B NDINGS Vol. 36 No. 1 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Fall 2016 Unjust Discrimination: Firing Married Gay/Lesbian Church Workers Editorial marriage has been legal for over a year. church’s overall witness. The church will called to preach difficult truths about a America Many same-sex couples have chosen to lose talented, devoted workers because range of subjects, including but not lim- New York enter into a legal marriage, a number that of institutional decisions made under ited to marriage and sexuality. But what November 7, 2016 will surely grow larger with time. At pressure or without sufficient discern- is the best way to do that? It is true that some Catholic colleges and universities, ment. sometimes an employee of a Catholic In May 2015, one month before the employees who enter into these marriag- The church in the United States is institution can cause scandal by his or U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of es have been able to keep their jobs. On living in a complex and challenging time. her public words or deeds. But it is also civil marriage for same-sex couples, a the parish level, however, many married Regrettably, on a variety of subjects— true that treating employees unfairly, by series of unexpected events unfolded in gay employees have holding them to different standards or Germany. By a two-thirds vote, the Ger- been dismissed, an dismissing them abruptly or without con- man Catholic bishops’ conference voted action often met sultation, can itself cause scandal. to change church labor law so that em- with sadness or an- In a recent interview with America, ployees of Catholic institutions who di- ger from parishion- Cardinal-designate Joseph Tobin offered vorce and remarry or who enter same-sex ers. In some particu- some sound advice. First, it is wise to unions will not be subject to dismissal. larly unfortunate approach these cases one by one. Differ- Civil unions for same-sex couples cases, individuals ent standards may apply to a chief finan- have been legal in Germany since 2001. have been secretly cial officer of a Catholic organiza- What sparked last year's policy change? reported to their tion than to a grade school teacher. It The bishops recognized that the previous supervisors by other would be unwise to implement a one-size church law, which included a “morals members of the -fits-all policy for the entire U.S. church. clause” for Catholic employees, was be- community. Church leaders should rather circulate ing selectively applied. The Catechism guidelines that can help people at the “People who divorce and remarry of the Catholic local level to navigate these difficult are rarely fired,” Cardinal Rainer Church, while teach- questions. Woelki, archbishop of Cologne, said at ing that homosexual Formation is also critical. What does the time, citing another common viola- acts cannot be mor- the training of employees look like at tion of the morals clause. “The point is to ally accepted, also Catholic organizations? Do conversa- limit the consequences of remarriage or a requires that homosexual persons be from views on the death penalty to sup- tions about ethics and morals continue same-sex union to the most serious cases “accepted with respect, compassion, and port for contraception and same-sex mar- after a person is hired, or are they in- [that would] compromise the church's sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimi- riage—the teachings of the church and voked only when there has been a viola- integrity and credibility.” nation in their regard should be avoid- the practices of its members often do not tion? Do morals clauses account for a Under the new law, the church in ed” (No. 2358). The high public profile match. Meanwhile, the church relies on a range of Catholic teaching, or do they Germany can dismiss an employee who of these firings, when combined with a large number of lay employees to help give too much attention to an important publicly expresses “opposition to funda- lack of due process and the absence of administer parishes, schools and hospi- but narrow range of issues related to sex- mental principles of the Catholic any comparable policing of marital sta- tals across the country. Very few of them ual morality? Church—for example by support for tus for heterosexual employees, consti- subscribe to the totality of Catholic The church must be free to conduct abortion or for racial hatred” or who dis- tute signs of “unjust discrimination,” and teaching. How can the church continue to its ministries without government inter- parages “Catholic faith content, rites or the church in the United States should do sustain its ministries while bearing wit- ference and with room to challenge pre- practices,” on the grounds that these in- more to avoid them. In addition to any ness to the timeless truths of its teaching vailing social mores. But we also have a fractions would constitute a “grave possible harm done to the employees when its own employees do not accept duty to proceed with wisdom and mercy, breach of loyalty.” who have been fired, the appearance of them all? attentive to the dignity of the individual Here in the United States, same-sex unjust discrimination weakens the The answer is not to downplay or and the common good.  gloss over these teachings. Catholics are Fr. James Martin receives New Ways Ministry’s Bridge Building Award By Brian Roewe not contentious and combative interac- munity "means, at the very least, recog- respect," as well. He said he's often The National Catholic Reporter tions. nizing that the LGBT community exists," "disheartened" by the way he hears some November 2, 2016 But as the title suggested, his advice and also acknowledging the gifts they talk about the clergy, in particular mock- cut both ways, first charting the lane for bring to the church, "as every community ing of their vow of celibacy but also their Jesuit Fr. James Martin offered over the hierarchical church before addressing does." And like other groups, he said the clothes, including elaborate liturgical the weekend a blueprint to ease long- the opposite side he suggested LGBT church should not hesitate in creating vestments. existent tensions between the LGBT persons follow. At several points in his pastoral ministries for the LGBT com- "Does the LGBT community really community and the U.S. Catholic church, speech, Martin acknowledged that his munity, such as special Masses and out- want to proceed in that way? Do gay one where priests and bishops become message to the LGBT community "may reach programs, to help them feel more men want to mock bishops as effeminate, more comfortable accompanying gay and be hard to hear for people who feel beat- connected to their church and as when many gay men were probably lesbian people — and actually using en down by the church." "beloved children of God." teased about those precise things when those terms — while LGBT persons of- "Much of the tension characterizing Along with that, Martin said he was they are young? Is that not simply per- fer clergy "the gift of time" to get to this complicated relationship results from "disheartened by the trend" of church petuating hatred?" Martin asked. know them, at a time organizations firing LGBT people, say- Compassion for the LGBT commu- when the country has ing that church teaching authority has nity means to be with them, like any oth- seen major shifts in been "applied in a highly selective way" er Catholic community, in the joys and acceptance of its own. and is a "sign of unjust discrimination," sufferings of their lives. And that begins Those steps were pulling the phrase from the Catholic Cat- with listening. part of a larger remedy echism, which directs avoidance of such of mutual respect, com- behavior. passion and sensitivity Another step is referring to the com- To view a video of the entire the popular priest and munity by the names it prefers, Martin Bridge Building Award event, go editor at large of Amer- said. He called for the church to "lay to ica magazine outlined rest" terms like "afflicted with same-sex to: www.bit.ly/NWM-BBA in a lecture Sunday at a attraction," "homosexual person" and To view a video of only Fr. gathering of New "objectively disordered," and instead use Martin’s talk, go to: Ways Ministry, in the words most common to the commu- www.bit.ly/NWM-BBAwardTalk Pikesville, Md. The nity, such as LGBT, LGBTQ and gay national Catholic and lesbian. LGBT advocacy group "People have a right to name them- "It is nearly impossible to experi- was honoring Mar- selves," he said. "Using those ence a person's life, or to be compassion- tin with its Bridge Fr. James Martin, SJ, (center) receives the Bridge Build- names is part of respect. And if Pope ate, if you do not listen to the person, or Building Award, which, ing Award from New Ways Ministry’s Francis DeBernar- Francis can use the word gay, so can the if you do not ask questions," he said. Ask according to its website, do and Sister Jeannine Gramick. rest of the church." about their life, both now and in growing recognizes people "who On the flip side, he asked LGBT up as a gay boy, lesbian girl or by their scholarship, leadership or wit- Catholics to recognize the church hierar- a lack of communication and, sadly, a transgender person, Martin suggested, as ness have promoted discussion, under- chy — the pope, bishops, priests — as well as their experience of God and the standing, and reconciliation between the good deal of mistrust, between LGBT teachers of the faith, though with differ- Catholics and the hierarchy. What is church. lesbian/gay community and the Catholic ing levels of authority, and to whom all But compassion also calls for the Church." needed is a bridge between that commu- should listen and "prayerfully consider nity and the church," he said. church to go beyond listening and to Martin picked up the bridge theme what they are teaching," even when you stand alongside LGBT persons when in his lecture, titled "A Two-Way Specifically, one with two lanes may disagree with their message, includ- constructed out of respect, compassion they are persecuted, Martin said, again Bridge," in which he proposed a way ing on LGBT matters. returning to church teaching to avoid forward for lesbian, gay, bisexual and and sensitivity. In addition to "ecclesial respect," The priest and noted author began "every sign of unjust discrimination." transgender people and the institutional Martin asked the LGBT community to After the June mass shooting at an Or- church to address their more-often-than- his speech with steps for the church to show priests