No, Homosexuality Is Not a Risk Factor for the Sexual Abuse of Children by Thomas G

B NDINGS Vol. 38 No. 1 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Winter 2018-19 No, homosexuality is not a risk factor for the sexual abuse of children By Thomas G. Plante their sexual impulse control is poor. But these individuals tended to be boys. If some, like most clerical sex offenders in AmericaMagazine.org the research data on this topic makes Father wanted to have private time with the church, select those with whom they October 22, 2018 clear that sexual orientation alone is not a an altar boy or perhaps take a boy off on have access and trust. risk factor for pedophilia or for commit- a camping trip or to a baseball game back The behavior and psychopathology Many people believe that homosexu- ting sexual crimes against children or in the 20th century, no one would have of sex offenders is complex, but there is a ality is the root cause of sexual abuse by teens or any- thought much of it. Boys were trusted large amount of quality research to help clergy in the Catholic Church since about one. Sexual us better understand their behavior, with 80 percent of the known victims have orientation by established best practices for evaluating been male. This has led some church itself is irrele- and treating them for their dysfunction. leaders to suggest that banning homosex- vant to child Best practices are also available for child ual men from the priesthood could pre- sexual abuse protection by better managing the envi- vent future victimization of children in behavior or ronment where children are involved the church. While it may be understanda- risks. with adults—within church activities as ble that some believe this, it is simply not So why well as in schools, youth sports, music true. You really have to know something are so many of and theater programs, and other extracur- about the psychopathology of sex offend- the clergy ricular youth activities. Being aware and ers and pedophiles to understand this sexual abuse thoughtful about this well-established issue more clearly. victims male? research and these recommended best No one would suggest banning het- A study from practices in child protection will help erosexual men from the priesthood if the the John Jay keep children safe. majority of clergy abuse victims were College of Inappropriately blaming or victimiz- young girls. That would seem absurd. Criminal Jus- ing homosexual men, within or outside of This is because many see heterosexuality tice in 2011 informs us that most of the with priests. But most of the clergy sex the church, does not keep children safe or as normal and controllable while believ- clergy sexual offenders were “situational offenders during the last half of the 20th solve clergy sexual abuse problems. Re- ing that homosexuality is abnormal, dys- generalists” or men who simply abused century, according to the John Jay Re- gardless of sexual orientation or the vows functional and a psychiatric illness. As victims to whom they had access and port, viewed themselves as more likely to of priestly celibacy or even marital vows, such, it is often falsely believed that men with whom they had the opportunity to be heterosexual than as homosexual. only a small percentage of people seek with homosexual orientations cannot be develop trust. In the Catholic Church, The psychopathology of pedophiles sexual activity with children and teens, trusted around male children and that suggests that the risk factors for this psy- and the vast majority of them are hetero- chiatric illness include impulse control sexual, married and noncelibate layper- problems, brain injury, poor peer rela- sons who tend to exploit members of Quote to Note tionships, antisocial personality, a lack of their own family. The false and distract- nonsexual intimate connections with oth- ing focus on homosexuality is not rele- The following is an excerpt from a National Catholic Reporter essay by Father ers, alcohol and substance abuse, and a vant to keeping children safe within the Peter Daly, entitled “Clerical cronyism and secrecy shielded McCarrick and oth- history of sexual victimization. Sexual Catholic Church.  ers,” dated October 22, 018 orientation is not a risk factor at all. Fur- thermore, there are many different kinds Thomas G. Plante is the Augustin “Some archconservative Catholics in the U.S. are saying that [Cardinal Theodore] of sex offenders who often have multiple Cardinal Bea, S.J., University Professor McCarrick was protected by some sort of ‘gay clique’ in the hierarchy. This is utter non- pathways to victimization and different and professor of psychology at Santa sense. If there is anything that is not talked about honestly by clerics, it is their sex lives. targets of their predatory desires. For Clara University and an adjunct clinical Clerics hide behind the mask of presumed celibacy. I doubt that McCarrick or example, some prefer to target young professor of psychiatry at Stanford Uni- [Scotland’s Cardinal Keith] O’Brien even admitted to themselves that they were gay. . . children while others target teens. Some versity School of Medicine. He has “Both McCarrick and O’Brien hid behind public homophobia. In their public lives, ideally prefer to have adult peer sexual worked clinically and academically in they were vocal opponents of gay rights and gay marriage. McCarrick opposed gay mar- partners, but due to their inability to ne- the area of clerical sexual abuse for 30 riage in Maryland and the District of Columbia. He also opposed giving health insur- gotiate mature adult intimate relation- years. ance to gay couples employed by the archdiocese. Like O’Brien, he may have felt that ships, select minors as a substitute, espe- his anti-gay public positions insulated him from rumors about his private life.” cially when under significant stress. And Believe It Or Not, I Became A Catholic Because Of Gay Pride

By Caitlin Weaver ed church smack in the middle of the lit a fire in you with his words. I told my He was silent as we rounded the The Huffington Post Broadway theater district in New York husband all about it one day as we corner. August 29, 2018 City. Listening to the choir was like hav- walked through the Gay Pride Festival in “Heyyyy girl!” ing a free ticket to a professional concert, the park near our house. Then I spotted a And there they were. Decked out in I became Catholic because of gay but beyond that, I found Mass to be clini- booth with a banner for that very church. rainbow T-shirts, the members of Shrine pride. cal and impersonal. “There it is!” I said excitedly. “And of the Immaculate Conception, a down- My husband and I were recently I was also uneasy about the town Atlanta Catholic church, waved and married, and we were building a life to- lack of diversity I saw around me smiled at us. We had a warm power chat, gether in a new city after his company ― a stark contrast to the throngs and they sent us off with bedazzled moved us from New York City to Geor- of New Yorkers with whom I fridge magnets, T-shirts and our promise gia. I was not looking for church to be a rode the subway each morning. to check out Mass the next day. The part of that new life. He was raised Cath- Nothing about the experience church was only 2 miles from our house. olic, and while not particularly devout, moved me, and if I was going to The next morning, we parked on an was clear that if we had children they go to church, it was because I empty street in the hollowed out down- would be raised Catholic. I was less than wanted to fill up on grace, not town neighborhood known mostly for its excited about this. I associated the Cath- simply to check a box on God’s homeless shelters and decrepit govern- olic Church with droning, dull services report card. ment buildings. The church soared and the general oppression of women When we moved to a new proudly upward in the midst of the de- and other marginalized groups. High on city in the South the problem cay. Inside, we encountered a packed the list of things I can’t stand are bore- temporarily solved itself. We house and a dull roar of pleasantries as dom and patriarchy. were churchless. On weekends, people hugged and greeted each other in I was not godless by any means. there were so many other im- the pews. Nearly half the congregation While not raised in a particular denomi- portant things to do to get settled wore rainbow T-shirts emblazoned with nation, I got to know God later in life in into our new life — farmers mar- the name of the church. In the still- church basements through a 12-step pro- kets, shopping for furniture, fig- informally segregated South, it was the gram after my first marriage fell prey to uring out which brunch spot made Caitlin Weaver in front of Shrine of the Im- most mixed group I had seen — people my ex-husband’s drug and alcohol abuse. the best Bloody Mary. No time to maculate Conception in Atlanta, Georgia. of every race, young and old, gay and I even began attending Sunday services look for a church! straight. Our pew alone felt like a New in the East Village with a sober friend of Plus, I had a nagging feeling that if they’re handing out organic popsicles!” York City subway car (minus the smell). mine and her wife. It was a progressive, we hadn’t found a Catholic church in We talked for a few minutes with The priest, a genial Santa Claus non-denominational church with a con- New York City that felt inclusive enough the people at the booth and left with a type, spoke passionately about Jesus’ gregation that ranged from aging, re- for me, there was no way that was hap- glossy folder of information and some love for all people. He closed by remind- formed punk rockers to a rainbow of pening in the South. I told my husband I killer popsicles. ing those who planned to march in the young families to tough, downtown les- couldn’t see myself embracing any place “What did you think?” I asked my Pride parade after church to wear their T- bians. There was a heavily tattooed pas- that didn’t openly welcome my gay and husband. shirts and noting that the next LGBTQ tor, an amazing band and the kind of lesbian friends. He shrugged. “It seems cool. But church potluck was taking place next slick visuals you’d see at a TED Talk or A friend told me about her newly they’re not Catholic.” Friday. The choir nearly blew the roof a Radiohead show. formed non-denominational church, “Well then, where are the Catho- off with a rousing spiritual that had eve- When things got serious with my which sounded a lot like my East Village lics?” Annoyed, I flung my arms out ryone clapping and dancing in the pews. future husband, I would sometimes at- joint back in New York. She talked about toward the booths of Methodists, Luther- As the Mass ended, the priest and the ans, Episcopalians and synagogues. tend Mass with him. He lived and attend- the band and the hip, young pastor who (Continued on page 6) Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 1 B NDINGS San Diego gay church worker resigns Winter 2018-19 Vol. 38, No. 1 after months of harassment

