B NDINGS Vol. 39 No. 1 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Winter 2019-2020 Father James Martin, Advocate for LGBTQ Catholics, Received by Francis

By Francis DeBernardo Besides recogniz- for an outstretched hand of welcome Bondings 2.0 ing Fr. Martin’s from the church that they love. NewWaysMinistry.org/blog ministry, this This meeting is one of the many September 20, 2019 meeting is also an ways that has been sending affirmation of the out the message that he wants the church Father James Martin, SJ, author thousands of to do more affirming pastoral initiatives of Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Catholics around with the LGBTQ community. Just this Church and the LGBT Community Can the U.S. and past weekend, it became known that the Enter into a Relationship of Respect, around the globe pope restored priestly functions to Fr. Compassion, and Sensitivity, was re- who have been James Alison, a prominent, openly ceived this morning by Pope Francis in a reaching out pas- theologian. Earlier this year, the private audience at the Vatican. torally to LGBTQ pope greeted a group of LGBTQ and ally Fr. Martin, whose book is based on people and their pilgrims from the Westminster Diocese, the lecture he gave when he received families in the England, who attended the papal audi- New Ways Ministry’s Bridge Building ways that Fr. ence in St. Peter’s Square. He has met Award in 2016, has become a leading Martin has de- with a Catholic man, re- advocate for LGBTQ ministry in the scribed in his ceived a gay former student along with . Since the publication book. This is a his partner, invited and met with of the book in 2017, he has been tireless Fr. James Martin talks with Pope Francis. day of rejoicing Jacques Gaillot, an advocate for LGBTQ in spreading the word about LGBTQ for the many lay people and relationships, affirmed the inclusion in the church’s pastoral life. ral ministry, already praised by , people, nuns, priests, brothers, deacons, transgender ministry of an Argentinian This meeting with the pope refutes archbishops, and cardinals, has won the theologians who have quietly and persis- nun, and wrote a friendly note to a group the unjustified barrage of criticism he has approval of the highest levels of the tently, often in the face of harsh and in- of LGBTQ Catholics which meets in received from a minority of church lead- church. It is a clear signal that Pope sensitive criticism, continued to follow Florence, Itay. In 2015, a group of New ers and other anti-LGBTQ sectors of the Francis is calling the church to conver- Jesus’ command to reach out to all peo- Ways Ministry pilgrims received VIP church. Even more so, it recognizes that sion away from the negative messages it ple, especially those marginalized and seats for the Ash Wednesday papal audi- Fr. Martin’s approach to LGBTQ pasto- has sent in the past about LGBTQ peo- misunderstood. It is a day of celebration ence in St. Peter’s Square.  ple. for LGBTQ Catholics who have longed German Cardinal, Key Bishop Endorse Church Blessings for LGBTQ Couples By Robert Shine “At the same time, Marx empha- Elsewhere in Germany, Bishop and the question of women’s ordination Bondings 2.0 sized that homosexuals are welcome in Franz-Josef Bode of Osnabrück affirmed are not an “all-or-nothing affair,” but NewWaysMinistry.org/blog the church. If people in same-sex rela- his support for church blessings a third rather reform would “only come step-by- January 3, 2020 tionships have been faithful for years and time. Novena News reported: step and in synchrony with the world are there for one another, then the “On the subject of pastoral care for Church and with Rome.” As vice-pres- Two leaders of the German Bishops’ Church must not ‘bracket out negatively” gay couples, Bishop Bode was equally ident of the German Bishops’ Confer- Conference have offered support for about this life and say that it was worth clear: the basic principle of love should ence and leading the Synodal Way’s church blessings of same-gender couples. nothing. ‘I get criticism for this from be the moral-theological yardstick for all working group on women, Bode has a Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich some sides,’ said the Archbishop of Mu- human relationships, including partner- key role to play in that process overall. and Freising stated in an interview that nich. ‘Some say: It goes too far. Others: ship and sexuality. Bode first issued his support for same-gender couples could receive a It doesn’t go far enough.'” “We in the Church ‘should approach these blessings in 2018, calling on the church blessing, reported Katholisch.de: With this latest statement, Marx, this area [sexuality] more positively, church to consider positive elements in “According to Cardinal Reinhard who is a close advisor to Pope Francis closer to people and closer to life’, insist- same-gender relationships beyond just Marx, homosexual couples can receive a and chair of the German Bishops’ Con- ed the bishop. writing them off as gravely sinful. In blessing ‘in the sense of pastoral care’ in ference, has reversed his 2018 posi- “Bode thereby hinted at the possibil- January 2019, he repeated this sup- the Catholic Church. But no marriage- tion against blessings for same-gender ity of establishing official Church bless- port saying he was “sure that the catego- like relationship is blessed with this, he couple. At that time, Marx said the issue ings for gay couples – in the line, at least, ry of blessing will play a role” in the said in an interview with Stern on Mon- was not a priority for the German episco- of recent suggestions of German Bish- pastoral accompaniment of LGBTQ peo- day. Marriage is also not possible. ‘The pate. But the topic has taken on new life ops’ President Cardinal Reinhard Marx.” ple. Bode added at that time, “We must sacrament of marriage is based on the as the German church begins its Synodal Bode, however, dampened expecta- not always treat homosexuality from the faithful relationship between man and Way process to examine issues in church tions that the Synodal Way could lead to point of view of serious sin.”  woman, which is open to children.’ life, including sexual morality. church blessings, warning that this issue Austrian priest celebrates “liturgy of thanksgiving” for civil marriage

By Novena News was “not a sacramental liturgy,” due to “At the same time it is stated there Wolfsburg, is well-known in Austria for Novenanews.com the current Church ban on same-sex mar- that the partnership-like connection of the two cabaret acts he has written since November 14, 2019 riage. two homosexuals cannot be equalled being ordained in 1997. But the spokesman did say that with marriage (251). Both of these things Before he came to the diocese of An Austrian priest Kopp “celebrated Michael Kopp has followed”. Graz-Seckau in January this year, Kopp has celebrated a “lit- a liturgy of Photos of the thanksgiving liturgy was a “family pastor” in the diocese of urgy of thanksgiving” thanksgiving for the two women were published to a Gurk. for two who with two civilly- Polish social media account are both believing married women before finding their way to ul- Christians” and are in who are both traconservative Catholic web- a civil marriage. believing Chris- sites, which quickly protested A spokesman for tians and who over the images’ similarity to the diocese of Graz- had both found wedding photos. Seckau confirmed their way out of One photo features the two November 11 that a personal crises women lighting a candle to- series of photos on with the help of gether before the altar, while social media of the the Catholic another one shows priest Kopp two women in wed- Church”. with his hand raised over the ding clothes came Stanzer quot- couple in a blessing. from a service con- ed as support for Other images feature de- ducted by Father Mi- the service Pope tails such as flower girls, family chael Kopp in St. Mar- Francis’ 2016 members and chairs with rib- garet’s church in Fr. Michael Kopp blessing a lesbian apostolic exhor- bons for the couple at the front The couple lights the candle together during Wolfsburg. couple during a liturgy of thanksgiv- tation on love in of the church, as well as the two their liturgy of thanksgiving. “The basic ques- ing. the family, Amoris women holding hands, exchang- tion is if homosexual laetitia. ing rings, embracing, and processing in people can feel them- “Every person, and out of the service. Earlier this year, Kopp said that selves at home in the Church,” Thomas regardless of sexual orientation, ought to Suspicions aside, however, it is easy family is “the root of every personal life Stanzer told kath.net on Monday. be respected in his or her dignity and to believe the diocese’s account of the existence.” “Family spiritual advisor Michael treated with consideration, while ‘every service, and to see in the women’s big The priest added that the concept of Kopp answered ‘yes’ to this question,” sign of unjust discrimination’ is to be smiles the relief that would come with family embraces “every form of relation- the spokesman explained. carefully avoided, the Post-Synodal Ap- finding a “way out of personal crises” ship among people in the most diverse Stanzer was careful to point out that ostolic Exhortation Amoris laetitia (250) with the Church’s help. constellations of common life.”  the service for the two women’s union states.” the spokesman affirmed. Kopp, the pastor of St. Margaret’s in Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 1 Pope Francis Condemns Lesbian/Gay Persecution, B NDINGS Concerned About “Ex-Gay” Therapy

