B NDINGS Vol. 37 No. 4 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Fall 2018 The witch hunt for gay priests

By Father James Martin, S.J. also, more broadly, L.G.B.T. people. Cardinal Raymond Burke, the influential have mentioned me by name.) America While the contempt directed at gay former archbishop of St. Louis, said, It is important to say that the majori- August 30, 2018 clergy is coming from just a handful of “There is a homosexual culture, not only ty (but not all) of the clerical abuse cardinals, bishops and priests, as well as among the clergy but even within the crimes were cases of priests preying on It is not surprising that Catholics are a subset of Catholic commentators, it is hierarchy, which needs to be purified at male adolescents and boys. Also, the furious about the latest sex abuse crisis, as intense as it is dangerous. “It is time to the root.” majority (but not all) of the sexual har- which began, most recently, with accu- Michael Hichborn, assment cases were men harassing other sations of abuse and harassment against president of the Lepanto men or young men. Prescinding from the the former cardinal-archbishop of Wash- Institute, takes this to its complex psychological questions of how ington, D.C., Theodore McCarrick; deep- inevitable conclusion, tell- much a person’s sexuality has to do with ened with the Pennsylvania grand jury ing the Associated Press abuse, how much differentials in power report detailing 70 years of abuse in the that what is needed is “a do and how much proximity does, we Commonwealth; and intensified with the complete and thoroughgo- should state clearly: Many priests abus- former Vatican nuncio to the United ing removal of all homo- ers had a homosexual orientation. That is States Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s sexual clergymen in the undeniable. 11-page “testimony” accusing many high church.” But the next step is where the con- -ranking clerics, including Pope Fran- In the last few days I versation can take a dangerous turn. That cis, with covering up the crimes. have seen more homopho- many abusers were gay priests does not Catholics have a right to be angry at bic comments on my social mean that all or even most gay priests are abusive clergy, at bishops who covered media accounts than ever abusers. It is a dangerous and unjust ste- up their crimes and at the sclerotic cleri- before. The rise in vitriol is reotype. Simply because a certain per- cal system that allowed the crimes and not surprising, especially centage of a group acts in a certain way cover-ups to go unpunished for decades. after such comments from does not mean the entire group or even But the intensity of hate and level of church leaders and Catho- most of the group acts in the same way. anger directed at gay priests are unprece- lic commentators or after Then why does it seem like so many dented in my memory. headlines like these: “Pope gay priests are abusive? One reason is What I mean by “gay priests” is or- Blames Sex Abuse on that there are no public examples of the dained priests with a homosexual orien- Clericalism, Leaves Out healthy, celibate gay priests to counteract tation who are living their promises of Homosexuality”; “Sex these stereotypes. Why not? Because gay celibacy (and in religious orders, their Abuse Crisis in Church is priests are not willing to be as public vows of chastity). That it is necessary Father James Martin, SJ about Homosexuality Not about their identity as straight priests are. even to define the term “gay priest” Pedophilia”; “Homosexual For example, in a community suffering points out the widespread misinfor- admit that there is a homosexual subcul- Predators, not Pedophile Priests, Are from a spate of L.G.B.T. violence, there mation about what has become perhaps ture within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church’s Deadly Cancer. can be no references in a Sunday homily the most incendiary topic in the current Church that is wreaking great devastation Archbishop Viganò’s “testimony” to knowing what it is like to be bullied discussion. A few commentators have in the vineyard of the Lord,” wrote Bish- was also rife with this same kind of lan- for being gay. The presider cannot say, even declared that the term “gay” implies op Robert Morlino of Madison, Wis. A guage: “These homosexual networks, “As a boy, I was bullied, too, for being that a priest must be sexually active. As I Swiss bishop, Marian Eleganti, declared which are now widespread in many dio- gay.” use the term, a “gay priest” simply that the “networks” of gay priests in the ceses, seminaries, religious orders, etc., Why do gay priests feel that they means an ordained priest who has a ho- church must be investigated before the act under the concealment of secrecy and cannot be public? For several reasons. mosexual orientation. “great purification” can begin. A bishop lies with the power of octopus tentacles, First, the fear of coming out in this in- The long-simmering rage against in Kazakhstan, Athanasius Schneider, and strangle innocent victims and priest- creasingly poisonous environment. (Ask gay priests and the supposed homosexual listing remedies for clergy abuse, be- ly vocations, and are strangling the entire yourself if you would come out when subculture” or “Lavender Mafia” has gan with this: “cleanse uncompromising- Church.” (Full disclosure: both Arch- even bishops are calling for a “cleans- been fanned into a fire that threatens to ly the Roman Curia and the episcopate bishop Viganò in his “testimony” and ing” of men like you.) Second, bishops from homosexual cliques and networks.” engulf not only faithful gay priests but Cardinal Burke in a recent interview (Continued on page 6) What I learned at the World Meeting of Families

By Francis DeBernardo valid harms people severely. equality. Bondings 2.0 Since the early spring, the organizers The momentum for LGBT equality Newwaysministry.org/blog of the World Meeting of Families ap- which built up this week will be hard to August 28, 2018 peared to try to shut out any public par- slow down. We Are Church Ireland, a ticipation of LGBT families and to se- pro-LGBT Catholic reform group, de- When I set out for Ireland nine days verely limit the discussion of LGBT is- serves much of the credit for planning ago, I thought I was going there to report sues at the event. After having spent a and assisting at so many of the week’s on a church conference. Instead, the week in Dublin covering the World events designed to demonstrate support experience has felt more like I was cov- Meeting of Families as a journalist and for not only LGBT equality, but for ering a revolution. an advocate, I have this to report about women’s ordination, and for justice for I know that is strong language, but the organizers’ efforts: they failed. abuse victims. Their leadership will that is how it felt. In over a quarter of a Far from stifling the discussion of keep things going here on the Emerald century of attending demonstrations LGBT issues, attempts to censor and Isle, and the member groups of the Glob- which called for inclusion of and equali- exclude LGBT voices simply amplified al Network of Rainbow Catholics will ty for LGBT people in the church, I have them, if not at the WMF proper, then in help to spread that momentum around never experienced anything like the the media discussion which surrounded the world. strong, confident, and resolved people the event. The organizers succeeded at On my first full day at the World that I encountered here in Dublin. doing the exact opposite of what they Meeting of Families, I snapped a photo Part of the reason this week felt dif- hoped to do. of a volunteer with Trocaire, the overseas ferent was because it didn’t feel like it The discussion of LGBT issues in development charity of the Catholic was only a distinct group of protesters news reports about the WMF helped to Church in Ireland (similar to Catholic sending out a message: it felt like it was raise awareness that the Irish people, Relief Services in the U.S., CAFOD in a whole nation. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar whose souls and culture are very Catho- the U.K., and Caritas in many other na- was accurate when in his address to the lic, have rejected the church hierarchy’s T-shirt motto at World Meeting of tions). He was wearing a T-shirt embla- pope he informed the pontiff that Ireland negative approach to LGBT topics. And Families zoned with Trocaire’s motto: “Until had changed greatly since Pope John like pro-LGBT Catholics around the Love Conquers Fear.” (photo left) Tro- Paul had visited in 1979. world, their Catholic heritage and tradi- caire volunteers wearing that same T- Ireland’s resolve to support LGBT tions are what inspire them to welcome ries themselves as LGBT Catholics. shirt were visible all over the WMF ven- people is very much connected with their and affirm LGBT people and to work for LGBT people and supporters found ue. righteous anger at the miserable way their equal treatment in church and socie- creative ways to get their message across That motto is apt for the revolution church officials here had treated children ty. to WMF participants through song and that I experienced here in Dublin. It was and protected abusers for decades and Part of the revolution that occurred art and witness. They participated offi- a revolution not of weapons and power, decades. What seems to connect LGBT here last week is that doors were cially at the closing liturgy of the Pasto- but a revolution designed to conquer fear issues and clergy abuse issues in the Irish opened. Fr. James Martin’s talk on ral Congress and the papal liturgy clos- with love. people’s minds is that in both arenas, LGBT Catholic ministry was a powerful ing the WMF. They expressed their sup- What did I learn at the World Meet- church officials refused to listen to sto- witness and a major milestone in the port of LGBT people in the press and ing of Families? I learned that through ries of those who say that church policies movement of parishioners and pastoral with one another at the WMF. Archbish- creative ways, strong faith, communal have harmed them. ministers who have worked so hard for ops and Cardinals were challenged to cooperation, and confident voices, Church leaders should take note: so long to create welcoming spaces. His demonstrate support for LGBT people. love will conquer fear as we build a ignoring people, pretending they don’t talk was a good prelude for future pre- Church leaders were encouraged to rec- church of equality for LGBT people.  