By Dan Morris-Young hensible" and pledged "solidarity with the staff and com- Francis DeBernardo, Editor The National Catholic Reporter munity of St. John's Parish at this moment." October 19, 2018 "The hatred that lies behind them constitutes a dark Board of Directors and vicious corner in the life of our Church that every Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair SAN DIEGO — The pastoral associate of a San member of the Catholic community must reject," he stat- Ryan Sattler Diego parish in the heart of the city's well-known gay- ed. friendly Hillcrest neighborhood has submitted his resig- Bianco's email reported he had submitted his resig- Board of Advisors nation "out of fear for my family and myself." nation during an Oct. 18 meeting with McElroy. Dr. Jerry Fath In an Oct. 19 email to friends and associates, Aaron "He has always stood behind me 100%," he added. Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX Bianco, who submitted his resignation to Bishop Robert "I am always thankful for his steadfastness to keeping the Rev. James Kiesel McElroy, said he had "endured physical and emotional LGBT Ministry going at St. John's, even though he also violence from groups like Church Militant and LifeSite has been disparaged by these hate groups." Anne Marie Miller, RSM News for the past year and a half." The harassment in- Bianco emailed that he plans to address the parish Claire Pluecker cluded slashed tires, death threats, attacks outside Mass, community this Sunday at the 6 p.m. Mass, his only Cristina Traina and "hundreds of letters, phone calls and emails." planned public appearance before his resignation takes The harassment increased "to another level" over- effect Oct. 31. Staff night Oct. 14-15, he added, when assailants "broke into Writing that he "will not back down from confront- Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director the office/rectory" of St. John the Evangelist Parish "and ing such evil in our Church," Bianco said he intends "to Matthew Myers, Associate Director spray-painted 'no fags' on work on a larger scale to Robert Shine, Associate Director the conference room make sure groups like this Dwayne Fernandes, Staff Associate wall." do not make their way into The "final straw," he the lives of everyday Cath- Co-Founders said, was an Oct. 17 inter- olics." Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL net posting of "pictures of Meanwhile, the San Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS my family, including a Diego Diocese has been in photo of my deceased the midst of eight "listen- mother" and revealing Bondings is a seasonal publication designed ing sessions" with McElroy "where I live." about the church sexual to keep our subscribers informed of issues Headlined "Bp. abuse crisis, the sessions that pertain to LGBT people McElroy Defends Dioce- staged across the see of 1.3 and the Catholic Church. san Employee in Same- million Catholics that runs Sex 'Marriage,' " a Lepan- the length of California's Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry to Institute-generated nar- border with Mexico. is an educational and bridge-building rative was posted Oct. 17 According to multiple ministry of reconciliation between the on its website and also sources, questions about a Catholic LGBT community carried online by LifeSite homosexual man in a same and the institutional structures News. -sex marriage being a pri- in the Roman Catholic Church. The account focused mary administrator at a largely on "Bianco's pro- diocesan parish were raised New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate homosexual activism," Aaron Bianco at all the gatherings. prevalent myths and stereotypes Bianco's "sodomitical At the seventh session on about homosexuality and gender identity 'marriage,' " and Oct. 18 at St. Gabriel Parish McElroy's support for Bianco and LGBT ministry. in Poway, McElroy received a scattering of boos when and supports civil rights for LGBT persons McElroy and Bianco have been the target of a previ- he said, "If the church eliminated all the employees who in society. ous LifeSite News article. are not living out the teachings of the church in its full- In his Oct. 19 email, Bianco said he is considering ness, we would be employing only angels." New Ways Ministry "hiring legal counsel to stop the slander against me." More than 300 attended the Poway session, packing 4012 29th Street Self-described as "a research and education organi- the parish hall. Each of the meetings has drawn overflow Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 zation dedicated to the defense of the Catholic Church crowds. (301) 277-5674 against assaults from without as well as from within," the At nearly every meeting, security personnel have [email protected] Lepanto Institute launched an online petition asking had to escort someone from the room for disruptive be- NewWaysMinistry.org McElroy to fire Bianco. havior. Both the FBI and the San Diego Police Department At Poway, a man was forcibly removed after he are investigating the St. John the Evangelist break-in. stood and began shouting questions at McElroy. Crowd FBI Special Agent Jeanne Schnese, who is assigned noise drowned the questions. to the parish case, told NCR on Oct. 19 that the federal NCR sent inquiries to the Lepanto Institute and agency "has a one-voice policy" and that she had referred LifeSite News by email. No immediate response was re- TO SUBSCRIBE NCR requests for information to the FBI San Diego me- ceived from LifeSite. dia coordinator. “Someone who is in a same-sex ‘marriage’ has no COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM Bianco told NCR that law enforcement officials had more business working in leadership roles in the Catholic BELOW provided him with a form to file for a concealed weapon Church than does a satanist. Let’s be clear, same-sex permit and that he had filed it. ‘marriage’ is a satanic mockery of the sacrament of Holy In an Oct. 17 media statement about "the vandalism Matrimony, and those engaged in such abominable be- Enclosed is: at the parish St. John the Evangelist in Hillcrest and the havior should never have been hired to begin with,” a social media attacks against one of its staff members," spokesman from the Institute told NCR in an email.  _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada McElroy condemned the vandalism as "vile and repre-

_____ $35.00 outside US or Canada

_____ I wish to receive Bondings, but cannot donate at this time. If gay priests, religious can't be celibate,

Name ______they should leave, pope says

Address ______By Cindy Wooden activity among priests and religious who make vows of National Catholic Reporter chastity and celibacy. City ______December 3, 2018 "In consecrated life or that of the priesthood, there is no place for this type of affection," the pope said. "For that State ______The Catholic Church has been slow to recognize the reason, the church recommends that persons with this deep presence of homosexual men in the priesthood, which is -seated tendency not be accepted for ministry or conse- DayPhone ______why superiors must exercise care in helping gay candi- crated life." dates prepare for a life of celibacy or leave the seminary, "Homosexual priests, religious men and women Night Phone ______Pope Francis said. should be urged to live celibacy wholly and, especially, to "Homosexuality is a very serious matter, which must be perfectly responsible, trying to never create scandal in Cell Phone ______be discerned adequately from the beginning with candi- their communities or for the holy people of God by living dates, if it is the case. We must be demanding," the pope a double life," the pope said. "It would be better if they Email ______told Claretian Fr. Fernando Prado in the new book- left the ministry or consecrated life rather than live a dou- interview, "The Strength of Vocation: Consecrated Life ble life." Today." Francis told Prado that today "in our societies it seems Please make check payable to “New Ways Excerpts of the pope's interview with Prado, which was that homosexuality is fashionable, and this mentality has Ministry”. Outside the US, please use only conducted in August, were printed in newspapers Dec. 1 in a way also influenced the life of the church." checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars or ahead of the book's release. Seminary and religious formation programs, he said, go to www.newwaysministry.org. In 2013, Francis had told reporters, "If someone is gay must be updated to take the issue seriously, help seminari- and is searching for the Lord and has goodwill, then who ans and aspirants understand themselves and the obliga- Mail to: New Ways Ministry am I to judge him?" tions of celibacy, promote maturity and enable discern- 4012 29th Street Some media outlets contrasted that remark with what ment about whether a candidate is ready and able to live a Mount Rainier, MD 20712 Francis told Prado, even though Francis made it clear in celibate life.  the new interview that he was talking about homosexual

Winter 2018-19 BONDINGS Page 3 Synod on Youth’s Final Report Is a Mixed Bag on LGBT Issues

