by saying sion by a federal appeals court in Boston, on nonprofit tax law told NCR it is un- investment income for the appropriate its funding of measures to oppose same- sets the stage for the U.S. Supreme Court clear whether the Knights' donations filing year or the amount spent on the sex marriage represents a small fraction to take up the matter in the next year. might affect their status as a tax-exempt political activity, whichever was lesser. of its spending. The Equally Blessed report was organization. The Knights' national or- "Let's say that the Knights give $10 "The Knights of Columbus supports funded by contributions from the coali- ganization, which reported total assets of million in one year," Owens said. Catholic Social Teaching and the bishops tion's four organizations, the Human some $16.9 billion in 2010, is classified "They'd be taxed at the corporate income of the Catholic Church, and some re- Rights Campaign and several individual as a "fraternal beneficiary society" by the tax rates for that $10 million as a politi- sources have long been dedicated to pro- donors, according to a press release.  Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 3 Day of remembrance honors transgender persons killed for their spiritual journeys

By James and Evenlyn Whitehead "Made in God's Image." In it, they write, persons themselves, she invites them to white, male or female, is limiting and The Natioanal Catholic Reporter "We understand our gender diversity to pray Psalm 139: "It is you who formed dangerous. Ultimately, welcoming the November 19, 2012 be a gift of God, intended to add to the my inmost parts. You knit me together in mystery of diversity in God's plan is the rich variety of human experience and my mother's womb. I praise you for I am healing for our church for which I most On Tuesday, November 20th, a day perspective," and "the problem is not in fearfully and wonderfully made." In the hope." of remembrance will be held for being differ- midst of such In the broader US culture, a process transgender persons throughout the world ent, but in prayers, of appreciating the experience of who have been killed in the last year. In living in a transgender transgender lives is under way. Film Chicago, Denver, Tucson, Ariz., New fearful, con- hearts, long director Lana Wachowski ("Cloud At- Orleans and many other U.S. cities, can- demning abused by social las") talks openly of beginning life as dlelight vigils are planned, during which a world." and religious Larry before transitioning to Lana. litany of names of those who have died A Lu- rejection, begin Transgender young adults find their tran- violent deaths will be sounded. (See the theran parish to heal. sitions less fraught by years of denial celebration's website for a further listing in San Fran- Such ministries and fearful pretending. This new genera- of cities and schedules of ceremonies.) cisco has are responding to tion is opening the way to a richer appre- It is fitting that Catholics join in this created a the Christian ciation of God's creation. Listening to celebration. November is the month in renaming heritage of a their experience, the larger community which we honor All Saints and All Souls, ritual to cel- community of comes more easily to affirm Paul's judg- remembering those who have gone before ebrate the faith as both ment: "There is no longer Jew or Greek, us. Another claim on the Catholic com- completion sanctuary and there is no longer slave or free; there is munity is the church's commitment to of a sacrament. In no longer male or female; for you are all social justice. The violence against transgender medieval times, one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). transgender persons -- including bullying person's the church build- But even as these encouraging of children, the adult experiences of dis- transition ing often served changes take place, it behooves us to crimination at work, physical intimidation and wel- as sanctuary to pause in respect for those transgender and even murder -- cries out for protest come the person into the community. In protect the life of fugitives; today, members of our community who have from a faith community that would wit- doing so, this gathering is following our churches might renew this ministry of been victims of violence. So we gather ness to peace and justice. But there are tradition of renaming individuals (Jacob welcome and protection of transgender in solidarity and in prayer on Tuesday. obstacles as well. On many sexual and in Genesis 32; Paul in the New Testa- members.  