and bishops "simple human take. He said respect for the LGBT com- (Continued on page 5) Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 36, No. 1 We cannot abandon transgender Catholics B NDINGS Jesus would be present to transgender Catholics. Our faith teaches we should, too. Summer 2016 Vol. 35, No. 4 what is technically called “gender dysphoria,” or the lack By Fr. Bryan Massingale of congruence between one’s physical body and gender U.S. Catholic identity. This ignorance leads to fear, and fear is at the root August 2016 of the controversies in today’s so-called “bathroom wars.” Francis DeBernardo, Editor And there lies a major challenge that transgender people In February I participated in a panel on transgender endure and that the faith community has to own: the human Board of Directors Catholics at the Los Angeles Religious Education Con- tendency to be uncomfortable and fearful in the face of Mary Byers gress called “Transgender in the Church: One Bread, One what we don’t understand. It’s easier to ridicule and attack Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair Body.” Almost 800 people attended this session, which individuals we don’t understand than to summon the pa- Ryan Sattler testifies to the intense interest that this issue raises in both tience and humility to listen and to learn. our society and the church. But despite all that we do not know, this much I do Board of Advisors The main presenters were a young man and young believe: Jesus would be present to, among, and with Dr. Jerry Fath woman, Mateo and Anna. Their transgender persons. Jesus spent Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX powerful stories of their struggles his life eating with the “wrong” Anna Koop, SL over realizing the deep disjunc- people of his society, that is, with Claire Pluecker tion between their birth bodies questionable women, lepers, tax Cristina Traina and their inner sense of being a collectors, and outcasts. Jesus pro- man or a woman were heartbreak- tected a sexually shamed woman Staff ing and inspiring. Both also mov- from stones hurled by religious ingly related how their people. Jesus taught that we would Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director “transition” into their transgender be judged by the measure of our Matthew Myers, Associate Director bodies was a faith journey as compassion for the despised and Robert Shine, Social Media Coordinator well. I was struck by their heart- disdained. Glen Bradley, Staff Associate felt conviction that accepting their It is our Christian conviction true gender identities led them to that all lives are sacred; thus, no Co-Founders a deeper and more authentic rela- life is less valuable than any other. Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL tionship with God. Hearing their It is a very simple conviction, yet Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS stories of pain and triumph was one that carries radical implica- one of the most privileged mo- tions. It confronts our human ten- Bondings is a seasonal publication designed ments I have had in 33 years of dency to devalue and exclude those to keep our subscribers informed of issues being a priest. whose way of life seems foreign, that pertain to LGBT people My brief contribution to the strange, unfamiliar, or even wrong. and the Catholic Church. discussion centered on answering During Pope Francis’ visit last the question, “Why am I here?” fall, he repeated on at least five That question was posed by rela- occasions: “Jesus never abandons Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry tives and friends who wondered Fr. Bryan Massingale us.” This is the deepest reason why is an educational and bridge-building about why I would “put my reputa- I chose to be with Anna and Mateo, ministry of reconciliation between the Cath- tion on the line” by being associated with such a stigma- who spoke so eloquently for so many of our transgender olic LGBT community tized group. As one put it, “Don’t you get into enough fellow Catholics. Jesus does not abandon us. If we claim to and the institutional structures trouble talking about race? Why take this on, too?” be his followers, we cannot abandon them. in the Roman Catholic Church. Space does not allow me to give my full response. But Our faith teaches that we can act with compassion one reason why I chose to be present is because I have a lot even when we do not fully understand. Our faith also gives New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate to learn. To be blunt, I was at the panel precisely because us a challenge—namely, that compassion is not worthy of prevalent myths and stereotypes of my ignorance and discomfort. Transgender issues were the name if we offer it only to those with whom we are about homosexuality and gender identity never addressed in either my moral theology courses in the comfortable. and supports civil rights for LGBT persons seminary or in my graduate studies in Christian ethics. I— in society. and most priests—have not been trained to specifically Fr. Bryan Massingale, a professor of social ethics at minister to transgender members of our parishes or to the Fordham University, New York, will be a keynote speak- concerns of their families. er at New Ways Ministry’s Eighth National Symposium, April 28-30, 2017. See the ad below for more details or New Ways Ministry My personal ignorance is also shared by the church as a whole. There is much that we do not understand about go to www.symposium2017.org. 4012 29th Street Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 (301) 277-5674 [email protected] NewWaysMinistry.org

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_____ $35.00 outside US or Canada LISA FULLAM, Associate Professor, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley LESLIE GRIFFIN, Professor of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas _____ I wish to receive Bondings, but cannot donate at this time. BRYAN MASSINGALE, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, Fordham University FRANK MUGISHA, Executive Director, Sexual Minorities Uganda Name ______

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Fall 2016 BONDINGS Page 3 On My Dismissal from Lectoring at Daylesford Abbey By William di Canzio Abbey in 1981, I had just undergone in New Haven, I kept close to the Abbey. mining the faith of the community, most Bondings 2.0 what I later learned is called a conver- I was commissioned to write a three-year notably the children.” NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com sion. Raised Catholic, educated in a par- cycle of penitential rites for its Sunday This strikes me as hypocritical, per- November 4, 2016 ish school and at Jesuit prep school, I’d mass based on the scriptural readings for haps even cynical, especially the phrase become disaffected with the church in the day. In 1988 I became an Affiliate concerning children: we remember that A week ago Saturday the abbot of college. Then, at 30, I got knocked off (one considering entering the order); in Benedict XVI appointed Chaput to Phila- Daylesford Abbey, a Norbertine commu- my horse and struck blind, so to speak, 2001, an Associate (a layperson with an delphia in the midst of the legal conse- nity near Philadelphia, emailed me re- and returned to a church much different especially active role in the abbey’s life). quences of disclosures of the history of questing a meeting; he said he would from the one I’d known as a kid. My During the declining years of my parents clerical pedophilia in the archdiocese. rather not disclose its purpose. A few discovery of (who loved the place), the Abbey was a In his administration, Chaput has days later we met for coffee. Abbot Rich- Daylesford source of solace to me as caregiver. Two crossed a line into alienating the laity ard Antonucci started our conversation Abbey, with Norbertines celebrated my father’s funer- whom he was entrusted to serve. He has by saying that he’d heard that Jim Ander- its refined al. advocated, even lobbied, against extend- son and I had been legally married. “I architecture, Lectoring has been a particular pas- ing the Pennsylvania commonwealth’s want you to believe this,” he said: “I sin- enlightened sion for me. On my conversion, I was statute of limitation on crimes of sexual cerely wish you many, many years of preaching and drawn to the lectern because of the beau- predation. Perhaps alienation is a deliber- happiness together.” ravishing ty of what I heard and my desire to know ate strategy: like the failed pope who Then he passed me a copy of a di- liturgy, was a it better. A writer myself, I prepare my appointed him, the archbishop has spo- rective from Archbishop Charles Chaput revelation assignments as if I had written them, so ken publically about the advantages of a of Philadelphia stating that members of within the that I can present them to the assembly “smaller, lighter” church. same-sex couples should “not hold posi- revelation. with understanding and conviction. Since my meeting with Richard, I’ve tions of responsibility in a parish, nor Though I’d Forgive me if this sounds like a re- gone through several phases of grief: should they carry out any liturgical min- never seen the sume. My point is Charles Chaput knows betrayal, anger, self-pity, sorrow, and istry or function.” Richard said he in- place before, none of this about me. Richard himself, worst, I realize now, was a sense of tended to enforce the directive. when I en- who came to Daylesford in 2000, did not shame and disgrace. These latter emo- Our talk was frank but friendly. I William di Canzio tered its know how very long is my history there. tions are what victims of abuse are made reminded him that the abbey is not a par- church for the Neither of these men knows that Jim to feel in its aftermath, but they’re also ish nor is Chaput his superior. True first time, I had the uncanny feeling that decided to be confirmed a Catholic after familiar to gay men of my age. And enough, but, Richard tells me, all Catho- I’d come home. attending Pentecost mass at Daylesford, I thought I was done with those—years lic laypeople in the archdiocese are sub- In those early days, the abbey’s litur- though Richard remembered fondly and years ago.  ject to Chaput’s authority. gical director befriended me and put me Jim’s magnificent chanting of the Pas- I argued that I knew of local pastors to work immediately on special projects: sion narratives, solo, from the Abbey William di Canzio, a play- choosing not to enforce the directive revising a hymnal with an eye to amend- pulpit on three consecutive