By Francis DeBernardo The fact that the Vatican’s synod on age, nor does “American Catholic” mean of the negative elements in the that sec- Bondings 2.0 youth has issued a final report that calls that nationality is a defining characteris- tion.) NewWaysMinistry.org for “a deeper anthropological, theologi- tic. These are simply descriptive The power of this synod lies not in October 28, 2018 cal and pastoral elaboration” of sexuality words. Implying that sexual orientation its product, though, but in its process. It and affectivity is an important step for- dominates an individual’s personality is was an unprecedented gathering of The Vatican’s Synod on Youth has ward for the Catholic Church in regard to not only demeaning, but also it reveals church leaders with youth representatives issued its final report, and its comments LGBT issues. The statement acknowl- more about the church hierarchy’s poor from around the globe, and unlike other on LGBT issues are a mixed bag. The edges that the church still has a lot to understanding of lesbian and gay people synods, it gave a stronger role to the section that responds to LGBT topics is learn about sexuality. If the study of than it does about lesbian and gay people voices of the lay participants. Regardless section 150. The document was only these topics is done with open minds and themselves. of the outcome, it appears that a true released in Italian. Each section was hearts, there is potential for great trans- The report uses “inclinations” to dialogue took place—and we hope it will voted on individually. A 2/3rds majority formation in the church. be replicated. was needed for a section to be included The call for more parishes The synod could have been greatly in the final document. to provide accompaniment to improved if LGBT youth would have If the 2015 synod on the family is lesbian and gay people is also a been allowed to speak for themselves, as any sort of standard, official versions in positive. The words describing youth with other compelling issues other languages will not be available for accompaniment seem carefully did. During press briefings, bishops con- a while. The following is the official chosen to allow for wide inter- tinually spoke about how moved they English translation of section 150 pretation. During the synod, a were by personal youth testimonies on [released on January 10, 2019]. My com- request was made to include a migration and war that allowed the bish- mentary follows the text. statement calling lesbian and ops to put human faces to abstract or There are questions about the body, gay people to “conversion,” a unknown situations. How important it affectivity and sexuality that require word used often in church dis- would have been for them to hear direct- deeper anthropological, theological and course to mean celibacy. That ly from LGBT youth about their lives of pastoral study, in whatever forms and at language did not make it into faith and their experiences of church! whatever level seems most appropriate, the final document. Instead the The bishops missed a great opportunity from local to universal. Among the ques- pastoral recommendations al- for their own education. tions that emerge are those regarding the low for great latitude of wel- The themes of listening and accom- difference and harmony between male come and accompaniment Youth auditors cheering at synod’s paniment emerged as the dominant topics and female identity and sexual inclina- based on the individual person closing session . of the meeting. Bishop participants tions. In this regard, the Synod stresses and the local pastoral community and promised to bring the process of the syn- that God loves every person and the ministers. describe non-heterosexual sexual activi- od back to their home dioceses and to Church does the same, renewing her The document also contains a strong ty. This term reduces lesbian and gay encourage other bishops to institute simi- commitment against all discrimination condemnation of discrimination and vio- love and sexuality to base desires for lar practices. If they do not do so, their and violence on sexual grounds. Equal- lence against lesbian and gay people—an sexual activity. Not only is it a derogato- words will sound like empty political ly, she reiterates the key anthropological important message to bishops who have ry word, but also it shows a complete campaign promises. By placing emphasis relevance of the difference and reciproci- sometimes implicitly and explicitly sup- ignorance of the affective lives of lesbian on welcome and accompaniment, the ty between men and women and believes ported LGBT criminalization laws with and gay people. Its continued use in church is placing the LGBT discussion it to be reductionist to define personal severe punishments. Catholic support church documents is not only an embar- on the personal and local levels—good identity on the sole basis of the person’s for these laws must end. rassment, but also is harmful. places for real discussion to take place. “sexual orientation” (Congregation for The document has some problematic That the synod report would not use Listening and pastoral accompani- the Doctrine of the Faith, Letter to the elements, too. It reinforces the prohibi- the ordinary terms “lesbian,” “gay,” ment have potential for changing the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the tion of same-sex relationships, though it “bisexual” is surprising given the pope’s hearts and minds of pastoral ministers pastoral care of homosexual persons, 1 does so in a way that has been typical of own use of the word “gay.” Such a small and church leaders. Depending on how October 1986, 16). Pope Francis: it does not use condemna- gesture in language would have meant a listening and accompaniment are imple- Many Christian communities al- tory language, but instead it endorses the great deal to people. Additionally, no mented, these tools can help the church ready offer journeys of accompaniment heterosexual model as ideal. mention of transgender individuals was better understand and appreciate the sa- in faith for homosexual persons: the The idea that they felt it important to made—a glaring omission since credness of LGBT lives and loves. If Synod recommends that such initiatives say that “it is reductive to define a per- transgender people are among the most listening is implemented in the way Pope be supported. In these journeys, people son’s identity solely on the basis of their abused and oppressed people in LGBT Francis has recommended, as a theologi- are helped to read their own history; to ‘sexual orientation’” is also a problem. It communities around the globe. cal tool where one listens and allows adhere with freedom and responsibility implies that lesbian and gay people place These problems remind us that there one’s heart to be touched by new truths, to their baptismal calling; to recognize too much emphasis on identifying by is still much work to be done for LGBT the Catholic Church can begin to be the desire to belong and contribute to the their sexuality. This idea is erroneous in justice and equality in the church. In fact, transformed. life of the community; to discern the best that hardly any lesbian or gay people the section that contained the most com- The synod’s success will be judged ways of realizing this. Thus, all young define their identity solely on their orien- prehensive analysis of lesbian and gay not by what it has accomplished to this people, without exception, are helped to tation. Asking to be called a “gay Catho- issues received the most “no” votes, and date, but by its impact on shaping a more integrate the sexual dimension of their lic” does not mean that the person thinks it made it to the required 2/3rds majority dialogical and relational church for the personality more and more fully, as they of themselves only in terms of sexuality, by only two votes. (A “no” vote may not future.  grow in the quality of their relationships just as asking to be called a “young Cath- indicate opposition to LGBT issues; it and move towards the gift of self. olic” doesn’t equate identity solely with could indicate disagreement with some Vatican changes course, reinstates Jesuit head of German university

By Christa Pongratz-Lippit 52-year-old rector bishop said in a “No, I did not recant,” he said on La Croix committed himself, statement to the Nov. 17 in a long interview for the Ger- Montrouge, France as a religious and a graduate school. man Church’s website katholische.de. November 19, 2018 priest, to upholding Father Johannes “My declaration was addressed to the Church’s authen- Siebner, the Jesuit the Jesuit superior general, Father Arturo The Vatican has reversed a decision tic Magisterium, pre- provincial superior Sosa, who then passed it on to the Vati- made earlier this year and has confirmed senting it “com- in Germany, echoed can,” the priest said. that a Jesuit theologian who voiced posi- pletely and compre- those sentiments. “I declared that (in my lectures) on tive views on homosexuality and the hensively” and mak- “I am deeply grateful the question of the diaconate for women ordination of women deacons may begin ing it clear in the for the widespread and the moral judgement of homosexual- a third term as head of a prestigious uni- future when his cri- support that Father ity I take the relevant church teaching versity in Germany. tiques of the teaching Wucherpfennig and into consideration and convey it correctly Father Arturo Sosa, general superior are only his own per- the Sankt Georgen and fairly, but I also pose my own ques- of the Society of Jesus, announced on sonal opinion. School have experi- tions on both topics and discuss them Nov. 15 that Father Ansgar Wucherpfen- The priest said enced in recent with my students,” he said. nig has been reinstated “with immediate that as a Christian weeks,” Siebner said “Moreover, as a Christian and an effect” as rector of the Jesuit-run Sankt and theologian he in a statement the academic scholar, I also expressed my Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy hopes church teach- Jesuit college pub- hope that church teaching on both these and Theology at Frankfurt am Main, an ing on homosexuality lished on its website points would change and develop. That, institute Father Sosa oversees as Grand and women’s roles in along with a photo of in my opinion, is not recanting but be- Fr. Ansgar Wucherpfenning, SJ Chancellor. the Church would the 57-year-old pro- longs to the business of science – name- The move breaks an impasse dating develop and become more open. vincial proudly displaying the confirm- ly, to present other opinions correctly from last June when the Congregation for Father Sosa said he forwarded Wu- atio from Rome. first before questioning or criticizing Catholic Education privately informed cherpfennig’s declaration to the Congre- “Rome has obviously shown them,” Wucherpfennig explained. the Jesuit general that it would not be gation for Education and added that the discernment and reacted to the many He said Father Sosa had asked him renewing its canonically required confir- rector would now publish the results of inter-church character references declar- to do further research on both topics and matio (approval) of Father Wucherpfen- his research on both issues “in loyal and ing Father Wucherpfennig an irreproach- to develop the Church’s teaching “in nig. creative continuity with fundamental able priest,” said Peter Lückemeier, creative loyalty.” The rector said he be- That decision was finally made pub- church doctrine.” chairman of the “Friends of Sankt lieved homosexuality was connected to lic in October, provoking protests among Bishop Georg Bätzing, head of Lim- Georgen.” the general subject of “identity and sexu- theologians and some bishops in Germa- burg diocese where Sankt Georgen is The association, which was founded ality,” an issue he will be lecturing on ny. located and a supporter of Wucherpfen- in 1972 and counts some 450 members, next term. But the congregation apparently nig, said he was greatly relieved by the supports Sankt Georgen and helps to Father Wucherpfennig said he plans reconsidered in the past few weeks after resolution. finance its projects. to continue doing research on the histori- Father Wucherpfennig promised to up- “Together with many others, I hoped Father Wucherpfennig was asked if cal-critical exegesis of St. Paul’s Letters hold Church teaching. for and expected this decision (on the he was forced to recant in order to be and possibly write a book on women In a declaration to Father Sosa, the part of the Vatican),” the 57-year-old reinstated in his post. deacons.  Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 1 Reflections on Two L.G.B.T. Questions at the Synod