exist, and not treating their stories as senters to tell their faith and family sto- oncile with the LGBT community. Cath- olic lay leaders spoke out strongly for Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 37, No. 4 B NDINGS A response to concerns about a retreat for gay priests, brothers, and deacons Fall 2018 Vol. 37, No. 4 By Rev. Bryan Massingale Stated bluntly, gay clergy and religious are an embar- NCRonline.org rassment for some in the church. "Gay" forces an uncom- August 22, 2018 fortable public acknowledgment of what many already Francis DeBernardo, Editor know, namely, that there are same-sex oriented priests, As the facilitator of this retreat [see news article on brothers, deacons — and bishops — who not only are Board of Directors page 3], I offer these observations in response to concerns members of the church but also serve it honorably as spir- Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair that have been raised about it: itual leaders. Ryan Sattler 1. Permission for a retreat? This is precisely why this retreat is a felt need. Gay This year I marked my 35th anniversary as a priest. clerics and vowed religious have unique joys and challeng- Board of Advisors Over the years, I have led retreats for all kinds of groups, es that arise because they strive to serve a church where Dr. Jerry Fath including Christian women, Boy Scouts, confirmation can- too many view their presence with suspicion, alarm and Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX didates, seminarians, pastoral ministers, young adults, even hostility and disdain. Rev. James Kiesel teachers and principals, parish councils, Black Catholics, Thus, the need to gather and prayerfully encounter the Anna Koop, SL Latino Catholics, Engaged Encounter, women religious, God who loves them even as they answer the call to serve Anne Marie Miller, RSM permanent deacons, campus ministry groups, those who a faith community that too often denigrates their sexuality, Claire Pluecker have left the church and seek to return, and even Catholic a "fundamental component of their personality" (Catholic cat lovers (!) Never was there a suggestion that advance Congregation for Education, 1983). Cristina Traina notification was needed to act as a spiritual guide for the 5. 'A dominant marker of identity' best lived in people of God. silence? Staff Thus, it would never occur to me that a unique com- The Milwaukee archbishop's communication quotes a Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director munication or permission would brother priest who expresses the Matthew Myers, Associate Director be expected in order to lead belief that: Robert Shine, Associate Director priests, deacons and brothers in "The best pastoral experience of the Dwayne Fernandes, Staff Associate prayer. These are my brothers, Church, as well as our consistent men with whom I share bonds of teachings about who we are as per- Co-Founders ministry, sacrament and life com- sons, point to the reality that it is Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL mitment. Frankly, I'm amazed, and never healthy or holy to act out on Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS sad, that there is such deep con- same-sex desires, even in the realm cern over a retreat for people who of the merely emotional. Much Bondings is a seasonal publication designed have pledged their lives in service healthier and holier is the attitude to keep our subscribers informed of issues to the church. that our sexual desires are simply 2. Secretive? that pertain to LGBT people one facet of who we are as persons, Some insinuate that there is rather than making them our domi- and the Catholic Church. something "clandestine" about this nant marker of identity with a term retreat gathering. To the contrary, such as 'gay.' " Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry this event has been publicized for There are many problems with is an educational and bridge-building over a year both in print and on this statement. First, church teach- ministry of reconciliation between the the internet. The retreat's venue ings actually encourage gay men Catholic LGBT community and theme — "Living in Truth: and lesbian women to form affec- and the institutional structures The Call to Authenticity" — have tionate and nurturing friendships. in the Roman Catholic Church. not been secret or hidden. Nor is Fr. Bryan Massingale To maintain that such affection must there anything covert or nefarious lack "emotion" in order to be holy or New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate about the retreat's content or activities. Indeed, I would healthy is unrealistic and inhuman. prevalent myths and stereotypes warmly welcome my archbishop if he would want to at- More to the point: The statement that priests who use about homosexuality and gender identity tend and pray with this group. the word "gay" are making their sexual desires "a domi- and supports civil rights for LGBT persons 3. Against church teaching? nant marker of identity" is a gratuitous assertion. Pope in society. New Ways Ministry has sponsored this retreat for Francis, in perhaps his most famous statement, used the priests, brothers and deacons for some years. Yes, this or- word "gay" while speaking of someone whom he described ganization has questioned the adequacy of official teaching as possessing a desire to "search for the Lord." The Holy New Ways Ministry and policies on same-sex relationships. But to say that in- Father recognizes that a priest can be gay and have an in- 4012 29th Street validates this retreat is a leap in logic, to say the least. It nermost desire to be conformed to the person of Christ. In Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 implies that any association with a group implies endorse- a word, to be holy. Identifying as "gay," then, does not (301) 277-5674 ment of all its practices. mean that "sexual desires" must become a man's defining [email protected] More to the point: I myself — not New Ways Ministry or core identity. NewWaysMinistry.org — wrote the retreat's description in the promotional bro- But the fundamental issue with this statement is that it chure. It reads: "Inspired by the Gospel of John, Jesus' call conveys a conviction that gay persons — and especially to live the truth (John 8:32) in order to have abundant life priests — should live hidden lives where their sexuality is (John 10:10) will provide the focus for this retreat. Jesus veiled from public view and cloaked in silence. And that invites us to pattern our ministry and our sexuality accord- such a life is the best path to health and holiness. I strongly TO SUBSCRIBE ing to his embrace of the truth. Embracing God's truth, disagree. COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM discovered in our deepest selves, both challenges and em- In fact, I argue that a toxic culture of secrecy is a ma- powers us to live more authentically in every dimension of jor contributor to the waves of sexual scandal that have BELOW our lives." plagued our church and devastated the lives of untold thou- I cannot see how anyone can read this and conclude sands. Silence feeds shame; and these breed sexual imma- that this retreat is "not in line with church teaching." Such turity, abusive pathology and systemic dishonesty. Enclosed is: an assertion, even before it happens, is at best unfounded In this time of crisis, the laity don't want to hear only — and perhaps even a sin of rash judgement. about a "joyful witness to celibacy," as this priest suggests. _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada 4. 'Gay?' (Note how this summons ignores the existence of married This is the core issue. If this was a retreat for "senior" priests). They want church leaders who are spiritually _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada priests, "young" brothers, "retired" deacons or "alcoholic" healthy, psychologically mature, and sexually honest. priests, there would be no concern or consternation. The Above all, they want bishops of integrity who priori- _____ I wish to receive Bondings, word "gay," with the fears and prejudices it conjures in the tize the welfare of the faithful over the reputation of the but cannot donate at this time. minds of some, is what makes this gathering of God's serv- institution. ants problematic. I believe that this retreat, which prayerfully considers Name ______Let's name the prejudice: There is a conviction among the joys and challenges of "living in truth and authentici- some that where two or more gay Christians are gathered, ty," is one way of creating a "healthier and holier" climate Address ______you don't find Jesus but a branch office of Sodom. A gay in our church and a safer environment for all of God's peo- retreat, then, signifies nothing but an orgy with prayers. ple. City ______The insinuation is that gays and lesbians, especially In conclusion, it is sad that a group of people who gay men, are so sexually undisciplined that any gathering want to pray arouses such concern and even hysteria. Espe- State ______becomes morally suspect and spiritually dangerous. To say cially a prayerful assembly of ministers who serve Christ's this theologically, two or more gay people in a room church. DayPhone ______equals an occasion of sin. I am honored to lead this retreat. I believe it will be an In such a mentality, a gay cleric or vowed religious occasion of grace, not only for those who attend, but also Night Phone ______becomes something "other" — a walking contradiction — for the church we serve and love.  tainted, deviant, and "less than" his straight brothers. Cell Phone ______(This explains the constant efforts to blame the Fr. Bryan Massingale is a theology professor at Ford- scourge of sexual abuse on gay priests — a gross slander ham University in New York. He is the author of Racial Email ______that also ignores the horrors inflicted upon women victim- Justice and the Catholic Church. survivors.)