Winter 2019-2020 Vol. 39, No. 1 By Robert Shine in the civil sphere and the ecclesial context, to avoid any Bondings 2.0 possible compromise – which is assumed to be involun- NewWaysMinistry.org/blog tary – with these degenerations.” Francis DeBernardo, Editor November 16, 2019 New Ways Ministry welcomed the pope’s statement, saying the papal words will “save lives, protect people Board of Directors Pope Francis made two steps to further LGBTQ in- from harm, help keep families together, and work towards Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair clusion in the church this week: condemning the persecu- eradicating hateful attitudes.” The statement hopefully Dr. Jerry Fath tion of lesbian/gay people and meeting with a lesbian ac- signifies a new direction for church leaders condemning Ryan Sattler tivist who works to end conversion therapy. anti-LGBTQ violence and persecution. Addressing the International Association of Penal Also this week, Jayne Ozanne, a lesbian who is an Cristina Traina Law, the pope spoke of threats to common good that in- Anglican and activist against conversion therapy, met with cluded a resurgence of “symbols and actions that are typi- Pope Francis on Thursday. She celebrated Mass with the Board of Advisors cal of Nazism,” reported America: pope at his private chapel and had a conversation after- Robert Brady “ ‘I must confess,’ the pope said, departing from his wards. The Tablet reported that Ozanne presented Francis Rev. Peter Daly prepared remarks, ‘that when I hear some speeches, some with two items: a copy of Just Love, her memoir, and the Brian Flanagan person in charge of order or the government, I am remind- report of a 2018 survey on faith and sexuality: Rev. James Kiesel ed of Hitler’s speeches in 1934 and 1936.’ “In Just Love Ms Ozanne describes her own experi- Elizabeth Linehan, RSM “ ‘They are actions typical of Nazism that, with its ence as a gay Christian, including the impact ‘conversion Anne Marie Miller, RSM persecution of Jews, gypsies and people of homosexual therapy’ had on her. She was hospitalised, and ostracised orientation, represent a negative model par excellence of a by many conservative Christians after she recovered and Staff throwaway culture and hate,’ the pope said. ‘That is what came out as gay. Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director happened in that time and today, these things are reappear- “Ms. Ozanne told the Pope that she was a gay, evan- ing.’” Matthew Myers, Associate Director (Continued on page 7) Robert Shine, Associate Director Francis added, per Crux, “We must be vigilant, both Dwayne Fernandes, Staff Associate A Father’s Plea to Church Leaders About LGBT Issues Co-Founders Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL By Brian Cahill sive reality of an outdated theology of sexuality. Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS Bondings 2.0 The resistance of bishops to review church teaching NewWaysMinistry.org/blog on sexuality is not based on the absence of thoughtful theo- Bondings is a seasonal publication designed December 29, 2019 logical proposals. In Just Love: A Framework for Christian to keep our subscribers informed of issues Sexual Ethics, Mercy Sister Margaret Farley, a moral the- that pertain to LGBT people I am the father of a gay son, and I was slow to learn ologian at Yale Divinity School, argues that a review of and the Catholic Church. how painful, denigrating, and debilitating were the con- sexual ethics is required because of major advances in psy- stant legal, social, and religious reminders that he and chology, gender and human behavior. She presents a de- Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry those like him were not fully accepted members of the tailed analysis of the justice norms that are required for is an educational and bridge-building human community. In his memoir, Hidden, Richard Gian- morally accepted sexual relationships: do no harm, free ministry of reconciliation between the none writes about his experience as a young gay Catholic: consent, mutuality, equality, commitment, fruitfulness, and Catholic LGBT community “The lesson of alienation comes easily to a malleable, social justice. and the institutional structures young consciousness and stays. In Sexual Ethics: A Theological The cumulative effect is toxic. Introduction, Creighton University in the Roman Catholic Church. The pain is insupportable.” moral theologians Todd Salzman My son also experienced this and Michael Lawler build on New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate toxic effect and insupportable Farley’s work. They argue it is im- prevalent myths and stereotypes pain. He knew he was different, possible and irresponsible to ignore about homosexuality and gender identity and he was frightened that others how experience and culture inform and supports civil rights for LGBT persons would discover he was different. and influence responsible thinking in society. He felt isolated even in his own about sexual behavior.

family, with a father who, at the And finally, in God and the Gay New Ways Ministry time, could not make him feel Christian, Matthew Vines, a young 4012 29th Street loved and safe, who could not tell gay evangelical, makes a biblical Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 him that being gay was not rele- case for affirming committed same (301) 277-5674 vant in the eyes of a loving God. I sex relationships. Vines declares, [email protected] thought as long as I loved him he “When we tell people that their eve- NewWaysMinistry.org would be okay. But I didn’t have ry desire for intimate, sexual bond- a clue how to talk to him about it. ing is shameful and disordered, we I didn’t have a clue how much he encourage them to hate a core part would be on the receiving end of of who they are. And when we re- Brian Cahill TO SUBSCRIBE hate and ignorance in the world, ject the desire of gay Christians to hate and ignorance that continues express their sexuality within a life- COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM to this day, hate and ignorance that for the most part de- long covenant, we separate them from our covenantal God, BELOW rives from organized religion, hate and ignorance that is and we tarnish their ability to bear his image.” still virally present in the Catholic Church. Revising church teaching is nothing new. Changes in Today I am no longer groveling in guilt. I love my son the church’s moral teaching are well documented in John Enclosed is: and he knows it. I respect his intellect, his integrity, his Noonan’s A Church That Can Change and Cannot endurance, his professional accomplishments, and his long Change. Noonan makes clear how the church changed its _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada -term committed relationship with his husband. However, I moral theology regarding slavery, usury and freedom of know the impact of my failure at a key time in his life. I conscience without any retreat from the Gospel message of _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada also know that I am not alone, that my son is not alone, Jesus Christ. that there are thousands of families who have experienced On this feast day that focuses on family life, I plead _____ I wish to receive Bondings, the pain of this issue and thousands more who are currently with our church leaders to look at LGBT issues. On behalf but cannot donate at this time. experiencing it. So speaking for all of them on this feast of my son and all his contemporaries, and on behalf of day of The Holy Family, I want to shout to our Church those who came before them and after them, please look at Name ______leaders to review the viability of Church teaching when it how doctrine keeps people in suffocating closets. On be- comes to same-sex activity, to own at least partial respon- half of all the parents of gay, lesbian and trans children, Address ______sibility for the hate and ignorance and pain that my son and please look at how doctrine is splitting apart families. On countless others have had to overcome, and to examine behalf of all nineteen-year old college students who are City ______whether this teaching is enhancing souls and is consistent struggling with the decision to come out, and on behalf of with Jesus’ message of love and inclusiveness. all fourteen year olds who are feeling frightened, isolated, State ______In some ways the refusal of church leaders to tackle confused and threatened, please look at how doctrine is this issue is understandable. For one thing, many bishops causing psychological and physical harm. DayPhone ______do not seem to be bothered when LGBT individuals are on If our church leaders don’t review their theology of the receiving end of hate and discrimination. Moreover, sexuality, they will continue to unintentionally, but effec- Night Phone ______discussions about LGBT issues can become instantly over- tively, fuel the flames of hate and ignorance in the world. heated. Just look at some of the negative responses to Jesu- If they don’t, they will continue to be burdened with an Cell Phone ______it Fr. James Martin’s bridge building efforts. While some untenable teaching that mouths love and respect for gays conservative Catholics have respectfully objected to Fr. and lesbians while at the same time it condemns them for Email ______Martin’s approach, other Catholic voices, hiding under the acting on their natural gift to share love. If they don’t, they banner of orthodoxy, have viciously attacked him, making will be actively encouraging the rapidly growing move- it clear that they refuse to even approach his bridge. Their ment of young Catholics–and some not-so-young– giving Please make check payable to “New Ways responses reveal the that is at the core of their up on the Church they have loved. Ministry”. Outside the US, please use only advocacy for current church teaching on sexuality. But I The teaching is toxic. The teaching causes real pain. checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars or refuse to give up hope that the Spirit can figure out a way The teaching is not consistent with Jesus’ message of love go to www.newwaysministry.org. to make our church strong enough to hold all the baggage and inclusiveness.  both sides will have to carry over it. Mail to: New Ways Ministry The bottom line is that while Catholic leaders have to Brian Cahill, is former executive director of San 4012 29th Street address all of the issues affecting the institutional church, Francisco Catholic Charities and the author of Cops, Cons Mount Rainier, MD 20712 including clericalism, the cover up of abuse, the diminish- and Grace, A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Suicide. ment of women, and insensitivity to LGBT issues, sooner or later they will also have to address the destructive, divi- Winter 2019-2020 BONDINGS Page 3 It's not about ethics, it's about how we imagine God

