B NDINGS Vol. 35, No. 3 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Spring 2016 San Francisco Catholic school teacher comes out as transgender — and finds acceptance

By Jill Tucker High in Sacramento. can be supportive of each person.” values of the school and to honor Catholic San Francisco Chronicle However, it is likely to ripple through Sisters of Mercy is a canonical reli- identity, regardless of personal faith. May 12, 2016 a growing national debate on transgender gious order that reports to the Vatican. Bodenheimer, who follows the Jewish rights, including access to gender-specific The broader organization sponsors dozens faith, said he never sought to break ground Gabriel Bodenheimer could have lost facilities like bathrooms and locker rooms. of schools across the U.S. and in four oth- in transgender rights. his job when he recently came out as The order’s leaders told staff, students er countries. “I love teaching at this school,” he transgender to leaders of a San Francisco and parents that the sisters prayed for Cordileone, who has drawn criticism said, adding that after four years it was Catholic high school. Instead, in what guidance, and conferred with San Francis- for a rigidly conservative stance regarding time to come out. some call a momentous step, the English gay rights, neither “It was very important to speak, and teacher will remain at Mercy High, fully condemned nor fully name myself, and not be silent,” he said accepted as a man. endorsed the decision Thursday in a phone call between classes. The announcement of support by an in San Francisco. “The response I got was tremendously order of the Sisters of Mercy, which owns “Often in such situa- positive.” and operates the four-year college prepara- tions a balance must Previously, Bodenheimer was known tory school for girls on 19th Avenue, of- be struck in a way that as Gadielle, though students called him fers a rare policy position on transgender distinct values are Ms. Bodenheimer or just Bodenheimer. rights from within an internationally re- upheld, such as mercy But on Wednesday night, he received spected Catholic order. and truth, or institu- an email from a student — a simple, mun- While there is no official Catholic tional integrity and dane note about rescheduling a meeting policy or doctrine regarding transgender respect for personal because of a doctor’s appointment. people, church leaders have addressed the decisions affecting It started with, “Dear Mr. Bodenhei- issue, noting God created males and fe- one’s life,” he said in mer.” males and that anatomy defines identity. a statement. He em- “That was really a great moment,” he “This is significant for us; we did not phasized that such said, noting that students, concerned about take this lightly,” said Sister Laura Reicks, decisions should be final exams, were largely unfazed by the president of the 16-state region of the Sis- made on a case-by- announcement. “This is consistent with ters of Mercy West Midwest Community. Gabriel Bodenheimer case basis, “allowing who I am. This is not some shocking in- “We feel because of our values, the choice for prudential judg- formation.” was this, but that didn’t mean it was easy.” co Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, but ment.” School leaders, however, told the Reicks said the decision aligns with ultimately came to the only decision that Reicks said the decision exemplified community that counselors would be Pope Francis’ message of mercy and of aligned with their values. an overarching position within the order to available to help students and staff mem- treating every person with dignity. Yet the Supporting the dignity of each person hire teachers without considering gender bers process the acceptance of Bodenhei- Pope has also criticized the idea that gen- — regardless of race, religion, sexual ori- identification, race, religion or sexual ori- mer as a male rather than female teacher. der exists on a spectrum and doesn’t nec- entation or gender identification — was entation. In addition, an informal meeting for par- essarily match with birth sex, saying these paramount, Reicks said. “Their personal lives are completely ents was scheduled for Thursday night. theories don’t recognize the order of crea- “We have not had any other teachers separate from their qualifications as teach- “This is still being processed,” said tion. ask for any kind of coming out before,” ers,” she said. “We are concerned about Diane Lawrence, board chairwoman for The Sisters of Mercy decision, an- Reicks said. “This is just our way of con- the education of young women and we do Mercy High, adding there had been no nounced Wednesday, specifically reflects tinuing to live out what our founders of not consider personal criteria when we complaints from within the community so policy within the order’s West Midwest Sisters of Mercy had always said, that hire the best person for each position.” far. “We work with the girls on being re- Community, which sponsors or co- regardless of what type of prejudice or Even so, the school’s employment spectful, respecting the dignity of others. sponsors six high schools, including Mer- feeling in society, we have to take a higher contract does require teachers to be famil- In my mind, this exemplifies what we’re cy High in Burlingame and Cristo Rey road and look at the person and how we iar with and support the philosophy and teaching.”  Some hope, but not much joy for LGBT Catholics in Pope’s new document