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Mail to: New Ways Ministry [email protected] 4012 29th Street Mount Rainier, MD 20712 Let us know if you would like daily news updates or monthly announcements. Fall 2018 BONDINGS Page 3 Archbishop questions retreat for 'gay priests, brothers, and deacons' By James Dearie retreat now, as "we are living through the Catholic Church and that they cannot 'wreaking great devastation in the vine- NCRonline.org the horror of frequent headlines about speak on behalf of the Catholic faithful in yard of the Lord,' " quoting from a letter August 22, 2018 the deviant behaviors by male clergy the United States." by Bishop Robert Morlino released last with younger men or boys, was "very Massingale, a Milwaukee Archdio- week that blamed a "homosexual subcul- A retreat for gay priests, brothers poor timing." cese priest since his ordination in 1983 ture" for the abuse scandal in the church. and deacons in Wisconsin scheduled to "In such a delicate climate, one who disputes the characterization of the The email encouraged readers to contact take place for the fourth year in a row is wonders why any extra attention should retreat as being at odds with Catholic the Siena Retreat Center to request that coming under fire from conservative be drawn to the reality of same sex at- teaching, issued his own statement on the the retreat be cancelled. Catholic media and the local archbishop. traction in the Catholic clergy under matter, published today on NCR. Nevertheless, the retreat is set to go "Living in Truth: The Call to Au- such an ambiguous title as this upcoming Fr. Fred Daly, a priest of the Syra- forward, and DeBernardo says the group thenticity" is planned Oct. 2-4 at the retreat for 'gay' priests," he said. cuse Diocese who attended a retreat by will "definitely" continue to put on simi- Siena Retreat Center in Racine, in the New Ways Ministry responded to New Ways Ministry last year, told NCR lar events in the future. Milwaukee Archdiocese. It is sponsored the bishop's letter with a statement Aug. that he found the retreat to be a time of "Each year that we've done [the re- by New Ways Ministry, and Fordham 17, saying one of the "primary goals" of treats], as the word spreads, more and professor of theology Fr. Bryan Massin- such retreats is "to help men who have more priests, brothers and deacons regis- gale is slated as the retreat leader. made a promise or vow of celibacy to ter. So there really is need for gay priests The retreat became a matter of con- live out that commitment in healthy and to develop their spirituality, and develop troversy in early August, when articles holy ways. Few programs such as these friendships with one another, mainly began appearing in conservative Catho- exist in our church. We encourage because of so much negative messaging lic media criticizing the retreat and call- church leaders to provide programs to they receive from the Vatican, from ing on Catholics to contact Milwaukee help these men avoid frustrated lives, members of the hierarchy, or even Catho- Archbishop Jerome Listecki about it. deal with their sexual feelings in a lics in the pews." In an August 9 letter to parishes in healthy way, and integrate their sexuality In a statement emailed to NCR, the the diocese also posted online, Listecki with their spirituality." Racine Dominicans said that "All are said that "With so many inquiring if this The group also took issue with welcome" at the retreat center "as long as retreat is directly connected to the Arch- Reesman's characterization of LGBT their purpose is not contrary to the uplift- diocese, which it is not, I felt obligated identity. ing mission and vision of the retreat cen- to clarify. …This event is not in line "The term 'gay' does not mean that ter... A retreat that supports gay priests, with Catholic Church teaching and is in individuals make their sexual orientation deacons and brothers to live authentically no way connected to or endorsed by the the dominant marker of themselves, any the vocation to which they have been archdiocese, and New Ways Ministry is more than calling someone Italian or called aligns well with the mission and not a Catholic organization." Polish makes that attribute the dominant philosophy of the retreat center, which is New Ways Ministry executive di- marker of the individual," New Ways Archbishop Jerome Listecki to nurture a healing and holistic spiritual- rector Francis DeBernardo told NCR that Ministry said. ity in an environment of joy, peace, and the bishop's letter was the first time the "The retreat participants have often contemplation and prayer shared between beauty." diocese had expressed an objection to reported that their primary identity mark- priests facing many of the same issues. "New Ways Ministry invites Arch- the retreat, now in its fourth year. er is as a member and minister of the "What could the objection be to that?" he bishop Listecki to dialogue with us and In his letter, Listecki recommend- Catholic Church," the group added, ask- said. with the gay priests who live and serve in ed an article about ing given the in- Listecki said in his statement that he his Archdiocese," New Ways Ministry's the retreat by Fr. formation that cannot stop the retreat, but there is still statement says at its conclusion, "so that Nathan Reesman To read the full text of Fr. Bryan had been made an effort to force its cancellation. An he can learn more about the pressures hosted on the arch- Massingale’s response to Archbishop public on the email from Men of Christ Aug. 21 said these men experience and about the diocese's website. Listecki, see page two. event, what "led that the retreat "implicitly endors[ed] blessings that they bring to the communi- In the article, the Archbishop to mortal sin," while "that very mortal sin is ty through their priesthood."  Reesman, the arch- To read the full text of New Ways conclude that the diocese's chaplain Ministry’s response, go to: retreat 'is not in for Courage and line with Catholic New Zealand Catholic bishops 'humbly EnCourage, organ- www.newwaysministry.org/media/ Church teach- izations that pro- ing'?" acknowledge shortcomings' with LGBT mote abstinence "The part not in among Catholic LGBT people, says that line with Catholic teaching would be the By Chris Reed The "Church's teaching on homosex- "More often than not, a man or woman part sponsored by New Ways Ministry, The New Zealand Herald uality" is the biggest blocker to New who chooses to define himself or herself as clearly articulated by His Eminence Auckland, New Zealand Zealanders engaging with Christianity, as 'gay' is doing so because they believe Francis Cardinal George (May he rest in June 21, 2018 the report says.Dew's reference to the their same-sex inclination is their defin- peace)," Jerry Topczewski, Listecki's LGBT community chimes with a column ing attribute, and this belief allows them chief of staff told NCR, referencing a Leaders of the Catholic Church in by the Catholic Bishop of Auckland, to live a lifestyle that normalizes same- document by the Chicago archbishop New Zealand say they "humbly Patrick Dunn, published last year. sex relationships, either on a merely when he was president of the U.S. Con- acknowledge" their shortcomings, espe- In a piece titled "Building a bridge, emotional level or also on the physical ference of Catholic Bishops in cially with regards to groups such as the our gay brothers and sisters" and pub- level." 2010, which said, "… New Ways Minis- LGBT and migrant communities. lished by NZ Catholic, he wrote that he, Reesman also said that holding the try has no approval or recognition from The comment was in a statement by like many others, has gay friends and Cardinal John Dew, Catholic Archbishop family members. of Wellington and vice-president of the "For some years I have been trou- New Zealand Catholic Bishops Confer- bled by the sense of rejection they often Deacon/Father of Trans and Bi ence (NZCBC), in response to new re- feel with regard to the Church," he search showing a sharp decline in the wrote. "Could we find some new way to percentage of New Zealanders who iden- converse with the LGBT community?" Daughters Assists at World tify as Christian. He goes on to say: "Compassion Dew said the NZCBC, national body calls us to 'listen' to people. What is it Meeting of Families Closing Mass for the heads of the six Catholic dioces- really like growing up as a gay boy, or a es, "humbly acknowledge our shortcom- lesbian girl, or a transgender person? ings, especially with regards to particular "Deeply embedded in Catholic groups in society, such as the LGBT Church teaching is the call to stand by all community who have felt a very real who feel marginalised or threatened. sense of rejection through the Church, or "Sensitivity prompts us to be alert to perhaps in falling short in fully meeting the 'feelings' of others, but we cannot the needs of our recent migrant commu- know their feelings unless we are their nities". friends. "We hear too the call of those who "Devout Catholics may say that our want to see our actions speak louder than first responsibility is to tell people to our words, by living out the values that stop sinning. Jesus represents. . . . "But that was generally not the ap- The research is in a report titled proach taken by Jesus. He was more of- Faith and Belief and New Zealand and ten the butt of criticism for dining with commissioned by the Wilberforce Foun- sinners and clearly enjoying their compa- dation, a Christian organisation based in ny."  Auckland. . . . In Ireland, Catholic agency helps gay couples

Deacon Ray Dever, who is the father of a transgender daughter and a By Ellen Coyne Earlier this year, The Times dis- The Times bisexual daughter, and who has written eloquently on Bondings 2.0, New closed that the government was threat- London, UK ening to withdraw funding from any Ways Ministry’s blog about his family and ministerial roles, served liturgical- July 18, 2018 organisations that discriminated against ly at the closing Mass of the Pastoral Congress portion of the World Meet- people because of their sexual orienta- ing of Families (WMF) in Dublin. A state-funded Catholic marriage tion. The agency has now agreed that it Deacon Dever and his transgender daughter, Lexi, were panel speak- counselling service will offer help to will not turn away same-sex couples. ers on LGBT family issues at New Ways Ministry’s Eighth National Sympo- same-sex couples for the first time. Accord has had to sign a new ser- sium in April 2017. He serves pastorally at St. Paul parish, Tampa, Florida. Accord, the counselling service run vice level agreement and if it is caught LEFT: Deacon Ray assists Cardinal Kevin Farrell, head of the Vatican by the Irish Catholic Bishops, had a for- discriminating against anyone it could Dicastrery for Marriage, Family, and Life. RIGHT: Deacon Ray proclaims mal policy of not accepting gay and les- lose its funding or be shut down.  the Gospel.  Photos credit: Francis DeBernardo bian couples on religious grounds. Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 37, No. 4 Catholic student councils back Philippine gay rights bill By Leonel Abasola schools and homes, outed and ridiculed am College, St. Scholastica's College ports the proposed measure, said it UCAnews.com in the streets, barred from full employ- and the College of St. Benilde cited their would be a "great legacy" of the Senate August 13, 2018 ment and deprived of access to "Christian upbringing" in pressing for "if we are able to pass the anti- healthcare," read the students' statement. the passage of the measure. discrimination measure during our MANILA—Support for the passage watch." of a bill designed to end discrimination "The state should protect the rights on the basis of gender and sexuality in of all its citizens, which include mem- the Philippines has gained support from bers of the [lesbians, gays, bisexual, student leaders at Catholic schools in the transgender] community," said Legarda, country. adding that no person should be discrim- Senators have also expressed sup- inated on the basis of sexual orientation port for the proposed Sexual Orientation and gender identity or expression. and Gender Identity and Expression The Catholic bishops' conference Equality bill in Congress. issued a statement supporting a proposed Student councils of several Catholic anti-discrimination law back in 2015. schools are also supporting the proposed The bishops, however, made it clear law, which prohibits discrimination on that they do not encourage choosing the basis of a person's sexual orientation. one's gender or performing homosexual Ignoring possible sanctions from acts, among other things. their schools, student councils from sev- The prelates said an anti-discrim- en Catholic schools in Manila released a ination law is a "gesture of charity" if joint statement on Aug. 10 expressing discrimination means that certain indi- support for the proposed measure. viduals, because of sexual orientation or The students called on legislators to gender identity, are systematically de- move for the bill's approval, saying that nied fundamental human rights.  "brought up on the Christian values of