gender issues, official church statements ment) who have come through life- Hilary Howes, a Catholic transsexu- do not always contribute to social healing. transforming changes. al, writes in Conscience magazine: "I [James and Evelyn Whitehead have The words of Genesis, "male and A Catholic sister has developed hope that Catholics would look at the long been associated with the Institute of female God made them," have often been Trans Awareness Evening to introduce body of scientific and medical evidence Pastoral Studies at Loyola University interpreted as the foundation of theories of more of the faithful to the challenges and to develop a loving acceptance of those Chicago. A major focus of their teaching sexual dimorphism: Human nature was hopes of transgender members of the of us with this variation." She adds, "I and writing is the vital links between constructed in two and only two genders. body of Christ. She also offers simple understand that my journey, though per- sexuality and spirituality. Currently, they Religious authorities reinforce this gender ceremonies of blessing for persons pre- sonal, touches that which is universal are examining the experience of dichotomy as both theological doctrine paring for gender-confirming surgery. In about gender for everyone ... looking at transgender adults and the pastoral re- and moral mandate. her spiritual direction with transgender everything as us and them, black and sponses of communities of faith.] Yet human experience records a daz- zling diversity in God's creation, regis- tered in humanity as well. When we find Catholic VP Joe Biden says transgender ourselves confused or even bewildered by the questions surrounding gender diversi- discrimination 'civil rights issue of our time' ty, it is useful to recall that bewilderment sometimes serves virtuous purposes. As By Donovan Slack killed, and they don't have the civil one historian of religion writes, bewilder- Politica.com rights yet. These guys are gonna make it ment may "correct the inclination to un- October 30, 2012 happen," she told the pool. warranted certainty." Our bewilderment, Biden has long been a vocal advo- at first so unsettling, may serve as a portal Vice President Joe Biden, leaving an cate for LGBT rights -- most memorably to humility and open us to God's extrava- Obama campaign office in Sarasota, getting out "a little bit over his skies," as gance so generously on display through- singled one woman out because she had President Obama put it -- when Biden out the world. St. Paul spoke of this diver- beautiful eyes, the pool reporter noted: endorsed same sex marriage before the sity in bodily terms: "Now you are the She said something ...at first inaudi- president did earlier this year. body of Christ and individually members ble to pool, to which VP responded was The vice president met with LGBT of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27). He counsels the "civil rights issue of our time" leaders at his Washington, D.C., home us that those most vulnerable members are Pool later asked the woman, Linda last month, including transgender advo- to be cared for with the greatest respect; Carragher Bourne of Sarasota about the cates, according to the Easton Patch. The he reminds us that if one member suffers, exchange. She said her daughter was Obama-Biden administration was the all members suffer. And, in a conviction Miss Trans New England and asked if he first to send a representative to a trans- that has special relevance for transgender would help them. gender conference.  Christians, "No members can say to an- "A lot of my friends are being Vice President Joe Biden other, we do not need you." We are more aware today that gender and anatomy are not the same. The first Dismissed gay rights teacher considers legal action formation of gender takes place before we By Paul Harper "I think there has definitely been a Mr. Studdart said he would are born, under the influence of prenatal The New Zealand Herlad serious injustice done here, an injustice "absolutely" like to return to the school. hormones that influence the fetal brain. Auckland, New Zealand to the students, in terms of the loss of "I love those students to bits, they've While we are afloat in our mother's October 1, 2012 their learning and time that is critical been absolutely fantastic to me, I have a womb, our tiny bodies and brains are before their NCEA exams, so I'll try and great relationship with them, I have a awash in these hormones. Powerful chem- A Northland science teacher who great relationship with the rest of icals prompt the gradual development of was dismissed after he supported a gay the staff. The issue here seems to male or female genitalia, as well as in- rights protest at the Catholic school is be the principal and decisions scribing a sense of gender identity in the considering legal action. that he made really." brain. Most often, the baby's anatomy will Nigel Studdart was dismissed from Mr. Studdart said he asked Mr. match the brain's sense of gender identity. Pompallier Catholic College in Whanga- Stanton to withdraw his com- But not always. Most transsexuals as early rei last month after supporting a demon- ments in the newsletter the day as childhood experience a powerful and stration at the school which involved after he wrote it, but the princi- enduring dissonance between the gender students wearing rainbow ribbons or pal has stood by what he wrote. their bodies display and their interior armbands to show their support for gay "It has offended church lead- sense of themselves as woman or man. marriage. ers, it has offended an awful lot For many, the search for gender integrity It came after the school's principal of parents and offended a lot of will entail a long and painful struggle. Richard Stanton wrote comments in the students." Spiritual health depends on a sorting out school newsletter in August opposing He said his point with the of this disconnect and moving toward a The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) principal was not about gay mar- harmony in their experience of gender Amendment Bill, which has passed its riage, but with gay parents and identity. Nigel Studdart first reading in Parliament. gay students. More and more Christian communi- Mr. Studdart told Radio New Zea- mediate that as much as I can by doing Mr. Studdart said he had a good ties are becoming aware that the transition land's Morning Report programme he some tutorials for them, but it just reputation in Whangarei for his teaching the transgender person faces is, in fact, a will be meeting with the secondary doesn't make up for that seven weeks I and if he did not return to Pompallier he spiritual journey. The United Methodist school teachers' union, the PPTA, this would have been in the classroom," he hoped he would be able to teach at an- Church has published a valuable guide, week to discuss his options. said. other school.  