B NDINGSA Publication of New Ways Ministry Volume 26, No. 1 Summer 2005 New pope selection angers many gays

By Tom Musbach XVI as pope, has been one of the most to silence a gay Catholic PlanetOut Network, Gay.com powerful men in the Vatican and was discussion,” who is also head April 19, 2005 Pope John Paul II’s chief theological DeBernardo told of the National adviser for the past 20 years. the PlanetOut Gay and ROME—White smoke rose above the After the traditional white smoke Network. “He Lesbian Task Sistine Chapel and bells heralded the signal and bell-ringing in St. Peter’s authored the Force, called the election of a new pope on Tuesday, but Square, the new pope greeted a cheering 1986 ‘Letter to new pope’s the symbolism lacked joy for many LGBT crowd on Tuesday and offered his first the Bishops on record “one of Catholics once they learned the new papal blessing. the Pastoral Care unrelenting, pope is Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Cheering was not offered, however, of Homosexual venomous hatred Germany. from many liberals and gay Catholics. Persons,’ which for gay people.” The 78-year-old ultraconservative “I am very disappointed at the attempted to end “Someday, the cardinal has been the doctrinal guardian selection of Cardinal Ratzinger as pope,” welcoming church will for the church as prefect of the Sacred said Francis DeBernardo, executive pastoral ap- apologize to gay Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith director of New Ways Ministry, which proaches to people as it has since 1981. Liberals often refer to him as serves U.S. gay and lesbian Catholics. lesbian and gay to others it has “God’s rottweiler” because of his “He has been a lightning rod for the people, and tried oppressed in the reputation for cracking down on dissent- anger that many lesbian and gay people to end the past,” Foreman ers, including those who have challenged and other progressive Catholics have discussion on said in a state- the church’s teachings on homosexuality. felt during the papacy of John Paul II.” homosexuality.” Pope Benedict XVI ment. “I very Ratzinger, who takes the name Benedict “He has been notorious in his resolve Matt Foreman, much doubt that this day will come during this pope’s reign.” “It’s a full-scale attack on the Growing presence of gay/lesbian reformist wing of the church,” wrote conservative political blogger Andrew Sullivan, who is a gay Catholic. “The groups on college campuses swiftness of the decision and the polarizing nature of this selection By Jennifer Morgan Of the approximately 220 Catholic 2- The overwhelmingly prominent type of foretell a coming civil war within New Ways Ministry and 4-year institutions in the United GLBT group on college campuses is the Catholicism. The space for dissidence, May 2005 States, almost 1/3 of these boast some Gay-Straight Alliance (usually referred to previously tiny, is now extinct.” type of gay/lesbian group, and several as GSA, although each college differs), or Laura Montgomery Rutt, a spokes- It was a typical South Bend day—cold of the groups exist at smaller schools, “Allies” program. These groups are open woman for the U.S. group Soulforce and gray—but orange shirts reading such as Stonehill College in Easton, to anyone, regardless of sexual orienta- that fights “spiritual violence” against “Gay, Fine By Me” could be seen all over Massachusetts, Carroll College in tion, but are usually organized and led by LGBT people, recalled trying to meet campus as I, and an overwhelming Helena, Montana, and Saint Martin’s students. What differs most among the for a dialogue with Ratzinger in Rome number of students and faculty, showed College in Lacey, Washington. Geogra- college groups is the level of involvement in 2001. His administrators refused and our support for the GLBT community on phy and size do play somewhat of a role. within the campus community, as well as threatened to call the police. the University of Notre Dame campus. A large majority of colleges with groups the primary purpose of each specific “His refusal to meet with us indicates For the past several years, gay and were in big cities, such as New York, group. his unwillingness to even acknowl- lesbian issues have been hot-button Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Chicago. The first type of group is what I would edge the Spirit evident in the lives of topics at Notre Dame, specifically the Further, better known Catholic colleges, call the “education and awareness” LGBT people,” Rutt said. “The issue of club recognition, as Student such as Boston College, Georgetown, group, whose main purpose is to educate Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith, Activities has repeatedly denied official Notre Dame, the Loyolas, and Gonzaga the community about GLBT issues. St. the office from which he was pro- club status to the GLBT student groups. usually tended to offer some type of Michael’s College “Ally” group aptly moted, was the old office of the Is this situation typical of all Catholic group and/or resources for GLBT illustrates this type of group. Ally’s Inquisition, and now he brings the college campuses? I recently did some students and friends. These include Mission Statement says, “Ally will work Inquisition to his appointment as pope.” research on the presence of gay/lesbian organizations such as Loyola University to educate the St. Michael’s community DeBernardo noted that Catholics groups on Catholic college campuses, of Chicago’s “Rainbow Connection,” on issues that affect lesbian, gay, who support LGBT equality in the including my alma mater, to answer that Loyola’s official GLBTQ organization, or bisexual, transgender and questioning church are hearty, having survived the very question. Do gay/lesbian groups Gonzaga’s HERO (Helping Educate people and their friends and families.” 26 years of John Paul II’s pontificate. exist on Catholic college campuses? Regarding Orientation), a gay-straight Similarly, Holy Cross Allies “[i]s commit- “That experience has taught them to What do they look like? Who are the alliance group with the stated goal “to ted to educating itself and the campus remain steadfast and prophetic,” members? What challenges do the eliminate discrimination and increase community regarding issues related to DeBernardo said. “I hope and pray groups face? And where do they fit in understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, sexuality.” In addition, Sacred Heart they will do the same under the new on campus? and transgender people in our community.” continued on page 4 pope. We will not be overcome.” Page 2 BONDINGS Volume 26, No. 1 B NDINGS Gays, straights discuss homosexuality Summer 2005 Vol. 26, No. in church 1 By Pete Daly parishioners to ponder how homosexuals could Francis DeBernardo, Editor The Trentonian gain greater acceptance from the Vatican to Sunday Jennifer Morgan, Production Manager and Design March 20, 2005 Mass. “Even if it’s a parish that’s not in a gay neighbor- Board of Directors LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ—In a hood, gay and lesbian Catholics are everywhere,” Mary Byers small room in a building behind the said Frank DeBernardo, executive director of the Frank O’Donnell, SM Church of St. Ann, the discussion New Ways Ministry, a Maryland-based Catholic Rev. Paul Thomas was quiet but intent on solving an group that seeks to reform how churches deal with age-old question — can homosexu- homosexuality. Board of Advisors ality exist within the Catholic “They are probably sitting next to you in a pew. Mary Ann Coyle, SL church? It’s not a problem outside the church. Gays and William Hunt, SFO The answers, of course, don’t Francis DeBernardo lesbians are inside already,” DeBernardo said. Patricia McDermott, RSM come easily, even among the two dozen or so gay and Inside, but rarely “out.” In 1991, a report by the Barbara Regan, rc lesbian Catholics who gathered yesterday with straight continued on page 11

Staff Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director ‘Open up the conversation’ on gay priests Jennifer Morgan, Staff Associate By Paula Doyle drive away straight seminarians, leading to a gay Co-Founders The Tidings dominance among clergy. Sister Jeannine Gramick March 17, 2005 —Fear that if a gay priest is held up as a positive role Father Robert Nugent Los Angeles, CA model, it might undermine the teachings of the Catholic Church. Bondings is a seasonal publication designed to keep Breaking through the pervasive silence about the —Fear that any discussion of gay priests would our subscribers informed of issues that pertain to lesbian existence of gay priests in the church will lead to a scandalize the faithful. and gay people and the Catholic Church. healthier community of faith, said a panel of Catholic —Fear that discussion of gay priests would invite leaders at the recent 2005 Religious Education Congress. negative media attention. Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry is an educational Speaking at a workshop on “Homosexuality, Celibacy —Fear that knowledge of the number of gay men in and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between and the Priesthood: Opening Up the Conversation,” Dr. the priesthood would make the Vatican use this as an the Catholic gay and lesbian community and institutional Tom Beaudoin, an assistant professor of religious studies opportunity to discipline the American church or take structures in the Roman Catholic Church. at Santa Clara University, told a packed workshop punitive action against any who broach the topic. audience that he believes almost everyone who has raised “Some of these reasons could be set aside if only New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate prevalent myths objections against gay priests has “very likely” learned there were more public models of gay priests,” said and stereotypes about homosexuality and supports civil something about God’s love from a priest who has a Father Martin. “In the absence of any healthy gay rights for lesbian and gay persons in society. homosexual orientation. priests for Catholics to reflect on publicly, and with “For generations, gay men have served in the Catholic the only examples being notorious pedophiles, the For more information, contact: priesthood,” said Beaudoin. “They have lived and are stereotype of the gay priest as child abuser only New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th St., living holy lives, human lives, celibate lives; it’s time to deepens.” Mt. Rainier, MD 20712 try to open up the conversation about that.” Denying that As for why gay priests are reluctant to speak (301) 277-5674 the panelists were pushing any political agenda, openly about their lives, Father Martin offers the E-mail: [email protected] Beaudoin said the workshop presented a “spiritual task” following reasons: Gay priests are often forbidden Web: www.newwaysministry.org for participants to try to “be present to what is and from speaking about their experiences by their receive it prayerfully.” religious superiors or bishops; they may experience He said talking in a “more adult way” about the bless- pressure from superiors, colleagues or parishioners to ings and challenges of gay priests similar to the way be silent about their sexual orientation; and/or the TO SUBSCRIBE... blessings and challenges of straight priests are discussed gay priest may be fearful about reprisals or identify- COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM BELOW will allow Catholics to become “more human” and “more ing himself with a group that is now frequently Please add my name to your mailing list. Enclosed is: holy with each other…so that at long last our church in blamed for the clergy sexual abuse crisis. ___ $15.00 in the U.S. or Canada this regard can finally begin to deal with reality.” “As I see it, there are very many gay men who are ___ $20.00 outside the U.S. or Canada ___ I would like to receive Bondings, but cannot donate Silent presence good priests in the church today,” declared Father at this time. “Today there are hundreds, if not thousands, of celibate Martin, who estimated the population of gay priests ___ An extra contribution for those unable to donate gay priests ministering to Catholics in parishes, schools, among the clergy as 25 percent. “The vast majority hospitals, high schools, colleges, retreat houses, soup are healthy, hard-working, faithful, loving celibate Name ______kitchens, nursing homes and chanceries,” said Jesuit members of the clergy. That is simply the truth. In Address ______City ______Father James Martin, associate editor and TV columnist order to grow as a people, we need simply to admit State/Province ______Zip______for America magazine. In spite of this fact, according to that truth.” Home Phone______Father Martin, the U.S. church has great difficulty . . . Workshop participant Patricia Mathews, 55, said Work Phone ______discussing the issue of gay priests at all. He cited eight the church is “opening up channels of compassion” E-mail ______reasons for this situation: by talking about homosexuality. As a relative of a —Fear and hatred of gays and lesbians. homosexual family member, Mathews said she saw Please make check payable to “New Ways Ministry.” Outside the —Assumption that being a gay priest means that one is, how the gay teenager experienced misunderstanding U.S., please use use only checks drawn on a U.S. bank in U.S. by definition, sexually active and incapable of chastity. in school and at home. “Having sessions like this dollars; no postal money orders. Mail to: New Ways Ministry, —Assumption that being a gay priest means one is a provides a venue for people to talk about their 4012 29th Street, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. pedophile or ephebophile. injuries,” Mathews reflected. —Fear that discussing the existence of gay priests will Summer 2005 BONDINGS Page 3 A people adrift in San Diego By Rosemary Johnston By Saturday morning, March 19, the esis of charity and tolerance.” sexual” who crusades against homosexu- National Catholic Reporter Union-Tribune’s letters to the editor Behind the scenes, local Catholics gath- ality. In the messages, the bishop tries to April 8, 2005 brimmed with responses from readers, gay ered in small clusters after Palm Sunday explains his apology: “... how it’s all wrong and straight, Catholic and non-Catholic. liturgies and exchanged rapid fire e-mails: and how I was done in. … I stood for our SAN DIEGO—As San Diego Catholics One letter pointed out that the convicted Isn’t it enough that the Catholic commu- position and I still do, but I need to ex- absorb the fallout from a recent decision pedophile priest John Geoghan, who was nity must bear the burden and the shame plain.” Activist James Hartline, whose by Bishop Robert Brom to deny a Catho- killed while incarcerated, was granted a full of the pedophilia scandal and now this? troubled past includes physically abusive lic funeral for the owner of a gay night- Catholic service in Boston while About the safest comment diocesan parents, stints in jail and drug addiction, club and the bishop’s subsequent apol- McCusker, a businessman who operated priests would make to inquiring parishio- has now dedicated himself to crusading ogy, it is clear that the polarization of red an “establishment for mature, consenting ners was: “Well, I would have handled against homosexuality and pornography. and blue states that characterized the 2004 adults,” was not. Yet another letter writer things differently.” He never returned Brom’s calls. Instead, presidential election also holds true for the insisted the bishop had done the right By Monday, March 21, when gay Catho- he contacted the local media, which ran local church. thing, that allowing Catholic funeral ser- lics and their supporters gathered at the another story. “Bishop’s careful apology The 31-year-old nightclub owner, John vices for McCusker would be tantamount San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, fails to end dispute,” the headline read. McCusker, had died unexpectedly March to Jesus “inviting pagans to the Last Sup- Transgender Community Center to craft a Catholic readers wondered why it was that 13 while vacationing in Mammoth, Calif. per.” respectful and dignified response, Hartline, who had spoken to the bishop His parents had arranged for a funeral at Meanwhile, diocesan chancellor Rod McCusker’s mother announced to them four times about the McCusker funeral the Immaculata, a Spanish Renaissance- Valdivia issued a series of backpedaling that Brom had apologized to her and her plans, including a one-hour meeting with style church, the largest in the diocese, statements in rapid succession, claiming husband for the anguish his decision had Brom, had such easy access to him. located on the campus of the University the bishop’s decision, described as a “pas- caused the McCusker family. Brom also an- What next? Once again, a Catholic of San Diego. However, when “concerned toral action,” should not be interpreted as nounced plans to preside at a memorial bishop had made a decision he thought Catholics” learned of impending funeral a “condemnation of Mr. McCusker.” Mass for McCusker at the Immaculata, a would prevent scandal, only to create a services from a death notice printed in the Rather, the bishop’s action was intended service that will be closed to the public. bigger one, just as U.S. bishops all over March 16 San Diego Union-Tribune, they to prevent the faithful from being “mis- The response to this amazing develop- the country have done when they trans- immediately contacted the chancery about led” by concluding that, if a Catholic fu- ment was a collective expression of grati- ferred pedophile priests to other parishes, the nature of McCusker’s business activi- neral service had been allowed, the church tude, relief, and admiration for the bishop’s rather than face the awful truth about that ties, demanding that the bishop prohibit would be condoning McCusker’s busi- apology among those who shuddered never-ending story. And once again, the the planned March 18 services at the ness activities. The e-mail contained an when they read about the cancellation of Catholic faithful, divided and polarized, Immaculata. Brom announced that none attachment showing marketing material for the funeral service, and an outraged cry of looked in vain for leadership from their of the 98 Catholic churches in San Diego porn videos filmed at two clubs owned by betrayal from those who condemned the shepherd. Once again, damage control County or Imperial County would be al- McCusker. apology. overshadowed the Gospel imperatives: lowed to provide services. Apparently, diocesan officials believed San Diego Catholics, who had hoped that “Let those without sin cast the first stone. When the story first broke on Page One this explanation would justify what was the goodwill generated by the bishop’s … Judge not lest you be judged.” of the Friday, March 18, Union-Tribune, fast becoming a major public relations di- apology and the afterglow of Easter cel- “We need bishops who really model Jesus the reaction from both blue and red Catho- saster. On Saturday morning, the Union- ebrations, would quell this funeral fiasco, for us,” a married friend and fellow parishio- lics was intense and immediate. Tribune published an editorial condemn- learned their relief would be short-lived ner who is active in the local chapter of Dig- McCusker’s family had by then scheduled ing Brom’s decision. “Intolerant bishop: when the March 25 Union-Tribune printed nity lamented in a phone conversation last services at the Cathedral Church of St. Denial of funeral contradicts human dig- excerpts from taped voice mail messages week. We remain, in the words of Peter Paul, headquarters for the San Diego Epis- nity,” the headline read. The scandal, the the bishop had left for an evangelical Steinfel’s recently published book on the copal diocese. As the cathedral’s rector editorial said, was not the nature of Christian activist and “reformed homo- crisis in church leadership, a people adrift. said: “Our basic philosophy is whoever McCusker’s business, but the bishop’s you are and wherever you find yourself “narrow-minded ostracism,” a gaffe that on the journey of faith, we welcome you.” sends a message that is “the sheer antith- Bishop Protests Notre Dame Films

By Felicia R. Lee in South Bend, is considered one of the The New York Times nation’s premier Catholic universities February 12, 2005 and is a sponsor of the festival. Mat- thew V. Storin, a spokesman for Notre NOTRE DAME—The second annual Dame, said in a news release that the Notre Dame Queer Film Festival, a university had “great affection and presentation of films by gay and lesbian respect” for Bishop D’Arcy but filmmakers, with panel discussions, disagreed with his interpretation of including one on the history of gay academic freedom. “Within reason, we marriage, has been denounced by the would prefer that our students encoun- Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Wayne- ter the secular American culture, with all Rochester couple receives award South Bend, Ind. The festival at Notre its faults, in the context of their Catholic Jennifer Morgan and Francis DeBernardo (L) of New Ways Ministry Dame University, which began on education rather than attempting to congratulate Mary Ellen and Casey Lopata (R), the most recent recipients of New Thursday and ends today, is “an abuse cloister them till the time they graduate, Ways Ministry’s “Bridge Building Award.” The couple received a plaque and a of academic freedom,” Bishop John M. only then to confront reality,” the $1,000 gift at an awards luncheon held in Rochester, New York, April 10, 2005. D’Arcy said in a statement. Notre Dame, statement said. Page 4 BONDINGS Volume 26, No. 1 Growing presence of gay/lesbian groups continued from page 1 University’s “Task Force Against the “activist”-oriented group, the and social in them. Xavier Alliance, growing trend on Catholic colleges, a Homophobia” has a stated goal of Rainbow Alliance at St. Norbert College Xavier University’s Gay-Straight trend I experienced at Notre Dame, is for increasing “the awareness and sensitiv- encourages its members to get involved Alliance, was established “to provide a straight friends of gay and lesbian ity of GLBT Issues facing our campus with the ACLU Get Equal Campaign, a safe place for people of all sexual students to join the clubs in support of community. In doing so we hope to campaign dedicated “to make signifi- orientations to their gay brothers and lesbian sisters. combat the stigmas of homophobia cant changes in the way America treats meet, offer Because most groups have some aspect while creating a safe and welcoming LGBT people,” by offering an ACLU opportunities to of awareness-raising to them, it is environment for the entire community.” link and directions of how to get learn, teach and appropriate that the groups are open to The second type of group I identified involved on their website. discuss the all. This is not an uncommon trend of is the “activist” group. These groups, Finally, many groups are “social,” and challenges non-academic groups. For example, at such as Boston College’s LGBC (The serve as places for discussion and surrounding Notre Dame, the Black Student Organiza- Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community socializing, often offering gatherings sexual orienta- tion is open to people of all colors, the at Boston College), have programs where GLBT people and their friends tion within the Texas Club encourages non-Texans to already in place to educate and raise can come together in an accepting and teaching of the become members, and the Hawaii Club Jennifer Morgan awareness. LGBC, a presence on the BC affirming environment. Bisexuals, Gay