love and acceptance ... we must forge a society grounded on equality." Philippine Catholic students show their support for the passage of the pro- Get Catholic LGBT news The Lower House of Congress has posed Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Equality bill in online already passed its version of the pro- Congress during a press briefing. posed measure but debated the bill a Bondings 2.0 record 26 times. The student councils of the Jesuit- The bill was sponsored by Senator "Every day with discrimination, people of diverse [sexual orientation and run Ateneo de Manila, the Dominican Risa Hontiveros on Dec. 14, 2016, but Visit gender identity] get thrown out of their University of Santo Tomas, San Beda has faced an uphill battle in the Senate. NewWays Ministry.org/blog University, De La Salle University, Miri- Senator Loren Legarda, who sup-

LGBT-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known LGBT-friendly Catholic parishes and intentional Eucharistic communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list. If you are aware of a parish or community that welcomes LGBT Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mis- sion statement, participation in LGBT community events, or involvement with parents. To add your faith com- munity to our list, please contact New Ways Ministry at [email protected] or call 301-277- 5674. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. For links to many of these par- ishes’ websites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org

Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Delaware Kentucky Palm Springs: St. Theresa North Wilmington: Holy Child Lexington: Historic St. Paul Church Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Wilmington: St. Joseph, Sacred Heart Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the Redondo: St. Lawrence Martyr Oratory Assumption, St. William PARISHES Redwood City: St. Matthias Ross: St. Anselm District of Columbia Louisiana Alabama Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral New Orleans: St. Augustine Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord San Carlos: St. Charles Montgomery: St. Bede San Diego: Ascension, St. John the Florida Maine Evangelist, St. Jude Shrine, Catho- Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Arizona lic Community of UC San Diego Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar Saco: Most Holy Trinity Chandler: St. Andrew San Dimas: Holy Name of Mary Ft. Lauderdale: Blessed Sacrament, St. Glendale: St. Thomas More San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Anthony, St. Maurice Maryland Mesa: St. Bridget Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Phoenix: St. Benedict St. Dominic, St. Ignatius, St. Teresa Tampa: Sacred Heart St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, Scottsdale: St. Patrick of Avila St. Matthew, St. Vincent dePaul Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, Georgia Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia San Ramon: St. Joan of Arc Conception Hagerstown: St. Ann San Raphael: Church of San Raphael Severn: St. Bernadette California & Mission San Raphael Arcangel Idaho Baldwin Park: St. John the Baptist Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe Boise: St. Mary Massachusetts Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Amherst: Newman Catholic Center of Burney: St Francis of Assisi Santa Monica: St. Monica Illinois UMass Carlsbad: St. Patrick Simi Valley: St. Rose of Lima Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Boston: St. Joseph, Paulist Center, Camarillo: Padre Serra Parish Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Chicago: Immaculate Conception, St. Anthony Shrine, St. Cecilia Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption Stanford: Catholic Community at Stan- St. Clement, St. Gertrude, Buzzard’s Bay: St. Margaret’s/St. Mary’s El Cajon: St. Luke ford University St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, East Longmeadow: St. Michael Encino: Our Lady of Grace South Pasadena: Holy Family St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Newton: St. Ignatius Escondido: St. Timothy Valinda: St. Martha Apostle, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Provincetown: St. Peter Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church Lady of Mt. Carmel, Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Fresno: St.. Paul Catholic Newman of the Deaf Old St. Patrick Springfield: Sacred Heart Center Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Whitinsville: St. Patrick Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) St. Victor Evanston: St. Nicholas Michigan Hayward: All Saints Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Inverness: Holy Family Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish LaPuente: St. Martha Johnston City: St. Paul Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Colorado Morton Grove: St. Martha Parish Long Beach: St. Matthew, Our Lady of Arvada: Spirit of Christ Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Livonia: St. Edith Refuge Avon: St. Edward Sienna-St. Lucy, St. Giles St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Christ the King, Mother of Good Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Our Lady of Mount Carmel Indiana Minnesota USC Medical Center (Spanish), Lafayette: Immaculate Conception Dyer: St. Maria Goretti Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle, Lakewood: St. Bernadette Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Joan of Arc St. Anselm Littleton: Light of the World, St. Paul: St. Thomas More North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de St Frances Cabrini Iowa Chantal, St. Patrick Coralville: St. Thomas More Missouri Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Co- Connecticut Des Moines: Holy Trinity Kansas City: Guardian Angels, lumba, St. Jarleth Guilford: St. George’s Holy Family, St. James Oceanside: St. Thomas More Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony (Continued on page 5) Fall 2018 BONDINGS Page 5 Overcoming Welcome-ish: A Challenge to LGBT-Friendly Parishes By Cristina Traina enforced social norms–practically every have the conceptual, pastoral, or theolog- might add, it’s one thing if a parish bap- Bondings 2.0 aspect of your church’s life–and address ical space necessary to support the non- tizes the children of same-sex parents, Newwaysministry.org/blog how they might exclude LGBTQ+ per- monogamous, polyamorous, or BDSM it’s another if it welcomes those parents September 10, 2018 sons.” aligned relationships, nor to explore the as religious education teachers or school He also reminds us how difficult it is significance of non-platonic, non- volunteers. Readers of Bondings 2.0 probably for many LGBTQ folks even to enter a romantic relationships.” Kennedy’s post is not for the faint of know how an ambivalent welcome church. For them, church often is a place He urges churches not to condemn heart. You may think that some of the feels. Last month’s World Meeting of not of safety but of trauma, thanks to the these practices out of hand but to use experiences and systems of value to Families in Dublin just magnified our condemnation they have experienced them as a starting point: “[LGBTQ folk] which he wants Christians to be open are everyday experience in the Church. On there. For anyone who has “suffered want and need to integrate our sex lives beyond the Christian pale. To be sure, one hand a family involved in Dublin’s chronic abuses in religious communi- with our religious lives.” Do we invite not every possible relationship, not every monthly “All Are Welcome” Mass for ties,” thus “any religious setting or lan- and learn from everyone’s prayerful re- possible behavior, is life-giving. LGBT folk and allies was invited to help guage has the potential for causing a flections on the connection between their Still, if you’ve made it this far in carry the offering at the closing papal triggering event.” meaningful intimate lives and their faith? today’s blog, you’ll have realized that Mass of the WMF; Deacon Ray Dever, This script is a special case of what Are we brave enough to reflect on our most of Kennedy’s plea to suspend judg- father of out bisexual and transgender Kennedy calls “the pastoral gaze,” de- own experience in the same way? ment and listen hospitably apply equally daughters, assisted at the closing Mass of fined as “the subtle but constant pressure After all, he notes, both LGBTQ and well to the way to treat non-LGBTQ the WMF conference. On the other to be something or someone different” straight, cis people tend to find commu- folk. They too can be “church-trauma- hand, LGBT Catholic organizations were that can pervade church communities. nity and spiritual encounter not by put- tized,” overwhelmed by the “pastoral denied exhibit space even though there The message is that we accept you as ting their bottoms in seats every Sunday gaze,” and unsure that they can safely was no shortage of space in the exhibit you are, but of course we expect that but through “online communities, fan- reveal their whole history. hall. LGBT folk and their allies are you’ll gradually shed your old allegianc- doms, and social movements.” In partic- The bottom line of his challenging wecomed, but not fully wel- es and behaviors and conform your life ular, churches need “to take seriously argument is that Christian churches are come: “welcome-ish.” to one of a few recognizable scripts. and be aware of [LGBTQ] vehicles of often hypocritical and “holier than Earlier this summer Nathan Kenne- In that regard, some of Kennedy’s meaning” and “be fundamentally non- thou.” But as Pope Francis has said, “a dy, who writes at The Bookish Bear most challenging words have to do with judgmental about them.” Churches can guest” should not be preached at but Blog, reflected on why LGBTQ people sex. He hints that, elevating celibacy take a few pointers from the ways these “listened to.” If being a Christian really often have this experience even in and monogamous marriage, Christian spaces function, too. is about welcoming people as they really “welcoming” churches. Rainbow flags communities are afraid to think honestly Finally, he says, theoretical support are and listening to them with compas- don’t keep most churches from being about the forms sexual behavior and de- for LGBTQ folk does not always result sion, our behavior needs to match our “overwhelmingly cisgender, heterosexu- sire that people both inside and outside in actual inclusion. It’s one thing if a words. al spaces,” he argues. More inclusive the community may find meaningful: church allows LGBTQ folk to be or- It wouldn’t hurt to start with being theology is a start, but. . . “Even among progressive Chris- dained in theory; it’s another if a church honest about where we really are, in our “You’re going to have to change the tians, the ground of ethical reflection actually calls out LGBTQ folks to key own non-conformity and brokenness.  very atmosphere of the church itself. isn’t on the sexual lives and desires peo- pastoral positions and, further, accepts You’re going to need to look at the lan- ple actually have, but on some script of out LGBTQ pastors with same-sex part- Cristina Traina is a member of New guage, preaching, unspoken yet strictly how they should be. Very few churches ners or other family arrangements. We Ways Ministry’s Advisory Board.