By Tom Roberts tion that mirrored me." Or at least not as on the assumption of God's unqualified that struggles to understand God in new The National Catholic Reporter years of Catholic education had informed love for us. Imagine if the image of God ways have emerged in recent decades September 10, 2019 his imagination and his understanding of advanced by religious leaders excluded because of a variety of events and forces himself and of God. "My own prayer an element of your human identity that is — such as trying to understand the evil "I come to this conversation as a betrayed that I didn't believe it. I didn't intrinsic to who you are.” of the Holocaust, a range of social justice Black, gay priest and theologian." believe that God could be imaged as Benedictine Sr. Joan Chittister, in issues and "from Christianity's encounter That was the opening line of Fr. Bryan Black. Or as gay. And certainly not as speaking about the evolution of her with goodness and truth in the world's Massingale's July 4 talk at [a conference both simultaneously." thinking about God, says that what we religious traditions." What once was set- day co-sponsored by the Global Network The heart of his insight is worth quot- believe about God — how we imagine tled territory, the monarch (always male) of Rainbow Catholics and] DignityUSA, ing at length: God — "colors everything we do in the whose relationship with humans was a a group that self describes as “The major challenge we face as sex- name of God. It forms everything we series of transactions and of totting up "Celebrating the wholeness and holiness ually minoritized persons is not a prob- think about other people." Indeed, she good and bad on a cosmic balance sheet, of LGBTQI Catholics." DignityUSA also lem of sexual ethics. We tend to think, notes, belief in God is really no big deal is being surveyed anew and rebuilt. hosted a four-day gathering of the Global and we are told, that our problems in — it has happened endlessly throughout "By idolatry," said Massingale, "I Network of Rainbow Catholics, [a world- church and society stem from our non- history. "It is the kind of God in which mean the pervasive belief that only heter- wide coalition of pro-LGBTQ Catholic conformity with the church's moral code. we choose to believe that in the end osexual persons, loves, and relationships organizations and individuals] prior to “But the church has a solution for that makes all the difference." are standard, normative, universal, and the conference. issue. If you sin, you Women, understandably, provide truly 'Catholic.' That only these can me- As did others, I can go to confes- some of the deepest new insights into diate the Divine and carry the holy. That first perceived the talk sion. You receive reimagining the God of Catholic Christi- God can be imaged only as straight." as a public coming forgiveness and ab- anity who emerged from centuries of This puts the conversation in new out. But as Massin- solution. … Our formulation by a largely all-male, celi- territory. Massingale turns the question gale, a professor of deepest problem — bate, secretive culture. from "To what ethics do you subscribe?" theological and social the one that causes In her book Quest for the Living God, to "Who is the God you believe in?"  ethics at Fordham us the most pain, St. Joseph Sr. Elizabeth Johnson writes University, explained alienation, and self- in an email exchange estrangement — is and a phone conversa- that we've been told Priest’s revelation helps me recognise tion, it really wasn't. a false story about "I didn't do this God and have been my homophobia because I felt the need given false images for some grand an- of God. That's our By Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya tics for most of my life. nouncement," he problem. Spotlight.Africa I do not assume to speak on behalf wrote in an email. "As “Underlying all September 4, 2019 of anyone other than myself. Fr. Massin- I said in my reflection, of the struggles we gale’s declaration of who he is asks me the headline is not endure around the My first reaction when I read Fr. to look at who I am. 'Priest Comes Out.' … Father Bryan Massingale world and the stories Bryan Massingale’s personal testimo- My hope is that at the end of my self For many years I have that we've heard ny as a “black, gay priest and theologian” -reflection, I am as liberated about my been out and honest about my sexuality throughout this assembly — stories of was to ask myself: Is he really coming own bigotries around sexual orientation, to those I love and who love me. Also, being kicked out of parishes, ostracized out or is he just trying to be controver- as I suspected Fr. Massingale has been my orientation is not 'breaking news' to from our families, and in general being sial? by owning his own truth. The truth, spe- many others who know me more casual- not welcome — underlying all of these Of course, it will draw attention — cifically knowing it, shall set us free, ly." experiences is a story that Catholicism positive and negative — when a Catholic Jesus told us (John 8: 32). Whatever his intent, this distinguished tells about itself. priest says: “I come to this conversation I wish I could say that the question I scholar and author knew how to get our “At the heart of this story is that to be as a Black, gay priest and theologian. I asked of Fr. Massingale’s sexual orienta- attention. His personal story of growing Catholic is to be straight. ‘Catholic’ = am informed not only by my sexuality, tion arises only some of the time. It prob- awareness and self-discovery is filled ‘straight.’ Official Catholicism tells a my faith, and my study of the Church’s ably happens every time that individuals with the fury and anguish of someone story where only heterosexual persons, ethical beliefs, but also do not fit into neat boxes answering a call to a vocation that, from heterosexual love, heterosexual intimacy, by the traditions of of how straight men and the outset, simultaneously invites him to heterosexual families — only these can Black freedom struggles women ought to be, as engage a deep yearning for God while unambiguously mirror the Divine. Only in the US, struggles though there is a pre- setting him up for an inevitable rejection these are truly sacred. Genuinely holy. which, at their core, are scribed way of being at the core of his humanity. Only these are worthy of unreserved ac- matters of the soul and man or woman. Massingale's headline for the talk was ceptance and respect. All other persons the spirit” Unhappily, I do not al- "The Challenge of Idolatry for LGBTQI and expressions of love, family life, inti- The question I ways have the presence Ministry," and that holds the key to the macy, and sexual identity are sacred (if at asked myself was: Is he of mind to call myself to deepest part of his message. What's idola- all) only by toleration or exception. really gay? In my men- task when I ask this ques- try got to do with it? As much as God's “In effect, we are told that we are tal image, I “know” tion and continue the got to do with it — and that's everything. ‘afterthoughts’ in the story of creation, what homosexual peo- heteronormative account It was during an Ignatian retreat in not part of the original plan. In other ple look like and how of being human. 1982, just before his ordination as dea- words, we are ‘children of a lesser they behave. Fr Massin- The net effect of what con, as he meditated on the first creation god.’… Yes, we certainly need to rethink gale, whom I met when I wish I could put down story in Genesis, that he "noticed that our church's official sexual ethics. But he was in to simple curiosity or when creation was finished, there wasn't even more, we have to rethink God. for the Winter Living voyeurism is harsh even a single Black person. Nor were there any “Imagine, those of us not burdened by Theology Series last for me to accept: I am a Fikile-Ntsikelelo Moya gay people. As I looked at humanity, at such a limited God, what life would be year, did not look or homophobe. If I were not all those created in the image of God, like if our acceptance in the Catholic behave like my mental a homophobe, another there were none that looked like me. Or community were dependent on the toler- image of gay people. person’s sexual orientation would be as loved like me. There was nothing in crea- ance of other human beings rather than But soon, I found myself thinking: irrelevant as the shape of their ears or why am I even asking that question? their star sign. What is it to me that Fr Massingale or I can imagine that questions about Caribbean Archbishop Seeks Repeal anyone else in the world, is straight his being a priest will arise. Again, I do or gay?” not see how this is critical for two rea- Of LGBTQ Criminalization Law The uncomfortable answer is that it sons. The first is that priests have taken a really is none of my business. The an- vow to be celibate and therefore forsake By Robert Shine against [homosexuals] is probably misin- swer only serves to satisfy my base in- their sexual inclinations – whatever Bondings 2.0 formed about the church today. I have stinct to box human beings and validate they might be. NewWaysMinistry.org/blog never said that in my preaching in Saint them according to my own subjective Secondly, the President of the South- October 26, 2019 Lucia. I’ve been here eleven years and a prism of worthiness. ern African Catholic Bishops’ Confer- bishop for 29 years. I’ve Until his declaration, I knew Fr. ence (SACBC), Bishop Sithembele Sipu- An archbishop in St. never preached that, and Massingale as a thought-provocative ka of Mthatha, speaking at the SACBC’s Lucia has called for the Car- I’ve never heard our arch- black priest who is not shy to call out bi-annual plenary session in Marianhill, ibbean nation to reconsider diocese preach that.’” whiteness and white privilege in society KwaZulu-Natal in July, called out “the its anti-LGBTQ law after a Rivas said the church “is and in the church. issue of priests with children, which un- young man there died by learning and is listening.” For that reason, as a black male who like the rape of Sisters is something that suicide. He then commented on the grew up in apartheid South Africa, I res- often surface[s] in our Conference.” Archbishop Robert Ri- criminalization law: onated with him. He understood and ar- Bishop Sipuka also expressed con- vas of Castries critiqued St. “ ‘In so many developed ticulated my struggle. As a Catholic cern for “a lot of talk about the active Lucia’s law criminalizing societies . . . it has gone priest and theologian, he spoke of how I homosexual and lesbian relationships homosexuality when a de- beyond debate. If it is a hope my own life will unfold. occurring among priests and nuns respec- bate over LGBTQ rights in law that is distressful and When he spoke about racial justice, tively.” the island nation erupted it’s not a law that has been it didn’t occur to me to question his mo- I cannot see how any religious per- earlier this year, report- serving its purpose the way tives because I am part of the “victim- son who takes vows of chastity but does ed The Star. The cause of it ought to have served its hood” he speaks and writes about. Un- not keep them can argue that they are this debate was the suicide purpose in the past, then it til now. better or worse based on who they break of 17-year-old Gervais Em- has to be reviewed and Archbishop Robert Rivas Yet the moment I asked myself that those vows with. manuel, who was believed to updated as necessary. I first question, I transitioned from sharing Fr. Massingale has started a conver- be gay. Justice Minister Her- hope that our governments his “victimhood” and became part of the sation that will go on for a long time. mangild Francis then suggested the crim- in the region will look at all the situa- “perpetratorhood.” I questioned Fr. Nobody can know for sure how the story inalization law be reconsidered. tions and do the right thing, but always Massingale’s motives. So much for will end. For me and my homophobia, I Following Emmanuel’s tragic death, maintaining a high standard of morals thinking of myself as open-minded and a hope to live out Pope Francis’ simple yet Rivas rebutted claims the Catholic and values for our people.’”  proud product of the liberation and con- powerful five words: Who am I to Church opposes LGBTQ people: textual theologies that informed my poli- judge?  “ ‘Whoever said the church is Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 1 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. For links to many of these parishes’ websites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org/resources/parishes.