Bondings 2.0 the LGBT community, the pope simply embraced his gay former student and hus- “I encourage the faithful who find NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com repeated church condemnations of same- band during his U.S. visit? Where is the themselves in complicated situations to April 8, 2016 sex unions, adoption by lesbian and gay Pope Francis who invited a transgender speak confidently with their pastors or people, and the complexities of gender Spanish man for a personal meeting at the with other lay people whose lives are Statement of Francis DeBernardo, identity. Vatican? That Pope Francis is hard to find committed to the Lord. They may not al- Executive Director, New Ways Minis- Most egregious is his repetition of the in his latest text. ways encounter in them a confirmation of try, in response to Pope Francis’ apos- synod fathers’ false claim that internation- The two synods in tolic exhortation on marriage and family al aid to developing nations is dependent 2014 and 2015, as well life, Amoris Laetitia. upon openness to marriage equality. No as the wide consultations evidence exists for such a claim. Randy among the laity which While Pope Francis’ latest docu- Berry, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Hu- preceded them, served as ment, Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of man Rights of LGBTI People categorical- the research for this new Love), contains some hopeful passages, ly denied this claim last November during papal document. Unfor- it does not inspire joy in LGBT Catholics meetings with church officials at the Vati- tunately, as far as LGBT and their supporters. As far as sexual ori- can to discuss the persecution of LGBT issues are concerned, entation and gender identity issues are people globally. there is nothing concerned, the pope’s latest apostolic ex- Moreover, Pope Francis’ one state- in Amoris Laetitia that hortation reiterates church formulas which ment discussing pastoral care to families indicates the great call show that the Vatican has yet to learn with lesbian and gay members is included for new approaches to from the experiences and faith lives of so in a section entitled “Casting Light on these issues that occurred many LGBT Church members or their Crises, Worries and Difficulties.” Such a during these discussions. supporters. Though the pope calls classification reveals an assumption that Perhaps there is for church leaders and ministers to be less LGBT topics are simply problems to be hope in the suggestion judgmental and to respect individuals’ surmounted, and it does not recognize the made by some bishops at consciences, he has not provided a new giftedness and grace that occur when a the 2015 synod that the pastoral approach to LGBT issues or peo- family accepts and loves its LGBT family Vatican hold an entirely Pope Francis ple. members. separate synodal discus- While Pope Francis repeats church sion on the issues of sexu- On other family topics such as di- their own ideas or desires, but they will vorce and co-habitation, Amoris Laetitia, teaching condemning discrimination and ality and gender. While this document has violence against LGBT people, the fact a lot to offer on a variety of important surely receive some light to help them offers some hopeful advice—and if this better understand their situation and dis- advice were simply applied to LGBT is- that there is no elaboration of this teaching family topics, it did not give adequate concerning countries that are criminaliz- attention to LGBT family issues that de- cover a path to personal growth. I also sues, which would not be incompatible to encourage the Church’s pastors to listen to do, this document would have been much ing sexual and gender minorities makes serve serious examination by church lead- these words ineffective. ers. them with sensitivity and serenity, with a more positive. Pope Francis calls for non- sincere desire to understand their plight judgmental pastoral care, assisting people Many in the Catholic LGBT commu- Given the new general pastoral direc- nity had great, but realistic, hopes for this tion of this document, there is potential for and their point of view, in order to help in developing their consciences, encourag- them live better lives and to recognize ing diverse pastoral responses based on document. While not expecting a blessing further development in regard to LGBT on marriage for lesbian and gay couples, issues. Much more faithful witnessing of their proper place in the Church.” local culture, and calling church leaders to Such dialogues can transform those in be more self-critical. All these things, if many were anticipating that Pope Francis LGBT Catholics and their supporters, as would offer an affirming message to well as continued steps toward dialogue so-called “complicated situations,” but applied to LGBT people and issues, could they can also transform the Church’s min- produce enormous positive change in the LGBT people, and not the same ill- with Church leaders, will further this goal. informed comments. Many were hoping In one of the more hopeful parts of isters and leaders. This process is a prov- church. en method for the development of doctrine Instead of listening to more progres- for something more pastoral from this the document, the conclusion of chapter 8, pope known for warm gestures and state- Pope Francis actually calls for the contin- in the Catholic Church.  