By Rev. James Martin, SJ tions, both about nomenclature: First, clinical or considered disrespectful or When people describe themselves as America can the synod use the term “L.G.B.T.” in even offensive (as “same-sex attracted” L.G.B.T., it does not mean that they con- October 12, 2018 its documents? Second, can the synod is with most L.G.B.T. people), the sider their sexuality or identity the domi- acknowledge that gay couples can form a church risks preventing real dialogue nant trait of their personhood, any more Questions about L.G.B.T. issues are “family”? How might we approach those with the group. And if the church cannot than people who refer to themselves as being discussed at the Synod of Bishops questions—while not challenging the engage in dialogue, then it cannot do “Italian Catholics” or “elderly Catholics” on Young People, the Faith and Voca- church’s teaching on homosexuality or theology properly—a path contrary to consider this the dominant trait. Using tional Discernment, currently underway its opposition to same-sex marriage? the Second Vatican Council’s invitation the term does not mean that being in Rome, mainly because young people First, can the synod use the term to be a church in the modern world L.G.B.T. is the most important part of today are increasingly interested in ques- “L.G.B.T.” in its documents? (“Gaudium et Spes”). Thus, acknowledg- who they are. Overall, using an adjective tions about lesbian, gay, bisexual and Let me suggest three reasons why ing this common term, especially for is not equivalent to defining a person or transgender people. For many young “L.G.B.T.” can be used in synod docu- young L.G.B.T. people, is both respect- group in terms of one characteristic. people, L.G.B.T. people are their broth- ments. ful and helpful theologically. Likewise, the term does not consti- ers and sisters, aunts and uncles, friends 1. Naming L.G.B.T. people what 2. Using “L.G.B.T. Catholics” in- tute a declaration of support for a politi- and neighbors—and sometimes them- they ask to be named is part of the cludes them in the church. cal ideology or theological position. For selves. This is reflected in the syn- “respect” called for by the Catechism of Some have argued that using that example, when a young person identifies od’s working document, which stated, the Catholic Church. term separates L.G.B.T. people from the as “gay” or “lesbian,” he or she is simply “[S]ome LGBT youth…wish to benefit This may be the most important rea- rest of the church. But this argument is expressing a part of who he or she is, not from greater closeness and experience son to use the common term “L.G.B.T.” not made with other groups in the making a claim about any controversial greater care from the Church.” Referring to L.G.B.T. people with the church. There are many other groups issues. In fact, L.G.B.T. persons embrace In some parts of the church, this may name that most now use for themselves who are regularly identified by a particu- a wide spectrum of social, political, eco- be considered primarily a “Western” is part of the “respect” called for by the lar characteristic—young adult Catho- nomic worldviews and commitments. concern. But the ethnic diversity of the Catechism (No. 2358). To take another lics, Latin-American Catholics, elderly For all these reasons, I would sug- L.G.B.T. community in the West, in part example, contemporary usage avoids the Catholics, Catholic parents—and few gest that the synod can use the common- because some have sought refuge or asy- term “Negro” and instead opts for suggest that such an identification di- ly accepted term “L.G.B.T.” lum there because of their sexuality, “African-American” or “Black,” which vides them from the church. It simply Second, can the synod demonstrates how the treatment of reflects what this group prefers. Refusing identifies them as constitutive members acknowledge that gay couples can L.G.B.T. people is an issue for the global to call a group by the name that most in of the Body of Christ and reminds us of form a “family”? church. Moreover, increasing numbers of the group prefer borders on disrespect. the rich diversity in the church (1 Cor Again, let me suggest three reasons Catholics worldwide identify as L.G.B.T. L.G.B.T. youth, who are often harassed, 12:20). In particular, L.G.B.T. youth why, without challenging the church’s As a result, a few questions about bullied and “called names” are especially want to feel a part of the church. This is opposition to same-sex marriage, it may L.G.B.T. people face the delegates at the attentive to disrespectful language. a sign of diversity not division. make sense for the synod to use this no- synod. According to participants, discus- Furthermore, if the church uses 3. Using “L.G.B.T. Catholics” does menclature. sions so far have centered on two ques- terms that are dated, unknown, overly not connote acceptance of an ideology. (Continued on page 5)

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

Palm Springs: St. Theresa Delaware Kentucky Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. North Wilmington: Holy Child Lexington: Historic St. Paul Church, Redondo: St. Lawrence Martyr Wilmington: St. Joseph, Sacred Heart St. Peter Claver Redwood City: St. Matthias Oratory Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the PARISHES Ross: St. Anselm Assumption, St. William Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi District of Columbia Louisiana Alabama San Carlos: St. Charles Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral New Orleans: St. Augustine Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord San Diego: Ascension, St. John the Montgomery: St. Bede Evangelist, St. Jude Shrine, Catho- Florida Maine lic Community of UC San Diego Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Arizona San Dimas: Holy Name of Mary Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes Saco: Most Holy Trinity Chandler: St. Andrew San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar Glendale: St. Thomas More Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Ft. Lauderdale: Blessed Sacrament, St. Maryland Mesa: St. Bridget St. Dominic, St. Ignatius, St. Teresa Anthony, St. Maurice Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Phoenix: St. Benedict of Avila Key West: Basilica of St. Mary Star of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, Scottsdale: St. Patrick San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, the Sea St. Matthew, St. Vincent dePaul Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, San Ramon: St. Joan of Arc Tampa: Sacred Heart Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia San Raphael: Church of San Raphael Hagerstown: St. Ann & Mission San Raphael Arcangel Georgia Severn: St. Bernadette California Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Baldwin Park: St. John the Baptist Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Conception Massachusetts Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Santa Monica: St. Monica Amherst: Newman Catholic Center of Burney: St Francis of Assisi Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Idaho UMass Carlsbad: St. Patrick Stanford: Catholic Community at Stan- Boise: St. Mary Boston: St. Joseph, Paulist Center, Camarillo: Padre Serra Parish ford University St. Anthony Shrine, St. Cecilia Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption South Pasadena: Holy Family Illinois Buzzard’s Bay: St. Margaret’s/St. Mary’s El Cajon: St. Luke Valinda: St. Martha Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle East Longmeadow: St. Michael Encino: Our Lady of Grace Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Medford: Catholic Community at Tufts Escondido: St. Timothy of the Deaf St. Clement, St. Gertrude, University Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, Newton: St. Ignatius Fresno: St.. Paul Catholic Newman West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Provincetown: St. Peter Center St. Victor Apostle, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Lady of Mt. Carmel, Springfield: Sacred Heart Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Old St. Patrick Whitinsville: St. Patrick Hayward: All Saints Colorado Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame LaPuente: St. Martha Arvada: Spirit of Christ Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Michigan Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Avon: St. Edward Evanston: St. Nicholas Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Long Beach: St. Matthew, Our Lady of Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart Inverness: Holy Family Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu Refuge Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Johnston City: St. Paul Parish Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Morton Grove: St. Martha Livonia: St. Edith Christ the King, Mother of Good Lafayette: Immaculate Conception Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Lakewood: St. Bernadette Sienna-St. Lucy, St. Giles Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude USC Medical Center (Spanish), Littleton: Light of the World, Schaumburg: St. Marcelline St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle, St Frances Cabrini Minnesota St. Anselm Indiana Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Connecticut Dyer: St. Maria Goretti St. Joan of Arc Chantal, St. Patrick Guilford: St. George’s Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Paul: St. Thomas More Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Co- Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony lumba, St. Jarleth Iowa Oceanside: St. Thomas More Coralville: St. Thomas More (Continued on page 5) Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Des Moines: Holy Trinity Winter 2018-19 BONDINGS Page 5 Reflections on Two L.G.B.T. Questions at the Synod