To recommend a community for the list, please email [email protected] or call 301-277- 5674. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. If you learn that any of the plac- es on this list are no longer LGBT-Friendly, please inform us of that, too.

PARISHES Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Louisiana New Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. New Orleans: St. Augustine Albuquerque: Holy Family, Alabama San Felipe de Neri Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord Ignatius Loyola Lafayette: Immaculate Conception Maine Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Montgomery: St. Bede Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic, Lakewood: St. Bernadette Littleton: Light of the World, Our Lady of Hope New York Arizona Saco: Most Holy Trinity Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Glendale: St. Thomas More St Frances Cabrini Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Mesa: St. Bridget Maryland Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Phoenix: St. Patrick Connecticut Guilford: St. George’s Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Bellport: Mary Immaculate Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony New Haven: St. Thomas More Chapel St. Matthew, St. Vincent dePaul Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia, Columbia: St. John the Evangelist St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, St. Thomas More Newman Center & Center Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima St. Augustine, Immaculate. Hagerstown: St. Ann Heart of Mary California Delaware North Wilmington: Holy Child Severn: St. Bernadette Buffalo: St. Joseph University Parish Baldwin Park: St. John the Baptist Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Wilmington: St. Joseph, Sacred Heart Oratory Massachusetts East Islip: St. Mary Burney: St Francis of Assisi Amherst: Newman Catholic Center of Elmira: St. Mary Carlsbad: St. Patrick District of Columbia UMass Fairport: Church of the Assumption Camarillo: Padre Serra Parish Boston: St. Joseph, Paulist Center, Henrietta: Good Shepherd Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral St. Anthony Shrine, St. Cecilia Ithaca: St. Catherine of Siena El Cajon: St. Luke Brimfield: St. Christopher Manhattan: Ascension, Blessed Sacra- Encino: Our Lady of Grace Florida Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Buzzard’s Bay: St. Margaret’s/St. ment, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Fran- Escondido: St. Timothy Mary’s cis deSales, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar East Longmeadow: St. Michael Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius Loyola, Fresno: St. Anthony Claret, St. Paul Medford: Catholic Community at Tufts St. Paul the Apostle Newman Center Ft. Lauderdale: Blessed Sacrament, St. Anthony, St. Maurice University Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish Monson: St. Patrick Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Key West: Basilica of St. Mary Star of the Sea Newton: St. Ignatius St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Hayward: All Saints Provincetown: St. Peter Saratoga Springs: St. Peter Huntington Beach: Sts. Simon and Jude Tampa: Sacred Heart Sharon: Schenectady: St. Luke LaPuente: St. Martha Springfield: Sacred Heart Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Georgia Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Whitinsville: St. Patrick Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Long Beach: St. Matthew, Our Lady of Conception Historic Old St. John’s Refuge Michigan Wading River: St. John the Baptist Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Idaho Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Wantagh: St. Frances de Chantal Christ the King, Mother of Good Boise: St. Mary Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu West Islip: Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Parish Westbury: St. Brigid USC Medical Center (Spanish), Illinois Livonia: St. Edith St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle, Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola North Carolina St. Anselm Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Charlotte: St. Peter North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de St. Clement, St. Gertrude, Durham: Immaculate Conception Chantal, St. Patrick St. Gregory, St. Peter, Minnesota Fayetteville: St. Patrick Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Sylvester, St. Teresa of Avila, Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi St. Columba, St. Jarleth St. Thomas the Apostle, Our Lady St. Joan of Arc Oceanside: St. Thomas More of Lourdes, Our Lady of Mt. Car- St. Paul: St. Thomas More Ohio Orange: Holy Family Cathedral mel, Old St. Patrick Akron: St. Bernard Orangevale: Divine Savior Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Missouri Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Palm Springs: St. Theresa, Our Lady of Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Kansas City: Guardian Angels, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Francis de Guadalupe, Our Lady of Solitude Evanston: St. Nicholas Holy Family, St. James, St. Francis Sales Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Inverness: Holy Family Xavier Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Redondo: St. Lawrence Martyr Johnston City: St. Paul St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier St. Malachi, St. Martha Redwood City: St. Matthias Morton Grove: St. Martha St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Columbus: St. Thomas More Ross: St. Anselm Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Scotland, St. Pius V Newman Center, St. Francis of Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Sienna-St. Lucy, St. Giles Assisi San Carlos: St. Charles Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Montana Fairlawn: St. Hilary San Diego: Ascension, St. John the Billings: Holy , St. Pius X Mentor: St. John Vianney Evangelist, St. Jude Shrine, Catholic Indiana University Heights: Church of Gesu Community of UC San Diego Dyer: St. Maria Goretti Nebraska Westlake: St. Ladislas San Dimas: Holy Name of Mary Franklin: St. Rose of Lima Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart, Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. St. John Parish (Creighton Conception Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Gabriel the Archangel, St. Pius X University) St. Dominic, St. Ignatius, Oklahoma St. Teresa of Avila Iowa Nevada Tulsa: St. Jerome San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, Coralville: St. Thomas More Las Vegas: Christ the King, San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis Des Moines: Holy Trinity Guardian Angel Cathedral Oregon San Ramon: St. Joan of Arc Beaverton: Spirit of Grace San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & Kentucky New Hampshire Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of As- Mission San Raphael Arcangel Lexington: Historic St. Paul Church, Merrimack: St. John Neumann sisi, St. Phillip Neri, Downtown Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe St. Peter Claver Pelham: St. Patrick Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul), Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the St. Ignatius Santa Monica: St. Monica Assumption, St. William, Our La- New Jersey Spring Valley: Santa Sophia dy of Lourdes Cherry Hill: Christ Our Light Pennsylvania Stanford: Catholic Community at Clifton: St. Philip the Apostle Danville: St. Joseph Stanford University Hoboken: Our Lady of Grace Latrobe: St. Vincent Basilica South Pasadena: Holy Family Keyport: St. Joseph Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Valinda: St. Martha Lawrenceville: St. Ann Old St. Mary, St. John the Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church of Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul the Deaf Assisi Wallingford: St. John Chrysostom Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Maplewood: St. Joseph Wilkinsburg: St. James West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Monmouth: Precious Blood St. Victor Pompton Lakes: St. Mary Rhode Island Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption River Edge: St. Peter the Apostle Providence: St. Raymond South Plainfield: Sacred Heart Warwick: Sts. Rose & Clement Colorado Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Wickford: St. Bernard Arvada: Spirit of Christ Turnersville: Sts. Peter and Paul Avon: St. Edward Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart, Our (Continued on page 5) Lady of the Pines Winter 2019-2020 BONDINGS Page 5 LGBT-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities (continued)

(Continued from page 4) Washington Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes Conception (Farm Street Church, Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, Wauwatosa: St. Pius X Mayfair) Tennessee St. James Cathedral, St. Joseph, St. York: Bar Convent (Middlesborough Memphis: St. Patrick, Cathedral of the Mary’s Outside the U.S. Diocese LGBT+ Ministry) Immaculate Conception Spokane: St. Aloysius Canada Tacoma: St. Leo Montreal: Holy Cross, Saint-Pierre- Ireland Texas Apôtre, Dublin: Orlagh in the City Austin: Univ.of Texas Catholic Center Wisconsin Ottawa: St. Joseph Colleyville: Good Shepherd Fond du Lac: Holy Family Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes Northern Ireland Dallas: Holy Trinity Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Belfast: Clonard Monastery Parish El Paso: All Saints Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd England Houston: St. Anne, St. Teresa Milwaukee: St. Bernadette, Good Shep- Bristol: St. Nicholas of Tolentino South Africa Odessa: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton herd, Prince of Peace, Trinity- : Church of the Immaculate Johannesburg: Holy Trinity Plano: St. Elizbeth Ann Seton INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITIES Virginia Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Arizona Community Virginia Glen Allen: St. Michael the Archangel Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community Mechanicsville: Church of the Redeemer Community McLean: PAX Community Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred California Heart, Sacred Heart Parish Bermuda Dunes: St. Clare of Assisi Michigan Washington Roanoke: St. Gerard Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Grand Rapids: Marywood Lacey: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Triangle: St. Francis Pleasanton Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholic Catholic Community Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas San Diego: Mary Magdalene Catholic Community Minnesota Wisconsin San Francisco: Dignity/San Francisco Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Catholic Community Milwaukee: Mary of Magdala, Apostle District of Columbia to the Apostles Communitas, Dignity/Washington Ohio Dayton: Living Beatitudes Community Outside the U.S. Florida Tampa: Franciscan Center Oregon Ireland Portland: Journey and Koinonia Dublin: Orlagh in the City Iowa Catholic Community Coralville: Full Circle Small Faith Korea Community Pennsylvania Seoul: Alpha Omega Commuinity Drexel Hill: St. Mary Magdalene Maryland Community Baltimore, Annapolis, Thurmont: Pittsburgh: Dignity//Pittsburgh Living Water Inclusive Catholic 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 LGBT student group, support group, ally group, program, or policy. If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to LGBT people, please contact New Ways Ministry. Phone: 301- 277-5674; Email: [email protected]. Alabama St. Mary’s College, Univ. of Notre St. Louis University Dallas: Misericordia University Mobile: Spring Hill College Dame Erie: Mercyhurst College Montana Greensburg: Seton Hill University California Iowa Helena: Carroll College Immaculata: Immaculata University Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur Davenport: St. Ambrose University Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, University Dubuque: Loras College, Nebraska LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s Goleta: St. Mark’s University Clarke University Omaha: Creighton University University Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Pittsburgh: Carlow University, University, Mount Saint Mary’s Kentucky New Hampshire Duquesne University College Louisville: Spalding University, Manchester: St. Anselm College Radnor: Cabrini College Moraga: St. Mary’s College Bellarmine University Nashua: Rivier College Reading: Alvernia University Oakland: Holy Names University Scranton: Marywood University Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Louisiana New Jersey Villanova: Villanova University San Diego: University of San Diego New Orleans: Loyola University Caldwell: Caldwell College San Francisco: University of San Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Rhode Island Francisco Maryland Newark: Seton Hall School of Law Newport: University Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Baltimore: Notre Dame of Providence: Providence College Maryland University, New York Colorado Loyola University of Maryland Albany: College of Saint Rose Texas Denver: Regis University Brooklyn and Patchogue: Austin: Saint Edward’s University Massachusetts St. Joseph’s College San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Connecticut Boston: Emmanuel College, Bronx: Fordham University, Word, Our Lady of the Lake Univer- Fairfield: Fairfield University, Chestnut Hill: Boston College Manhattan College sity, St. Mary’s University Sacred Heart University Chicopee: Elms College Buffalo: Canisius College New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Easton: Stonehill College Loudonville : Siena College Vermont West Hartford: Saint Joseph College North Andover: Merrimack College New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Weston: Regis College Iona College District of Columbia Worcester: Assumption College, Poughkeepsie: Marist College Washington Georgetown University, Trinity College of the Holy Cross Rochester: St. John Fisher College Lacey: St. Martin’s University University St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Univ. Seattle: Seattle University Michigan Sparkill: St. Thomas Aquinas College Spokane: Gonzaga University Florida Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy, Syracuse: LeMoyne College Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Marygrove College Queens: St. John’s University West Virginia Miami Shores: Barry University Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University Ohio Hawaii Minnesota Cincinnati: Xavier University Wisconsin Honolulu: Chaminade University Collegeville: St. John’s University Cleveland Heights: John Carroll De Pere: St. Norbert College Duluth: College of St. Scholastica University Madison: Edgewood College Illinois Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Dayton: University of Dayton Milwaukee: Alverno College, Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Pepper Pike: Ursuline College Cardinal Stritch University, University, St. Xavier University St. Paul: St. Thomas University South Euclid: Notre Dame College Marquette University Joliet: University of St. Francis Winona: St. Mary’s University of Sylvania: Lourdes College River Forest: Dominican University in Minnesota Outside the U.S. Illinois Oregon Romeoville: Lewis University Missouri Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Canada Kansas City: Avila University, Portland: University of Portland Toronto: Regis College Indiana Rockhurst University Hammond: Calumet College St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Pennsylvania Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, Maryville University, Cresson: Mount Aloysius College Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 1 Cardinal Helps Create Space for Rainbow Catholics in India

From MattersIndia.com the lived experience of gay and lesbian Rainbow Catholics Mumbai (RCM), We have created international affili- Mumbai Catholics, and has led to a lot of confu- was formed following the meeting of ations with Quest UK, and the Global September 19, 2019 sion for parents and even LGBT+ per- Cardinal Gracias with Wendell Rodricks Network of Rainbow Catholics (GNRC). sons themselves about their status in the and Ruby Almeida. A member of RCI Steering group has Recently India’s Rainbow communi- Catholic Church. “We set up this group to reach out to represented us at the GNRC 3rd Global ty celebrated the first anniversary of the Our Secretary, Jiby Joyce points out, our alienated LGBT+ Catholic communi- Assembly in Chicago in July 2019 and reading down of Section 377 of the Indi- “Though same-sex relationship and mar- ties. As we approach our first anniver- another will represent us at the next As- an Constitution, decriminalizing same- riage has been legalized in many parts of sary we look forward to working with sembly of the International Catholic Re- sex partnerships. the world and LGBT+ rights have be- our Rainbow and Catholic allies to build form Network (ICRN) to be held in Po- Rainbow Catholics and their allies in come part of the mainstream public dis- bridges and platforms where the pastoral land. Mumbai were also gladdened when last needs and voices of our Our group has chalked out an ambi- October, Wendell Rodricks and Ruby faithful LGBT+ Catho- tious plan comprising an Annual Confer- Almeida of Quest UK, met with Cardinal lics are heard. Our great- ence, gathering resources both literary Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, est desire is that our and theological to help create awareness to seek his blessings for a start of an out- Church becomes a wel- and create safe spaces for Rainbow Cath- reach program to Catholic LGBT+ per- come and inclusive space olics. sons. for all of God’s chil- Our group is also cognizant of the While the teaching of the Catholic dren,” affirms Ruby Al- fact that families of Rainbow Catholics Church is rooted in Scripture which meida. We had a series play a significant role in bringing about states that “God created man and woman of meetings and made their acceptance in the community. in His image and likeness” (Genesis connections with Rain- Hence, there is an important discussion 1:27), and leaves no room for recogni- bow groups in Bangalore underway to design strategies on how to tion of the spectrum of LGBT+ persons, and Kerala. work with parents and family members Pope Francis who is a very pastoral Pope Though the group initial- of Rainbow Catholics. with his ear to the ground, has tried to ly started in Mumbai, we Our official Facebook page, open the minds of Catholics to recognize have decided to call our- @lgbtqcatholicspace, leverages the pow- the existence of LGBT+ persons and to selves Rainbow Catho- er of social media and utilizes this plat- reach out to them with compassion. lics India, with chapters form to spread awareness on Catholic His famous response to a journalist’s in various regions of LGBTQ+ issues through posts, online question on the subject, “Who am I to Wendell Rodricks, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, India. A Steering Group banners, votes and other social media judge?” has opened a chink in the closed Ruby Almeida has been formed. campaigns. In the long run, RCI aims at -door attitude towards the existence of We have drawn up a having direct dialogue with the Catholic LGBT+ persons. course in ways that would have been broad and bold vision statement: “A Church to encourage them to welcome Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who is a unimaginable even a decade ago, yet Church with Unconditional, visible in- LGBT+ persons. We can be contacted at member of Pope Francis’ advisory com- discrimination against sexual minorities clusion of Rainbow Catholics”. Among [email protected] in India continues to be very strong. The mittee, does resonate with the Pope’s the objectives is a determination to create To sustain these efforts, RCI is com- openness and it was reflected in the force of judgements gets even harsher awareness about LGBTQ+ Catholics by mitted to learn and share from other in- openness he showed to Wendell Ro- when religious groups and organizations creating resources, gathering experienc- clusive Christian groups, organizations dricks and Ruby Almeida when he met project their homophobic attitudes to- es, and having programs in the future. and NGOs that are devoted to the promo- them almost a year ago in Mumbai about wards Rainbow faith followers, render- We seek to increase our outreach to all tion of Rainbow faith followers. We also outreach to this community in the ing them vulnerable to attacks and at risk Rainbow Catholics in India to create safe hope to shed more light on Catholic Church in India. to mental stress and suicidal tendencies.” spaces for us to express ourselves and thinking and belief through tapping into However, the Catholic Church is As a result, many Rainbow Catho- seek support. scientific research and findings on clear that marriage can only be between lics feel that we are not allowed to partic- Rainbow Catholics India is still at a LGBT+ persons, so that the Catholic a man and a woman. As it claims that the ipate as fully as we can in the spiritual very nascent stage being the first organi- Church will grow towards our vision of aim of marriage is procreation and can and sacramental life of the Church. zation of its kind that aims to create a inclusion irrespective of gender identity only take place with the union of a bio- Homophobia continues to influence safe environment for Rainbow Catholics and expressions.  