(Continued from page 4) Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Virginia St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier Historic Old St. John’s Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Wading River: St. John the Baptist Glen Allen: St. Michael the Archangel Scotland, St. Pius V Wantagh: St. Frances de Chantal Mechanicsville: Church of the Re- West Islip: Our Lady of Lourdes deemer Montana Westbury: St. Brigid Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Heart, Sacred Heart Parish North Carolina Roanoke: St. Gerard Nebraska Charlotte: St. Peter Triangle: St. Francis Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart Durham: Immaculate Conception Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Fayetteville: St. Patrick Nevada Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Washington Las Vegas: Christ the King, Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, Guardian Angel Cathedral Ohio St. James Cathedral, St. Joseph, Akron: St. Bernard Prince of Peace Newman Center New Hampshire Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Spokane: St. Aloysius Merrimack: St. John Neumann St. Robert Bellarmine Tacoma: St. Leo Canada Pelham: St. Patrick Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Montreal: Holy Cross, Saint-Pierre- St. Malachi, St. Martha Wisconsin Apôtre, New Jersey Columbus: St. Thomas More Fond du Lac: Holy Family Ottawa: St. Joseph Hoboken: Our Lady of Grace Newman Center, St. Francis of Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes Keyport: St. Joseph Assisi Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Lawrenceville: St. Ann Fairlawn: St. Hilary Milwaukee: St. Bernadette, Good England Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Mentor: St. John Vianney Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Trinity London: Church of the Immaculate Assisi University Heights: Church of Gesu -Guadalupe Conception (Mayfair) Maplewood: St. Joseph Westlake: St. Ladislas Wauwatosa: St. Pius X Monmouth: Precious Blood Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate Pompton Lakes: St. Mary Conception South Plainfield: Sacred Heart Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Oregon Beaverton: Spirit of Grace INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITIES New Mexico Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of Albuquerque: Holy Family, Assisi, St. Phillip Neri, Down- Arizona Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus town Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul) Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Minnesota New York Pennsylvania Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Danville: St. Joseph California Catholic Community Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Latrobe: St. Vincent Basilica Orange: Koinonia Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Ohio Bellport: Mary Immaculate Old St. Mary, St. John the Pleasanton Dayton: Living Beatitudes Community Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul San Diego: Mary Magdalene Catholic Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Wilkinsburg: St. James Community Oregon St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Portland: Journey and Koinonia St. Augustine, Immaculate.Heart of Rhode Island District of Columbia Catholic Community Mary Providence: St. Raymond Communitas Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Wickford: St. Bernard Pennsylvania East Islip: St. Mary Florida Drexel Hill: St. Mary Magdalene Elmira: St. Mary Tennessee Tampa: Franciscan Center Community Fairport: Church of the Assumption Alcoa: Our Lady of Fatima Pittsburgh: Dignity//Pittsburgh Henrietta: Good Shepherd Memphis: Cathedral of the Iowa Ithaca: St. Catherine of Siena Immaculate Conception Coralville: Full Circle Small Faith Virginia Manhattan: Ascension, Blessed Sacra- Community Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community ment, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Texas Francis deSales, St. Francis of Assi- Austin: Univ.of Texas Catholic Center Maryland Washington si, St. Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius Colleyville: Good Shepherd Baltimore, Annapolis, Thurmont: Lacey: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Loyola, St. Paul the Apostle Dallas: Holy Trinity Living Water Inclusive Catholic Catholic Community Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration El Paso: All Saints Community Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, Houston: St. Anne, St. Teresa Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Wisconsin St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Odessa: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Community Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Saratoga Springs: St. Peter Plano: St. Elizbeth Ann Seton Milwaukee: Mary of Magdala, Apostle Schenectady: St. Luke Michigan to the Apostles Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Grand Rapids: Marywood Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 37, No. 4 Judge denies Catholic discrimination claim in foster care case

By Julia Terruso need, who can be certified, and who have ware of the discriminatory policies, and working with same-sex couples violated Philly.com roots in this community. " stopped foster-care referrals to both agen- Philadelphia's Fair Practices Ordinance, July 132, 2018 DHS has said that it will not remove cies following the report. Bethany has since which forbids city contractors from dis- children already in CSS-certified families, changed its policy and will resume work criminating on the base of sexuality. Philadelphia can require its foster care and has and will continue to with the city, according to court testimony. She noted that testimony indicated that agencies to adhere to its nondiscrimination make exceptions in some cases, including CSS sued, arguing over three days of CSS could be in violation of another aspect polices, a federal judge said Friday in a placing a child with a sibling already in a testimony that requiring the organization to of the ordinance, one unaffiliated with this decision that could have national repercus- CSS home. abandon its religious beliefs in order to case. CSS's Amato had testified that his sions. Attorneys for CSS, who filed the law- care for kids infringed on its religious free- organization requires a letter from a clergy U.S. District Court Judge Petrese B. suit along with three foster parents, said doms, and that the suspension put children member from all interested foster parents. Tucker found that the city did not violate they would appeal. in need of good homes at risk. Staff from The denomination of the sender does not the religious liberties of Catholic Social "Foster children deserve loving homes, CSS testified that the organization had matter but Tucker called the condition Services (CSS) when it suspended its con- and foster parents like Ms. Fulton and Mrs. about 30 certified homes going unused. . . . problematic. . . . tract with the agency for foster-care ser- Paul have been waiting with open arms to In testimony, James Amato, who The ACLU of Pennsylvania, which vices after discovering that the agency welcome them," said Lori Windham, senior heads CSS's foster care program, said con- filed a brief in support of the city, celebrat- would not work with same-sex couples. counsel at Becket Law. "But the city has ducting a home study to certify a family "is ed the decision as the first of its kind in the The Department of Human Services put politics above the children, and today essentially a validation of the relationships nation and said it could have a bearing on had a legitimate interest in ensuring "that the court allowed the city's discriminatory in that home." He said that because a same- similar cases pending in Michigan and the pool of foster parents and resource actions to continue — a decision we will sex couple's relationship "is not one that is Texas. caregivers is as diverse and broad as the immediately appeal." Cecilia Paul, a foster acceptable in terms of church teaching," to "When faith-based agencies choose to children in need of foster parents," Tucker parent through CSS for 46 years, and Sha- certify such a couple would violate the receive taxpayer dollars to provide public wrote in a decision Friday denying ronell Fulton, another foster parent, were organization's religious beliefs. . . . child-welfare services, their religious be- CSS's request for a temporary restraining among those filing the suit and testified on CSS has several other contracts with liefs cannot trump the best interests of the order to resume its work for the city. behalf of CSS in last month's hearing be- the city that remain unaffected, including a children in their care," said Leslie Cooper, The city welcomed the news. fore Tucker. contract with DHS as one of 10 community deputy director of the ACLU's LGBT and "As the court found, the city has a The case stemmed from an instance umbrella organizations that work with chil- HIV Project. "The court saw it was not legitimate interest in ensuring that when we last year in which a same-sex couple inter- dren and families already in the foster-care only permissible for the City of Philadelph- employ contractors to provide governmen- ested in fostering were turned away from system. CSS has additional contracts with ia to prohibit discrimination by its contract tal services, that those services are accessi- Bethany Christian Services after the agency the Office of Homeless Services, the De- agencies, but that allowing the use of reli- ble to all Philadelphians who are qualified learned they were gay. Their story ap- partment of Public Health, Planning and gious screening requirements in the public for the services," spokeswoman Deana peared in March in the Inquirer and Daily Development, and the Office of Behavioral child welfare system would likely violate Gamble said in a statement. "Regrettably, News. The story also noted that Bethany Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, the Constitution."  