Catholic church luau is one of the most well attended campus since 1974, offers many and Lesbians of Villanova (B.G.L.O.V.) and build community spirit, mutual club events on campus all year long. Of services, including training sessions for states that a “particular aspect of understanding and support for all.” all the organizations I researched, none Resident Assistants and “ ‘Guess B.G.L.O.V. is the opportunity for the Xavier Alliance sponsors a variety of required that its members “come out” to Who’s Gay,’ the highly popular, development of true friendship.” activities, in addition to meetings, such be a member of the club, and confidenti- stereotype-smashing educational Marquette’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or as dances, informational speakers, and ality was almost always stressed in the program . . . available by request for the Questioning (GLBQ) group offers bi- Sexual Diversity Awareness Week. club’s mission statement or its equiva- residence halls.” Also at Boston weekly meetings. Many other groups, This range of involvement was typical lent. Of the schools with organizations, College, the BC Lambda Law Students such as St. Scholastica’s Open Doors of almost all of the groups I studied, many also offered clubs for graduate Association sponsors and participates group, St. Louis University’s Rainbow including those discussed above. students, law students, and faculty and in National Coming Out Day and the Alliance, and DePaul’s Spectrum offer Interestingly enough, almost every staff, or the already-existing organiza- National Gay and Lesbian Law weekly meetings and events. group I found was open to any and tions included these people. Association’s annual conference All of the groups have some aspect of everyone, whether or not they identi- As far as the organizational structure (Lavender Law). As a last example of the education and awareness, activist, fied themselves as gay or lesbian. The of each club, most fell under the “Stu- dent Activities” umbrella and were thus formally recognized as clubs by the college (unfortunately, my alma mater is The ‘gray zone’ of nondiscrimination policies an exception to this rule, as ND still does By The Heights Editorial Board programming practices. Two include sexual retain personnel who will make a positive not accept the gay/lesbian student The Heights orientation, two do not. contribution to its religious character, groups, although the Standing Commit- Boston College At Wheeling, homosexuals are afforded goals and mission.” tee is a formally recognized body. April 11, 2005 protection in the university’s diversity Same thing at Regis University, which Boston College’s LGBC has also applied statement, but not in its nondiscrimination “reserves the right to give employment for recognition and been denied several The Issue: It’s unclear how many Jesuit policy. preference to persons who demonstrate by times, according to their website). A institutions protect sexual orientation. Not even the staff at Creighton is sure of word and practice a commitment to the couple of the colleges offered groups or What We Think: Be clear - and add whether or not sexual orientation is included in University’s mission and educational goals.” programs run by Campus/University sexual orientation to policies its policies. An employee in the university’s So, depending how you look at it, as ministries. For example, at Loyola In an editorial on Feb. 14 suggesting that Office of the Registrar told The Heights that he many as 23 Jesuit schools include sexual Marymount University, Beati, the Boston College add sexual orientation to believes Creighton included the words in its orientation in their nondiscrimination Lesbian and Gay Community in Campus its nondiscrimination policy, The Heights nondiscrimination policy last year. The clause, policies, or as little 17 do. Ministry, was a campus affiliate of the stated that 20 of the nation’s 28 Jesuit found on the university’s Web site, does not Unfortunately, this discrepancy probably Los Angeles Archdiocesan Office of colleges and universities included the include the words. Its harassment and isn’t keeping many administrators of the Ministry with Lesbian and Gay Catho- words in their clauses. discrimination policy, however, does include schools in the “gray zone” up at night. The lics. Villanova has the Gay Straight A few days later, on Feb. 17, we issued a sexual orientation. The difference? It’s aforementioned nondiscrimination policies Coalition, but B.G.L.O.V. falls under correction, saying that 25 of the 28 schools anyone’s guess. are intentionally unclear - universities can Campus Ministry. In addition, counsel- extended protection from discrimination to That, however, is not the end of the save face by saying their documents affirm ing centers at several schools offered homosexuals. confusion. the rights of homosexuals, while their confidential support groups for gay and Today, we’re correcting that statistic again. Of the 20 institutions that include sexual practices may speak to the contrary. lesbian people, such as the counseling After a review of the nondiscrimination orientation in their nondiscrimination policy, There shouldn’t be loopholes in center at Rivier College in New Hamp- policies of the 28 institutions, here’s what three reserve the right to basically renege discrimination policies that enable shire, which offers a “Gay, Lesbian, we found: 20 colleges and universities the promise. institutions to pick and chose who, and Bisexual, Transgender of Questioning/ include sexual orientation. Five - BC, Gonzaga University’s document, which when, they protect individuals that are a Exploration Support Group.” University Loyola Marymount University, the explicitly states that it doesn’t discriminate part of their community. of San Diego, in addition to its student University of Scranton, Spring Hill College, against any person on the basis of sexual The nation’s 28 Jesuit colleges and groups, also has a LGBT Support Group, and Xavier University - do not. orientation, also says that the university universities should adopt nondiscrimination sponsored by the counseling center. Three institutions - Creighton University, “reserves the right to take religious faith policies that protect all persons. While the Moreover, though some counseling John Carroll University, and Wheeling into consideration where it is deemed Catholic Church does not approve of centers did not have such groups, the Jesuit University - have policies that are so appropriate.” homosexuality, it calls on the faithful to treat GLBT groups already in existence at unclear, it’s hard to say if their documents The situation is similar at Marquette homosexuals with “respect, compassion, these colleges had support groups in include sexual orientation or not. University, which protects homosexuals in and sensitivity.” As explained in the place. John Carroll, for example, has four its policies ... sort of. “At the same time,” its Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Every Further, many of the existing groups nondiscrimination statements, governing nondiscrimination policy reads, “Marquette sign of unjust discrimination in their regard offer or participate in the “Safe Zone” its admissions, employment, housing, and cherishes its right and duty to seek and should be avoided.” continued on page 5 Summer 2005 BONDINGS Page 5

Gay/Lesbian Gay-Friendly Catholic Colleges Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic colleges that have Groups some type of gay and lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc.. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! continued from page 4 If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay and lesbian people, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a club, support services, participation in gay community events, or simply the friendliness of the faculty program or its equivalent. “Safe Zone” and staff. programs usually consist of a required training period for the participant, whether this be a short seminar, a series California Louisiana Bronx: Fordham University, Manhattan College of classes, or something similar, on Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University New Orleans: Loyola University New Orleans Buffalo: Canisius College issues surrounding homosexuality and Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount University New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Iona homophobia, specifically applied to Moraga: Saint Mary’s College Maryland College college life and on college campuses. Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Baltimore: College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Poughkeepsie: Marist College After completion of training, the partici- San Diego: University of San Diego Loyola College of Maryland Riverdale: College of Mount Saint Vincent pant, who can be faculty, staff, or San Francisco: University of San Francisco Rochester: Nazareth College of Rochester student, is given a decal to place outside Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Massachusetts Syracuse: LeMoyne College of their office or dorm room to signify Boston: Emmanuel College Tarrytown: Marymount College that that place is a “safe space,” and is Colorado Chestnut Hill: Boston College welcoming to all. Denver: Regis University Easton: Stonehill College Ohio At my alma mater, the University of North Andover: Merrimack College Cincinnati: Xavier University, Univ. of Cincinnati Notre Dame, I completed such training as Connecticut Weston: Regis College Dayton: University of Dayton a Resident Assistant, and proudly placed Fairfield: Fairfield University, Sacred Heart Worcester: Assumption College, Holy Cross College my Rainbow Dome (the Golden Dome Univ.ersity Pennsylvania atop Notre Dame’s administration New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Missouri Erie: Mercyhurst College building is a common symbol of ND and West Hartford: Saint Joseph College St. Louis: Saint Louis University Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, LaSalle both students and graduates are referred University, Saint Joseph’s University to as “Domers”) decal outside my door District of Columbia Minnesota Villanova: Villanova University (each college has its own decal— Georgetown University Collegeville: Saint John’s University Saint Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Rhode Island University of Maryland, although not Florida St. Paul: St Thomas Univeristy Newport: Salve Regina University Catholic, has a Rainbow Terrapin!) The Miami Gardens: Saint Thomas University Winona: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota “Safe Zone” training consisted of two 2- Miami Shores: Barry University Texas hour sessions with Sr. Mary Louis Gude, Montana Austin: Saint Edward’s University Assistant Vice President of Student Illinois Helena: Carroll College Affairs and a member of ND’s Standing Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola University, Vermont Committee for Gay and Lesbian Student Saint Xavier College Nebraska Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Needs, as well as student members of the Omaha: Creighton University Standing Committee who shared their Indiana Washington stories. Approximately 15-20 future RAs Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, Saint Mary’s New Hampshire Lacey: Saint Martin’s College participated in the training, which College, University of Notre Dame Nashua: Rivier College Seattle: Seattle University covered issues such as what to do and Spokane: Gonzaga University what not to do if a student chose to come Iowa New Jersey out to you, how to deal with homophobia Dubuque: Loras College South Orange: Seton Hall Wisconsin in the dorms, and how the experience of a De Pere: Saint Norbert College gay or lesbian student may differ from Kentucky New York Madison: Edgewood College that of