logical man and woman. many Catholic communities who fail to in the Archdiocese of Bombay and the This strict teaching and closed-door welcome and embrace LGBT+ Catholics country to eradicate discrimination approach of the Church, contrasts with as fully as they should. against our community. Slovak LGBTQ Catholics See Hope Despite Church and State By Kevin Molloy publicly expressed support for LGBTQ Caputova has since said that she will not “The fight against LGBT has be- Bondings 2.0 rights–including the recognition of same- push such controversial reforms. come the main agenda of most Christian NewWaysMinistry.org/blog sex unions and legalizing adoptions by During the presidential campaign, churches in Slovakia . . . We want to September 30, 2019 gay and lesbian couples–the government Catholic priests were openly backing show that Christianity can look differ- is reluctant to push changes that will rat- Marian Kotleba of the People’s Party Our ent.” As LGBTQ Christians in Slovakia tle the Christian country. Slovakia, a party Balkan Insight calls But LGBTQ Christians recognize embrace their sexual and religious identi- Those who take a stand for LGBTQ “homophobic, anti-migrant, and far this focus as a politicization of Christian- ties, the Catholic Church and Slovak rights are often met with swift condem- right.” ity, incongruent with the central tenet of political parties have been slow to em- nation from church authorities. When In 2014, the Slovak parliament the gospel. This central tenet, says Juraj brace a welcoming attitude. then-candidate Zuzana Čaputová ex- amended the nation’s constitution to af- Variny, a member of Gay Christians, is In a country that is predominantly pressed her personal opinion that ford the rights and recognition of a legal love. Christian, with 66% of Slovaks identify- “children were better off being adopted union only to a man and Martin Kolenic shared: ing as Catholic, legal advances for the by gay couples than languishing in or- woman. Pope Francis “God would be terribly LGBTQ community have not been in- phanages” in support of legalizing same- came to the aid of those vicious if he were to create cluded in the left-leaning policies of the sex unions, some Catholic Church offi- defending the amendment, me as I am and didn’t want progressive parties in control of the gov- cials in Slovakia warned that voting for offering his verbal support to take me as I am, would- ernment. Though some politicians have Caputova would be a sin. As president, for their efforts. Accord- n’t he? ing to LGBTQ activists, it “Christianity, as I under- marked the first time in stand it, is about love. It Catholics protest treatment of “Slovak modern history would be absurd if God the Catholic Church [was] said: ‘Okay, all of you can LGBT refugees and asylum seekers heavily involved in politi- feel love, except you.’” cal campaign.” This love can be the Independent Catholic News normal and occurs in people of all faiths, Public sentiment also basis of a Christian church Indcatholic.com all cultures and all ethnic groups. There ebbs and flows in Slo- that looks different in Slo- October 9, 2019 are several LGBT+ Christian groups vakia, regardless of the vakia, one that recognizes both in the UK and around the world, general consensus amongst the changing tide among The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster and the mere suggestion that it isn't pos- its European Union neigh- Zuzana Čaputová the public and embraces Pastoral Council has expressed grave sible to be both LGBT+ and Christian is bors. Balkan Insight reports: love in all its forms. concern at reports of humiliating and wrong. “In a 2016 survey, 49 per cent of To this end, Evangelical insensitive lines of interrogation of “The Home Office makes a valuable respondents said they would be bothered theologian Ondrej Prostrednik sees a LGBT+ asylum seekers by the Home contribution to community safety and by a homosexual couple living next door faithful at odds with the institutional Office. walks a difficult line in the course of to them, a drop of 13 percentage points church, and paints a grim picture of what The LGBT African Asylum Seeker fulfilling this duty. However, any harass- since 1991 but 14 higher than in 2009. that conflict means for LGBTQ advo- Research Project Report describes inap- ing, humiliating or persecutory treatment “For 21 per cent it would be perfect- cates within the church: propriate behaviour by Home Office on any account is unacceptable. It con- ly acceptable to have a gay or lesbian “Inside the church there are many officials, including suggestions to appli- travenes the principles of the UK's Hu- colleague at work, far lower than the EU who support LGBT, but they keep silent. cants that "it isn't possible to be gay and man Rights Act, and is in violation of the average in 2015 of 63 per cent. That said, They are afraid of being isolated, stigma- Christian," and references to Bible verses Home Office's own responsibility to in a poll published in September this tised, or simply mistaken. In the church, which have frequently been misused to fight crime in all its forms. year, 57 per cent expressed support for you cannot be mistaken.” justify homophobic abuse. “We urge the Home Office to issue same-sex unions.” In solidarity with Prostrednik, The report also raises concerns a statement about these reports and, if Lost in the political deliberations Variny, and all LGBTQ Slovaks, we, about the integrity of the application they are true, to conduct an independent between right and left, church and state, who can, must refuse to stay silent, refuse process, with refusals justified on the investigation into its practices and proce- are the LGBTQ Slovaks who seek to live to allow fear to dictate our discourse, and grounds that discrete individuals were dures."  an authentic faith life in the only spiritual refuse to allow ourselves to be mistak- unable to prove their orientation because home they have ever known. en. There is no mistake–fear and silence they hadn't disclosed this to their fami- The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Slovak LGBTQ advocates see that are not the gospel message. Our good lies, or because of their dependence on Pastoral Council is the leadership team Christian churches have made LGBTQ news is love. non-LGBT+ friends. of the Archdiocese of Westminster’s antagonism their main agenda. Martin The pastoral council said in a state- (London, UK) official outreach to the Kovac said: ment: "Having an LGBT+ identity is LGBT+ community. Winter 2019-2020 BONDINGS Page 7 Church school teaching an ‘amazing’ experience, says transgender woman By Rebekah Cilia admit though, that church schools might people were considered as “freak shows” across something related to the subject The Malta Independent be a bit more difficult to get into. and something to laugh at, Amanda said, she would ask herself ‘am I like that?’. September 9, 2019 Although her experiences have been adding the issue is further perpetrated by Her reply would always be no be- positive, she does have friends in the drag queens, whom she supports. The cause she felt it was too “extreme”, espe- A transgender woman described her LGBT community who have worked in public, however, makes no distinction cially considering 10 years ago the per- experience teaching in a church school, as church schools who had “horrible” between them and transgender women. ception of transgender people was very part of her university course, as “amazing” experiences. Amanda adds, although In general, the country is progress- different. This went on for several years, and said she did not have any negative discrimination might be a worry for ing, Amanda noted, and the laws do help but when she was 19 she was watching experiences with either staff or students. some, she would anyway not want to because people are constantly being ex- transgender people on TV and just broke Amanda Cossai, 27, who started her work in any place she was not accepted.. posed to the subject. “However, it is not down.. . . transition into a woman two and a half . . . as good as it is made out to be.” . . . Amanda did not know what to tell years ago, said that “at first it was scary,” Unrelated to the work environment, Even as a child, Amanda always people or how to approach the subject. knowing she was being sent to a church Amanda commented that she has had knew she was different. “I didn’t know She was very afraid to tell her family school to complete her teaching practice. negative experiences with the general what it was but I knew I was different.” because she did not think they would be At first, she was more worried about public. The issues she experienced, she Attending an all boy’s school was not supportive, although she hoped they the staff than the student’s reaction, believes, are not because she is easy since she always felt unlike the would. Amanda said in an interview with The transgender but because people are now other boys. From that moment it was a year Malta Independent. The staff were told seeing her as a woman. Hitting puberty, the other boys start- later when her mother found a letter she beforehand that Amanda was transgender Amanda recalls stories of men who ed talking about girls and she could not had written to her telling her about her but when she got there they assured her have harassed her, adding that she has understand why. When she was about wish. “It did not go well at all,” and her that they want to take this as an opportuni- “experienced the loss of male privilege.” 