(Continued from page 4) widely and colloquially. Perhaps even parents, care for the larger community— are married without the church’s approv- 1. There are many ways to be some synod delegates hail from non- just as love resides in traditional families. al, gay parents do many of the same a “family.” traditional families, but they most likely Many gay couples also heroically adopt things that other parents do: love their Given the vast cultural difference in refer to their own the most disadvan- children, provide for their upbringing the world, there are many types of fami- “family.” Pastors, taged and marginal- and strive to help them become the per- lies, in addition to the nuclear family of too, recognize that ized children. Such sons God desires for them to be. the mother, father and children. And, families are far more families provide a They also desire for their children to historically, there have also been differ- complex than we can measure of social be part of the church. Thus, gay couples ent kinds of families—in the Bible, for imagine. In these stability in the world have their children baptized, bring them example, families came in many shapes same ways, gay cou- and add to the flour- to Mass, teach them to pray, enroll them and sizes. ples can form fami- ishing of society as in religious education classes, rejoice at Today, families are not always con- lies and are deserving they support others their reception of the sacraments and, stituted solely by marriage but also by of the term. in community and overall, desire for their children the treas- other bonds of love and kinship—for 2. Gay couples contribute to the ury of the church’s graces. This is the example, a single mother and her child; a are “families” in common good. clear fruit of faith, the grace of God at divorced man and his adopted child; a both the legal and Overall, if the church work in the hearts of these parents. remarried and divorced couple with chil- emotional sense. desires to address the Even in situations where L.G.B.T. dren; a common-law couple with chil- The church is contemporary world Catholics have felt wounded by the dren; a grandparent, aunt or uncle raising opposed to same-sex effectively it must church, many still want to raise their grandchildren, nieces or nephews; a legal marriage. But in- consider using the children in the faith—an unmistakable guardian living with his or her ward; creasingly, gay cou- terms by which the sign of God’s grace. This is a powerful multiple generations of adults living with ples are recognized world understands source of life for the Body of Christ, and siblings and cousins; and an extended by civil authorities as itself. And, again, for it is important for the church to recognize family of brothers and sisters whose par- families. Civil courts the church to deny and affirm this. Children of these couples ents are deceased. Perhaps most common in many countries this may prevent also naturally see themselves as part of a of all, at least in the West, are increasing regard same-sex cou- dialogue with these family. To argue otherwise risks making numbers of children born to unmarried ples as legally fami- many kinds of fami- these children and young people feel couples (men and women). Each group, lies and in other Fr. James Martin, SJ lies. excluded from their church. though in a non-traditional setting, would countries as hav- 3.Gay couples The family has often been called the consider themselves a family. ing affinitas (kinship). have children who “little church,” where children first learn The church may not approve of Thus, they are families in the legal sense. need spiritual care — as members of about God and about love. Thus, perhaps some of these situations, but it nonethe- These families are also a place families.” the best reason for using the term family” less refers to them as families. It uses the where love resides—in care for one an- The church’s opposition to same-sex for these couples and their children is term and has used the term in the synod, other, care for children, care for aging marriage is clear. But even though they that they are a locus of love. 