Fall-Winter 2012 BONDINGS Page 7 Gay-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known ―gay-friendly‖ Catholic parishes and intentional Eucharistic communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of a parish or community that is known as welcoming to lesbian/gay Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in gay community events, or involvement with parents. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. For links to many of these parishes‘ websites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org/

St. Francis Xavier, St. James Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul Connecticut St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Rhode Island Scotland, St. Pius V Providence: St. Francis Chapel, Delaware St. Mary‘s North Wilmington: Holy Child Montana Wickford: St. Bernard PARISHES Wilmington: St. Joseph Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Tennessee Alabama District of Columbia Nebraska Memphis: Cathedral of the Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart Immaculate Conception Montgomery: St. Bede St. Matthew Cathedral Nevada Texas Arizona Florida Las Vegas: Christ the King, Colleyville: Good Shepherd Chandler: St. Andrew Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Guardian Angel Cathedral Dallas: Holy Trinity Glendale: St. Thomas More Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes El Paso: All Saints Mesa: St. Bridget Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, New Hampshire Houston: St. Anne Phoenix: St. Matthew St. Maurice Merrimack: St. John Neumann Plano: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Scottsdale: St. Patrick Naples: St. John the Evangelist Pelham: St. Patrick Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Virginia Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Tampa: Sacred Heart, Christ the King New Jersey Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Lawrenceville: St. Ann Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Georgia Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Heart, Sacred Heart Parish California Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Assisi Roanoke: St. Gerard Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Conception Maplewood: St. Joseph Triangle: St. Francis Burney: St Francis of Assisi Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Carlsbad: St. Patrick Idaho Claremont: Our Lady of the Assumption Boise: St. Mary New Mexico Washington El Cajon: St. Luke Albuquerque: Holy Family, Seattle: St. Benedict, Prince of Peace Encino: Our Lady of Grace Illinois Shrine of St. Bernadette Newman Center Escondido: St. Timothy Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Tacoma: St. Leo Fremont: St. Joseph - Mission San Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Jose St. Clement, St. Gertrude, New York Wisconsin Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace, Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Hayward: All Saints Apostle, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Milwaukee: Good Shepherd, LaPuente: St. Martha Old St. Patrick Bellport: Mary Immaculate Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Long Beach: St. Matthew Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Canada Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Evanston: St. Nicholas St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Montreal: Holy Cross Christ the King, Mother of Good Johnston City: St. Paul St. Augustine, Immaculate Heart of- Ottawa: St. Joseph Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Morton Grove: St. Martha Mary Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes USC Medical Center (Spanish), Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle Sienna-St. Lucy East Islip: St. Mary England North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Elmira: St. Mary London: Our Lady of the Chantal, St. Patrick Fairport: Church of the Assumption Assumption & St. Gregory Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes Indiana Henrietta: Good Shepherd Oceanside: St. Thomas More Evansville: St. Mary Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus, Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul the INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Apostle, Church of the Ascension, COMMUNITIES Ross: St. Anselm Iowa St. Francis of Assisi Arizona Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Coralville: St. Thomas More Pittsford: Church of the Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal San Carlos: St. Charles Transfiguration Center San Diego: Ascension, San