16, Amanda learnt what being trans- mother was totally against it. ty to present something new to the stu- She does, however, recall another gender was and every time she came Because of her mother’s initial reac- dents. story of two men who tion, it took Amanda about six years to During her transition, Amanda said approached her and out of start her transition. During these years, she felt she needed a complete change. the blue asked her if she she experienced some very tough times, She used to work in marketing before but was a man. The question cutting out all of her friends because she now she is reading for a Masters in Teach- stunned Amanda, as she refused to be seen as a male. ing. She felt unhappy in her marketing job was not expecting it, and As years passed, her family started and wanted a job involving direct contact her immediate answer coming around and her mother, especial- with people, having a direct effect on the was no. She told them she ly, started trying to understand. “She person. had a boyfriend and they didn’t accept it but she understood it was During her teaching practice, Amanda left. something I needed.” taught children aged 13 to 14 in the sub- “Nothing too bad Amanda started seeing doctors, and jects related to business, including ac- happened but these were in April 2017 she started her medical counting and economics. not things that happened transition, taking testosterone blockers When you consider religious teach- before my transition,” and oestrogen. “You have to be sure of ings, they always call for respect for one Amanda noted. . . . your decision before taking the step be- another, even for those who are different, Asked if she thinks cause some of the changes are irreversi- Amanda said. Church schools, however, that transgender women ble.” she noted, tend to lack diversity in terms are generally stereotyped The first time Amanda left the house of the students’ and staff’s backgrounds, sexually, Amanda said dressed as a woman was petrifying, but who are not exposed to different cultures that things are changing. another transgender friend was her sup- and people like her. When she first started port pillar during these times. “Having This school, however, wanted some- looking for information such a person made it a lot less scary and one there to show the students and staff about being transgender, possible. I do not know where I would that being different is ok. about 10 years ago, the be without her.”  The students were very welcoming, image the media por- Amanda noted, having decided prior that trayed was sexualised. . . . Amanda Cossai she would be open with them about being In the past transgender transgender from the first day she met them. “It was the first thing I told them Story Behind the Pope’s Phone Call to Father James Alison when I walked into the class. There was (Continued from page 8) had been slowly and deliberately facing tlement, that carried me through: the complete silence, I never heard that level ple walked by me, in some cases with down the entire canonical system for the sense that of course you stand up for of silence again,” Amanda said with a polite greetings, on their way to see the clergy by attempting to speak truthfully what is right, and of course you’ll win in laugh. “I think they respected me a lot real show inside. as a gay man; and I had lost at every step the end. A sense of entitlement which is, more being upfront.” Suddenly I became aware of people of the way. . . . . ludicrously out of proportion to the com- Amanda felt that if she had kept it treating me as though I was part of the And, of course, I failed at that too. petence actually needed to see anything hidden, she would not have built the same real show inside. I had always assumed And had it not been for what I consider serious through. For I am the product of level of trust with her students. She also that the real witnesses were elsewhere. the miraculous intervention of the Holy a school that has produced bevies of felt being upfront was important because One reason I flaunt my ridiculous pen- Father, I would have simply been anoth- British Prime Ministers (including, Lord students that age would have talked be- chant for tall leather boots is so no one er failed priestly statistic, chewed over have mercy, the current one), Generals, tween themselves, asking if she was a man who actually knows me should actors, and so on. So standing up to or woman. take me seriously! And now the the Catholic clerical system with a “I wanted to show them that whatever responsibility not to scandalize mixture of stiff upper lip and humor- they say would not bother me. I wanted to becomes greater. . . . I was being stretched by the tini- ous self-deprecation is pretty much own my identity and I think it was very A final consideration: I was par for the course. effective.” est glimpse of something true re- taken entirely by surprise when The friends who heard my an- When asked if the students asked her two long standing friends and a ceived: that ultimately the Catholic swer upbraided me, quite rightly, for any questions, Amanda said not really, but close relative quite separately that and told me that no, however they did end up talking about LGBT relat- faith would embrace and include wrote me very moving notes say- much my education in the courts of ed subjects. She did comment that one of ing that they had had no idea the gay heart; that the two held to- the Pharaoh may have given me a the students asked her what her name was what I had been through over head-start, what I had actually been before transitioning, which Amanda felt gether give glory to God; and that it these years, and asking my for- given over those years was the gift was too personal and did not want to an- giveness for not having “been is better to die than to let go of that. of faith. And it is they who are right. swer. there” for me during those times. Indeed I was being stretched by the She said that the question was proba- Which was baffling to me, since tiniest glimpse of something true bly innocent as the students are young and it hadn’t occurred to me to share received, already, in my early ado- “it is something they will learn.” Howev- the stuff I was going through in other by a no-longer serviceable canonical lescence: that ultimately the Catholic er, it did show that they took an interest. than glib, throw-away lines, with anyone system.. . . . faith would embrace and include the gay At the end of her teaching practice, other than the shrinks who’ve helped Friends asked me: “How did you do heart; that the two held together give Amanda asked for feedback from the stu- me. So how could they have “been it? How did you survive 25 years of wil- glory to God; and that it is better to die dents and some did comment that they there”? Certainly nothing needed forgiv- derness?” My main answer: it was prob- than to let go of that.  appreciated her being so open and some- ing! ably the (in)famous Old Etonian arro- one even mentioned that they had an I began to realise that from 1995 I gance, or more accurately sense of enti- LGBT family member and that now they could relate better to them. Students’ parents were more of a wor- Pope Condemns L/G Persecution, Concerned About “Ex-Gay” Therapy ry for Amanda as she says young people (Continued from page 2) Ozanne: ‘Please pray for me as I pray to condemn the persecution of lesbian/ are more accepting. “I think it depends on gelical Anglican, and had grown up in a for you.’” gay people and, at least through the way you present yourself,” she added, Church that told her ‘she could never be Ozanne said that “the warmth of Ozanne’s reports, express concern about saying that if you come across as a serious a wife, a mother or a grandmother,’ that [Francis’] welcome and his kindness conversion therapy crucially link Fran- person then there should not be problems. she had tried to make herself straight showed the kind of pastor he really is.” cis’ strong concern for human rights She does admit there could be parents through conversion therapy, and that It was a “very moving” meeting and “an with LGBTQ people’s suffering. While who may be completely against the idea of treatments such as conversion therapy experience I’ll never forget,” she add- the pope has changed neither church their children having a transgender teacher had an enormous impact on young peo- ed. LGBTQ Nation reported that for teaching nor discipline, his actions are a but she says her goal is to change people’s ple, leading many to consider suicide. many years Ozanne, who has served on hopeful modeling to show other church perception, although teaching her subjects She told the Pope that her prayer is ‘for the Church of England’s Archbishops’ leaders how they should be approaching remains her priority. everyone to know they are precious chil- Council and the General Synod at vari- LGBTQ issues. In both his public state- Based on her experiences, Amanda dren of God, just as they are.’ ous points, practiced celibacy for many ment and private meeting this week, does not fear discrimination when it “Asked by a translator whether he years before coming out in 2015. She Pope Francis has advanced the causes of comes to applying for a job, saying that knew what conversion therapy was, has become an LGBTQ activist since LGBTQ human rights and equality in she owns her identity and she has no prob- Pope Francis said he did. that time. the church.  lem answering any questions. She does “Pope Francis then said to Ms. Pope Francis’ dual actions this week Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 39, No. 1 St. John Henry Newman: The First Openly Gay Catholic Saint? By Francis DeBernardo row greater, than mine.” too. Defending Newman’s non-homo- lived together for so long and chose to be Bondings 2.0 Many traditionalist Newman schol- sexuality by saying that the priest was buried next to one another are very pub- NewWaysMinistry.org/blog ars refute the idea that this was a gay affectionate in relationships with both lic statements about how emotionally October 13, 2019 relationship. Ian Ker, one of the fore- men and women tries to explain away and essentially close they were to one most Newman scholars, says that the Newman’s love for St. John by saying it another. That is pretty “open” to me. Blessed John Henry Newman is relationship was not homosexual be- was how he treated everyone. The pre- Finally, if we think of Newman as being canonized a saint in Rome today at cause, by all accounts, the two were celi- sumption here is that there is something the first openly gay saint, we also have to a spectacular ceremony in St. Peter’s bate. Ker also maintains that Newman wrong with a man expressing affection look at what we mean by “first.” Other Square. Is he the Catholic Church’s first wrote affectionately to both men and for another man. What would be wrong canonized male saints like St. Aelred of openly gay saint? women, and he also notes it was quite with Newman loving St. John? Why Rievlaux and St. Augustine of Hippo The answer to that question depends common for men to request to be buried can’t men express love for one anoth- both wrote effusively of emotional love on your definitions of “openly,” “gay,” together. Other