sive voices at the synods who called for . greater understanding and dialogue with ments. Where is the Pope Francis who uation of such a dialogue: Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 35, No. 3 B NDINGS Priest hits out at Church’s ‘nonsensical’ doctrine on homosexuality Fall 2013 Vol. 33, No. 3 By Tim Diacono He added that the Church’s “technical” position paper Malta Today left a lot of room for misinterpretation, such as when it March 1, 2016 claimed that criminalising conversion therapy would “make it a crime to assist paedophiles whose condition is manifest- Francis DeBernardo, Editor The Catholic Church’s doctrine on homosexuality is ed in same-sex behaviour”. “nonsensical” and its stance against the proposed criminali- “I have my doubts as to the paper’s intended target au- Board of Directors sation of gay conversion therapy is flawed, Fr Rene Camil- dience, but if it was addressed to the general public, then Mary Byers leri said. mentioning paedophilia in such a delicate topic was always Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair “The Catholic Church’s doctrine still refers to homosex- going to leave room for misinterpretation.” Ryan Sattler uality in terms of it being an illness or a disorder,” Camilleri As the main guest on the programme, Malta Gay Rights said during an interview aired on Monday night’s edition of Movement coordinator Gabi Calleja said that the Church’s Board of Advisors Reporter. “Speaking like that in today’s society is simply position paper indicates that it still favours heterosexuality Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX nonsensical.” over homosexuality. Camilleri, the head Anna Koop, SL “The Church’s stance on homosexuality hasn’t changed, of the Curia’s secretar- and it still considers it to be an intrinsic disorder or even Claire Pluecker iat for catechesis, criti- intrinsically evil,” she told host Saviour Balzan. “Yet the Cristina Traina cised the Maltese very notion that a person’s sexual orientation is a quality Church’s recent con- that can and should be changed goes against the experience Staff troversial position of several LGBTI people who weren’t converted, but rather Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director paper that took a grew to recognize their sexual orientation.” Matthew Myers, Associate Director stance against a Bill to She argued that the Bill will not stop pastors or priests Robert Shine, Social Media Coordinator criminalise LGBT from attempting conversion therapy on consenting adults, conversion ‘therapy’. but will rather prohibit professionals – such as doctors, psy- Co-Founders “The Church has chiatrists and psychologists – from doing so. Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL long been accustomed “We believe that professionals should have clear ethical Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS to keeping silent on guidelines, and they should not be allowed to work on the major national issues, principle that therapy can change somebody’s sexuality.” Bondings is a seasonal publication designed but [Archbishop] When asked, Calleja said that the MGRM’s next three to keep our subscribers informed of issues Charles Scicluna’s lobbying challenges would be for full marriage equality, for strategy is to request the revision of the Embryo Protection Act, and for the exten- that pertain to LGBT people position papers on sion of the Equality Act. and the Catholic Church. such issues so that the However, while she hailed relevantly recent legislation

Fr. Rene Camilleri Church can take a on civil unions and gender identity rights, she warned that Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry stance. society is not yet truly conducive to LGBTI people. is an educational and bridge-building “My objection to this position paper is that it seems as “Some people still find it difficult to come out, due to ministry of reconciliation between the Cath- though the Church still believes that it is possible to convert resistance from peers and family, and the word ‘pufta’ is olic LGBT community homosexuals, which is unacceptable to me.” still used as an insult in schools,” she said. “Getting laws and the institutional structures The outspoken priest, who has in the past backed the passed in Parliament is one thing, but implementing it in in the Roman Catholic Church. rights of homosexual couples to adopt children, threw his practice is another thing altogether.”  weight behind the government’s Bill, arguing that “we can- New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate not accept the presence of gay conversion therapy on the prevalent myths and stereotypes market in this day and age.” about homosexuality and gender identity and supports civil rights for LGBT persons in society. Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart gives green light