Palm Sun- wright who has taught at Smith College, because of its injustice. Richard said ing sexist language; arranging a psalter days and Good Fridays. Haverford College, and Yale University. he was unwilling to take the risk. and canticles to be used in the Dayles- My meeting with the abbot on Octo- At Yale, he was also appointed dean of “You’re the spiritual leader of the ford Rite of the Hours. We likewise col- ber 20 was not my first encounter with Trumbull College, academic director in place I’ve been part of for thirty-five laborated on liturgical events—the con- the episcopal directive. I’d read about it residence to four hundred undergradu- years,” I said. “How do you counsel secration of the Abbey’s Church of the in the news some months before. Of ates. He has published essays me?” Assumption, a children’s mass for course it made me angry: it’s very offen- in Commonweal magazine. He holds a Richard said that he hoped I might Christmas morning, and the Good Friday sive. Chaput asserts that same-sex PhD from Johns Hopkins University and find it in my heart to remain in the abbey Veneration of the Cross, a service that couples “offer a serious counter-witness MFA from the Yale School of Drama, community. has since become Daylesford’s signature. to Catholic belief, which can only pro- where he was awarded the Eugene The pain of this decision can only be From the beginning, even before lector- duce moral confusion in the community. O’Neill scholarship in playwriting. He felt where there is love. Here’s why it ing, mine has been a ministry of words. Such a relationship cannot be accepted now teaches in the Pennoni Honors Col- hurts: when I first came to Daylesford Even during the many years I lived into the life of the parish without under- lege of Drexel University, Philadelphia. In Providence, RI: Love and encouragement after my firing By Michael S. Templeton ple who have reached out to show their failings with their higher power. What I liefs. Things happen for a reason, fre- The Providence Journal love and encouragement during the last believe, more strongly now than ever quently for reasons that we never know. Rhode Island four weeks: St. Mary’s parishioners, high before, is that we were As we demand that houses October 17, 2016 school and college friends, liturgical each created by a God of worship practice what musician colleagues from across the who loves us uncondition- they preach, honoring every In the late afternoon of Sept. 19, I country, churchgoers of other denomina- ally, loving us for all that single person who walks was called into the rectory office at the tions, and even perfect strangers who we are. I also believe that through the doors for their Church of St. Mary, in Providence, and connected with my story in some way. the family and friends giftedness and their broken- terminated from the position of music What it tells me is that I’m living the life who surround us at pivotal ness, let us hold one another director for marrying my same-sex part- I’ve been called to and that my 25-year life moments are the only in prayer. Let us pray for ner (ironically, by a pastor sipping on a commitment to ministry through music ones whose perspectives Bishop Thomas Tobin and glass of red wine — imagine the liturgi- has, in fact, made a difference. The ex- really matter. Most im- the Rev. Francesco cal symbolism). Needless to say, the last pression of one’s faith is a tricky thing. It portantly, I know that Francese, the local faces of month has been rather overwhelming — is something so deeply personal and cer- there are faith leaders and a church struggling to re- not only trying to find the words to share tainly not something that should be di- faith communities out main culturally relevant and my story, but listening to how what hap- minished, debated or devalued. We can- there who authentically fiscally viable. Let us pray pened to me has impacted so many oth- not claim to completely understand any embody the proclamation: for the fractured St. Mary’s ers, and all of this while trying to process other person’s journey because it occurs "All are welcome." My community still reeling a sense of personal grief for what has in the context of a very unique set of hope is that people of all from an act that likely repre- seemingly been lost: a ministry to a be- values, relationships and experiences. faith traditions find a spir- Michael Templeton sents only the tip of the ice- loved church to which I’ve dedicated a Those who make presumptuous judg- itual home where they are truly valued berg. And let us pray for all of us striving quarter century. Regardless, I am pro- ments or offensive statements might first and challenged to push beyond their each day to live lives of integrity and of foundly grateful to the hundreds of peo- consider reconciling their own faults and tightly held biases, boundaries and be- service.  New Jersey priest suspended for supporting gay groups

By David Gibson fired Hall from his job as chaplain at publicly back several gay groups and gay Paramus Catholic High School – where Religion News Service Seton Hall University for a Facebook Catholics in particular. she was a guidance counselor and bas- September 1, 2016 post in which Hall showed support for He is set to speak next week to a ketball coach until her dismissal in Janu- the anti-bullying “NOH8” campaign that New Jersey chapter of PFLAG, founded ary – and the archdiocese for violating The Catholic archbishop in New encourages respect for gay people and as a support group for parents and friends anti-discrimination laws and intentional- Jersey has barred a gay priest from min- gay rights. of gay people, and he has expressed sup- ly inflicting emotional distress. istry because the cleric supports gay ad- Hall, who said he remains commit- port for the gun control group Gays Lawyers for the archdiocese said she vocacy groups and has backed a Catholic ted to his vocation as a priest and to his Against Guns, the LGBT Community violated church teachings and the high school counselor who was fired vow of celibacy, a few weeks later Center in New York and New Ways school’s code of ethics when she married when church officials discovered the acknowledged that he is gay. Ministry, a Catholic LGBT organization. her partner. woman was in a same-sex marriage. The Newark Archdiocese Hall said that in the phone call In his email, Hall said he was The Rev. Warren Hall said he was said that was also a problem informing him of the suspen- “upset” by Myers’ actions against him notified by phone on Wednesday (Aug. because “someone who labels sion, Monsignor Thomas and that it would be hard to break the 31) that Newark Archbishop John Myers, himself or another in terms of Nydegger, Myers’ second-in- news to parishioners at Sts. Peter and an outspoken conservative who has sub- sexual orientation or attraction command, also cited Hall’s Paul Church in Hoboken and St. Law- mitted his retirement papers to Pope contradicts what the support for an unofficial gay rence Church in Weehawken, where he Francis, says Hall’s actions are (Catholic) Church teaches.” and lesbian ministry at the has served for the past year: “They fully “confusing the faithful.” The tensions seemed to church’s World Youth Day in welcomed me after my firing from Seton As a result, Hall will no longer be have eased two months later Poland in July and his support Hall last year, they know my personal able to celebrate Mass in public, present when Myers assigned Hall to for a guidance counselor who story and made me a member of the fam- himself as a priest or work in the New assist at two parishes in north- has sued the archdiocese for ily. Jersey parishes where he has been minis- ern New Jersey across the firing her over her same-sex “Since my firing from Seton Hall tering. Hudson River from Lower marriage. and coming out last year I felt an obliga- Myers’ issues with Hall go back to Manhattan. The woman, Kate Drumgoole, tion to use this as an opportunity to more May of last year, when the archbishop But Hall has continued to last month filed suit against Rev. Warren Hall (Continued on page 8) Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 36, No. 1 Putting Pope Francis’ “Ideology of Gender” Comments in Context By Cristina Traina They introduce an idea to the people that undermine what he perceives as southern Native Americans. Some northerners Bondings 2.0 has nothing to do with the people. nations’ last outposts of strength, their managed to follow his advice of employ- NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com With groups of people yes, but not with family networks, is the last straw. ing “the power of gentleness, service, August 10, 2016 the people. And they colonize the people I’m not arguing that Francis does kindness, and the words of the gospel to with an idea which changes, or means to not have a traditional Argentinian cultur- encourage them to put on the gentle yoke At World Youth Day in Krakow last change, a mentality or a struc- al view of gender as binary. He of Christ.” He argued for this, and more, month, Pope Francis again con- ture….certain loans in exchange for cer- does. I’m not arguing that he’s demon- for Native American peoples European demned “the ideology of gender.” The tain conditions….Why do I say strated a subtle understanding of LGBTQ courts. He didn’t always win. But outcry from LGBTQ advocates that re- ‘ideological coloniza- experiences of gen- thanks in part to his critique of coercion, sulted was both predictable and under- tion’? Because they take, der. He hasn’t. And Christianity stuck. standable. Francis once again upheld they actually take the I’m not arguing that all Likewise, we northerners believe gender essentialism against the more need of a people to seize Latin American family that the Spirit of freedom and truth is complex experiences of LGBTQ peo- an opportunity to enter traditions are always truly stirring among LGBTQ people to- ple. Once again he seemed paternalisti- and grow strong — empowering. They day. Yet, our governments and multina- cally to prefer a “simple faith” over so- through the children.” aren’t. But what Fran- tional institutions are justly accused of phisticated theological reflection on gen- It’s clear from the cis is saying, we need to repeating the sin of coercion. What if, der. And once again he seemed simply context that the situation hear: if almost nothing despite our marginalization, we recog- to repeat the maxims of John Paul II and was coercive: if you the global north has nized our comparative privilege and Benedict XVI. want to borrow our mon- forced on the global power? What if we used that power to And yet it would be too bad to over- ey to serve children in south has benefited it, if lobby not just for loans, but for repara- look an important difference in Francis’s desperate need of educa- almost everything the tions, for the global south? What if, in position, a difference we need to under- tion, you will use the global north does is addition to continuing our important stand if we hope to have thoughtful dis- book that we approve, poisoned by self- efforts at gentle, kind, compassionate cussions on LGBTQ issues with people whether or not it makes interest, and if almost service to LGBTQ people worldwide, we of his persuasion. Specifically, we can sense to your students in everything it has im- used that power to convince our perhaps listen more closely to Francis’s claim their historical and cul- posed has destroyed well-meaning but coercive governments that rich countries are unjustly shoving tural setting or addresses southern cultural sys- to be less heavy-handed? That might the idea of gender choice down the their most pressing edu- tems, why should he preach. Like Bartolomé de Las Casas, throats of poor ones. We hear Francis as cational deficits. Cristina Traina trust the global north on we will lose some cases. But our mes- if he were talking primarily about gen- From Francis’s per- gender? sage too will eventually stick.  