by refusing to certify same-sex couples, and CSS had policies preventing staff from that are unaffected by the ruling. CSS is ruling out qualified families who working with same-sex couples. In her decision, Tucker agreed with are willing to provide care for children in At the time, the city said it was una- the city's assertion that CSS's policy against Recognizing, Understanding, and Affirming Asexual People By Catherine Buck dentified often enough that us ace folks joyful thing.” Among their FAQs, AVEN further Bondings 2.0 begrudgingly expect it, but that doesn’t Public representation among the contrasts asexuality and celibacy, where NewWaysMinistry.org/blog meant the mistake doesn’t sting.” asexual community is small but grow- the former is a sexual identity character- July 19, 2018 Following the lecture she attended, ing. The Asexuality Visibility and Edu- ized by lack of sexual attraction, and the Gist approached Fr. Martin at the book cation Network (AVEN) explains asexu- former an intentional lifestyle choice There’s a small change in one of the signing. She thanked him for his ality: often celebrated in the Catholic church definitions of Fr. James Martin’s second “openness in learn- and practiced by members of the clergy edition of Building a Bridge: How the ing” more about the and vowed religious communities Catholic Church and the LGBT Commu- subjects he writes on, AVEN also draws a distinction between nity Can Enter into a Relationship of and then made her sexual and romantic attraction: Respect, Compassion and Sensitivity. correction about the “Asexuals may regard other people The change may be minor, but it makes a ‘A’ definition listed. as aesthetically attractive without feeling world of difference to a particular group “He thanked me sexual attraction to them. Some asexual of people who are often forgotten. for this information. people also experience the desire of be- The 2016 recipient of New Ways He pulled out a small ing affectionate to other people without Ministry’s Bridge Building Award, Fr. notebook, wrote this it being sexual.” Martin has been speaking around the down, and told me he A good proportion of asexuals get U.S. about LGBT issues since the publi- was glad to know. He crushes on others and fall in love. Emo- cation of his book last year. The change didn’t just listen to tional and romantic attraction are sepa- in the second edition of his book grew what I had to say—he rate from sexual attraction for them. For out of a conversation with a member of heard me, properly some people these forces are connected, the audience at one of his appearances. and genuinely.” but they are not joined for asexual peo- In The Asexual online journal, Grace The experience ple.. Many asexuals talk about having a Gist recounts her experience asking Fr. of being heard by Fr. ‘romance drive’. They need to be inti- Martin to revise his definition of the ‘A’ Martin individually mate with another special person, it’s in the LGBTQA+ acronym to indicate was to the author “a just that the intimacy they desire isn’t asexuals, rather than allies. Gist first most remarkable joy” sexual.” read the initial version of Building a of being seen “without question.” Then, “It’s a lack of sexual attraction. While there may not be clear rea- Bridge leading up to one of Fr. Martin’s beyond this initial personal connection, Asexuals are generally very different sons for conflict between the church and talks: when the second edition of the book was from one another: some experience ro- asexual individuals, it is important to “He recognizes that LGBTQ and released, the definition was there with an mantic attraction, some don’t. Some continue to affirm their existence as real LGBTQA are common, but in explain- update. Gist writes: experience arousal, some don’t. Asexu- and valid, and one worth including fully ing the latter he listed the A to mean “Asexuality isn’t a focus of the ality is not celibacy – celibacy is a in conversations about how to fully serve ally. I was disappointed, but not terribly book, but to have the word there in black choice to abstain from sexual intimacy all members of the church.  surprised—the A gets left out and misi- and white, however small, is a powerful, while asexuality is an orientation which results in lack of sexual attraction.” The witch hunt for gay priests

(Continued from page 1) desires to be more public about who they homosexuality inevitably leads to abuse. conditioned to play the scapegoat we are and religious order superiors fear that are, and gay priests are willing to pay the This is contradicted by almost every too ashamed to speak out.” their men (again, celibate and chaste price of honesty, the situation is unlikely study, including the John Jay Report, an Is there a “gay subculture” in the priests) could be targeted by the media to change. exhaustive study of sex abuse in the church? I have never worked in the Vati- or homophobic websites. Third, an un- Consequently, the stereotype of the Catholic Church between 1950 and can, so I cannot comment on that work- derlying shame about their sexuality. “gay priest abuser” now predominates. 2010. Most abuse happens in families. place. But in my 30 years as a Jesuit, I Fourth, an innate desire for privacy To use another example, imagine if the And no one, as far as I know, suggests have seen that gay priests in U.S. dioces- about a personal aspect of one’s life. only stories aired about members of an that heterosexuality promotes abuse. es, as well as in religious orders, work Fifth, the fear that in the absence of other ethnic, social or religious group were of Beyond these reasons is a perhaps well with their straight counterparts—as “out” priests one might become the those who had committed crimes. Fur- more important explanation: the intense well as with straight lay people: pastoral “poster boy” for the group. ther, imagine that no positive stories homophobia that still exists in some associates, parish council members, pa- Such reasons mean that the example about their law-abiding members were quarters of the church. And this must be rishioners, as well as principals, adminis- of the many hardworking, healthy and made public. Eventually, the negative named for what it is: hate. A few days trators and teachers. In religious life, celibate gay priests (and chaste members stereotype would dominate: “All mem- ago, a gay priest texted me this astute they live peaceably with their straight of religious orders) is almost entirely bers of this group are criminals.” (Sadly, observation: “We are so used to gay peo- brothers. absent from both the church’s conscious- this is not a hard scenario to imagine: ple being mistreated in the church that More to the point, I know hundreds ness and the public eye. There are excep- Many ethnic groups face the same kinds we can internalize the homophobic big- of gay priests, and I can say with honesty tions, like the Rev. Gregory Greiten of of stereotypes.) otry that we are now seeing, and that that all of them strive to keep their prom- the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the This fear leads to a cycle of secrecy: Viganò expressed in his testimony, and ises of celibacy and vows of chastity, Rev. Fred Daley of the Diocese of Syra- Fewer celibate gay priests in the public fail to call it out. It’s deeply hateful. And none of them conspire with other gay cuse, priests who have come out publicly eye means more stereotyping. More ste- if he were making similar attacks against priests, and yet many of them are demor- as gay. But Fathers Greiten and Daley reotyping leads to more fear. More fear another ethnic or religious group, there alized by this increasingly hate-fueled are two of only a handful of clergy like leads to more secrecy. would be a far different reaction— witch hunt.  this. And until bishops and religious Other malign stereotypes are also probably even from within the church. superiors support gay priests in their being peddled, for example, the idea that But because gay priests have been so Fall 2018 BONDINGS Page 7 Can the Catholic Church ‘Evolve’ on L.G.B.T. Rights? By John Gehring gave the most famous papal sound bite The court decision, which he opposed, Straight Catholics are not fired for using The New York Times in history five years ago — “Who am I still offered an opportunity for “mature contraception, for example, or having July 5, 2018 to judge?” — even his colloquial use of and serene reflections,” the cardinal sex before marriage. Why not judge the word “gay” caused a stir in tradition- wrote. Catholics for not welcoming immi- A growing number of Americans al Catholic circles. While the pope has “Although ‘marriage for all’ differs grants, feeding the hungry or visiting the now broadly support equal rights for strongly defended church teaching on clearly from the church’s concept of sick? In the Gospel of Matthew, failing gay, lesbian and transgender people. It’s marriage as exclusively between a man marriage, it’s now political reality,” to do that earns you a ticket to damna- tempting to view this as inevitable, but and a woman, he prioritizes listening the bishop said. “We have to ask our- tion. less than a decade ago many Democrats, and personal encounter over finger- selves how we’re encountering those Five years into the Francis papacy, a including Barack Obama, didn’t even wagging denunciations. He’s met with who form such relationships, and are pope who emphasizes mercy and strikes publicly support same-sex marriage. The transgender people, and when he spoke also involved in the church, how we’re a more welcoming tone toward L.G.B.T. speed at which L.G.B.T. rights became a privately last month with a Chilean cler- accompanying them pastorally and litur- people is helping to rescue the church mainstream issue, including for many gy sexual abuse survivor, the pope told gically.” from a culture-war Christianity that religious denominations, represents him that God made him gay and loved The church’s own language toward drives people away. But until the Catho- nothing less than a dizzying cultural him. . . . L.G.B.T. people is a stumbling block to lic hierarchy can find more tangible transformation. The pope’s emphasis on encounter its professed commitment to human dig- ways to institutionalize a commitment to What does this revolution mean for and engagement is trickling down to nity. While the Catholic catechism, the rights of gay, lesbian and trans- the Catholic Church, an ancient institu- influence other church leaders. Cardinal which details church teaching, forbids gender people, the exodus of Catholics tion that thinks in centuries, and holds a Joe Tobin of Newark welcomed a pil- any violence or “unjust discrimination” will continue. Surveys show most Cath- view of human sexuality at odds with grimage of toward people olics support same-sex marriage, and the the