to gay couples at Catholic school formals New Ways Ministry 4012 29th Street By Marika Dobbin even suicide. Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 The Age His comments come as many schools prepare to hold (301) 277-5674 Victoria, Australia their formals next month, well before the stress of Year 12 [email protected] January 22, 2016 exams begins. NewWaysMinistry.org Academy principal Sister Mary Moloney said it was a NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com Students at Victoria's Catholic high schools who might progressive and modern Catholic school that dealt with any be thinking of bringing a same-sex partner to their school issue or concern with an open mind. formal have won support from an unlikely source. "The philosophy of allowing students to choose whom- Melbourne Archbishop Denis Hart has urged schools to ever they wish to accompany them to our school formal will be sensitive and respectful to students who wanted to invite continue into the future," Sister Moloney said. a same-sex date to the biggest night of the year. It has been eight years since Victoria's Education De- "These are quite often emotional situations and it's very partment instructed state schools to allow gay couples to TO SUBSCRIBE important that we always have respect for the dignity of the attend events together, because discrimination is unlawful human being involved," he said. under equal opportunity legislation. COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM Archbishop Hart made the comments when Fairfax [an In Tasmania, Archbishop Julian Porteous currently Australian news media organization] asked for his response faces a test case brought by the state's Anti-discrimination to a previously unreported case at the Academy of Mary Commissioner for distributing a pro-traditional marriage Enclosed is: Immaculate in Fitzroy. booklet called Don't Mess With Marriage to A student at the girls school started an the families of students in Catholic schools. _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada online petition on Change.org last year after Australia's largest youth-led organisation being told by the Year 12 co-ordinator that for LGBTI people, Minus18, welcomed _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada she couldn't bring a female partner to the Archbishop Hart's comments but said more formal. needed to be done to make formals inclusive, _____ I wish to receive Bondings, "I see no logical, just reason for this for example, allowing trans- and gender di- but cannot donate at this time. ban," the student, who has since sought verse students to dress in the clothes they anonymity, said. prefer. Name ______"The Academy's mission statement Minus18's Tim Christodoulou said a places great emphasis on social justice, school formal was an important event in a Address ______equality and respect for all people." student's life but caused anxiety and fear for The petition received 1250 signatures those who felt excluded. City ______and hundreds of comments in support. "It's hurtful if you can't bring the partner The school responded by changing its you want to celebrate this milestone," he State ______stance to allow the student to bring a female said. date. "The result is that sometimes young peo- DayPhone ______Archbishop Hart said he appreciated the Archbishop Denis Hart ple disengage from their education. Seeing school's turnabout and believed it had this progress coming from the Catholic Arch- Night Phone ______"shown great sensitivity in what is an unusual scenario". bishop is really promising but there's much further to go." "Students in a secondary school are growing up and in Last year, Brisbane's Anglican Church Grammar Cell Phone ______developmental stages where relationships are more like School told a boy to "keep with school tradition" and bring strong friendships and are not usually permanent, they are a female to his Year 12 formal. It had previously banned not in a situation where they are committing," Archbishop same-sex partners. Hart said in a statement to Fairfax Media. Students at St Mary's Anglican Girls School in Perth Please make check payable to “New Ways "The Catholic Church respects any relationship but also rallied against their school on the same issue that year. Ministry”. Outside the US, please use only always sticks quite firmly with its teaching that a relation- In 2010, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar forbade a 16-year-old checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars or ship in the eyes of the church is heterosexual, between a from taking her girlfriend to its year 11 formal. go to www.newwaysministry.org. male and female, and that is something we would always Executive director of Catholic Education, Stephen El- Mail to: stand by." der, said such decisions were best dealt with by individual New Ways Ministry Archbishop Hart was criticised last year for allegedly schools (rather than at a systemic level) where all local con- 4012 29th Street burying Jesuit Social Services's Not So Straight report, cerns and sensitivities could be taken into account. Mount Rainier, MD 20712 which had found widespread bullying and homophobic "The autonomy provided to Catholic schools to act in abuse of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students in the best interests of their students and families is one of the Catholic schools, leading to high-levels of self harm, and many elements that make Catholic education great."  