der, but for him the real problems are spective, northern countries who still We can work, write, and pray for northern cultural imperialism and the benefit from colonialism should not be Francis’s conversion on this issue. But Cristina Traina is a professor of still-potent effects of colonialism. placing endless conditions on almost all in the meantime, here is an opportunity Religious Studies, Northwestern Uni- The story behind the slogan “the forms of grant-in-aid, and even interest- for creative response to his legitimate versity, Evanston, Illinois, and also a ideology of gender”—a slogan that al- bearing loans, that they make to the frustration with the global north. We can member of New Ways Ministry’s Advi- most always appears in the context of global south, as if southern countries recognize that bad delivery systems com- sory Board. coercion of poor countries—concerns a should “earn” northern support. Rather, promise good content. For example, She will be leading a focus session loan for the construction of schools for as a matter of justice northern nations despite coercive, ultimately unsuccessful LGBT Parish Ministry at New Ways the poor. Its approval, Francis notes, was should be freely sharing wealth, academ- northern methods of “conversion” Ministry’s Eighth National Symposium, contingent on a minister of education ic expertise, and other advantages they that Bartolomé de Las Casas condemned April 28-30, 2017. See the ad on page 2 accepting and using a textbook that the wrongly gained from colonialism with nearly 500 years ago when the dominant for more details or go to funders prescribed in which “gender their neighbors whom they wrongly im- approach evangelization method of Eu- www.symposium2017.org. theory was taught.” In Francis’ words: poverished by it. That some conditions ropean explorers was, in his words, to “This is ideological colonization. the north places on aid seem intended to “annoy, persecute, afflict, and arouse” LGBT-friendly Catholic Colleges and Universities

Below is a list of known LGBT-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic institutions that have some type of gay/ LGBT student group, support group, ally group, etc. If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to LGBT people, please let us know.

Alabama Iowa Nebraska Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, Mobile: Spring Hill College Davenport: St. Ambrose University Omaha: Creighton University LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s Dubuque: Loras College, Clarke University University California New Hampshire Pittsburgh: Carlow University, Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University Kentucky Manchester: St. Anselm College Duquesne University Goleta: St. Mark’s University Louisville: Spalding University, Nashua: Rivier College Radnor: Cabrini College Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Universi- Bellarmine University Reading: Alvernia University ty, Mount Saint Mary’s College New Jersey Scranton: Marywood University Moraga: St. Mary’s College Louisiana Caldwell: Caldwell College Villanova: Villanova University Oakland: Holy Names University New Orleans: Loyola University Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College South Orange: Seton Hall Rhode Island San Diego: University of San Diego Maryland Newport: Salve Regina University San Francisco: University of San Baltimore: Notre Dame of New York Providence: Providence College Francisco Maryland University, Albany: College of Saint Rose Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Loyola University of Maryland Brooklyn and Patchogue: Texas St. Joseph College Austin: Saint Edward’s University Colorado Massachusetts Bronx: Fordham University, San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Denver: Regis University Boston: Emmanuel College, Manhattan College Word, Our Lady of the Lake Chestnut Hill: Boston College Buffalo: Canisius College University Connecticut Chicopee: Elms College Loudonville: Siena College Fairfield: Fairfield University, Easton: Stonehill College New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Vermont Sacred Heart University North Andover: Merrimack College Iona College Colchester: Saint Michael’s College New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Weston: Regis College Poughkeepsie: Marist College West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Worcester: Assumption College, Rochester: St. John Fisher College Washington College of the Holy Cross St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Lacey: St. Martin’s College District of Columbia University Seattle: Seattle University Georgetown University, Trinity University Michigan Sparkill: St. Thomas Aquinas College Spokane: Gonzaga University Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy Syracuse: LeMoyne College Florida Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Queens: St. John’s University West Virginia Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University Miami Shores: Barry University Minnesota Ohio Collegeville: St. John’s University Cincinnati: Xavier University Wisconsin Hawaii Duluth: College of St. Scholastica Cleveland Heights: John Carroll University De Pere: St. Norbert College Honolulu: Chaminade University Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Dayton: University of Dayton Madison: Edgewood College St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Pepper Pike: Ursuline College Milwaukee: Alverno College, Illinois St. Paul: St. Thomas University South Euclid: Notre Dame College Cardinal Stritch University, Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Uni- Winona: St. Mary’s University of Sylvania: Lourdes College Marquette University versity, St. Xavier University Minnesota Joliet: University of St. Francis Oregon Canada River Forest: Dominican University in Illi- Missouri Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Toronto: Regis College nois Kansas City: Avila University, Portland: University of Portland Romeoville: Lewis University Rockhurst University St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Pennsylvania Indiana St. Louis University Cresson: Mount Aloysius College Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, St. Dallas: Misericordia University Mary’s College, Univ. of Notre Dame Montana Erie: Mercyhurst College Helena: Carroll College Greensburg: Seton Hill University Fall 2016 BONDINGS Page 5 “There Is No Place for Homophobia,” Pope Francis Told Gay Former Student By Bob Shine and we have been friends ever since. I about an exchange he had with the pope, were put as my words.” Bondings 2.0 visited him in Rome and then we visited when Francis was Archbishop of Buenos Concluding his brief remarks, Grassi NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com when he came to Washington. He met Aires, Argentina: offered what he considered to be “the November 1, 2016 who was at the time my boyfriend both “When the gay marriage law was most beautiful thing. . .the most amazing times, and he’s always asking about being discussed in the Senate in Argenti- thing” about Pope Francis, which came at Pope Francis explicitly rejected him.” na, I read on the internet that then- the end of that reply letter: homophobia in his pastoral ministry, Grassi and his partner met with Cardinal Bergoglio was very much “[Bergoglio in 2008] ends his letter, according to the pope’s former student Francis in Washington, D.C. during the against it and that he had said really pain- besides asking me to pray for him as he and friend Yayo Grassi. 2015 papal visit to the United States last ful and hateful things about the approval always does, saying, ‘Yayo, believe me, In impromptu remarks during New fall. This private meeting was made pub- of the law. I was very surprised. I was in my pastoral work, there is no place for Ways Ministry’s Bridge Building Award lic after it was alleged the pope had met very surprised more than anything else homophobia.’ And that is the first time Ceremony on Sunday, Grassi, who made with and blessed Kim Davis, the Ken- because knowing him, and knowing how that I realized what an amazing person he headlines in 2015 because of his personal tucky county clerk who had denied mar- much love there is in his heart, it was was. He not only said, ‘Who am I to meeting with Pope Francis in Washing- riage licenses to same-gender couples. difficult for me to understand that he judge?’, there is something very im- ton, DC, shared about his relationship Grassi told reporters at the time he felt he would do such a hateful thing. . . portant that he said later, he said ‘Who with the pope and Francis’ approach to needed to defend his friend, the pope, “So I wrote him a quite extensive are we to judge?’