Rafael, Kentucky Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, St. Jude Shrine Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica California San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Assumption, St. William Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Orange: Koinonia Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pleasanton: Catholic Community of St. Dominic Louisiana Historic Old St. John‘s Pleasanton San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, New Orleans: St. Augustine Wading River: St. John the Baptist St. Martin of Tours (Emmaus Wantaugh: St. Frances de Chantal District of Columbia Community) Maine Westbury: St. Brigid Communitas San Luis Obispo: Old Mission of Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic San Luis Obispo Saco: Most Holy Trinity North Carolina Florida San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & Charlotte: St. Peter Tampa: Franciscan Center Mission San Raphael Arcangel Maryland Durham: Immaculate Conception Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Fayetteville: St. Patrick Maryland Santa Cruz: Holy Cross St. Francis of Assisi, St. Matthew, Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Santa Monica: St. Monica St. Vincent dePaul Community Simi Valley: St. Rose of Lima Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Ohio Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Akron: St. Bernard Michigan Stanford: Catholic Community at Stanford Hagerstown: St. Ann Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Grand Rapids: Marywood University Severn: St. Bernadette St. Robert Bellarmine Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics South Pasadena: Holy Familhy Cleveland: Ascension of Our Lord, Valinda: St. Martha Massachusetts St. Malachi, St. Martha Minnesota Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church of Boston: Paulist Center, St. Anthony Columbus: St. Thomas More Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Catho- the Deaf Shrine, St. Cecilia Newman Center lic Community Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney East Longmeadow: St. Michael Fairlawn: St. Hilary West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Newton: St. Ignatius Mentor: St. John Vianney Oregon St. Victor Provincetown: St. Peter University Heights: Church of the Portland: Journey and Koinonia Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Gesu Catholic Community Springfield: Sacred Heart Westlake: St. Ladislas Colorado Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate Washington Arvada: Spirit of Christ Michigan Conception Olympia: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Avon: St. Edward Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Catholic Community Colorado Springs: Our Lady of Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King Oregon Guadalupe, Sacred Heart St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Beaverton: Mission of the Atonement Wisconsin Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of As- Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Mount Carmel sisi, St. Phillip Neri, Downtown Fort Collins: Blessed John XXIII Minnesota Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul) To add your faith community to our list, Genessee: St. Frances Cabrini Shrine Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, please contact New Ways Ministry at Highlands Ranch: Pax Christi St. Joan of Arc Pennsylvania [email protected] or call 301- Littleton: Light of the World, Huntingdon: Most Holy Trinity 277-5674. St Frances Cabrini Missouri Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Kansas City: Guardian Angels, Old St. Mary, St. John the Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 32, No. 3 The connections between coming out and Vatican II By Francis DeBernardo Council, he said he wanted to open some in a burgeoning movement to be in- II, both of which have had a direct posi- Bondings 2.0 windows in the church. In the process, it volved with, and work for justice for, tive impact on the Catholic LGBT move- NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpresscom seems, he also opened some closet doors. LGBT people. ment. October 11, 2012 But the connection between these It‘s no accident that both two of the Although Vatican II‘s documents do two celebrations is oldest Catholic min- not mention homosexuality or Today is special for two rea- even more cohesive istries to LGBT peo- transgender topics at all, the spirit of sons. For the LGBT community in the than the metaphors ple–Dignity and justice and human dignity which infused United States, it is National Coming Out described above. In New Ways Ministry those texts have had a tremendous effect Day. For the Catholic community world- one respect, the –emerged from this on why so many Catholics are passionate wide, it is the 50th anniversary of the movement for LGBT era and as a direct about working for LGBT equality. We opening of Vatican II. Just a coinci- liberation, equality, result of priests and are finally seeing the fruits of Vatican II, dence? and justice in the religious following as the generation that was raised in its Well, probably, but there's some- Catholic Church is a the call of Vatican wake are now in their maturity and thing interesting about this coincidence. direct result of Vati- II. Similarly, it speaking out for LGBT justice in the