Spring 2016 BONDINGS Page 3 Former Kansas City church food pantry coordinator settles with diocese By Brian Burnes status because it “would impermissibly “The district court was on very firm case from going to a jury,” Keenan said. Kansas City Star entangle the court in matters and decisions constitutional ground to reject this attempt “We feel good that this judgment affirms February 19, 2016 purely canonical.” to drag the government into a church’s the ability of church employees who are Lawyers representing the diocese said theological decisions — the very line the wronged to seek justice in our courts.” A former Kansas City church food that the fraud allegation was the primary First Amendment says the government Simon’s lawsuit asserted that during a pantry coordinator who contended she lost claim of Simon’s lawsuit and that Garrett’s cannot cross,” Stanley said. May 2013 job interview, she had men- her job because her same-sex marriage ruling signaled the diocese was free to Garrett declined to dismiss questions tioned her sexual orientation to a priest at became public settled her lawsuit this regarding St. Francis Xavier and the priest had ex- week with Catholic diocese officials. whether the pressed no objection. The parties did not release the amount diocese had When another priest replaced that awarded to Colleen Simon, who brought failed to issue a priest, Simon said, she notified him of her the suit against the Catholic Diocese of service letter sexual orientation. Had he objected, she Kansas City-St. Joseph. detailing Si- said, she wanted to look for work else- Her suit against the diocese and Bish- mon’s employ- where. As a cancer survivor, she needed to op Robert Finn said her St. Francis Xavier ment that met maintain her job-related health insurance Church supervisors knew she was a lesbi- requirements coverage. an and married to another woman, and called for under But the priest had said, “It’s OK,” they had said her sexual orientation would Missouri law according to the lawsuit. not be an issue. and whether Simon had said Finn participated in That was before an April 2014 article Simon’s em- her firing. Last month, Simon’s lawyers in The Star mentioned her marriage to the ployment status voluntarily dismissed the fraud claim Rev. Donna Simon of St. Mark Hope and qualified her for against Finn, Keenan said. Peace Lutheran Church in Kansas City. overtime pay Although Simon initially wished to She was fired two weeks later, Col- Colleen Simon (center) poses with New Ways Ministry’s when she have her food pantry position back, Kee- leen Simon said in her lawsuit. She sought Francis DeBernardo and Sister Jeannine Gramick the day worked more than nan said, for several months she has been unpaid wages, fringe benefits, compensa- after her settlement was announced. 40 hours a week. employed at Journey to New Life, a non- tion for emotional distress, punitive dam- “These unsettled profit organization that assists former pris- ages and attorney fees. make its employment decisions without … issues are the province of the jury,” oners transitioning after incarceration. On Tuesday, Jackson County Judge court interference. Garrett wrote in his ruling. “She is very excited and enthusiastic Kenneth R. Garrett III dismissed one alle- “A church isn’t obligated to employ The diocese did not want those mat- about that work,” Keenan said. gation of Simon’s lawsuit. He would not those who act contrary to the church’s ters discussed in court, said E.E. Keenan, a “While it was certainly sad that she consider, he said, the alleged fraud of the teachings,” said Erik Stanley, a lawyer Kansas City lawyer representing Simon. had to leave St. Francis the way she did, priests’ statements to Simon regarding her with Alliance Defending Freedom, a “For over a year and a half, the dio- and she had hoped to go back, she now has sexual orientation and her employment Scottsdale, Ariz., nonprofit legal organiza- cese fought hard to prevent Ms. Simon’s moved forward.”  tion that assisted in the diocese’s defense. Massachusetts Catholic school, gay man settle discrimination lawsuit By Astead W. Herndon ruling, which legal specialists described as have broad and lasting implications. argument. The Boston Globe the first of its kind. “This is the first case in the country to “Requiring Fontbonne to retain a food May 10,2016 Barrett, 45, who will receive an un- rule that an employer has no religious jus- service director who has done nothing disclosed amount of money in the settle- tification for discrimination,” Klein said. more than list a same-sex husband as an A man who lost a job offer from a ment, said he was thankful his legal ordeal “Everyone deserves to be treated on their emergency contact does not significantly Catholic high school when administrators is over. merits, and not based on whom they love and seriously burden Fontbonne’s expres- learned he was in a same-sex marriage has “It’s just a relief to have this off our