. . .The we was the homosexuality, saying: from unfair criticism. “I have known Pope Francis since he Grassi also told attendees at the New was my teacher, my professor in high Ways Ministry event (which honored school when I was seventeen years old. I Jesuit Fr. James Martin for promoting know that he knew then that I was gay, dialogue in the church on LGBT issues) Fr. James Martin receives New Ways Bridge Building Award (Continued from page 1) and persecutors. While it's true some lando night club that was popular with clergy "have indeed said and done igno- the LGBT community, the Jesuit priest rant, hurtful and even hateful things," the said he was "discouraged" by the re- priest said he believed those represented sponse of many U.S. bishops in not im- a minority in the hierarchy, and one mediately signaling their support, as they whose sway in the church he sees as might have if another group had been "slowly changing" in the Francis papacy Yayo Grassi at New Ways Ministry Pope Francis targeted. toward "helping to heal some of that Bridge Building Award ceremony "Why not in Orlando? It seemed a hurt." whole church, and the whole human- kind of failure of compassion, a failure to Sharing a story of how his parents letter. I sent him an email telling him kind.” experience with, and a failure to suffer responded with confusion and dismay how much I admire him, how important Fr. Martin’s address was about with. Orlando invites us all to reflect on when he sprung on them his decision as a he was in my life, and how much he did bridge building, an invitation to a two- this," he said. 27-year-old to enter the Society of Jesus, for me. How he had brought forward way bridge on which LGBT communities But greater sensitivity can't develop Martin said his spiritual director advised through his education the most open and and the institutional church can dialogue. without the church engaging the LGBT him to give them the gift of time to come progressive thought in my life. And then You can read a report on the address community more deliberately, Martin to grips with a decision he himself had I went on saying, I will never be able to here. What Grassi’s experiences with said, borrowing from Francis' call for the his whole life to process. thank you, so you might think it’s a very Pope Francis reveal is a model for just church "to be one of 'encounter' and "I wonder if the LGBT community strange way to thank you if I tell you I’m how the institutional church can be 'accompaniment.'" could give the institutional church the very disappointed by the way you treated changed by encounter and by friendship. "You can't be sensitive to the LGBT gift of time. Time to get to know you," the gay [marriage] law.” Equally important, however, is the community if you only issue documents he said. "… In a very real way the world Cardinal Bergoglio replied to Grass- necessity for church leaders to explicitly about them, preach about them, or tweet is just getting to know you. So is the i’s letter in two days. He first asked for- and unequivocally reject homophobia in about them, without knowing them," or church. I know it's a burden, but it's per- giveness because of the hurt his former the church and in society. It would be a having friends who are public about their haps not surprising. It takes time to get to student felt and continued, as para- wonderful step towards building bridges sexuality, he said. know people. So perhaps the LGBT com- phrased by Grassi: if the supreme pontiff in the church, Pope The priest encouraged his fellow munity can give the institutional church “Believe me I never said any of Francis, were to publicly declare what he clergy to look to Jesus' encounters with the gift of patience." those things. The press picked up from told Grassi privately, that “in my pastoral the Roman centurion and the tax collec- On sensitivity, Martin asked his au- two letters that I sent to the nuns asking work, there is no place for homophobia.” tor Zacchaeus, where his first response dience to be cognizant of the varying them not to give any kind of opinion on  was not to call them "pagan" or "sinner" levels of teaching authority in the church this, and they were distorted and they but rather to befriend them. associated with statements, and that "Jesus saw beyond categories; he when the pope or a Vatican congregation met people where they were and accom- speaks, they're often talking to the whole Parents Of Gay Poles Urge Pope panied them," he said. world — and not solely the United Turning back to the LGBT commu- States. To Help Fight Homophobia nity, Martin asked that in showing great- Martin said he was disappointed that er compassion, that is, "knowing what a some gay and lesbian Catholics dis- NDTV.com "Why is there so much homophobia person's life is like," toward church hier- missed Francis' call in his apostolic ex- July 31, 2016 among Polish Catholics?" they asked, archy, they first recognize the numerous hortation Amoris Laetitia [6] ("The Joy quoting passages from Church teachings responsibilities of a modern bishop: of Love") that "before all else … every Krakow, Poland—The worried that call for gays and lesbians to "be ac- among others, fallout from the clergy sex person, regardless of sexual orientation, parents of 16 young gay Poles have im- cepted with respect, compassion, and abuse scandal, declining vocations, par- ought to be respected in his or her dignity plored Pope Francis to help combat what sensitivity". ish and school closures, and fundraising. and treated with consideration, while they call "widespread" homophobia in "Why aren't priests reminding people Beyond that, he said compassion is 'every sign of unjust discrimination' is to Poland, as the pontiff visited the strongly in their sermons that LGBT people are recognizing that some church leaders be carefully avoided, particularly, any Catholic EU state for the first time. also God's children and only God can "may be struggling themselves" with form of aggression and violence." Pointing to a recent string of "attacks judge them?" their sexuality, perhaps a factor that led "Perhaps in the West those words on offices of organisations working with "Jesus himself never said anything them to religious life, in the privacy it seemed insufficient," Martin said before homosexuals, burning of LGBT (lesbian, about the love between people of the afforded as well as safety from hateful adding, "Imagine reading that in a coun- gay, bisexual and transgender) symbols, same sex," the letter said. attitudes they too may have experienced try where violence against LGBT people and beatings of non-heterosexuals", the Gay and transgender Christians also as youths. is rampant and the church has remained group implored Francis to intervene. set up an "LGBT Pilgrim's Haven" in Martin acknowledged that many in silent. … What seems arid to LGBT peo- "Instead of compassion for families, Krakow during the WYD festival on the the LGBT community may have come to ple in one country may be, in another society is engulfed by a wave of homo- sidelines of the official event. see the institutional church as its enemies country, water in a barren desert."  phobia," the group said in an open letter, "It's not yet at the point in history which was published by several Polish when the Catholic Church in Poland newspapers and magazines in the past would be ready to agree (to officially week. recognise LGBT groups) -- we are not "Only the voice of Your Holiness yet there," Misza Czerniak, an LGBT New Ways Ministry’s blog can prevent future tragedies," they told activist told AFP. Francis, who famously remarked "Who He however acknowledged that Bondings 2.0 am I to judge?" about gays earlier in his "Francis has changed the tone and the papacy. vocabulary that is used when speaking But in April, the Argentine failed to about LGBT people in the Church, and recognise homosexual couples in new we are extremely grateful for that. The best way to keep up on the latest Church guidelines on family life. "And what is a big sign of hope for Catholic LGBT news and opinions! The parents' move comes as Francis, us, is that the Polish church is gradually 79, headlines World Youth Day, a week- learning from him." long Catholic extravaganza that has Polish-born late pontiff and saint Updated daily drawn hundreds of thousand of young John Paul II initiated the World Youth Share your ideas with others! faithful to Poland from across the globe. Day festival in Rome in 1986. "On a daily basis, our children face The last was held in Rio de Janeiro hate attacks, verbal assaults and even in 2013, shortly after Francis's election as NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com physical violence only because they were pope. created that way by God," said the par- Having spent five days at the WYD ents, who did not publish their full names event, Pope Francis concludes his visit to for fear of reprisals. Poland on July 31.  Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 36, No. 1 Bishop Brings Message of LGBT Hope to Religious Men’s Meeting By Francis DeBernardo Recalling St. Francis of Assisi’s Washington, DC, in September 2015: God is handed down in ways that be- Bondings 2.0 mission to bring the Gospel to outcasts, “Let everything the Church says and come burdensome instead of as a path to NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com Stowe made the following comments does be seen as merciful.” And then he freedom and a joyful relationship with August 8, 2016 about modern-day outcasts: challenged the Assembly of vowed reli- God, something is wrong. Like Judaism “Saint Francis found Christ by serv- gious men to take up that call: trying to preserve itself in the midst of a The Conference of Major Superiors ing the outcast lepers. Risking contami- “I think bishops need some help to hostile empire, Christians in an age of of Men, which is the association of the nation and isolation he was healed interi- know how—and I think I am in the midst secularism should definitely be con- leaders of vowed men’s religious com- orly through his encounter with the suf- of a group who has the capacity to model cerned about not disappearing and not munities in the U.S., met in Assembly fering Christ and overjoyed by the relief this. For every blunt statement of doc- being absorbed. But the way of Jesus is last week in Columbus, Ohio, to listen to he brought the lepers by merely drawing trine and categorical condemnation ut- always a way of invitation, a call to con- speakers and to discuss common issues close. How fitting that religious brothers tered by the church, may religious men version and Christianity should be a joy- of concern. During the prayer times at and priests should be found among the be willing to stand with the sinners and ful response to that vision of an all- the four-day meeting, Scriptural reflec- lepers of our times: gang-infested barrios gently walk with them on the path of inclusive kingdom and the teaching of in the inner-city; AIDS clinics and drug conversion. For every pronouncement the Church should be the guidepost along