(Continued from page 4) Saratoga Springs: St. Peter Virginia Missouri Schenectady: St. Luke Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Kansas City: Guardian Angels, Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints Glen Allen: St. Michael the Archangel Holy Family, St. James Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mechanicsville: Church of the Re- St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier Historic Old St. John’s deemer St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Wading River: St. John the Baptist Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Scotland, St. Pius V Wantagh: St. Frances de Chantal Heart, Sacred Heart Parish West Islip: Our Lady of Lourdes Roanoke: St. Gerard Montana Westbury: St. Brigid Triangle: St. Francis Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas North Carolina Nebraska Charlotte: St. Peter Washington Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart Durham: Immaculate Conception Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, Fayetteville: St. Patrick St. James Cathedral, St. Joseph, Nevada Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Prince of Peace Newman Center, Las Vegas: Christ the King, St. Mary’s Guardian Angel Cathedral Ohio Spokane: St. Aloysius Akron: St. Bernard Tacoma: St. Leo New Hampshire Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Canada Merrimack: St. John Neumann St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Francis de Wisconsin Montreal: Holy Cross, Saint-Pierre- Pelham: St. Patrick Sales Fond du Lac: Holy Family Apôtre, Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Ottawa: St. Joseph New Jersey St. Malachi, St. Martha Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes Hoboken: Our Lady of Grace Columbus: St. Thomas More Milwaukee: St. Bernadette, Good Keyport: St. Joseph Newman Center, St. Francis of Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Trinity England Lawrenceville: St. Ann Assisi -Guadalupe London: Church of the Immaculate Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Fairlawn: St. Hilary Wauwatosa: St. Pius X Conception (Mayfair) Assisi Mentor: St. John Vianney Maplewood: St. Joseph University Heights: Church of Gesu Monmouth: Precious Blood Westlake: St. Ladislas Pompton Lakes: St. Mary Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate South Plainfield: Sacred Heart Conception Tinton Falls: St. Anselm INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITIES Turnersville: Sts. Peter and Paul Oregon Arizona Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics Beaverton: Spirit of Grace Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal New Mexico Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of Center Albuquerque: Holy Family, Minnesota Assisi, St. Phillip Neri, Down- Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's town Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul) California Catholic Community Orange: Koinonia New York Pennsylvania Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Ohio Danville: St. Joseph Pleasanton Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Dayton: Living Beatitudes Community Latrobe: St. Vincent Basilica San Diego: Mary Magdalene Catholic Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Community Bellport: Mary Immaculate Oregon Old St. Mary, St. John the Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Portland: Journey and Koinonia Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul District of Columbia Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Catholic Community Wilkinsburg: St. James Communitas St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Pennsylvania St. Augustine, Immaculate.Heart of Rhode Island Florida Mary Providence: St. Raymond Drexel Hill: St. Mary Magdalene Tampa: Franciscan Center Community Buffalo: St. Joseph University Parish Wickford: St. Bernard Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Pittsburgh: Dignity//Pittsburgh Iowa East Islip: St. Mary Tennessee Coralville: Full Circle Small Faith Elmira: St. Mary Memphis: St. Patrick, Cathedral of the Virginia Community Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community Fairport: Church of the Assumption Immaculate Conception Henrietta: Good Shepherd Maryland Washington Ithaca: St. Catherine of Siena Texas Baltimore, Annapolis, Thurmont: Manhattan: Ascension, Blessed Sacra- Austin: Univ.of Texas Catholic Center Lacey: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Living Water Inclusive Catholic Catholic Community ment, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Colleyville: Good Shepherd Community Francis deSales, St. Francis of Assi- Dallas: Holy Trinity Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Wisconsin si, St. Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius El Paso: All Saints Community Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Loyola, St. Paul the Apostle Houston: St. Anne, St. Teresa Milwaukee: Mary of Magdala, Apostle Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration Odessa: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Michigan to the Apostles Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, Plano: St. Elizbeth Ann Seton Grand Rapids: Marywood St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 1 Chicago priest who burned rainbow banner removed from church By Ese Olumhense “I do not take this step lightly,” victim of sexual abuse by a Chicago-area of Chicago was concerned about, or what The Chicago Tribune Cupich continued. “Rather, I act out of priest as a seminarian, has insisted that role, if any, Kalchik will play in the concern for Fr. Kalchik’s welfare and he does not hate the gay community. church. September 22, 2018 that of the people of Resurrection Parish. “I’m about as much of a ‘gay bash- Ald. Deb Mell, 33rd, was among I have a responsibility to be supportive er’ as Mother Teresa of Calcutta,” the 56 those demanding the priest be fired earli- Days after it was revealed that the of our priests when they have difficul- -year-old said in an interview with the er this week. On Wednesday, she orga- Rev. Paul Kalchik of Avondale’s Resur- ties, but I also have a duty to ensure that Tribune on Friday. “Love the sinner, nized a small protest of the banner’s rection Catholic Church burned a rain- those who serve our faithful are fully hate the sin — that’s as harsh as I get.” torching outside the church. Those as- bow banner that once hung in the church, able to minister to them in the way the The church, in its bulletin this week, sembled carried rainbow flags and other Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Church expects.” said Kalchik has received many threats. signs bearing the message “Hate Has No Chicago, has removed him from his role Anne Maselli, a spokeswoman for On Friday, Kalchik said he has had Home here.” as head of the North Side church. the archdiocese, said the move was not to have police escort him from the Another protest was held at the “For some weeks now, I have be- connected to Kalchik’s decision to de- church to his home, out of fear he may church Saturday afternoon. Members of come increasingly concerned about a stroy the banner, a move criticized by be attacked. Earlier in the week, he said the Northwest Side Coalition Against number of issues at Resurrection Parish,” some in the community who called it an an intruder tried to break into the church. Racism and Hate, which organized the read a letter, signed by Cupich, to parish- anti-gay hate crime. Police did confirm that they were demonstration, said the event lasted only ioners and staff at the church. “It has “He is taking some time away from dispatched to the 3000 block of North an hour, before it was revealed by some- become clear to me that Fr. Kalchik must the parish,” Maselli said in an email Sat- Francisco Avenue just before 9 p.m. one who came out of the church that take time away from the parish to receive urday. “This has been in the works for Monday because of a report of an open Kalchik had been removed. pastoral support so his needs can be as- some time and is not directly due to the door. Officers checked and cleared the “Having him remain in a leadership sessed.” flag burning.” area, but no report was filed, police said. position would be an affront to the Monsignor James Kaczorowski, Calls to Kalchik at the church on It’s not immediately known whether LGBT community,” said Al Grippe, 40, pastor of Queen of Angels parish, was Saturday were not returned. His answer- Cupich’s decision to remove Kalchik is a member of the group. “It was a clear appointed administrator of Resurrection ing machine was full, a recorded mes- final, or whether Kalchik will be reinstat- act of hate, and he was rightfully re- Parish, effective Friday evening, accord- sage said. ed at the Avondale church. It is also not moved.”  ing to the notice. The priest, who has said he was a known what other issues the Archdiocese Animosity, attacks against LGBT Catholics create 'toxic atmosphere' By Heidi Schlumpf Catholic organization that tries to build vocacy organization that works for re- an intolerant church. For example, Chi- National Catholic Reporter bridges between families, friends and spect and justice for people of all sexual cago and national media gave a platform Novmber 2, 2018 allies of the LGBTQ community and the orientations, genders and gender identi- to a priest who organized a ritual to burn church. ties. a rainbow flag to signify opposition to In the more than quarter-century that Zerkowski said the church "has Fired church employees have no re- homosexuality. When the priest ignored Francis DeBernardo has been involved in blood on our hands," especially leaders course, she said, because so-called a directive from Chicago Cardinal Blase LGBT ministry, only twice have protest- who do not articulate that such attacks "religious liberty" laws legitimize dis- Cupich not to proceed with the burning, ers shown up to his organization's events are sinful. "It's terrorism, and it's killing crimination against LGBT people. he was removed from his parish, ignit- for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender the spirit of another," he said. For some, the animosity is internalized ing a firestorm of support and conspira- Catholics — and both times it was only LGBT people who work for church and can become a life-or-death issue. cy theories online. one person. institutions have long feared for their Studies by the Centers for Disease Con- But such moves may be having the Until this year. livelihoods if they are open about their trol and Prevention have found that opposite effect, eliciting sympathy for In early October, after several con- sexual orientation. Since 2007, more LGBT youth seriously contemplate or attacked LGBT Catholics and adding to servative Catholic websites launched the growing numbers of Catholics who an attack on an annual retreat for gay oppose discrimination against LGBT priests, brothers and deacons, the Domini- people. can sisters who run the Siena Retreat Cen- "I'm seeing the people of God rise ter outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had to up and saying 'This is so ugly, and this hire security to keep more than two dozen is not who we are," said Zerkowski, protesters off the property, also home to who sees growing acceptance of LGBT the order's elderly sisters. people as the "voice of the people ex- It's all part of a "toxic atmosphere that pressing the will of the Spirit." has been building up for decades," said Roughly two thirds of U.S Catholics DeBernardo, executive director of New favor same-sex marriage, with even Ways Ministry, the Catholic LGBT advo- larger numbers opposing discrimination cacy and educational organization that against LGBT people in jobs, public sponsored the retreat. accommodations and housing, accord- Animosity against LGBT Catholics is ing to the 2017 "American Values" data nothing new, but it seems to be increasing Francis