or any other protective category.” sive situation,” Wilkins wrote. received a settlement in the case, his law- shoulders,” he said. “We’ve gone through In a statement, Fontbonne Academy In December, the decision was blast- yers announced Monday. a lot and we’re happy it’s behind us now. said it was pleased that the lawsuit had ed by the Catholic Action League of Mas- The settlement comes almost five We just hope it doesn’t happen to some- been resolved. sachusetts, which called it “a frontal as- months after a Massachusetts Superior one else.” “Fontbonne Academy expresses deep sault on religious freedom” and “an appal- Court judge ruled that Fontbonne Acade- Ben Klein, a lawyer with GLBTQ gratitude to Mr. Barrett for his willingness ling subordination of the First Amendment my, an all-girls school in Milton, had dis- Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) to come together with us in a spirit of con- to the Massachusetts gay rights law.” criminated against Matthew Barrett by who represented Barrett in the case, said ciliation, and wishes him well as the But Klein said the ruling demonstrat- rescinding its job offer for a food service the settlement means the ruling against school moves ahead in its mission to fos- ed that “discrimination cannot go unan- position in 2013. School officials with- Fontbonne Academy stands, creating an ter educational excellence and social jus- swered.” drew the offer after learning that Barrett important legal precedent that bars em- tice in an open and inclusive community,” “Matt had the courage to step forward had listed his husband as an emergency ployers from discriminating on the basis the school said in a statement. and fight an injustice and the court ulti- contact on an employee form. of sexual orientation, regardless of reli- In court filings, the school’s attorneys mately vindicated him,” he said. “We The school had argued it was exempt gious conviction. had argued that hiring Barrett “would be hope it’s a message to others.” from the state’s nondiscrimination laws “This is a case that there was not a inconsistent with both the teachings of the Barrett, who lives in Dorchester and because of its religious beliefs, notably the factual dispute about whether discrimina- Catholic Church and its own policy that was raised Catholic, said he’s happy to put Catholic Church’s opposition to same-sex tion occurred, but whether they had a per- all employees are models for the stu- everything behind him. marriage. missible reason,” Klein said. “They do dents.” “You can’t discriminate and that’s The confidential settlement means the not.” But in his ruling, Superior Court what they did,” Barrett said. “That’s why school will not appeal the December court Klein said he expected the case to Judge Douglas H. Wilkins rejected that these laws are here: To protect us.”  Top Gay rights campaigner in UK speaks movingly about her Catholic faith By Ian Dunn She said she ‘had my moments’ of these are ‘live issues discussed in Catholic rights in recent years has been a source of The Scottish Catholic Observer doubt but the Church was ‘part and parcel communities.’ great joy to Stonewall, Ms. Hunt says Glasgow, Scotland of my life growing up’ and when we had “We respect religious freedom,” she ‘legal rights only go so far’ and there is March 14, 2016 some difficult times in our family’s life, said. “It does concern me the way some ‘still much to be done.’ when I was 12, 13 the Church became this opposition is expressed. I don’t think it is “We need to reach deeper into com- The head of gay rights organisation very important thing that wrapped around Christian to be harmfully offensive. I munities, to help people be accepted as Stonewall is not someone you would ex- us and supported us.” think there’s always room to disagree with they live, work, socialise and pray,” she pect to find in the pages of The Scottish She said her study of medieval Eng- compassion.” said. Catholic Observer. Current CEO Ruth lish at university and She says that while she As a former head of Stonewall’s work Hunt is, however, a practicing Catholic figures like Julian of knows some members of in Scotland, Ms. Hunt says she was im- and she is on a mission to break down Norwich had fascinat- the gay community feel pressed by the ‘generally greater sense in barriers and foster better communication ed her and reaffirmed hostility to organised reli- Scotland of community and loyalty that between religious groups and the gay her Faith. gion, her experience was you get here.’ community. “I never felt the quite different. “Just my outsider perspective, the Ms. Hunt spoke to the SCO to mark need to break away,” “Hearing the truth of sense that ‘we might have a wee problem lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender she said. “In the past, people’s testament is very with him being a poof but if you touch (LGBT) month, which this year had the when I didn’t go I important,” she said. “In him we’ll have words,’” she said. “I come theme of faith, religion and philosophy. found I missed it, it all my experience, I never from Wales and it is the same there. And “I think at Stonewall we have often provides community felt excluded from the perhaps within the Church there’s more seen the