shifting cultural winds? L.G.B.T. Catho- who are gay or church’s opposition to L.G.B.T. rights Well, last week, the Vatican used lics to the city’s Catholic leaders in the lesbian, it also drives young people away. “L.G.B.T.” for what is believed to be cathedral last United States should con- describes sexual Those who are raised Catholic are the first time ever in a document pre- spring. In this intimacy be- more likely than those raised in any oth- pared for a major gathering of bishops month’s issue of sider studying a proposal tween them as er religion to cite negative religious and young people in October. “Some U.S. Catholic made by Bishop Franz- “intrinsically treatment of gay and lesbian people as L.G.B.T. youth,” it reads, want to “bene- magazine, a dea- Josef Bode, the vice presi- disordered.” the primary reason they leave, according fit from greater closeness and experience con in the dio- Before he be- to the nonpartisan Public Religion Re- greater care from the church.” The docu- cese of St. Pe- dent of the German bish- came pope, Car- search Institute. Firing L.G.B.T. Catho- ment also acknowledges that many tersburg, Fla. ops’ conference, who has dinal Joseph lics and using degrading language such young Catholics disagree with the [see page 3], encouraged a thoughtful Ratzinger wrote as “intrinsically disordered” erode the church’s teaching on same-sex marriage. wrote movingly in 1986 that church’s credibility to speak about jus- Not exactly breaking news, you about his discussion on whether homosexuality tice, love and human dignity. might argue. But adopting “L.G.B.T.” is transgender Catholic clergymen might represents a If the first step toward change is emblematic of an emerging shift in the daughter, and offer a type of blessing for “strong tenden- listening, Bishop John Stowe of Lexing- church’s posture toward gay, lesbian and challenged the cy ordered to- ton, Ky., had it right when he addressed transgender people. Catholic teaching church’s notion Catholics in same-sex rela- ward an intrin- a national gathering of L.G.B.T. Catho- documents have typically used “homo- of “gender ideol- tionships. sic moral evil.” lics last year. “In a church that has not sexual” or referred to those with “homo- ogy,” a term that Many L.G.B.T. always valued or welcomed your pres- sexual tendencies,” which reduce a per- has been used to Catholics are ence, we need to hear your voices and son’s multidimensional humanity to the discredit the push for transgender rights. also forced to live in what the Rev. Bry- take seriously your experiences,” he mechanics of sex. Using the L.G.B.T. Despite this progress, the Catholic an Massingale, a Fordham University said. descriptor, often preferred by many gay, Church must do far more not only to theologian, calls “the open closet.” This It’s time to make sure that is more lesbian and transgender people, is a sign acknowledge the humanity of L.G.B.T. is particularly true at Catholic schools, than just an applause line.  of respect. people, but also to recognize most want where in recent years more than 70 Pope Francis has opened space for a the same committed, loving relation- L.G.B.T. church employees and Catholic John Gehring is Catholic program deeper, more authentic conversation ships as straight couples. After the Su- schoolteachers have been fired or lost director at Faith in Public Life and au- about how the church can keep one foot preme Court’s 2015 decision legalizing their jobs in employment disputes. thor of The Francis Effect: A Radical planted in Catholic tradition without same-sex marriage, Cardinal Blase L.G.B.T. Catholic employees have their Pope’s Challenge to the American Cath- being afraid to step into the lived experi- Cupich of Chicago called for “real, not lives subjected to moral scrutiny in ways olic Church. ences of others. When Pope Francis rhetorical” respect for gays and lesbians. heterosexual Catholics never do. 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 Mobile: Spring Hill College Davenport: St. Ambrose University Montana Pennsylvania Dubuque: Loras College, Clarke University Helena: Carroll College Cresson: Mount Aloysius College California Dallas: Misericordia University Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University Kentucky Nebraska Erie: Mercyhurst College Goleta: St. Mark’s University Louisville: Spalding University, Omaha: Creighton University Greensburg: Seton Hill University Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount University, Bellarmine University Immaculata: Immaculata University Mount Saint Mary’s College New Hampshire Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, Moraga: St. Mary’s College Louisiana Manchester: St. Anselm College LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s Univ. Oakland: Holy Names University New Orleans: Loyola University Nashua: Rivier College Pittsburgh: Carlow University, Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Duquesne University San Diego: University of San Diego Maryland New Jersey Radnor: Cabrini College San Francisco: University of San Baltimore: Notre Dame of Caldwell: Caldwell College Reading: Alvernia University Francisco Maryland University, Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Scranton: Marywood University Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Loyola University of Maryland South Orange: Seton Hall Villanova: Villanova University

Colorado Massachusetts New York Rhode Island Denver: Regis University Boston: Emmanuel College, Albany: College of Saint Rose Newport: Salve Regina University Chestnut Hill: Boston College Brooklyn and Patchogue: Providence: Providence College Connecticut Chicopee: Elms College St. Joseph’s College Fairfield: Fairfield University, Easton: Stonehill College Bronx: Fordham University, Texas Sacred Heart University North Andover: Merrimack College Manhattan College Austin: Saint Edward’s University New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Weston: Regis College Buffalo: Canisius College San Antonio: University of the Incarnate West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Worcester: Assumption College, Loudonville: Siena College Word, Our Lady of the Lake Univ. College of the Holy Cross New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, District of Columbia Iona College Vermont Georgetown University, Trinity University Michigan Poughkeepsie: Marist College Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy, Rochester: St. John Fisher College Florida Marygrove College St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Univ. Washington Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Sparkill: St. Thomas Aquinas College Lacey: St. Martin’s College Miami Shores: Barry University Syracuse: LeMoyne College Seattle: Seattle University Minnesota Queens: St. John’s University Spokane: Gonzaga University Hawaii Collegeville: St. John’s University Honolulu: Chaminade University Duluth: College of St. Scholastica Ohio West Virginia Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Cincinnati: Xavier University Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University Illinois St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Cleveland Heights: John Carroll University Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Univer- St. Paul: St. Thomas University Dayton: University of Dayton Wisconsin sity, St. Xavier University Winona: St. Mary’s University of Pepper Pike: Ursuline College De Pere: St. Norbert College Joliet: University of St. Francis Minnesota South Euclid: Notre Dame College Madison: Edgewood College River Forest: Dominican University in Illinois Sylvania: Lourdes College Milwaukee: Alverno College, Romeoville: Lewis University Missouri Cardinal Stritch University, Kansas City: Avila University, Oregon Marquette University Indiana Rockhurst University Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, St. Mary’s St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Portland: University of Portland Canada College, Univ. of Notre Dame St. Louis University Toronto: Regis College Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 37, No. 4 Ethicist says Church teaching on gender ‘not incompatible’ with accepting transgender identity By Charles Camosy der and what is unwarranted cultural nition of the dignity and rights of wom- Catholic intellectual tradition, who is CruxNow.com assumption. At the same time, I sought en” (Pope Francis Amoris Laetitia). herself trans, has also made use of this July 26, 2018 to attend carefully to the voices of those It is also important to note that the analogy (while acknowledging its lim- whose experience of gender identity focus of this papal teaching is on various its). To say that David Albert Jones en- challenges these assumptions. . . . errors of a theoretical kind and the way If you’re an adoptive parent, you’re joys a “certain standing” within the field One practical issue for Catholic hos- these errors have been promoted by gov- a parent for most purposes and no one of Catholic bioethics would almost cer- pitals is whether they should offer gen- ernments and educational bodies. It is sensible scratches their head over it - tainly be putting things mildly. Since der reassignment surgery. I examined not directed at the situation of people they don’t decree that you can’t sit on 2010 he’s directed the Anscombe Bio- this question in an article recently pub- who experience a consistent, persistent school parents’ councils, or see it as ethics Centre at Oxford in the UK, one lished in Theological Studies. Though and insistent sense of identity incongru- somehow dangerous or threatening or of most influential think tanks on such gender reassignment surgery has been ent with their natal sex. undermining of “real parents” or dishon- matters in the world. practiced in Europe since the 1950s and In this regard, it is worth quoting a est or deceptive or delusional or a symp- Jones is also a key adviser to both in the United States since the 1960s it recent statement by the LGBT+ Catho- tom of mental illness or a piece of em- the English and the European bishops. has never been mentioned in any official lics Westminster Pastoral Council: barrassing and pathetic public make- He’s a member of the Health and Social teaching document of “Being transgender believe…”transwomen are to women as Care Advisory Group and the Depart- the Church. It has not does not mean that adoptive parents are to parents.” ment of Christian Responsibility