National Coming Out Day is a time to can II. The Coun- would have been church and society. celebrate the "coming out" process for cil‘s reform of theol- unimaginable that As those LGBT people who have sexual and gender minorities: that com- ogy, its updating of John McNeill‘s theo- ―come out‖ know, ―coming out‖ is a con- ing to awareness, acceptance, and an- scriptural interpreta- logical groundbreak- tinual process that keeps continuing long nouncement of their true identities. tions, its openness to ing work, The after everyone knows about your identi- Five decades ago, the Catholic scientific knowledge, Church and the Ho- ty. It‘s the continual process of having Church embarked on a project of pastoral its invitation for par- mosexual, could the courage to stand for truth, dignity, and theological reform at the Second ticipation by the lai- have been written and equality. Let‘s pray that on this 50th Vatican Council which was, in one re- ty, its clarion call to before the Council. anniversary of Vatican II, the Catholic spect, a coming out process: an emer- work for justice in And let‘s not forget Church will continue its ―coming out‖ Vatican II gence from calcified traditions into a the world and the the important contri- process begun in 1962, and will learn to liberating recognition of its true identity. church–all these things were part of the butions of liberation and feminist theolo- live up to its best principles and ideals. When Pope John XXIII announced the 1960s Catholic zeitgeist which resulted gies which flowered because of Vatican  ‘A natural & Christian response to welcome . . . different forms of love’ By Fr. Fabio Masi, Fr. Alessandro lute declarations which she will then that, in the midst of other peoples, they but homosexuality, and this is a step for- Santoro, Fr. Giacomo Stinghi, Sister have to admit are mistaken, as has hap- might be a sign of His will for justice, ward for them. However, in reality the Stefania Baldini pened in the past. These developments that He wants to save all His creation. meaning of this statement is truly incom- Gionata.org lead us to see homosexuality in a new With an illusion of always being more up prehensible! It is like saying to a person Florence, Italy light and to deal with it under a different to God‘s mission, within Israel other with a lame leg: "We have nothing September 2012 moral perspective. On this topic, the Bi- ‗choices‘ were then made to marginalize against your ‗being lame‘, as long as you ble does not, nor could it, say anything, groups considered ‗impure‘. In Deuter- walk straight or sit down!" The following is an open letter writ- simply because it was not known, just as onomy, for example, (23:2-9) there is a Regarding the issue of being procre- ten by three Italian pastoral ministers to it says nothing about ecology or use of list of categories of people who are to be ative or sterile, Jesus said that it is the the diocesan newspaper in the Archdio- the atomic bomb. excluded from heart which must be fruitful and Paul cese of Florence. The text was made In Biblical cul- religious services: says that one joins God‘s people through available by Gionata, a Catholic LGBT ture, as in all of antiq- “For you love all the eunuchs, bastards faith, not by heredity right. In this sense, organization in Italy: uity, the idea of a and foreigners. who can honestly define themselves "The issue of ‗Toscana Oggi‘ dated ‗homosexual person‘ things that are, However, a jour- fruitful? Who can become judge of their June 24, 2012 reserved generous space to is completely absent; and abhor nothing ney towards Mes- own fruitfulness or that of others? Sterili- the topic of homosexuality and hetero- only ‗behavior‘ is sianic times is a ty can befall anyone. sexual civil unions with several articles spoken of, not a which you journey towards This way of profoundly welcoming and letters to the Editor, which were crit- ‗homosexual orienta- have made: inclusion, because the life of each and every human being, ical of the Church‘s official position on tion‘. And it is clear Messianic times this is something we learned from the the topic. that behavior is con- for never would you are for all, as can Church! For disciples of Jesus, it is not We believe that the articles printed demned not only be- be read in Isaiah so much about defending principles, rig- in the Diocesan weekly publication cause it is not procre- have made anything, (56:1, 3-5): orously guarding them, like angels with a (Toscana Oggi) do nothing but repeat ative, but also be- if you had hated it. ―Maintain justice sword of fire before the tree of life; ra- existing ecclesiastical positions on homo- cause it is linked to and do what is ther, it is about ‗looking into‘ the lives of sexuality, without providing any insight violence or religious And how could right..... Let no women and men of our times, in order on a topic that has been considerably prostitution. anything have foreigner who is for them to progress towards fullness. It developed and explained in recent years, In this regard, a bound to the does not entail being faithful to a God and which requires more research. few notes may be endured, if it had not LORD say, ‗The who is known and possessed, but to a Our letter testifies to the fact that useful on Holy Scrip- LORD will surely God who ‗is coming‘. Jesus said: there is diversity of positions regarding ture passages that are been your will?” exclude me from ―Hypocrites! You know how to interpret this issue today, both in secular thought often cited to stigma- —Wisdom 11:24-26 his people.