a straight student. Louisville: Spalding University Albany: College of Saint Rose Milwaukee: Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch Although it is a positive sign that so University. Marquette University many resources exist for the LGBT community, there are still obstacles to be versely affected by the remark, rather sented, and negative comments made. forced to find out who you are, and then overcome. Student groups still have to than the person whose orientation she But there was also such an overwhelm- try to the best of your ability to be that fight for recognition, and homophobic was criticizing. ing number of both students AND staff person each day. I loved an E.E. incidents still occur on college campuses. On a personal note, both my junior and who bought and wore the t-shirts that Cummings quote that St. Louis I visited with Catholic colleges in the DC senior years (2002-2003, 2003-2004), more had to be printed and a “repeat” University’s Rainbow Alliance had on its metropolitan area, and spoke with both Notre Dame was ranked by the Princeton day scheduled. I missed out the first website: “To be nobody-but-yourself— students and administrators. All said the Review as the #1 homophobic campus in time (the shirts were sold-out), but in a world which is doing its best, night situation for gays and lesbians has the U.S. But students organized the proudly sported my bright orange t-shirt and day, to make you everybody else— improved significantly in the past few “Gay, Fine By Me” campaign, a tactic the second time around. And I will means to fight the hardest battle which years, but that there was a long way to employed at other schools in the past, never forget how a very dear friend of any human being can fight; and never go. They noted that, occasionally, slurs such as Duke and Boston College, to mine, now a member of the Standing stop fighting.” I can only hope that, still appeared on dorm wipe boards, or show support for the gay community Committee, saw me wearing the shirt and with the promising signs I found in my negative editorials were published in and to rid ourselves of one title of which gave me a huge hug, telling me how research, gays and lesbians will not only student publications. However, both we were not proud. The campaign, as I happy it made him and how encouraged be accepted and celebrated on college administrators and staff said that these already mentioned, consisted of wearing he was to see so many members of the campuses, but everywhere, for who they incidents were now the exception, not the bright orange t-shirts with the slogan Notre Dame family showing their are. norm, and that it was no longer accept- “Gay, Fine By Me” printed on the front, support for him, and for his other gay able to be homophobic in a campus on a designated day. I wish I could say brothers and lesbian sisters under the For more information on gay and lesbian community. In fact, one administrator that everyone wore the bright orange t- Golden Dome. groups on Catholic college campuses, told me that, when a homophobic shirts, but I cannot. There were newspa- In the past, college campuses have contact New Ways Ministry at incident did occur, the student who had per articles written by people who been catalysts for social change. 301-277-5674 or via e-mail at made the negative comment was ad- disagreed with what the shirts repre- Perhaps it is because, in college, you are [email protected]. Page 6 BONDINGS Volume 26, No. 1 Pope’s legacy on gays recalled Praised for working for poor but criticized on sexuality & condoms By Eartha Metzler out among the highest in supporting gay it” they didn’t understand the concept of the Catholic Church will continue no The New York Blade and lesbian rights. This could be because loyal protest,” Sinnett said, matter what negative pronouncements April 8, 2005 Catholic teaching is more complicated than “Faith is a lot more [than the Church’s come from the Vatican. some think, it does not condemn homo- statements on homosexuality] we can Pope and politics As people around the world reflect on sexual orientation,” said Francis dissent faithfully.” The Church under John Paul II argued the life of Pope John Paul II, many remem- DeBernardo of New Ways Ministry, a 28- Grassroots change not only that homosexuality is against ber that the pope’s negative pronounce- year-old ministry which seeks to build In 1987, theologian Charles Curran was natural law, but that it should be against ments on homosexuality and on sexuality bridges between lesbian/gay Catholics and fired from his position at Catholic Univer- civil law as well. In 1992, the Vatican generally, have been a source of great the broader Catholic community, sity because he refused to follow the issued a letter to bishops urging them to pain. “Another reason for Catholic support Vatican line on homosexuality and birth oppose gay rights initiatives. Pope John Paul II, who died on April 2, may be the emphasis on family, people are control. The pope pressured the Italian govern- led the Catholic Church for 26 years and less likely to hate gay and lesbian people if Sister Jeannine Gramick began pastoral ment to withdraw support for the World was the longest reigning Pope in recent they have a gay or lesbian family member,” work with gay men and lesbians in 1971 as Pride Celebration in Rome in 2000. history. He presided over a church that DeBernado added. a nun with the School Sisters of Notre The pope supported the Federal Mar- grew to a billion people and became well Despite a broadening sense of accep- Dame in Baltimore. Gramick said she was riage Amendment to limit marriage to known for his opposition to communism tance of gay men and lesbians within the encouraged and supported in this work and high profile visits to 127 countries. Catholic Church, in 1986 Pope John Paul II by her church leaders at the time. Many remember the pope as a great issued a “Letter to the Bishops of the “Gays and lesbians felt so abandoned, communicator who reached out to the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of some hadn’t been to church in 10 or 20 poor. According to the Associated Press, Homosexual Persons.” This letter, which years and felt there was no place for even communist leader Fidel Castro was written in English and aimed at them,” Gramick said, “I told them every The Le expressed condolences for the pope, American Catholics, called same-sex baptized person has a place in the writing on Monday “Rest in peace, tireless attraction an “objective disorder” and church, it belongs to you as much as it fighter for friendship among peoples, “intrinsically evil”. belongs to straight people.” enemy of war and friend of the poor.” Dignity USA, the largest lesbian, gay, “We began having weekly services in Pope Joh Says who? Some observers believe that bisexual and transgendered Catholic homes and gradually they realized that the pope’s strict traditionalist views had to organization, founded in 1969, had been people cared … gradually the feelings do with his experience leading a church holding meetings in Catholic churches at of rejection were replaced with feelings within a communist state — he was a that time. In response to the pope’s 1986 of being welcome,” Gramick said, “There cardinal in Communist Poland. As such, he letter Dignity chapters across the country was an article that came out that first year opposite sex couples and asked bishops to was isolated from the liberalizing forces voted unanimously to leave the Catholic … in a major Philadelphia paper about a get involved in campaigns against same- that were impacting the Catholic Church in Church. nun doing work with lesbians and gays. I sex marriage. other countries. “This was quite got a couple dozen letters and two to one Rather than deal openly with the problem While the pope traumatic,” were in favor of what I was doing.” of sex abuse by priests, the pope promoted spoke out for Sinnett said. “Catholics are more tolerant and flexible Cardinal Bernard Law, who chose to cover- peace in the “People are hurt than church teachings would have us up sex abuse problem and attempted to Middle East and by the church’s believe,” Gramick said. “The real church is scapegoat homosexual priests, according apologized for language. We the people.” to Sinnett. some past wrongs exist to support Despite popular support for her work, the In November 2002, the church released a of the Catholic people who are Vatican conducted an 11-year long investi- letter entitled “Doctrinal Note on Some Church, he rigidly integrating gation into what she was doing and in 1999 Questions Regarding the Participation of upheld the spirituality and issued an order forbidding her to speak Catholics in Political Life,” which stated Church position sexuality.” about homosexuality or about the church that Catholic politicians should advance that sex was for Dignity now has investigation of her ministry. Catholic teachings in their work. procreation only. between 3,500 and “During his papacy, the movement for AIDS activists say that by traveling to The pope called 4,000 members, gay and lesbian rights at the higher level Africa and speaking against the use of homosexuality Sinnett said, and of the church deteriorated,” Gramick said birth control and condoms, the pope set “evil”, and used has around 50 of the reign of John Paul II. “But,” she back anti-AIDS work and that many have his position as chapters. “There added, “the movement of middle manage- died because of the pope’s theological head of the is an ultra- ment in the church in the U.S. progressed rigidity and opposition to condom use. Sam Sinnett orthodox belief that the church is the due to advocacy by gays and lesbians and “One of the greatest successes of this Catholic Church tooppose the use off birth people of God,” Sinnett said. “The Bishops their families. pope was in globalizing the church and control and of condoms against AIDS and may have shut out gays and lesbians but “The Pope’s pronouncements became listening to the voices in the Third to exert political pressure against gay gay and lesbian Catholics are still able to much more repressive than pastoral. The World,” said Francis DeBernardo, “My rights and same-sex marriage. He also practice.” documents produced by U.S. bishops hope is that the next pope will similarly attempted to scapegoat gay priests for the Sinnett said that he attends a Roman show the contrast between what we see on listen to the voices of gay and lesbian priest sex abuse scandals, according to Catholic mass with his Dignity chapter in the Vatican level and on the national people.” Dignity President Sam Sinnett. St. Louis. The service is held in an Episco- level,” Gramick said. “Those who are “I do believe that the Holy Spirit Different time for gay Catholics pal church. leaders in name are not leaders in fact. The guides the choice of the next pope,” During the 1970s ministries developed Why did some gay men and lesbians go real leaders are at the grassroots level, the DeBernardo said, “Catholic people have for gay men and lesbians within the to such lengths to stay close to a religion leaders are catching up to where the worked for justice for gay and lesbian Catholic Church. that had rejected them? people have already moved.” people. If the spirit can work under a “When polls have been done among “During the Vietnam era conservatives Gramick said that the movement toward papacy opposed to lesbian and gay various religious groups, Catholics come used to say to protesters “Love it or leave acceptance of gay men and lesbians within continued on page 6 Summer 2005 BONDINGS Page 7 Pope John Paul II’s words on homosexuality, 1978-2005 By Ethan Jacobs same-sex marriage was part of “a new areas, including issues relating to gay and possible to heal and especially prevent the Bay Windows ideology of evil.” For many GLBT people, lesbian people, and assigned that authority moral background to the disease,” which Boston, MA this rhetoric leaves a stain on the pope’s to an auxiliary bishop with close ties to the reporters took to be a reference to homosexu- April 7, 2005 legacy. What follows is a chronology of the Vatican. Hunthausen provoked the ire of the ality. pope’s words on homosexuality. pope in part by allowing the gay Catholic September 18, 1987: While visiting with As the world mourns Pope John Paul II, October 5, 1979: In a speech to bishops group Dignity to hold Mass in his cathedral. AIDS patients at San Francisco’s Mission many in the GLBT community find it hard to from every American diocese, held at After receiving petitions from priests, nuns Delores Basilica, the pope stowed away the join in the chorus of loving tributes. Since the Chicago’s Quigley South Seminary, the pope and lay people, the Vatican restored anti-gay rhetoric long enough to make a pope’s election in 1978, one of the most praised the bishops for preaching that gay Hunthausen’s authority in 1987 but placed heartfelt and moving statement about people consistent features of his tenure has been his sex was inherently sinful. Citing a letter that him under review for two years to ensure that living with AIDS. He said, “God loves you all, dogged opposition to GLBT rights, and as the American bishops had released two years he toed the party line on gay and other without distinction, without limit.” the world’s most visible religious leader the prior supporting many of the church’s issues. December 26. 