and been mentioned explicit- someone wishes to abol- Citizenship of the Catholic Bishops’ ly in any papal address ish gender or sexual How, in your view, can faithful Conference of England and Wales, and or encyclical. It is not difference; in fact many Catholics show respect and pastoral is also a member of the Commission of mentioned in transgender people re- concern for trans people while also the Bishops’ Conferences of the EU the Catechism of the port feeling great joy honoring what they believe to be true (COMECE) Working Group on Ethics in Catholic Church nor in and peace once their about sex and gender? Research and Medicine. any statement by the bodies and gender iden- No pastoral approach is sustainable Of late Jones’s interests have taken Congregation for the tities are aligned. The if it is not honest and informed by a a turn into matters of gender identity, Doctrine of the Faith. argument that gender is commitment to seek what is true and reflecting a new surge of attention In the absence of purely a social construct good. . . fueled, to a great extent, by larger social any official teaching is often used to delegiti- In the case of divergent gender iden- and cultural developments. The follow- most Catholic moral mize, rather than sup- tity, we should not assume, as perhaps ing is a transcript of his exchange with theologians, where they port, transgender identi- the question seems to assume, that some- Crux [edited from the original for space have considered the ties. Gender is not a one expressing a deep-seated sense of purposes]. question, have taken one matter of individual gender identity is doing something sinful of two views. Some choice for transgender or objectively disordered. On the contra- Camosy: Until now your work has have characterised such people any more than it ry, the person may be accepting his or mainly been in Catholic bioethics, on surgery as mutilation, is for cisgender (i.e. not her gender identity as something given issues such as abortion and euthana- direct harm to the body, transgender) people. by God. sia. Why did you decide to engage and therefore as incom- David Albert Jones Although it is currently There are difficult moral issues re- with the issue of gender identity? patible with Catholic medi- not known why some lated to incongruent gender identity, Jones: On the basis of what I had cal ethics. Others have argued that such people are transgender, current research issues concerning marriage, sexual ethics written, I was asked to help develop pas- surgery could be considered justifiable, suggests that genetics, hormones and and surgery. Moral discernment is need- toral and theological resources in this if it helps alleviate the extreme distress environment all play a role.” ed to know what can be endorsed, what area. This gave me the opportunity to of gender dysphoria. However, typical- The very idea of transitioning from cannot be endorsed but might, in certain seek out transgender people who were ly, this second group of theologians have male to female (or vice versa) does not circumstances, be tolerated, and what practicing Catholics to ask them about cast doubt on whether such surgery is contradict but rather presupposes the should be challenged. their experiences and what they felt effective in providing long-term relief. . . existence of a gender binary. Hence, However, prior to discernment would be helpful. I also spoke to canon . while it is important to accept the posi- comes accompaniment. Pope Francis, lawyers, educationalists, and priests with tive teaching of the pope and bishops on talking about the pastoral support of experience accompanying transgender Pope Francis and Catholic bish- gender complementarity, it should not be trans people said, “for every case wel- people but the most important thing for ops in many countries have taught assumed that this teaching is necessarily come it, accompany it, look into it, dis- me was to listen to people who were that a gender ideology has emerged incompatible with affirming the gender cern and integrate it. This is what Jesus seeking to live their faith while accept- that is harmful to society in general identity of trans people. would do today.” Pastoral guidance in ing their deep-rooted sense of gender and to children in particular. Do you this area, if it is to be wise and helpful, identity. agree? You’ve written that gender transi- will be the fruit of accompaniment and Despite the very personal nature of In their reflections on the equal but tion could be compatible with a Cath- informed by the experience of the people the journey that each had made, I found in some ways distinct roles of men and olic anthropology, but one might ask the guidance exists to support. It should a great willingness to talk and an appre- women in the family and in society, how denying your own God-given sex- arise from “speaking with” and not just ciation of my attempts to listen, as one Pope Francis and several bishops’ con- ual identity can be compatible with a be “speaking about” Catholics with a person said to me, “thank you for speak- ferences have called attention to some Catholic understanding of the body, divergent sense of gender identity. ing to us and not just about us.” contemporary ideas that are potentially marriage, and the Divinely created A final pastoral reflection: Pope What have you found from your harmful. Chief among these are a denial complementarity of male and female? Francis, who more than any other pope research? What does the Church of the complementarity of male and fe- When we try to make sense of di- has called attention to the dangers of teach about gender identity and about male, a failure to recognise the goodness verse expressions of gender identity it is “gender theory,” consistently uses gen- gender reassignment surgery? Why of the body and the unity of body and natural to reach for analogies with other der pronouns that reflect the person’s have Catholic hospitals sometimes soul, a radical separation of the concepts issues. . . . sense of identity. He refers to a person refused to perform such surgery? of sex and gender, finally, the idea that Legal or social changes of gender who was born a girl as a “man,” as “he,” My investigation of the issue of gender identity is or ought to be a matter identity are also like (and unlike) the and as “he, who had been she, but is he.” gender identity has revealed to me how of personal choice. legal and social practice of adoption. An Catholic pastoral practice must little I understood this aspect of human These errors, grouped together un- adopted son or daughter is a true son or begin with welcome and the first sign of existence. It is not simple and if you der the term “gender theory” (teoria del daughter, by adoption (and this true rela- welcome is how we address someone. think it is simple you are probably mis- gender) or “gender ideology” (ideologia tionship is invoked in Scripture as a There is nothing un-Catholic about the understanding it. It also reminded me del genere), can be traced back to cer- model for our relationship with God by use of names and pronouns that reflect a how we all carry with us unexamined tain strands of feminism. Nevertheless, grace - Galatians 4.5). An adopted child person’s sense of identity.  cultural assumptions through which we to recognise these as errors is not to re- does not deny the reality of his or her express Christian doctrine or frame sci- ject feminism as such, “If certain forms natal biological identity, but he or she is Professor David Albert Jones is entific and philosophical enquiry. of feminism have arisen which we must assigned a new identity that has a social Research Fellow at St Mary’s Universi- I began the task of teasing apart consider inadequate, we must nonethe- and legal reality in order to address his ty, Twickenham and director of the what is true and authoritative in the less see in the women’s movement the or her needs. Sophie-Grace Chappell, an Anscombe Bioethics Centre in Oxford. Catholic tradition regarding sex and gen- working of the Spirit for a clearer recog- academic philosopher sympathetic to the India’s Cardinal Supported Striking Down Gay Ban Before Court Did

By Francis DeBernardo responses is the fact in 2013 when the “[T]he Catholic Church has never with The Hindu Times: Bondings 2.0 court had declared lesbian and gay sexu- been opposed to the decriminalisation of “For me it’s a question of under- Newwaysministry.org/blog al activity as a “crime homosexuality, because we standing that it’s an orientation. . .I know September 11, 2018 against nature,” setting off have never considered gay there is still research being done whether the recent debate, the only people criminals. As Chris- it’s a matter of choice or matter of orien- Last week’s wonderful news that religious leader in India tians, we express our full tation and there are two opinions on this India’s Supreme Court decriminalized who spoke out for the respect for homosexuals. matter. But I believe maybe people have consensual sex between adults, in effect rights of these sexual mi- The Catholic Church is this orientation that God has given them decriminalizing lesbian and gay rela- norities was Cardinal Os- opposed to the legalisation and for this reason they should not be tions, has rightly been received by acco- wald Gracias, archbishop of gay marriage, but teach- ostracised from society.” lades from around the globe. The New of Bombay, who at the es that homosexuals have He continued: York Times reported that the gay ban was time was also president of the same dignity of every “I had been reflecting on the ques- one of the oldest in the world and that the the Indian Catholic bish- human being and con- tion of whether the church should be court declared it “irrational, indefensible ops’ conference. (He was demns all forms of unjust more welcoming towards members of the and manifestly arbitrary.” The court’s re-elected president in Feb- discrimination, harassment LGBT community for some time. I met decision also ordered that gay and lesbi- ruary 2018.) Bondings or abuse.” some groups and associations of LGBTs an Indians receive all of the protections 2.0 reported on Gracias’ That wasn’t Gracias’ and I had an understanding for them. I of the nation’s Constitution. support at the time, quoting only intervention. In 2015, don’t want them to feel ostracized.  Unmentioned, though, in all of the his statement: Cardinal Oswald Gracias he stated in an interview