rehabilitation centers, soup kitchens, about intrinsic evils and disordered sexu- the way, always pointing to Jesus. Pope homeless shelters and places of safety for ality, may religious men be ready to wipe Francis has described a “logic of the migrants and refugees. Providing oases tears and heal wounds and help to redis- Gospel” which acknowledges that God’s of prayer and reflection in the midst of a cover goodness and dignity. For every judgement is real and celebrates that bustling and competitive world that does insensitive reaction to circumstances or God’s judgement (unlike so much of not pause for reflection, modeling lives perceived threats, may religious men human judgement) is merciful. “ of interdependence – and providing a bring the fruit of willing ear are fruitful ways of being in contemplation the midst of sinners. And genuinely liv- and discernment ing our religious calling as prophetic also of the Spirit’s “ For every pronouncement about intrinsic aligns us with the marginalized within movement.” evils and disordered sexuality, may religious the church: GLBT persons, our sisters in His refer- religious life who insist that the interior ence to intrinsic men be ready to wipe tears and heal wounds life is more important than the external evils and disor- signs and who fall under suspicion when dered sexuality and help to rediscover goodness and dignity.” they attempt to listen and give voice to can only be a other women, those who have failed at reference to the marriage and tried again, and so many magisterium’s —Bishop Stowe others who long to have Jesus stand next use of “intrinsic to them as they wait in line to be evil” to describe cleansed.” gay and lesbian sexual activity and com- These reflections by a relatively new Recalling Pope Francis’ famous mitted relationships, and also to bishop signal a new direction for the July 2013 comment referring to gay “objective disorder” to describe a homo- Church. They offer hope for peo- Bishop John Stowe, OFM Conv priests, Stowe suggested that this lesson sexual orientation. At the 2015 synod on ple concerned with LGBT equality, but be applied to all: the family in Rome, we heard many bish- they also offer hope for the whole “Pope Francis caused quite a con- ops call to eliminate this pastorally harm- Church. The fact that they were spoken tions were offered by Bishop John troversy, and simultaneously aroused ful language. It is good to see that that at a gathering of the leaders of men’s Stowe, OFM, Conv., the bishop of Lex- hope in some circles, with his famous call is being echoed on pastoral levels in religious communities means that ington, Kentucky. Stowe’s reflections phrase, ‘who am I to judge?’ Was it not the U.S. church. Stowe’s–and Pope Francis’–messsage is focused around the theme of God’s mer- an echo of what we heard in this gospel Bishop Stowe, only 50 years old, being spread to the “middle managers” of cy, as the conference title was verse [Luke 6:36-37] immediately after was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop the church, the people who can make “Consecrated Life: Rich in Mercy.” the charge to be merciful like our Father: of Lexington, Kentucky, in 2015. Stow- policy and pastoral practice changes. Bondings 2.0 obtained a copy of the bish- ‘Stop judging and you will not be judged. e’s comments may sound very much like His words indicate that a message of op’s first reflection remarks. Stop condemning and you will not be the message of Pope Francis, and that is tenderness is beginning to flower in our In these opening remarks, Stowe condemned. Forgive and you will be surely intentional on the bishop’s part. Church.  mentioned LGBT issues several times in forgiven.’ How can we communicate the Indeed, he set his comments in the con- his remarks, a sign that these topics are richness of our Catholic tradition and its text of Pope Francis framework of evan- Bishop Stowe will be offering Scrip- becoming much more a part of the main- relevance for life today if everything that gelization: tural reflections at New Ways Ministry’s stream conversation in the church. The is pronounced is received as judgmen- “As evidenced in his first Apostolic Eighth National Symposium, April 28- fact that his comments on these topics tal?” Exhortation, The Joy of the Gospel, Pope 30, 2017. See the ad on page 2 for more were all positive is a sign of the greater He answered this last question by Francis observes far too much of the le- details or go to acceptance that LGBT people and issues recalling Pope Francis’s comment to galism that Jesus rejected to be at work www.symposium2017.org. are receiving in the Church these days. U.S. bishops during his apostolic visit to in the Church today. When the Law of In Sydney, Australia, Catholics Apologize to LGBTI People

The Star Observer The liturgy included a symbolic celebrate LGBTIQ people, we are their Christian communities here in Sydney Sydney, Australia Well of Tears which the congregation families and friends.” and across Australia. August 15, 2016 was invited to interact with and triggered “Some church leaders don’t care to Rainbow Christians globally are a lot of emotion for people at the event. hear our stories, let alone ask for for- watching and we hope to see other Newtown’s Catholic Church has “It was a powerful and raw moment giveness for what they have done to us. Churches and communities follow the become one of the world’s first churches of letting go and of forgiveness” said an Tonight is the beginning of example Liturgy of Apology we have to apologise to LGBTI people for the attendee. new possibilities for our Catholic and seen tonight”.  hurt caused by the action and inaction “I came tonight with trepidation and of Catholic and Christian people and deep reservation having not been to churches. church for over 20 years, having been Bishops Were Virtually Silent on Trump In June, Pope Francis called for an deeply hurt by homophobic actions and apology to gay and lesbian people and St words of Catholic church leaders. I feel By Stephen Pope concern over Trump’s immigrant- Joseph’s Catholic Church in Newtown hope and peace. That there are many Excerpted from bashing rhetoric, but they did not offer a become one of the first to respond hold- ordinary and good Catholic people work- “Not the Time for Reconciliation: First direct and sustained criticism of the sub- ing a Liturgy of Apology organised by ing hard to hold the church accountable Confront the Danger of Trump,” stance and tone of his campaign as a the Rainbow Catholic Interagency for for the violence they have inflicted on Commonweal whole. . . . Yet no bishop had the courage Ministry on Friday. LGBTIQ people, including LGBTIQ November 21, 2016 of Southern Baptist leader Russell Moore “It was difficult to choose which Catholics here and elsewhere”. to denounce Trump in no uncertain terms personal stories to share during the litur- Dignitaries from various Catholic In a scathing essay which excoriates as a ‘walking affront to the Gospels.’ gy; each individual’s story is so power- parishes and other faith communities Catholics who supported Donald Trump Most obtuse was Archbishop Charles ful, unique and precious,” Francis Voon, attended the event to hear St Joseph’s for U.S. President, Boston College theo- Chaput’s assessment of both major-party a Catholic organiser said. parish priest Father Peter Maher issue the logian Stephen Pope also took to task candidates as ‘equally problematic.’ Tru- “As organisers we wanted to make apology to the LGBTI community. U.S. bishops who were mum about so ly problematic are prelates who raise sure the event was ethical, respectful and “I couldn’t believe the diversity many of Candidate Trump’s statements their voices against same-sex marriage, safe for all. There are so many heart- of community leaders who are here this which were directly opposed to Catholic but not against overt racism and misogy- breaking stories of our LGBTIQ siblings. evening for this historical ceremony, and teaching, particularly social teaching. ny. Or bishops who defend the religious “Some have been badly hurt by us as the fact that Christian leaders actual- In a particularly strong passage, liberty of Catholic institutions regarding a church community. Others we have ly came up to us and other LGBTIQ Pope compares the bishops’ reluctance to contraception, but not the freedom of failed completely, to the point of suicide, folks saying how sorry they are for the speak out against Trump with their loud persecuted Muslim refugees who wish to because of prejudice, ignorance and fear, way by which the church has in the past and strong rhetoric about marriage equal- immigrate to our shores. and worse still, in God’s name. and some parts that still lend support to ity and religious liberty. In his Common- “In his post-election statement, “Tonight, with Pope Francis’ en- those who wish to vilify and hurt weal essay entitled “Not the Time for Archbishop Joseph Kurtz of Louisville, couragement, in the name of God, we LGBTIQ people,” Benjamin Oh, Chair of Reconciliation: First Confront the Dan- Kentucky, outgoing president of the U. apologise for religious LGBTIQ-phobia, the Rainbow Catholics InterAgency for ger of Trump,” he states: S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said and we pledge to work towards healing Ministry said. “. . .American bishops showed a that he ‘looks forward to working Presi- and reconciliation in this Year of Mer- Melody Gardiner from Australian stunning lack of leadership at a time dent-elect Trump’ on issues of life, im- cy.” Catholics for Equality said “Saying sorry when it was needed most. Some bishops migration and refugees, religious perse- One of the stories shared at the litur- is a good start. There are thousands of publicly expressed concern with Trump’s cution, and marriage. Kurtz said nothing gy of apology was of a gay man who LGBTIQ people and families in our par- description of Mexicans as rapists and about poverty or climate change— attempted suicided after he was forced to ishes and many more who no longer feel drug dealers. To their credit, Cardinal concerns Pope Francis has made central undergo gay conversion programs pro- they belong or are welcome. The majori- Sean O’Malley, Bishop Kevin Farrell, to his papacy.”  moted by the church. ty of Australian Catholics support and and some other bishops expressed public Fall 2016 BONDINGS Page 7 Gay-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known gay-friendly Catholic parishes and intentional Eucharistic communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of a parish or community that welcomes LGBT Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this wel- come is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in LGBT community events, or involve- ment with parents. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. For links to many of these parishes’ web- sites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org