1988: Keeping up his pope’s words carried weight. What is more socially conservative views, the pope said, October 30, 1986: Just in time for Hallow- compassionate streak, the pope called on tragic is that throughout his life his opposi- “As ‘men with the message of truth and the een, the Vatican’s Congregation of the scientists to find a cure for AIDS and offered tion to GLBT rights became more pro- power of God,’ as authentic teachers of God’s Doctrine of the Faith releases the “Letter to hope to people living with the disease during nounced, and his language became more law and as compassionate pastors you also the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the his traditional holiday prayer at St. Peter’s poisonous. In a book published less than two rightly stated: ‘Homosexual activity . . . as Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons,” which Basilica. He said: “These words are ad- months before his death the pope argued that distinguished from homosexual orientation, is warns bishops against being misled by the dressed above all to the victims of AIDS, morally wrong.’” “deceitful propaganda” of gay activists. called to face the challenge not only of the September 6, 1983: Speaking before 25 Stepping up the rhetoric a notch from sickness but also the mistrust of a fearful American bishops at an audience at the previous statements, the document argues society that instinctively turns away from Vatican, the pope argued that both gay sex that even an “inclination” to homosexuality them... I invite everyone to take up the tragic and premarital sex are incompatible “with bordered on the level of “an intrinsic moral burden of these brethren of ours . . . I exhort gacy of God’s plan for human love.” According to evil.” In reference to the AIDS crisis the scientists and researchers to increase their the New York Times, church sources Congregation laments that gay activists efforts to find an effective treatment.” believed that the pope was targeting continue their push for equality in spite of November 16, 1989: The good will couldn’t elements of the American church that held evidence that “homosexuality may seriously last. Speaking at a Vatican conference on hn Paul II liberal views on sexuality issues. This threaten the lives and well-being of a large AIDS, the pope argued that “abuse of speech foreshadowed the pope’s later number of people.” The Congregation also sexuality” was one of the causes of AIDS, a efforts to squash any debate within the blames gay activists for anti-gay hate crimes, remark that many interpreted to refer to church on GLBT issues. arguing that while such crimes are lamen- homosexuality. The pope also placed himself December 1, 1983: The Vatican releases table, “when civil legislation is introduced to firmly in the camp of those who opposed continued from page 6 its official sex education pamphlet, “Educa- protect behav- promoting safer sex issues … it can work under whoever tional Guidance in Human Love,” which calls ior to which no and condom use, comes next.” homosexuality both a “disorder” and a one has any saying that it was While many gay and lesbian advocates “social maladaptation.” The document’s conceivable immoral to promote expressed hope that the next pope will vision of sex education for gay and lesbian right [one AIDS prevention develop more progressive positions on people is a stern warning not to have any. should not be strategies “based sexuality, 114 of the 117 Cardinals who The Vatican’s guide also lists several surprised when] on recourse to will decide on a replacement were potential causes for homosexuality: “lack of irrational and means and rem- appointed by John Paul, and many doubt affection, immaturity, obsessive impulses, violent reac- edies that violate that any major doctrinal changes are on seduction, social isolation and other types of tions increase.” the authentic sense the horizon. frustration, depravation in dress, license in September of human sexuality.” Covering the pope shows and publications.’’ 10, 1987: July 23, 1992: In a written statement Atheists of July 25, 1986: The Vatican’s Congregation While flying Shoring up its America said that the papal death watch for the Doctrine of the Faith, acting with the toward the reputation as the was “out of control and over the top” approval of the pope, stripped the Rev. United States scariest wing of and said the coverage of the pope was Charles Curran, a tenured theology professor for his second the Vatican, the crossing over the line from objective at Washington’s Catholic University, of the visit during his Congregation of reporting to propaganda. right to teach theology for his dissent from Papacy, the the Doctrine of the According to Ellen Johnson, president the Vatican on a number of issues, including pope actually Faith issued a of Atheists of America, media coverage his stance on gay relationships. According to said something document arguing “ignored the fact that he condemned the Washington Post, Curran argued, positive and in favor of the millions of people for their sexual “homosexual acts in the context of a loving heartwarming to right to discrimi- orientation; continued the church’s relationship striving for permanence can in a a group of report- Pope John Paul II nate against gay and lesbian people in policy of relegating women as second certain sense be objectively morally accept- ers about the gay employment, housing and adoption of class citizens; and failed to respect the able.” Curran also differed from the Vatican community. In response to the controversy children. The document, called “Some American constitutional guarantee of on issues pertaining to abortion and sex over the Vatican’s October 1986 letter to Considerations Concerning the Response separation of church and state by outside of marriage. Both the faculty of the bishops on gay and lesbian people (see to Legislative Proposals on the Non- pressuring law makers and trying to Catholic University School of Religion as well above), the pope said, “They are not out- Discrimination of Homosexual Persons,” influence our nation’s political process.” as the Catholic Theological Society sup- casts, the homosexuals. Like all people who was allegedly aimed at North American Johnson also objected to President ported Curran’s right to dissent, but the suffer, they are inside the church. No, not bishops working to stake out a position on Bush’s order to lower the nation’s flag in Vatican steamrolled over the opposing views. inside the church, in the heart of the church.” anti-discrimination legislation. According to honor of the Pope. The week of September 6, 1986: Seattle Then, in an effort to dash any goodwill the document: “Sexual orientation does not “It is inappropriate for the American Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen among GLBT people, the pope said that as constitute a quality comparable to race, flag to be lowered in salute to a foreign announced in a letter sent to priests that the part of the church’s response to the AIDS ethnic background, etc. in respect to non- religious leader,” Johnson said. pope had stripped him of authority in five epidemic, the church “is doing all that is discrimination. Unlike continued on page 9 Page 8 BONDINGS Volume 26, No. 1 International News Bishops issue diversity and equality guidelines Independent Catholic News Archbishop Peter Smith, Chairman of particular values and traditions.” commitment to equality.’ London, England the Department for Christian Responsi- The document follows a series of Catholic employers must take care to ensure February 8, 2005 bility & Citizenship, said the purpose of recent EU Directives on race, employ- that no direct or indirect discrimination, the guidelines was “to raise awareness, ment and equal treatment and new UK harassment or victimisation takes place. LONDON—The Catholic Bishops to explain some of the requirements of legislation to implement these directives. In making appointments to committees Conference of England & Wale issued the law, and to encourage the Catholic In the Guidelines, the Bishops call on and commissions, councils, boards and published a Policy Statement and Guide- community to respond to this new all Catholic bodies ‘to publicly acknowl- other bodies, authorities should ensure lines on diversity and equality yesterday. situation in a way that reflects our edge their respect for diversity and ‘that selection procedures reach out to the full diversity of the Catholic commu- nity in their area or constituency.’ Cardinal Overrules Bishop Over Gay Formal and informal monitoring are encouraged by the Bishops, and while reverse discrimination is ‘usually inappro- Teacher Ban priate,’ other forms of ‘positive action’ are By Peter Moore happens to be a also encouraged. 365Gay.com gay teacher and The Guidelines cover six areas of March 28, 2005 he does happen legislation including, race, age, religion to be living with and belief, sexual orientation, and EDINBURGH—The Roman Catholic a partner, that’s disability. prelate of Scotland has overruled a call their personal, On race, the Bishops accept the reality from a senior bishop to ban gays from private life. I of ‘institutional racism’ and endorse the teaching in Catholic schools. don’t see it as a Charter of the Catholic Racial Justice Last week, Bishop Joseph Devine said problem,” he Congress 2003. there is no place in faith schools for gay said. On gender, they recognised the different or lesbian teachers. The role of roles that men and women are sometimes Devine, who is president of the gays in religion called to play, while at the same time they Catholic Education Commission added has also ‘recognise and uphold their fundamental that gay teachers “would be offering a embroiled the equality and support society’s attempt to lifestyle that is incompatible with Anglican give them full and equal rights’. Catholic social teaching.” Church. Last The Bishops urge the Catholic commu- He has also called for any gay teachers Cardinal Keith O’Brien week Scotland’s branch of Anglicanism nity to ‘seek to include people with already working in the school system to In an interview with a Scottish newspa- announced it would accept gays into disabilities in the pastoral, spiritual, be “red circled” so they could not be per the cardinal said that gay teachers the priesthood. The decision has liturgical, social and educational dimen- promoted. would not be banned from working in infuriated conservatives who are still sions of Church life.’ But, Cardinal Keith O’Brien has but the faith-based schools. threatening a schism over the election They welcome new legislation on brakes on Devine after the bishop’s O’Brien said that he did not view of an openly gay man as bishop of New religious discrimination in employment’ statement provoked dissent within the homosexuality as a problem and it had no Hampshire in the US. which needs to be carefully applied so as senior clergy in the Church in Scotland. relevance to the church. “If there to safeguard ‘the right of faith communi- ties to practice their faith freely and to engage in a range of religious, educa- Canadian bishops reiterate opposition tional and charitable activities’. The Bishops make it clear that ‘every to same-sex marriage bill human being, whatever his or her sexual orientation, has a right to live a life free The Catholic Messenger and Jack Layton, leader of the New Archbishop Thomas Collins of from discrimination and harassment’. At Davenport, Iowa Democratic Party of Canada. Edmonton, Alberta, asked Catholics in the same time, they point out that February 10, 2005 The letters, sent on behalf of the his archdiocese to speak against the Catholic teaching makes a distinction bishops by Archbishop Brendan O’Brien legislation but to be welcoming of those between sexual orientation and sexual OTTAWA—As the Canadian Parlia- of St. John’s, Newfoundland, CCCB who struggle with same-sex attractions. activity, and it holds that all men and ment prepared to introduce same-sex president, were dated Jan. 31. “Like everyone, they will find true inner women are called to a life of chastity, and marriage legislation, the Canadian On Feb. 1, the Canadian government peace according to the vision of chastity to fidelity, if they choose to marry.’ Conference of Catholic Bishops sent introduced a same-sex marriage bill into that comes from the Gospel and from our New legislation which from 2006 will letters to government leaders reiterating the House of Commons. The legislation Catholic Christian faith,” he said. protect all against discrimination on the their opposition and urging that legisla- contained provisions protecting religious The archbishops of Ottawa and grounds of age is also welcomed. tors be allowed to vote according to their groups that choose not to perform same- Vancouver, British Columbia, also issued In conclusion, the Bishops ‘call upon all consciences. sex marriages. letters urging parishioners to let their Catholics to make a real effort to be open The bishops “stand united in their The legislation said it was designed “to voices be heard on the same-sex marriage to the challenge of the new legislation’ opposition to legislation that would reflect values of tolerance, respect and debate. and they express their own hope to create redefine marriage in such a way that it is equality consistent with the Charter of The letters were part of a concerted within the church ‘a pattern of life no longer recognized as the unique, Rights and Freedoms,” part of the campaign by the Catholic bishops that founded on the love of God for each essential and fundamental relationship of Canadian Constitution. has included letters from Quebec person a place of welcome that enable all a man and a woman,” said letters to For several weeks, Canadian bishops Cardinal Marc Ouellet, Toronto Cardinal who wish so to respond to the invitation Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, have urged Catholics to speak out Aloysius Ambrozic and Bishop Frederick of faith.’ Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe against the legislation. Henry of Calgary, Alberta. Summer 2005 BONDINGS Page 9 Pope John Paul II’s words on homosexuality continued from page 6 these, homosexual orientation is an sex,’ or ‘safer sex,’ a dangerous and church, had been the subject of a 12-year July 31, 2003: The Pope continued his objective disorder.” immoral policy based on the illusory investigation, and Cardinal Joseph streak of interceding in American and November 16, 1992: The Vatican releases theory that a condom can provide Ratzinger of the Congregation argued European politics, issuing a 12-page its 676-page Catechism of the Catholic sufficient protection against AIDS.” that the two had misled people into document calling Catholic legislators Church, the first major compendium of July 21, 1998: Cardinal Edward thinking that the Vatican might change who vote in favor of same-sex marriage, Catholic belief issued since the 1566 Cassidy, the pope’s envoy to the their position on homosexuality. rights for same-sex couples or gay Council of Trent. Gay and lesbian people Anglican Communion (whose U.S. Ratzinger declared that Nugent and adoption rights “gravely immoral.” The get a special mention in the new book, and branch is the Episcopal Church), Gramick “are permanently prohibited from document argues, “There are absolutely for those Catholics who haven’t been warned attendees at the Anglican’s any pastoral work involving homosexual no grounds for considering homosexual paying attention the book restates the well- Lambeth Conference in Canterbury persons.” unions to be in any way similar or even worn argument that gay and lesbian people that relationships between the two July 9, 2000: The pope condemned the remotely analogous to God’s plan for should be treated with compassion but that denominations would be strained if World Pride event held in Rome, which marriage and family.... Marriage is holy, they should abstain from sex. the Anglicans either allowed gay and was held in the city the same year as the while homosexual acts go against the February 23, 1994: In the wake of a lesbian people to marry or enter the natural moral law.” The European Parliament non-binding resolu- priesthood. He said that unity release of the docu- tion in favor of same-sex marriage and between the two denominations ment coincided with adoption by gay couples, the Pope issued would be ruptured if the Anglican President Bush’s a 100-page letter to Catholics on family bishops promoted “diversity and statements that his values. Ratcheting up the rhetoric, the differences which cannot be recon- administration was Pope argued that same-sex marriage was ciled with the Christian Gospel.” working to ensure that not merely sinful but potentially danger- The week of October 8, 1998: The same-sex couples not ous: “Other interpersonal unions [beyond pope canceled a trip to Sweden to be allowed to marry. heterosexual marriage] which do not fulfill meet with that country’s Archbishop October 4, 2003: the above conditions cannot be recog- Karl-Gustav Hammar; the pope was The pope told Arch- nized, despite certain growing trends which reportedly angry about an art bishop of Canterbury represent a serious threat to the future of exhibition going on at the time in Rowan Williams, the family and society itself.” Three days Uppsala’s Lutheran Cathedral spiritual leader of the prior to releasing the letter the Pope told featuring photographs depicting Anglican Communion, worshippers at the Vatican’s Sunday Christ surrounded by gay men. that the August service that the European Parliament Hammar also alienated the pope by selection of V. Gene resolution “inappropriately confer[ed] an welcoming gay and lesbian people Robinson as Episcopal institutional value on deviant behavior.” into the church and ordaining them as World Pride in Rome Bishop of New Hampshire threatened to December 21, 1995: The Vatican ministers, even when they were living Catholic Church’s Grand Jubilee of the cause a strain in the relationship published a guide for parents on their with same-sex partners. year 2000. He said: “In the name of the between the two denominations. child’s sex education. In addition to July 13, 1999: The Congregation Church of Rome, I cannot not express Without mentioning Robinson specifi- restating the church’s condemnation of gay for the Doctrine of the Faith rules that bitterness for the affront to the Grand cally, he said: “As we give thanks for the sex, the 66-page booklet, called “Human the Rev. Robert Nugent and Sister Jubilee of the year 2000 and for the progress that has already been made, we Sexuality: Truth and Significance,” also Jeannine Gramick must end their offense to the Christian values of a city must also recognize that new and argues against teaching anything about ministry to gay and lesbian people. that is so dear to the hearts of Catholics serious difficulties have arisen on the safer sex to prevent the spread of AIDS. Nugent and Gramick’s New Ways across the world.” For months before the path to unity.” The book reads in part that parents should Ministry, which encouraged gay and Pride event the Vatican had lobbied September 5, 2004: The pope told “refuse the promotion of so-called ‘safe lesbian Catholics to remain in the unsuccessfully to keep the event out of Canada’s ambassador to the Vatican that Rome. Prime Minister Paul Martin should December 28, 2003: Following court abandon his efforts to legalize same-sex decisions in favor of same-sex marriage in marriage. He argued, “Any attempts to Massachusetts and Canada, the Pope change the meaning of the word Vatican attacks after Spain’s issued a public condemnation of same-sex ‘spouse’ contradicts right reason: Legal marriage. “In our times, a misunderstood guarantees, analogous to those granted House passes gay marriage sense of rights has sometimes disturbed to marriage, cannot be applied to unions the nature of the family institution and between persons of the same sex The Washington Blade one of Europe’s most Catholic conjugal bond itself,” the Pope said. without creating a false understanding April 29, 2005 countries, is considering a bill to January 17, 2003: The Vatican issued of the nature of marriage.” legalize same-sex marriage, and the a document calling on Catholic elected February 22, 2005: The Pope releases ROME—A senior Vatican cardinal last measure was adopted last week in the officials to legislate according to Catholic his last book, Memory and Identity, week condemned Spain’s plans to allow country’s lower house of parliament, doctrine on same-sex marriage, abortion which includes the most virulent anti- gay marriage and adoption, the Times of according to the Times. The attack on and other issues. The document, called gay language of his tenure. He argues London reported. Cardinal Alfonso Lopes the measure from the Vatican is an “Doctrinal Note on Some Questions that the legal push for same-sex marriage Trujillo, head of the Pontifical Council on indication of how the new papacy will Regarding the Participation of Catholics is motivated by a sinister agenda (he’s the Family, in an interview with the adhere to precedents put in place by in Political Life,” argued that same-sex obviously never met Annie Goodridge). Corriere della Sera newspaper, said of the the late Pope John Paul II and relationships can in “no way be placed According to the Pope’s new book: “It is Spanish bill: “We cannot impose the supported by the new Pope Benedict on the same level as marriage, nor receive legitimate and necessary to ask oneself if iniquitous on people. On the contrary, XVI, the Times reported. Pope legal recognition as such.” In the United [the movement for same-sex marriage] is precisely because they are iniquitous, the Benedict previously has called States the pressure of the Catholic not perhaps part of a new ideology of church makes an urgent call for freedom of homosexuality objectively disordered Church was felt most notably by Sen. evil, perhaps more insidious and hidden, conscience and the duty to oppose,” the and an intrinsic moral evil, according John Kerry in his unsuccessful bid to which attempts to pit human rights Times reported. The government in Spain, to the newspaper. unseat President Bush. against the family and against man.”