DeBernardo, Stan Zerkowski, Marianne Duddy-Burke from the Public Religion Research In- in intensity, perhaps in response to an stitute. overall growing acceptance and support than 80 church workers have lost their attempt suicide at higher rates than het- Growing acceptance also means for LGBT people in the United States and jobs in LGBT-related employment dis- erosexual youth. At least one study has LGBT Catholics who are attacked are even by Pope Francis, who famously re- putes, according to New Ways Ministry. connected higher suicide rates among more willing to publicly tell their sto- sponded "Who am I to judge?" in response In September, an employee of the LGBT youth with increased importance ries, said Duddy-Burke, who did not go to a question about homosexuality. Cleveland Diocese was fired after of religion in their lives (unlike for their public in 1993 when two death threats But there is plenty of judging still hap- "liking" a picture of a same-sex wedding heterosexual counterparts, for whom — in response to a story about her in the pening, say LGBT activists, theologians ceremony and posting photos of a same- religiosity is a protective factor). conservative Catholic newspaper the and ministers, who believe the decidedly sex wedding reception on Facebook. Those who speak out in support of Wanderer — forced her to move from anti-Christian tone of recent threats and In six dioceses, Catholic school teachers' LGBT Catholics often face negative her home. attacks mirror a lack of civility in the contracts require them not to support push-back, including the cancellation of "Many of us expect and have become broader culture. same-sex relationships professionally or speaking engagements. Jesuit Fr. James used to being treated with respect and Fueled by well-funded conservative personally. Martin, whose writings simply call for dignity and being protected in civil soci- groups that represent a minority of Catho- Anti-gay activists comb social media, two-way dialogue between the church ety, and we hold the church to at least lics but are disproportionately vocal, espe- family obituaries and other online and LGBT people, has had talks can- the same standard," she said. "We want cially on social media, this "Catholic alt sources to find "evidence" of a Catholic celled and faces organized protests at the same from the church that we get in right" also has seized upon this summer's employee's support of LGBT issues, many appearances. the rest of our lives."  news about sexual abuse in the church to said Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive Coverage of these and other stories scapegoat gay priests and homosexuality. director of DignityUSA, a Catholic ad- by mainstream media paint a picture of These traditionalist Catholics say they are only defending church teaching on homosexuality and calling LGBT people I Became A Catholic Because Of Gay Pride to practice chastity, as was the message (Continued from page 1) from speaker after speaker at the "Auth- bers of the parish. These weekly dinners past. entic Reform" conference sponsored by deacons threw off their robes to reveal continued until the mid-’90s, and by then When I look around my church, the Napa Institute earlier this fall. their own rainbow T-shirts and marched the word was out in the LGBTQ commu- however, I see a future I want to be a But conservative Catholics' near- proudly down the aisle to wild applause. nity that there was a place they would be part of. So although I never wanted to obsession with the issue is concerning to My husband turned to me, wide- welcomed to receive God’s love along belong to a Catholic church, that’s where those who support LGBT Catholics. eyed. “I have never in all my life seen with everyone else. you’ll find me every Sunday. I baptized In San Diego, anti-gay activists have anything like this at a Catholic church,” In this (latest) time of horrific scan- my son there. I do service there. I have a disrupted a series of diocesan listening he said. dal in the Catholic Church, it’s no won- freaking bumper sticker with the name of sessions about sexual abuse and have had “Great,” I replied. “Then this is our der that attendance continues to decline. our church on my car. I mean, I’ve been to be removed by security. Also in that Catholic church.” If we truly want to move away from the married twice but I’ve only ever had one diocese, a parish worker who is gay re- Our church is unique, but it should- corrupt and insular church of the past, bumper sticker, so you know it’s seri- signed after death threats, slashed tires and n’t be. Like many others, it suffered in we need a blueprint of openness and ous. harassing letters, phone calls and emails. the era when people fled cities for the radical hospitality for the future. Many I guess you could say I’ve become, The last straws were a break-in that result- suburbs. Instead of closing its doors, other Catholics share this conviction. well, church-y. ed in homophobic graffiti at the parish and though, it flung them open to serve the Not only are they horrified by the sex This year when I’m marching in the "doxing," or the broadcasting of his pri- community that remained. It became one abuse charges currently rocking the Pride parade with others from my vate information, including pictures of his of the first in the area to minister to those church, two-thirds of them now support church, I’ll likely look around and sadly family and where he lives. affected by the AIDS epidemic. There same-sex marriage. Yet, what we often question the absence of other Catholic "Is this how we as a Christian commu- were weekly fellowship dinners for the hear from the pulpit and see in the pews churches. I will also be filled with grati- nity behave toward those who are differ- sick and suffering, where the dispropor- does not align with these values. This tude that, for now, I’ve found the place ent than us?" asked Stan "JR" Zerkowski, tionately impacted LGBTQ community cognitive dissonance is what keeps the for me, where grace abounds and every- executive director of Fortunate Families, a was welcomed by the priests and mem- Catholic Church rooted in its tarnished one is welcome to it.  Winter 2018-19 BONDINGS Page 7 Transgender Parish Minister Asks Parishioners to Support Protections The following text is a letter which church. When I was a child, I used to are sexually assaulted. These numbers Christ when we deny others. With great appeared in the weekly bulletin of St. reenact the Last Supper with my stuffed are staggering. Despite our struggle to difficulty, I strive to place my anger not Ignatius Loyola parish, Chestnut Hill, animals. survive, we are framed as the problem. on the misinformed neighbor who is pre- Massachusetts, on October 21, 2018. Picture this: a five-year-old walking The recently released ad from the No on pared to learn, but rather on our unfit The author is Michael Sennett, the par- around in their underwear and sandals, 3 campaign relies on the transgender leaders, who continue to perpetuate the ish administrator. pretending to be Jesus. They do say imi- predator trope. However, since the origi- cycle of injustice. tation is the highest form of flattery. nal protections passed in 2016, there has I am imperfect. I sin and I seek for- Dear Parishioners, Back then I never imagined that my faith been absolutely no increase in public giveness. I am a human being, a child of would become a battleground. Often, I safety incidents involving public re- God. Neither my identity nor my exist- I delivered the below text at a recent feel caught between my two communi- strooms. ence are sinful. I was created in the im- interfaith action event for transgender ties. These last six years have been a On the contrary, trans people are far age of God, and I am no disgrace. If you equality, hosted by Temple Israel of Bos- game of tug of war—myself being the more likely to face elevated safety risks must hate me, refrain from doing so as a ton. The prayer “Break Open Our rope, pulled in opposite directions. But I than our cisgender peers. This applies to result of who I am; let it be because I put Hearts” by Sr. Mary Lou Kownacki, am not elastic. There’s only so far you all places of public accommodation, in- pineapple on my pizza. O.S.B., featured in last week’s bulletin cluding restaurants and hospitals. Jesus is change—this is why I letter, was how I introduced my talk. It has never been just about bath- choose to serve my church. Catholic Prayer. An act of love, of devotion, rooms. It is about our right to Social Teaching calls me to advocate for of unity. Why am I hesitant of something exist and thrive as human beings. peace through justice. so pure in nature? One of the most frus- I cannot deny that I benefit Without justice, there is no peace. trating aspects of being a catholic trans from privileges that others in the Action begins with faith. We are here man is that people often insist on praying trans community do not. I experi- because we recognize the dignity of each for me, but never with me. On the sur- ence passing privilege, meaning person, and as faithful people, we are face, they may appear well intentioned, most people would not realize I moved to let love determine our actions. and undoubtedly some are sincere. Yet, I am a trans man, unless I willingly Let us continue to transcend boundaries, know there are folks who pray for me to outed myself. I am white, I come as we encourage the people of Massa- be subject to discrimination and injus- from a loving and supportive chusetts to love the transgender commu- tice, to change who I am at the very core family, and I was able to receive nity, and uphold the protections in the of my being. They pray for what they a college education. My insur- name of dignity. Thank you! assume to be a choice, a sickness, a dis- ance has fully covered trans relat- order. Worship becomes territorial. As I ed services. However, many of Peace, am cast an outcast, my existence is met my trans siblings are faced with Michael Sennett, with resistance. Opponents find comfort difficult choices: to be true to Parish Administrator in limiting my human rights. In fact, they themselves may cause rejection  utilize their hatred to embed fear into from their families and compro- society. This hatred and fear mongering mise their safety; or having to is used to validate repeals to our protec- decide between the cost of tuition Michael Sennett tions, as is the case with Massachusetts versus hormone therapy and sur- Ballot Question 3. Composed in a pur- geries that can be lifesaving. While I do Get posely confusing manner, this measure can stretch a short trans man. Yet, I not experience all of these struggles, I seeks to roll back public protections for choose to not choose. I exist in both continue to stand in solidarity with those Catholic LGBT the transgender community. communities without being a contradic- in my community. Like you, I am here news A no vote would succeed in strip- tion. If anything, my identities enhance today because I seek justice through each other. The choice I make is to re- online ping trans people of our rights, whereas a faith. yes vote would preserve current legisla- claim what it means to be queer and reli- In Christianity, it is a commandment tion. gious in today’s world. to love your neighbor as yourself. When Bondings 2.0 In the United States, 40% of trans- Growing up, my religion and spiritu- we neglect to fully embrace ourselves, alty meant everything to me, and they gender people have attempted suicide in we are not truly or justly living out our remain a priority in my life. I consider their lifetime. Of these individuals, 92% Visit faith. Self love is important. Be con- NewWays Ministry.org/blog this a triumph, as many of my family were under the age of 25 at the time of scious of your worth, and love yourself. members have parted ways with the their attempt. 1 in 2 transgender people We can also not be genuine followers of