‘ And the appearance of the earth and the sky. and in our churches themselves. We, tize homosexual rela- let no eunuch How is it that you do not know how to along with various theologians, bishops tions. In the New complain, ‗I am interpret this present time?‖ (Luca 12:56) and Christian laypeople, do not see our Testament, only Paul calls homosexual only a dry tree.‘ For this is what the It seems to us that it should be from viewpoints represented in Toscana Og- relations ‗unnatural‘ (Romans 1:26-27); LORD says: ‗To the eunuchs who keep the (Catholic) Church should itself that a gi‘s treatment of this issue through its however, one must consider that he re- my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases new way of understanding homosexuali- articles. ferred not so much to physical aspects, as me and hold fast to my covenant, to them ty come, with a sign of welcoming and What has brought about a radical to homosexuality undermining the ac- I will give within my temple and its walls profound respect for the love felt by peo- shift in the understanding of homosexu- cepted social order of the times, when it a memorial and a name better than sons ple who personally live out this orienta- ality has now signaled a very important was woman who, by nature, was to be and daughters; I will give them an ever- tion. Two people who love each other are journey. In the past, homosexuality was ‗submissive‘ to man. Our very idea of lasting name that will endure forever.‘ ‖ not an attack on society nor are they a considered a ‗vice‘ practiced by ‗nature‘ itself has changed since Paul‘s This overturning of Isaiah is a mile- betrayal of the Gospel. Scandals should ‗heterosexual‘ people searching for alter- times: the idea of ‗nature‘ as finished stone! Before God, there is no value in be looked for elsewhere! native forms of pleasure and, as such, it reality no longer corresponds to contem- the objective nature or of culture that one Referring partly to these Biblical was condemned. But, in this context, one porary understanding. have: man, woman, homosexual, hetero- sources and partly to the human experi- spoke solely of ‗homosexual behavior‘; It has also become quite clear that sexual, bastard, foreigner, genius or of ence we know as we live out every day only in the last century did people begin some Old Testament episodes, which lesser intelligence; what counts is doing with these people, we feel that it is a nat- to speak of a ‗homosexual condition‘ and continue to form a basis for condemning what is right and maintaining justice, ural and Christian response to welcome not just of ‗acts‘, inducing some to hy- homosexuality, actually had a different what counts is loving the Lord and our these different forms of love in full com- pothesize that homosexuality was not to meaning. In the episode of Sodom brothers and sisters. munion. We feel that they are an integral be considered a vice, but an ‗illness‘. (Genesis 19) and a similar one in Gabaa We do not mean to say that Isaiah part of our journey of life and faith, and In recent years, a radically different (Judges 19), the crime was not so much made any allusion to homosexual people; that with them, as with all others, we can way of understanding homosexuality has in homosexuality itself, but in the will to he could not have, for the reasons we participate in sacramental Communion emerged and homosexuality has become humiliate and refuse a foreigner. stated earlier. But is this not the light we and community life. accepted by nearly everyone in various On the other hand, the Old Testament should see homosexuality in? The The Book of Wisdom (11:24-26) ways and with different nuances. Homo- offers us some beautiful and very im- Church‘s mission is to open her arms offers us a wonderful trait of the Creator, sexuality is now spoken of as a pervasive portant signals that do not refer to homo- wide, to include and not to marginalize, who should be the ‗light along our way‘: element of an individual, one that charac- sexuality explicitly, but that do refer to to love people rather than to save princi- ―For you love all the things that are, and terizes a person‘s most profound identity the journey of maturity that the Jewish ples. As the Master said, ―The Sabbath abhor nothing which you have made: for and one that leads them to live their sex- people undertook in the respect of mar- was made for man, not man for the Sab- never would you have made anything, if uality in a different manner. ginalized groups and individuals. In this bath.‖ (Mark 2:27) you had hated it. And how could any- It is important for the Church to rec- sense, the Bible offers us a wider frame Leaders in the Catholic Church have thing have endured, if it had not been ognize the progress made in the science through which we may also place this several times acknowledged changes your will? or been preserved, if not of understanding humanity in a positive aspect of life. several times when they declare that they called by you? But you spare all: for they manner and to refrain from making abso- God ‗chose‘ the people of Israel so do not condemn the homosexual person, are yours, O Lord, you lover of souls.‖