Delaware St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of North Wilmington: Holy Child Scotland, St. Pius V Rhode Island Wilmington: St. Joseph Providence: St. Francis Chapel, Montana St. Mary’s District of Columbia Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Wickford: St. Bernard Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral PARISHES Nebraska Tennessee Florida Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart Memphis: Cathedral of the Alabama Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes Immaculate Conception Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar Nevada Montgomery: St. Bede Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, Las Vegas: Christ the King, Texas St. Maurice Guardian Angel Cathedral Colleyville: Good Shepherd Arizona Kissimmee: Holy Redeemer Dallas: Holy Trinity Chandler: St. Andrew St. Petersburg: Holy Cross New Hampshire El Paso: All Saints Glendale: St. Thomas More Tampa: Sacred Heart, Christ the King Merrimack: St. John Neumann Houston: St. Anne Mesa: St. Bridget Pelham: St. Patrick Phoenix: St. Matthew Georgia Virginia Scottsdale: St. Patrick Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate New Jersey Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, Conception Keyport: St. Joseph Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Lawrenceville: St. Ann Heart, Sacred Heart Parish Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Idaho Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Roanoke: St. Gerard Boise: St. Mary Assisi Triangle: St. Francis California Maplewood: St. Joseph Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Illinois South Plainfield: Sacred Heart Burney: St Francis of Assisi Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Washington Carlsbad: St. Patrick Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption St. Clement, St. Gertrude, New Mexico St. Joseph, Prince of Peace El Cajon: St. Luke St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, Albuquerque: Holy Family, Newman Center Encino: Our Lady of Grace St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Shrine of St. Bernadette Tacoma: St. Leo Escondido: St. Timothy Apostle, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Lady of Mt. Carmel, Wisconsin Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish Old St. Patrick New York Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Hayward: All Saints Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Milwaukee: Good Shepherd, LaPuente: St. Martha Evanston: St. Nicholas Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Inverness: Holy Family Bellport: Mary Immaculate Long Beach: St. Matthew Johnston City: St. Paul Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Canada Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Morton Grove: St. Martha Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Montreal: Holy Cross Christ the King, Mother of Good Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Ottawa: St. Joseph Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Sienna-St. Lucy St. Augustine, Immac.Heart of Mary Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes USC Medical Center (Spanish), Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle East Islip: St. Mary England North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Indiana Elmira: St. Mary London: Church of the Immaculate Chantal, St. Patrick Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas Fairport: Church of the Assumption Conception (Mayfair) Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes Henrietta: Good Shepherd Oceanside: St. Thomas More Iowa Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus, INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Coralville: St. Thomas More St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul the COMMUNITIES Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Apostle, Church of the Ascension, Arizona Ross: St. Anselm Kentucky St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the Sales Center San Carlos: St. Charles Assumption, St. William Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration San Diego: Ascension, St. Jude Shrine, Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, California Catholic Community of UC,San Louisiana St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Orange: Koinonia Diego New Orleans: St. Augustine Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Pleasanton: Catholic Community of San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Pleasanton Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Maine Historic Old St. John’s San Diego: Mary Magdalene Catholic St. Dominic, St. Teresa of Avila Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Wading River: St. John the Baptist Community San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, Saco: Most Holy Trinity Wantaugh: St. Frances de Chantal St. Martin of Tours (Emmaus Westbury: St. Brigid Colorado Community) Maryland Colorado Springs: Benet Hill Monstery San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis Baltimore: Corpus Christi, North Carolina San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, Charlotte: St. Peter District of Columbia Mission San Raphael Arcangel St. Matthew, Durham: Immaculate Conception Communitas Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe St. Vincent dePaul Fayetteville: St. Patrick Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Florida Santa Monica: St. Monica Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Tampa: Franciscan Center Simi Valley: St. Rose of Lima Hagerstown: St. Ann Ohio Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Severn: St. Bernadette Akron: St. Bernard Maryland Stanford: Catholic Community at Stan- Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Catonsville: Living Water Inclusive ford University Massachusetts St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Community South Pasadena: Holy Family Boston: Paulist Center, St. Anthony Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Comm. Valinda: St. Martha Shrine, St. Cecilia St. Malachi, St. Martha Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church East Longmeadow: St. Michael Columbus: St. Thomas More Michigan of the Deaf Newton: St. Ignatius Newman Center Grand Rapids: Marywood Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Provincetown: St. Peter Fairlawn: St. Hilary Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Mentor: St. John Vianney St. Victor Springfield: Sacred Heart University Heights: Church of Gesu Minnesota Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Westlake: St. Ladislas Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Michigan Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate Catholic Community Colorado Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Conception Arvada: Spirit of Christ Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu Oregon Avon: St. Edward Parish Oregon Portland: Journey and Koinonia Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Beaverton: Mission of the Atonement Catholic Community Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Assisi, St. Phillip Neri, Down- Virginia Lafayette: Immaculate Conception Minnesota town Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul) Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community Littleton: Light of the World, Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, St Frances Cabrini St. Joan of Arc Pennsylvania Washington Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Olympia: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Connecticut Missouri Old St. Mary, St. John the Catholic Community Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony Kansas City: Guardian Angels, Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul St. James Wisconsin St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 36, No. 1 Lessons from Sr. Jeannine Gramick, Woman of Mercy By Bob Shine cebook and she helps me navigate the olics in the United States, we cannot for- sanctions by church leaders because she FutureChurch.org complexities of being a disciple of Christ get how essential community will be for refused to believe LGBT people are any- October 2016 – but it is a friendship I cherish. The fol- our journeys even if parish pews are thin- thing less than wonderfully made by lowing are four lessons Jeannine has ning out and the hair of fellow believers’ God. She challenges even today the Sr. Jeannine Gramick, Co-Founder taught me, lessons which can aid younger greys. Enacting the church’s evangelical church she loves and the communities to of New Ways Ministry, was featured by Catholics like myself as we find our way mission is not possible unless we live as which she belongs, exercising the pro- the Catholic reform organiza- in the troubled church we love. the People of God: baptized as priests, phetic office which we all share through tion FutureChurch as their October “What is the Catholic Church do- called to holiness, and supporting one baptism as she invites all people to be “Woman Witness of Mercy.: The follow- ing for gays and lesbians?”A young gay another whatever may come. reconciled. To be Christian is to priori- ing personal essay by Bondings man named Dominic posed this question The envelopes need stuffing. On tize Christ against all else, and there will 2.0’s Associate Editor Bob Shine was to Jeannine in 1971, and it would be this Tuesday evenings, you will find Jeannine be times when following the decisions included in a resource packet on Jean- question that radically transformed her with the New Ways Ministry volunteers we make in conscience leaves us isolat- nine. For more information, and to pur- life. Jeannine began organizing home who prepare the organization’s bulk ed, rejected, and deeply pained. But we chase the packet, go to liturgies for gay people in the Philadelph- mailings and then gather for pizza and should never collaborate in our own op- www.FutureChurch.org. ia area, educating herself on homosexual- camaraderie. Jeannine models what it pression or the oppression of others, es- ity, offering some workshops, and, in just means to be a leader who serves. Even pecially when it is the church for which After fifty -plus years in religious though she is