er? While some between men, so maybe Newman isn’t and “first.” scholars believe people think that the first. Yet, I think a good case can be Cardinal Newman is probably the that to call the homophobia made for Newman being the “first open- most famous Catholic theologian of the couple gay is against gay men ly gay” Catholic saint for the simple rea- late 19th century. Ordained as an Angli- reading our own comes from a son that we know so much more about can priest, he studied and taught at Ox- 21st century ide- revulsion about him and his relationship than we do ford University. His studies and prayer as into 19th cen- male sex acts, I about the other examples. Less is in led to his conversion to Roman Catholi- tury phenomena. think that for doubt about Newman than previous cism in 1845, and he continued to write I agree that many people the saints, mainly because the historical rec- and teach on theology, though at this it is not right to more horrifying ord is more accurate. From what I know point as a defender of the Roman interpret a past and scandalous (admittedly limited), I think the case for Church. His most famous works are relationship in phenomenon is Newman’s openly gay identity is the Apologia Pro Vita Sua (his autobiog- terms of today’s men being emo- strongest. raphy), A Grammar of Assent (a treatise modern aware- tionally sensi- But I think there’s another reason to on logic and belief), and The Idea of a ness of homosex- tive, tender, and award Newman this honor. He was also a University (an outline for the study of the uality. We affectionate with great believer in reforming the Roman liberal arts for Catholic higher educa- should not imag- one another. Of Catholic Church. I will offer just two tion). In addition to his theological acu- ine that things of course, such examples. In 2013, a Catholic bishop men and creative forms of argument and the past can be gentle and inti- remembered Newman’s attitude toward persuasion, Newman is also known for understood by mate responses the Church. Australia’s Bishop Geoffrey being one of the premier stylists of the modern values by men are only Robinson, a great voice for reform, re- English language, having been a master and concepts. a problem if one called: of the periodic sentence, a verbal form But that’s where suffers from “Cardinal John Henry Newman, where the writer composes an unusually we need to ques- intense homo- before he became a Catholic, wrote to a long sentence so well that it seems amaz- tion what we phobia or be- friend, ‘There is nothing on this earth so might mean by lieves in the en- ugly as the Catholic Church and nothing ingly natural. St. John Henry Newman Most recently, scholars have also “gay” and forcement of strict so beautiful.’ We’ve all seen the ugli- begun to examine Newman because of “openly.” Ker be- gender expecta- ness, and abuse is one of the ugliest the intense emotional relationship he lieves that Newman and St. John were tions that men should not be emotional chapters of all, but I’ve also seen the shared with another priest, Ambrose St. not gay because it is apparent that they and caring toward one another. In other beauty, mostly in all of the good people John. During their lifetime, the two were were celibate. Ker’s presumption then is words, what is wrong with men express- I’ve worked with over the years. I don’t inseparable, and, in fact, lived togeth- that “gay” means “sexually active.” Of ing love for one another? want to just walk away and leave that er. Newman described St. John as “my course, that is a totally false idea. Of The other issue about Newman’s beauty behind. So I’ll work to overcome earthly light.” They studied theology the ugliness wherever I can.” together in Rome, and were ordained That’s a good reminder for all those together. Newman reflected on the qual- Is John Henry Newman the Catholic Church’s who are working and praying to stay in ity of their relationship: the Catholic Church and to work to make “From the first he loved me with an first openly gay saint? it more equal and just for LGBTQ peo- intensity of love, which was unaccounta- The answer depends on your definitions of ple. ble. At Rome 28 years ago he was al- And then there’s the quotation from ways so working for and relieving me of “openly,” “gay,” and “first.” Newman which New Ways Ministry’s all trouble, that being young and Saxon- co-founders, Sister Jeannine Gramick looking, the Romans called him my An- and Father Robert Nugent, have cited gel Guardian.” course, the two men could be gay and sexuality comes from our understanding often: Perhaps most significantly, the two have had a strong affectionate and inti- of what it means to be “openly gay.” In “To live is to change and to be per- requested to be buried in the same grave mate relationship without being sexually the 21st century world, there is an unspo- fect is to have changed often.” together. Their chosen epitaph for their active, just as many gay men in the ken expectation afoot that to be “openly So, on this day of canonization for tombstone: “Out of shadows and phan- priesthood and religious life today main- gay” means having made some very pub- John Henry Newman, and for all days tasms into Truth.” When St. John died, tain their promises and vows of celiba- lic statements about one’s orientation forward, let all who work and pray for Newman grieved: cy. Many gay laity also live their lives and identity. But, that expectation should making the Catholic Church a just place “I have ever thought no bereavement by choosing not to be sexually intimate not apply to people in other eras. Though for LGBTQ people offer the following was equal to that of a husband’s or a with someone. That doesn’t make them there is no public record or statements by plea: wife’s, but I feel it difficult to believe less gay. either Newman or St. John about their “St. John Henry Newman, pray for that any can be greater, or anyone’s sor- But Ker is wrong in another way, sexual identities, I think the fact that they us!”  The Story Behind the Pope’s Phone Call to Father James Alison By Father James Alison and delighted by the great deal of the wind Church teaching and doctrine. . . .I’ve Bondings 2.0 call, and while it did out of the sails of the often wondered, over the years, whether NewWaysMinistry.org/blog give me a much-needed closeted homophobes that had been what was driving me all December 27, 2019 boost in my determina- who opposed him, that along. And now the Pope himself had tion to carry on as a he needed no protection called my bluff! By letting me “win”, Bondings 2.0 asked James Alison to priest despite the Con- from worried little me! he’d suddenly removed my obstacle. share his personal reaction to the phone gregation for the Cler- That, and the freedom Would I now discover that the whole call he received from Pope Francis con- gy’s sentence, it is real- with which he was or- thing had been a self-serving mirror- firming his priesthood. ly only after it became ganising the Amazon fight? And that once freed from the public that I’ve felt its Synod convinced me struggle by the papal unlocking, there First, I “sat” with the knowledge of effect. that I would do him no was nothing left, and that I would have the phone call for over two years. I So what changed to harm. no desire any longer to be a priest, a shared knowledge of it, of course, with a make me feel entitled to And so I went pub- preacher, a theologian; that all those small group of friends, asking them to let the call be more lic, offering the story things had depended on the duel for their keep it to themselves for the moment, widely known? The key to The Tablet, whose fuel? and I am humbled to say that they did me factor was something editor has been a friend I was immensely relieved to discov- that honour. . . . . I had promised the Ho- my former novice- for over thirty years and er that whatever elements of mimetic ly Father extreme discretion, and I did master, the bishop who published my first book. rivalry may have driven me over the last not want to expose him to any more ha- had taken my letter to Only since going twenty-five years or more, I am in fact tred than he was already receiving. I also the Holy Father and public have I become held up by a genuine and wholesome waited because his final words to me pleaded with him to sort desire to live and act as a priest who is at Fr. James Alison aware of a range of feel- were that he would look up my dossier out my situation, told me ings and emotions associ- the same time a sinful gay man, one who and be in touch. I was pretty sceptical in May 2019. He had ated with the call. The reaction of others is trying to give voice to the Gospel in that this would happen (and it hasn’t), been with the Holy Father for a private has given me the beginnings of a narra- the first person, and from that desire I am not because I doubted his word, but be- audience to discuss an entirely different tive to work with those feelings. A sign being born. . . . . cause I can’t imagine why he would matter earlier this year. The Holy Father is not a sign until it is a sign between Then something slightly more spend any more of his valuable time on told him he had called me, describing the people. The sign of priesthood is only a shocking happened. People were taking such an unimportant case, when the ten conversation to him in the same words as sign between and for people. And the me seriously. I hadn’t realised how much minutes he already gave me have set me I had reported. Francis had thus deliber- knowledge of the Holy Father’s confir- of me had accepted the 25 years-worth of up for life and beyond. ately created a witness to what he had mation comforts me by making me the being a canonical non-person as evidence Additionally, there was (as far as I done. It was this development that finally comfort to others for which I was or- that I was some sort of unwanted volun- know) no witness to the conversation. overcame any scruples I had about mak- dained. teer circus barker playing a limited melo- It’s possible Francis’ secretary was with ing the matter public. One of the reactions that I’ve been dy outside the gates of the circus, wear- him when he called, but nothing while It was also clear that Martel’s book working through is: “Oh, now I get to see ing a sandwich board proclaiming that we spoke suggested that. And, though I on gay priests in the Vatican and from whether all along I was just engaged in gay people are human too. And that peo- was, as you can imagine, initially moved the fact that the same book had taken a some violent personal rivalry with (Continued on page 7)