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 Newark: Seton Hall School of Law 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. 38, No. 1 LGBTQ hotline gets Cardinal’s blessings By Deborah Cornelious them, it leads to psychological damage portive and the church has to be support- be working closely with Wendell Ro- The Hindu because they can’t get the acceptance.” ive of them. The church has been always dricks to address the needs of LGBTIQ Mumbai, India The as-of-now untitled social media welcoming and respectful of all people.” Catholics initially in Mumbai and Goa,” November 2, 2018 endeavour aims to create a community But he also reiterated that the church’s said Ms. Almeida. “We very much hope not just of queer people but also allies stance on homosexual relations remains other [religious] groups can look to us On October 31, Mumbai-born fash- and to prevent isolation and despair. “I unwavering. “The moral position has for support to [address] faith amongst the ion designer Wendell Rodricks ap- will be the public face of this LGBTI community which had been proached the Archdiocese of Bombay endeavour to establish a hotline overlooked till now.” and sought an audience with Cardinal to assist LGBTQ and family/ The response to Mr. Rodricks’ initi- Oswald Gracias. He had an unusual re- friends who need guidance and ative among the LGBTQ community has quest to make: could the Cardinal bless support to keep the faith,” he been mixed. Andrew, a 33-year-old com- his plan to start a hotline to help the les- said. munications trainer, finds Mr. Rodricks’ bian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer Two months ago, a five- exercise futile. A keen participant in (LGBTQ) community, their families and judge panel led by Chief Justice Church activities like the choir and lec- friends and bring them closer to the of India, Dipak Misra, partially tor’s group, he was unaffected by the church? dissolved Section 377 of the Church’s stance on his sexual orienta- Cardinal Gracias has long been a Indian Penal Code, decriminalis- tion. “I continued practising my faith and progressive figure in the Indian Catholic ing sex by consenting homosex- living my life,” he says. “I don’t see the church, but the outcome of the meeting ual adults. The Catholic Church, sense of having [an online presence]. was overwhelming for Mr. Rodricks. “I however, does not accept inter- The moment you have an online portal, was moved to tears when Cardinal Gra- course between members of the there will be conflicting opinions and cias not only gave his total approval and same sex. In this context, Cardi- people posting nonsense. If the Church support but also agreed to advise his nal Gracias’ support for the initi- feels we are accepted, they should just clergy to be more compassionate and less ative -- like his stand on many say it and that should be more than suffi- condemning of the LGBTQ community,” other issues -- is being seen as a Wendell Rodricks, Cardinal Oswald Gra- cient.” he said, in a social media post. “At the step forward. In the past, he has cias, Ruby Almeida But 29-year-old Mark, a design pro- end of our meeting, His Eminence placed expressed the need for women’s fessional, is hopeful that Mr. Rodricks’ his hand on my head and blessed me in a inclusion in Catholic leadership, plans will help young queer Catholics special way: ‘Christ bless us for the work encouraged dialogue on sensitive matters been one that the sexual act between like him. “I felt like I was sinning,” he we are doing for society’. Suffice to say I such as same-sex relations and even said members of the same sex is not endorsed says, reminiscing his childhood. “I re- felt blessed, grateful and immensely joy- Father Franco Mulakkal, the Bishop of or accepted.” member confessing having feelings for ful. In smog-filled Bombay, my heart felt the Diocese of Jalandhar, accused of Mr. Rodricks was encouraged to another man to a priest and he told me a rainbow in the sky.” sexual assault by a nun, ought to step approach the Archdiocese by Ruby Al- it’s okay to feel the attraction but acting Mr. Rodricks’ initiative, which may down and allow for a thorough investiga- meida, London-based chairperson of on it is a sin.” Mark doesn’t go to Church take off later this month, is a result of tion. Quest, an endeavour that offers pastoral any more. “I still have a relationship with feeling condemned by the church while The spokesperson of the Archdio- support to queer Catholics. Ms. Almeida God and Jesus but I don’t think [being growing up. “I have personally suf- cese of Bombay, Father Nigel Barett has been working in the lesbian, gay, gay] is a sin. I’m not a freak of nature fered,” he said on the phone from Goa. told The Hindu, “The Cardinal has said bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer but even freaks of nature were created by “If [a queer person’s] faith goes against that we have to be people who are sup- (LGBTIQ) faith sector for over 15 years. God. He’s created everything.”  “The local group set up in Mumbai will The Courage to Be Me: A Theologian Reflects on His Coming Out By Jason Steidl should seek treatment. I thought shame that life would ever get better. The god I der? Bondings 2.0 from the experience would keep me from met at Courage was capricious and creat- I surrounded myself with affirming NewWaysMinistry.org/blog sinning ever again. ed me for a lifetime of suffering. My Catholic communities. September 16, 2018 I arrived at Notre Dame determined sexuality was my theodicy, a cross to My parishes—first at St. Francis of to marry a woman and have a sizeable, bear with the promise of redemption in Assisi and later at St. Paul the Apostle, I first attended a Courage meeting contraception-free family. To my friends, the life to come. both in Manhattan—showed me Jesus’ when I was 24 years old and a student in I was a traditionalist who looked down Attending these meetings widened love and embraced my whole person. In the Master of Theological Studies pro- on Catholics compromised by the world. the chasm between my faith and my sex- queer Catholic circles I saw the gifts that gram at the University of Notre Dame. I I created a profile oncatholicmatch.com uality even more. Repeating Hail Marys, LGBTQ believers bring to the Church. heard about the organization from a ther- to find a wife who shared my values. I echoing tropes from Courage’s outdated Empathy. Creativity. Loyalty. Humor. I apist who belonged to the National Asso- also discerned about joining the priest- psychology, and spending time with oth- recognized the systematic homophobia ciation for Research & Therapy of Ho- hood. Neither path was ers who suffered as much I and transphobia that had hurt me and so mosexuality, a now-discredited group realistic. God and I knew did from mental health many others. I understood the self- that promotes conversion therapy. After the pain that was eating me issues did little to bring loathing spiritual pathologies of Church sharing my sexual history with him, he from the inside out. I acted healing and integration. leaders who repress their own sexualities diagnosed me with “same-sex attraction” on my desire for sexual Mercifully, time inter- and condemn loving same-sex relation- and prescribed Courage as part of my intimacy with men. Chat vened and I graduated ships. In these matters, they do not repre- treatment. There, he suggested, I could rooms. Bathhouses. Even a from Notre Dame. I re- sent Jesus Christ or reflect the God of find like-minded Catholics to support me short relationship with an- turned to Ohio, where I Christian revelation. “For God has not in the struggle against my sexuality. other student that ended lived a double life as a rule given us a spirit of fear, but of power and I grew up in a conservative evangel- after a couple of weeks. I -following Catholic theolo- of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy ical home in small-town Ohio. We took blamed my Christian faith gians by day and a trans- 1:7). prohibitions against sex outside of heter- for my inability to sustain a gressive gay man by night. In New York City, I heard stories osexual marriage as seriously as the healthy relationship. I was My soul was rent in two. from survivors of the AIDS epidemic. green bean casseroles we carried to pot- afraid of who I was. My The following year I Partners stayed together until the very lucks. Purity culture was a convenient life disintegrated because moved to New York City end. There was nothing disordered about excuse not to date women my age. I nev- my faith seemed so incom- to begin my PhD in theolo- their love, which came from God. After er exactly knew what purity was, but I patible with my sexuality. gy. I was determined to years of searching, I finally fell in love hated myself when I lost it. In desperation I sought find healing and integra- with another man. The relationship was I first noticed my attraction to men help from a Catholic psy- Jason Steidl tion. The theology depart- difficult, but good. I learned what it in my early teens. Abstinence allowed chologist and began to attend Courage ment at Fordham University was full of means to offer myself as gift to another me to postpone questions about my sexu- meetings. The group was small, with LGBTQ colleagues, mentors, and person. I became less selfish and grew ality until college. I attended maybe four or five members on a good friends. They did not tell me I was disor- more confident into the sexual man God Georgetown University where I was ac- day. The gatherings were structured like dered when I came out to them. My aca- created me to be. Our relationship bore tive in College Republicans, sang in the Alcoholics Anonymous with introduc- demic community challenged me to con- fruit in holiness and opened us up in ser- choir at a local Baptist Church, was a tions, time for sharing, reading Courage sider whether my prior beliefs helped me vice to others. Sexual intimacy with my leader in campus ministry, and majored literature, a commitment to “work the flourish as the sexual person God created partner reinforced and reflected God’s in theology. Catholic tradition promised steps,” and prayer. I was relieved that me to be. They did not, so I began to work in my life. answers for all of the questions I had there were a couple of other young peo- choose LGBTQ-affirming theologies of Integrating my faith and sexuality about faith. I fell in love with the liturgy, ple in the group. One, still in high life. has been an ongoing project. I thank God the Real Presence, and even the saints. school, came because of parental di- Recognizing the historical failures for the community that sustains me in At my confirmation in 2009, I professed rective. Together, we examined our on- of Catholic theology was an important faith. We belong to a generation that belief in “all that the holy Catholic going failures to live up to Church’s first step. I read how, for example, embraces our God-given sexual desire as Church believes, teaches, and proclaims teaching. Church teaching had once supported a gift to the world and to the Church. We to be revealed by God.” Pseudo-psychology helped explain colonialism and slavery. So, at least on are not ashamed of who we are, either as Catholic teaching repeated what I why our lives were broken. We talked those issues, Church teaching had been LGBTQ people created in God’s image had come to believe as a teenager: my about how we grew up too close to our wrong. I learned about popes who con- or as active members in the body of sexuality was dangerous. The catechism mothers, had been sexually abused as demned democracy and cast aspersions faith. Our presence in the Church reflects said my desire for sexual intimacy with children, or didn’t fit in with the other on the freedom of religion. The hierarchy generations of struggle, and we remain another man was “intrinsically disor- boys on the playground. It wasn’t always messed up. I read the documents of Vati- for those yet to come. God is moving in dered.” As a convert, I believed the true, but we made the narratives fit our can II. Theologies that we take for grant- our day, and our lives are a sign of that stakes were much higher than before. lives. The program pathologized our ed today were anathema just a couple of work.  Genital activity with another man, or sexuality. generations ago. I came to appreciate even myself, became a mortal sin that Meetings were at the local Catholic how the Church, embedded in history, Jason Steidl, a Postdoctoral Fellow separated me from God and could send parish and led by the same heterosexual can change. The Holy Spirit guides be- in the Department of Theology at Ford- me to Hell. At my first confession, I told therapist who introduced me to the lievers in every age and ongoing discern- ham University and a member of the the priest that I had hooked up with three group. He shared plenty of platitudes, but ment allows the Church to change. Was ministry team for Out at St. Paul, the men and looked at gay pornography. He nothing that helped. Depression was rife it possible that Church teaching was LGBTQ ministry of St. Paul the Apostle told me I was probably a sex addict and in the group, and there was little hope wrong about LGBTQ sexuality and gen- Church in Manhattan.