quite busy, we are responsible that is inflicting life, Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL has en- she attends to people with wounds. countered numerous people and touched kind notes and small loving The widespread acceptance of many lives in her ministry of justice and acts. She willingly does the LGBT people among Catholics in the reconciliation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, tedious but necessary tasks United States and growing acceptance and transgender (LGBT) people in the with everyone else. She internationally can largely be attributed Catholic Church. I first met Jeannine a works long hours to ensure to Jeannine’s tireless labors. She is an few months after college and in this re- every detail is correct, and incarnation of these words from Blessed flection, I share a little of how she has exhibits a persistence in Theresa of Jesus Gerhardinger, foundress impacted my own life and what I know ministry possessed by few of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, younger Catholics can learn from this (and the teacher in her nev- words which Jeannine introduced me to holy and humble person. er wastes an opportunity to (they hang in a frame over her desk) and I began at New Ways Ministry dur- teach me a grammar les- which are so powerful for Catholics who ing a service year with the Loretto Vol- son). Jeannine teaches seek a reformed and renewed church: unteers. The first evening at the Volun- younger Catholics that “All the works of God proceed slow- teers’ opening retreat, held at the Sisters seeking ecclesial reform ly and in pain; but then their roots are of Loretto’s motherhouse in Kentucky, and renewal means hard the sturdier and their flowering the love- we watched a documentary about Jean- Sister Jeannine Gramick and Bob Shine work that is hardly glamor- lier.” nine’s life and ministry. I lay in bed that ous. We must resolve each morning to Holy people are holy not because of evening and, quite overwhelmed, ques- a few years, launched New Ways Minis- seeking a just church, steadily running their greatest flowering acts, but because tioned myself on how I had jumped into try with Fr. Robert Nugent. Being open the race Christ has set before us that is of their quietest habits which create stur- such deep waters. Sisters had shared their to Dominic’s question and tender to the not even a marathon but an ultramara- dy and deep roots. Jeannine Gramick has stories with us over meals and in side pain of gay people excluded from the thon. acted greatly in listening to Dominic’s conversations. Theirs were stories of church led Jeannine down a path she “I choose not to collaborate in my voice and being faithful to her response integrating schools and accompanying never expected, but which came to define own oppression.” These words, with even when the Vatican bore down. Yet, communities, of artistry and feminist her life. I was not there, but I believe it which Jeannine responded to the Vati- the person I know Jeannine to be is a witnesses, of poetry and anti-war pro- was the Spirit speaking through Dominic can’s attempt at silencing her, are a person whose quietest habits in daily life tests. Theirs was a mission, to paraphrase when he asked that question. This story haunting reminder to me of what being are what have most catalyzed the recep- their famed former superior Sr. Mary is a reminder that we, as Christians, must Christian entails. Being part of the tion of Vatican II and renewal of the Luke Tobin, of going out to the ends of be ever present to the people around us, church means calling the church to live Catholic Church on matters of gender the branches of our world because that is ever listening to voices at the margins, more fully the Gospel that we proclaim, and sexuality. I am honored to know where the fruit resides. And I had com- and ever willing to let the Other make but people will resist this threatening Jeannine as a colleague and as a friend. mitted to wandering out an ecclesial claims on our life that may have pro- call. Jeannine endured two decades of  branch with a sister who was taking on found consequences. degrading investigations and punitive the Catholic Church. Don’t say the church when you Events that fall would not, at first, mean the hierarchy. Jeannine lives com- quiet the questions from that opening mitted to Vatican II’s teaching that the Australian Priest Pleased retreat. Within a few weeks, I had spent a church is fundamentally the People of Saturday witnessing at various sites in God, and that community is essential for Washington, D.C. to celebrate the Loret- Christian life. Before I knew Jeannine ‘Gay Panic’ Law to Be Ditched well, I thought she was a rogue figure to Community’s 200th anniversary and By Mark Bowling victim and for the violence inflicted by helped organize Catholic events for the who alone had challenged the Vatican, yet this narrative is not accurate. Her The Catholic Leader the two people who attacked him,” Fr marriage equality campaign in Maryland. Brisbane, Australia Kelly said. I had discovered that even the enthusi- decades of ministry would not be possi- ble without the people and communities December 14, 2016 “So many lives were ruined by that asm and energy I had at 22 could not incident. keep pace with Jeannine and the other that support her and work with her – the congregations to which she has belonged, Brisbane priest Fr Paul Kelly is re- “I think the whole experience really sisters. lieved the Queensland Government has did traumatise me and it did propel me to With time, working alongside Jean- other women religious, LGBT Catholics and their families, supporters of New introduced a bill to abolish the controver- keep pushing for change.” nine and Francis DeBernardo, the execu- sial “gay panic” defence. In 2011, Fr Kelly wrote to the Labor tive director of New Ways Ministry, I Ways Ministry, theologians and scholars, and more. And Jeannine is not only sup- Fr Kelly has spent years campaign- government at the time and was not satis- have learned much. Four years on, Jean- ing to change the law, after a man was fied with the response. nine and I now teach one another. It is ported by, but actively contributes to the communities she is in. For younger Cath- bashed and died in the grounds of the St So he started a petition to close the not quite equal – I help her navigate Fa- Mary’s Church in Maryborough church legal loophole, labelling the “gay panic” where he was serving as parish priest in law, which exists in Queensland and 2008. South Australia, as an “international dis- Disgusted by the case, Fr Kelly start- grace”. New Jersey priest suspended ed a Change.org petition that has almost Fr Kelly said over the years, he was 290,000 signatures, making it one of the at times made to feel like a fool for his for supporting gay groups biggest the website has hosted. campaigning action, particularly, he said, His long campaign paid off, when by legal officers within the Queensland (Continued from page 3) bishop is saying that his church fears the State Government on November 29 Attorney General’s office. directly let people know of God’s love associating with LGBT people – a fear introduced a bill to abolish the partial “The arguments they brought up for all of us and that gay Catholics which is contrary to the gospel.” defence, paving the way for the law to be were just preposterous,” he said. should stay in the church and work for Hall’s ministry, DeBernardo said, passed next year. “The general public’s sense of the more wider acceptance,” he wrote. “I do “is in line with the church’s own authen- “I’m relived because, to me, this law is sometimes better than what legal not feel I ever preached or taught any- tic teaching that its ministers must reach whole issue has been about the first and people will give you. thing contrary to the Gospel (and) this is out to all those who have been marginal- foremost right of all human beings – the “And one thing that really got up my true from my entire 27 years of ordina- ized. He is in line with Pope Francis’ right to life and that all people under the nose was when various legal people told tion” as a priest. more pastoral and welcoming approach law should feel the same protection me ‘we can’t change that law because it A spokesman for Myers, James towards LGBT people.” against violence and killing,” he said. will affect women who kill their spouses Goodness, said in an email on Thursday Myers submitted his resignation to “It’s that Catholic understanding of because of domestic violence’. that the suspension was not about Hall’s Francis in July when he turned 75, as the absolute dignity of human life that “And I said, ‘Hold on, other states sexual orientation but about his public required by canon law. should always be protected and respect- have allowed for that under self-defence stands. But the pontiff, who is reportedly ed.” and it is not a problem, but you are mak- “Every Catholic priest promises to overhauling the episcopal search process After the fatal churchyard bashing, ing it a problem’.” be reverent and obedient to his bishop,” to find candidates in tune with his pasto- two men were tried and found guilty of Fr Kelly said he believed South Aus- Goodness said. “A priest’s actions and ral agenda, has not yet named a replace- manslaughter rather than murder. tralia would follow Queensland’s lead statements always must be consistent ment.  The accused men told the court that and would push for similar legislative with the discipline, norms and teachings their victim, Wayne Ruks, had tried to change in 2017. of the Catholic Church. When they are Rev. Warren Hall will lead a work- grab one of the men’s crotch before he “It’s all been worth it,” he said. ordained, priests agree to accept the bish- shop on gay men in the priesthood and was beaten to death, shedding light on Fr Kelly is a police chaplain and will op’s judgment about assignments and religious life at New Ways Ministry’s the so-called “gay panic defence”. become an associate pastor in the Surfers involvement in ministry.” Eighth National Symposium, April 28- Under Queensland laws, unwanted Paradise parish from next month In a statement lamenting Hall’s sus- 30, 2017. See the ad below for more homosexual or heterosexual advances (January). pension, Francis DeBernardo, executive details or go to can be used as a partial provocation de- A parliamentary committee is due to director of New Ways Ministry, called www.symposium2017.org. fence for violent crimes. report on the bill by February 2, 2017.  Hall “courageous” and said “the arch- “I felt an immense sadness for the