Page 10 BONDINGS Volume 26, No. 1 Film Chronicles Nun’s Crusade for Gay Catholics By Daniel Burke in an interview. “Because here was a nun won’t change a thing, Gramick said in an it has not yet had a chance to see The Washington Post that was a hero to many on this issue. July 31, 2004 And this muzzling, it was almost medi- eval.” PHILADELPHIA—With her shy nun’s The filmmaker was also taken by smile and gentle demeanor, Sister Gramick’s humility. Jeannine Gramick seems the most ”She’s not just out to bad-mouth the unlikely of gadflies. But, as a new church,” Rick said. “She’s actually documentary about her ministry to gay following her conscience, which is a and lesbian Catholics shows, she is primary Catholic tenet.” fearless in fighting anyone who tries to Gramick’s conscience has led her to join silence her. a different order, the Sisters of Loretto; to The film, “In Good Conscience: Sister accept speaking engagements across the Jeannine Gramick’s Journey of Faith,” world; and to travel to Rome, where she has made the rounds at film festivals from talked her way past sword-bearing Swiss Milan, Italy, to Kansas City. It recently sentries guarding Ratzinger’s Vatican won an “audience favorite” award at the office. Philadelphia International Gay and For four years, Rick’s camera was there Audience reaction to screening of “In Good Conscience,” Philadelphia, July 17, 2004 Lesbian Film Festival in Gramick’s to document it all. hometown. To young Catholic students, Gramick interview, unless the church begins to In Good Conscience.” The film follows four years of Gramick’s argues that Scripture – which many point democratize itself.“Unfortunately, they One moment in the film encapsulates three-decade quest to make her church to when denouncing homosexuality — modeled the governance of the church Gramick’s journey: Driving through more accepting of homosexuals. It is a also condones slavery and prohibits on the Holy Roman Empire,” she says in Tennessee and unable to find the home quest that began with a question. “hump-backed priests.” the film. “We have an emperor and of her new order, the Sisters of Loretto, ”I was a good little nun for many, many ”We hold on” to certain parts of the monarchs and that’s so far from the Gramick and a companion pull over to years,” Gramick says in the film. “Until I Bible, she says in the film, “because we gospel. So, when the Vatican talks about consult a map. The companion asks met a gay man, and that friendship really use them to justify prejudices that scandal – I think that’s the scandal.” Gramick which saint they should pray to changed the direction of my life. The already exist and we’re going to use In the film, most of Gramick’s attempts for help. “Well, St. Anthony, he’s the question that Dominic kept asking me Scripture to back it up.” to buttonhole bishops to talk to them one who finds things — he can help was, `Now Sister, what is the Catholic To homosexual men and women, she about gay rights fail, and Ratzinger says find the way for you,” Gramick says. Church doing for my gay and lesbian preaches the primacy of conscience and he’s too busy to meet with her and They consider for a moment, then brothers and sisters?’” advises them to “not censor (themselves) doesn’t acknowledge her letters. think that perhaps they should also That was in 1971. Soon after, she co- from the things in the church that (they) The U.S. Conference of Catholic entreat St. Jude, “the saint for impos- founded New Ways Ministry, a national have a right to.” Bishops’ Office for Film and Broadcast- sible cases.” research and advocacy center for gay But all of her preaching and counseling ing, which routinely reviews movies, said Catholics. She has also written books on gay and lesbian issues, and consistently challenged church leaders to rethink the Detroit Archdiocese Cancels Reception theology that condemns homosexual acts as a “grave depravity” and “intrinsically disordered.” for Nun Supportive of Gay Catholics The church hierarchy has not been pleased. In 1999, Cardinal Joseph By Kevin Eckstrom Maida’s office said the “sensitive and Ratzinger, who heads the Vatican’s Religion News Service necessary” discussions about ministry to Congregation for the Doctrine of the January, 2005 gay Catholics “can cause more harm than Faith, issued a gag order on Gramick good if it is conducted in the midst of because she had “caused confusion DETROIT—Supporters of a nun silenced controversy and ambiguity.” among the Catholic people” and “harmed by the Vatican for her work with gay and The archdiocese said church property the community of the church.” For those lesbian Catholics have been turned away was “not the appropriate setting” for reasons, Ratzinger ordered, “Sister from a Detroit-area parish because their Gramick or the reception. Gramick, in a Jeannine Gramick ... is permanently mission is “not in accord with the mission statement, said the move was “uncalled prohibited from any pastoral work and message of the church.” for.” involving homosexual persons.” The Archdiocese of Detroit ordered a ”Decisions like that are what makes the Gramick complied with the prohibition, halt to a reception at St. Mary’s Church Catholic Church look foolish in the eyes of but she continued to speak out for in Royal Oak, Mich., that was scheduled the world,” she said. “It’s embarrassing to greater tolerance of homosexuals. In for Sunday (Jan. 30) following a screen- me as a Catholic that the leaders of my 2000, the general superior of her order, ing of “In Good Conscience,” a docu- church would censor.” the School Sisters of Notre Dame, told mentary about the work of Sister Francis DeBernardo, executive director of Gramick, “You are not to speak or write, Jeannine Gramick. New Ways Ministries, said the decision by any means whatsoever, on matters Detroit’s archbishop, Cardinal Adam reflected the church’s “paranoid” approach related to homosexuality.” Maida, led a Vatican investigation into to gay issues. Barbara Rick, the director of “In Good Gramick’s work with the Maryland-based ”Repressing discussion is not an Conscience,” remembers reading the New Ways Ministries that led to a 1999 authentically Catholic way to deal with the nun’s response to her superior in the Sister Jeannine Gramick (L) and Barbara directive to cease her work. Gramick complex and sensitive issue of homosexu- Rick (R), director of “In Good Conscience,” newspaper: “I choose not to collaborate following screening of the film, Royal Oak, transferred to a different order of nuns ality,” he said. “Censorship and silencing in my own oppression,” Gramick said. MI, January 30, 2005 and continues to advocate for greater by church leaders are a source of scandal ”I sat straight up in my seat,” Rick said inclusion for homosexuals. for all Catholics.” Summer 2005 BONDINGS Page 11 Gays, straights Gay-Friendly Parishes discuss homo- Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic parishes and faith communities. Thank you 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 sexuality welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in gay continued from page 2 community events, involvement with parents, or simply the friendliness of pastoral staff. National Conference of Catholic Bishops reconciled the church with reality when it stated a homosexual person is not evil, Alabama Illinois Elmira: St. Mary’s and that being gay was an orientation, Montgomery: St. Bede Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Fairport: Church of the Assumption not a choice, and thus not a sin. Chicago: Loyola University, St. Clement, St. Gregory Long Island: SS. Cyril and Methodius, Deer Park; The report also said Christians should Arizona Country Club Hills: St. Emeric St. Brigid’s, Westbury; St. Elizabeth, Melville offer homosexuals “a special degree of Mesa: Christ the King Morton Grove: St. Martha Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus; St. Joseph, pastoral understanding and care.” Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Greenwich Village; St. Francis Xavier; St. Paul the Tempe: All Saints Catholic Newman Center Indiana Apostle Yet the church maintains that homo- Tuscon: SS. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Our Evansville: St. Mary Rochester: Emmanuel Church of the Deaf, St. sexuals should live in chastity, and that Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Notre Dame: GALA Notre Dame/St. Mary’s College Augustine, St. John the Evangelist (Humboldt while being gay isn’t a sin, homosexual St.), St. Mary’s, St. Monica sex is “morally wrong.” The Diocese of California Iowa Syracuse: St. Andrew the Apostle Trenton had no official comment on Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Iowa City: St. Thomas More Utica: St. Francis DeSales yesterday’s forum. Carlsbad: St. Patrick “They will accept you only if your an Claremont: Mother of Good Counsel, Our Kentucky North Carolina asexual single person,” said Karen, a Lady of the Assumption Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the Assumption, St. Durham: Immaculate Conception lesbian who is Catholic. “Who wants to Eagle Rock: St. Dominic’s William’s Fayetteville: St. Patrick go through life by themselves? As nice El Cajon: St. Luke Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi as all this fluffy stuff sounds, could you Escondido: St. Timothy Maine be in a relationship with a person of the Goleta: St. Mark’s University Parish Portland: Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Ohio same sex without having a sexual Hawthorne: St. Joseph’s (Spanish) Saco: Most Holy Trinity Akron: St. Bernard relationship?” LaPuente: St. Martha Cincinnati: Lesbian/Gay Ministry, Xavier “It makes me angry,” she said. Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Maryland University; Newman Center, University of Cincinnati Another woman said that while Long Beach: St. Matthew’s Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Loyola College, St. Francis Cleveland: Ascension of Our Lord; Gesu Parish Catholics may be slowly softening their Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the of Assisi, St. Philip and James University Heights; St. Ladislas, Westlake; St. hardline stance against homosexuality, King, Loyola-Marymount University, Mother Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Malachi; St. John Vianney, Mentor; St. Mary of the church often fails to be inclusive. of Good Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA USC Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima the Immaculate Conception, Wooster Medical Center (Spanish), St. Paul the Apostle Hagerstown: St. Ann Columbus: Newman Center, Ohio State University “The church doesn’t try to correct North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Severn: St. Bernadette Dayton: University of Dayton Campus Ministry people’s perception,” she said. St. Patrick’s But DeBernardo said change, even at a Oceanside: St. Thomas More Massachusetts Oregon glacier-like pace, is evident. In 1998, Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Boston: Boston College, Jesuit Urban Center, Paulist Central Point: Shepherd of the Valley when New Ways Ministry began keeping San Diego: Ascension, Christ the King, San Rafael, Center, St. Anthony’s Shrine Portland: Koinonia Catholic Community, St. track of Catholic churches that are St. Jude Shrine Newton: Our Lady Help of Christians Andrew, St. Phillip Neri, St. Vincent de Paul accepting of gay members, there were San Fransisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Old St. Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows just 20 across the nation. The list now Mary’s Cathedral Worcester: Holy Cross College Pennsylvania includes more than 120. San Luis Obispo: Old Mission of San Luis Obispo Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph’s, Old St. Mary’s, St. “The issue of homosexuality is more San Rafael: Church of San Rafael & Mission Michigan John the Evangelist, St. Vincent de Paul discussed and Catholics are more aware San Rafael Archangel St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola York: St. Joseph, San Damiano and accepting,” DeBernardo said. Santa Clara: GALA, Santa Clara University “Catholics are really hungering for more Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Missouri Rhode Island information on gays and lesbians. It was Santa Monica: St. Monica’s Kansas City: Cathedral of the Immaculate Providence: St. Francis Chapel such a secret issue for so long.” Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Conception, St. Francis Xavier He and others yesterday acknowl- Valinda: St. Martha’s St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Scotland, Texas edged, however, that the widespread West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, St. Victor’s St. Pius V Austin: University Catholic Center-Univ. of Texas sexual abuse cases by priests against Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Dallas: Holy Trinity minors, mostly boys, has made accep- Minnesota San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Word Colorado Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, St. Joan of Arc, tance even more difficult. Arvada: Spirit of Christ Catholic Community St. Stephen Virginia “People confuse pedophelia and sexual Boulder: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Paul: Univ. of St. Thomas Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace abuse with homosexuality, and gay Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sacred people were made scapegoats because of Connecticut Nevada Heart Parish that,” DeBernardo said. Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony Las Vegas: Christ the King, Guardian Angel Cathedral Roanoke: St. Gerard’s Still, as churches add discussion Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas groups, list parishes as gay- and lesbian- District of Columbia New Jersey friendly in bulletins, and enlist support Dahlgren Chapel-Georgetown University, Clifton: St. Brendan Washington groups for parents of gay children, some Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, St. Matthew Cathedral Lawrenceville: St. Ann Seattle: St. Benedict said Catholics are closer to understand- Wayside: St. Anselm Tacoma: St. Leo ing the issue than ever. Florida “Even with their lack of inclusion, I’m Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, St. Maurice New Mexico Wisconsin pleased that lesbians and gays are Melbourne: Ascension Parish Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Madison: St. Benedict Center Sunday Assembly sticking it out,” said Myron Novitsky, a Naples: St. John the Evangelist Milwaukee: Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe deacon at St. Joe’s in Toms River. “We Winter Haven: St. Matthew New York have a ways to go, unfortunately. But we Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Canada came a long way on race, on separation, Georgia Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Boniface Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes and on divorce, and I think we’re learning Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Conception East Islip: St. Mary to celebrate the whole fabric.” Page 12 BONDINGS Volume 26, No. 1 Sunday Lunch with ... Rick Garcia By Debra Pickett also, the abuse you get — if I was not able to go to leading professional queer,” Garcia switches from Chicago Sun-Times mass or to sit quietly and say the rosary and comfort thoughtful philosophical question mode into saucy February 13, 2005 myself, I wouldn’t be able to take it.” sound-bite mode. He has a few choice words for some So, yes, on this first day of Lent, Garcia orders fish to of the more prominent American cardinals and bishops. “I’ll have a go with that cocktail, which he nurses throughout the “I am not going to allow a bunch of pedophile- Manhattan,” Rick two-hour lunch. And, yes, he has a few more surprises protecting prelates to tell me whether I’m a good Garcia declares in store. Catholic,” he declares in a tone that practically begs for almost immediately “I am a Roman Catholic,” he says without hesitation. an in-your-face finger snap. “Those old goats have no as he takes a seat in “I believe in the teachings and traditions of my church. business criticizing any of us.” the red-velvet-lined I believe in the faith. And I believe we are obliged to And now Garcia, 44, is just getting started. corner booth at adhere to those teachings as we are able.” “Right-wing Catholics go after me constantly,” says Petterino’s. “I’ve had So the pronouncements of the pope and of all the Garcia, who was born and raised in St. Louis. “When I a long morning.” bishops, I start to ask, what do you do with all those say I’m Catholic, they refer to me as a ‘self-proclaimed It surprises me teachings? Catholic.’ Well, no, thank you very much, I didn’t somewhat that “What I say,” he replies, “is that our church teachings declare myself Catholic. Father Sommers, who baptized Rick Garcia Garcia, the state’s need updating in the area of human sexuality.” me, proclaimed me Catholic, thank you very much. OK? leading gay- rights activist and an accomplished Just getting started And Bishop Gottwald, who confirmed me, thank you political operator, so quickly orders a cocktail with He lists the church’s official stands on birth control very much.” lunch. I guess I’ve gotten used to everyone pretending and divorce, but then stops himself. Because Garcia, Garcia’s smile never fades during his rant, and he they consume only bottled water and herbal tea. who studied theology at the College of Notre Dame in never loses the cool look of a man whose French-cuffed But the amber-colored cocktail has nothing on the St. Louis, knows there’s more to it than all of that. shirts are laundered and pressed with heavy starch. He other big surprise of Garcia’s arrival: It’s Ash Wednes- “You know,” he says, “too many people reduce our also never loses his train of thought, even when Cook day, and Garcia has clearly been to church. church to what we do or don’t do with our genitals. I County Commissioner John Daley stops by to hold Isn’t he supposed to be on the other side of the red- mean, people say, ‘How can you be a Catholic when court, or Illinois Film Office head (and Blair Hull’s ex- blue cultural divide? you so ardently support gay rights?’ But you never wife) Brenda Sexton comes over to chat. “People always ask how can I reconcile being a hear anyone ask, ‘How can you be a Catholic when you Petterino’s, though it only opened in 2001, has the feel Catholic with being a gay-rights activist,” says Garcia, so ardently support the death penalty?’ Or: ‘How can of a real Chicago institution, and Garcia clearly relishes who attended Catholic grade school, high school and you be a Catholic when you so ardently support the the scene. Located a few minutes’ walk from City Hall, college and goes to mass three times a week. “But the war machine?’ “ the County Building and the Thompson Center, the truth is that I couldn’t do this without being Catholic. . . But just when I’m starting to rethink everything I place has become a nexus of political power-lunching. For one thing, the nuns taught me that part of our faith supposedly know about the inexhaustible activist who And, in those same years, Garcia himself has, as the is pursuing social justice and living gospel values. But, only half-jokingly refers to himself as “Chicago’s political director of Equality Illinois, crossed over from being a persistent activist to a ubiquitous player. Still, he says, fighting for equal rights for Illinois’ gay Vatican officials say sash wearers dis- and lesbian citizens is not exactly the sort of position that offers big progress or dramatic rewards. The gains qualified from Communion here have been slow and not always steady. ‘Is that all there is?’ By John Thavis secretary said the cardinal Last month, when the governor signed into law a bill The Vatican thought sash wearers should banning discrimination against gays in housing and February 10, 2005 not receive Communion. employment, Garcia scored his biggest legislative Asked about his position victory since founding Equality Illinois in 1988. There is ROME—The Vatican’s top liturgy official said by CNS, Cardinal Arinze said: something bittersweet, he says, about a decadeslong Rainbow Sash wearers disqualify themselves from “Rainbow Sash wearers are fight to do something as basic as outlaw discrimination. receiving Holy Communion because they are demon- showing their opposition to “It means nothing,” he says of the new law, “and yet it strating their opposition to church teaching on homo- church teaching on a major also means everything.” sexuality. issue of natural law and so Many of Garcia’s victories are like that. Cook County Cardinal Francis Arinze, head of the Congregation for disqualify themselves from now has a registry where same-sex couples can make Divine Worship and the Sacraments, made the comment being given holy Commun- their domestic partnerships official. But what is it worth, in a written response to Catholic News Service in early ion.” he can’t help thinking, when it doesn’t guarantee the February. Cardinal Arinze did not Archbishop Harry Flynn legal right to visit one another in an intensive-care unit? Rainbow Sash, which describes itself as an organiza- elaborate, and he declined a request for an interview on “You work so hard,” he says, “and then you think, as tion of gay and lesbian Catholics and their families and the subject. Peggy Lee sang, ‘Is that all there is?’” friends, has criticized church statements on homosexu- In December, Archbishop Harry Flynn of St. Paul- Garcia takes a sip of his Manhattan. And then he ality, including the church’s teaching that homosexual Minneapolis spoke with Cardinal Arinze about the begins to sing, “If that’s all there is, my friends, then acts are “intrinsically disordered” and that homosexual Rainbow Sash question. Archbishop Flynn allows let’s keep dancing. Let’s break out the booze and have a orientation is “objectively disordered.” members wearing the sash to receive Communion, while ball, if that’s all there is.” To underline their point, the group’s members some other bishops do not. This, I have to admit, is something closer to what I sometimes attend Mass and receive Communion In an interview afterward, Archbishop Flynn said was expecting from our lunch. But it’s also a lot more. wearing the sash. Rainbow Sash members have said Cardinal Arinze did not ask for a change in his His voice is full of something I might not have they consider their wearing of the sash an act of archdiocesan policy, but did express concern about the recognized were it not for my seeing the mark of his celebration, not protest. clarity of church teaching on the issue. In a statement faith and asking about it — something I would never Cardinal Arinze discussed the issue with at least one issued in January, Archbishop Flynn said Cardinal have been smart enough to do without such an obvious U.S. archbishop during U.S. bishops’ visits to the Arinze also indicated that “ideally, all of the bishops prompt. Vatican in 2004. A Catholic Web site recently reported who have pastoral care for the members of this move- Garcia’s voice is full of grace. that in a private communication, Cardinal Arinze’s ment should seek to adopt a uniform approach.”