idea that the faith community and and creates a space Church I attended, which scope for discussion than is the case in LGBT community have to come to blows that is very profound can’t have always been England.” as something artificially constructed,” she and spiritual for me.” easy for them but never She is also hopeful that, in Scotland said. Like Stonewall as felt I wasn’t welcome. A and elsewhere, there will be increasingly “There are many LGBT people of a whole, she is an ar- lot can be achieved if you less conflict between religious and gay faith and many LGBT people have lots of dent supporter of gay start on the basis of love communities. friends and family in faith communities. marriage though says but it’s difficult when peo- “I think it’s over inflated, the per- To think in terms of binaries and opposites her organisation will ple are utterly determined ceived conflict of freedom and gay is not helpful.” always accept Ruth Hunt not to hear each other. rights,” she said. Ms. Hunt admitted she was surprised ‘marriage within “I do meet people who In answer to the concerns by Church that people have been so interested in her Churches is a matter for faith communi- have had different, difficult experiences clergy and spokesmen that legislative con- own Catholicism. ties.’ The Catholic Church wholly opposes though who’ve been damaged by being cessions to the gay community impede “I was brought up Catholic, I believe same sex marriage, defining marriage as a told to deny their sexuality, who felt re- and erode religious freedom, Ms. Hunt is in one Holy Roman Catholic Church,” she union between one man and one woman jected by God,” she said. “That saddens emphatic. said. “I believe it is where Christ is most open to bringing a family into the world. me, and at Stonewall we often talk about “The rights of LGBT people don’t get accurately reflected. I feel at home there, I As a Catholic Ms. Hunt says that gay the need for ‘kind eyes,’ when we listen to in the way of people of faith who practice maintain a good relationship with the marriage, like contraception, is something people.” that faith,” she said.  Church, I am pleased to be part of it.” that many Catholics struggle with and that While increased awareness of gay Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 35, No. 3 At L.A. Congress: transgender Catholics hope to build bridges in the Church

By Michael O’Loughlin gratified that they were included. And fact, she thinks the pope’s remarks about tered,” she said. Crux both used their presentations to urge ac- gender not being just a social construct “On the other hand, I think especially March 7, 2016 ceptance by the wider universe of Catho- actually support the transgender commu- in American Catholicism, the culture war lics. nity by pointing out that gender identity is has latched itself parasitically onto Ca- LOS ANGELES – Tens of thousands Anna Patti, a 23-year-old Michigan innate. tholicism and has turned it into a politics of Catholics descend on Los Angeles each resident, told the crowd she didn’t believe While Catholicism doesn’t have game,” she said. “I think it makes settings winter to sharpen their ministry skills, “God made a mistake” with her, as some much to say about transgender issues, at that would otherwise be ideal for a trans partaking in dozens of workshops and have said of transgender people. least not at the level of Church teaching, person’s development turns it into a cof- seminars about liturgy, prayer, Bible, and In an interview after her presentation, there is still tension about how the Church fin, into the worst place imaginable.” parish life as part of the LA Religious she said having the opportunity to speak should respond to its transgender mem- She said the Church also suffers from Education Congress. With close to 40,000 freely about her struggles and her joys bers. an image problem in the LGBT communi- participants, it’s the largest annual gather- was “an unexpectedly affirming experi- In Rhode Island, for example, a Cath- ty, which turns some people off from ex- ing of Catholics in North America, a cele- ence.” olic middle and high school came under ploring their faith. bration of all things Catholic. “I hadn’t realized how silenced I felt fire after a group of alumni discovered “Honestly, I get judged for being But event organizers this year took a within the Church,” she said. “At Mass I transgender students were banned from Catholic because it’s just assumed that to cue from popular culture and included a always sit in the back row in the back enrolling. Once confronted, school organ- be Catholic means hating LGBT people, new session, one that attracted a standing corner, making myself as visibly small as izers promised to take another look at the more so even than what is central to our room only crowd of 750 people, nearly all possible. Here was the opposite, where policy. faith, the Eucharist,” she said. of whom jumped to their feet for a sus- people wanted to learn about an issue that This kind of uncertainty about how Williamson said that he’s had both tained round of applause after talks from is so often immediately condemned.” well the Church is equipped to deal with good and bad experiences in the Church. two young, committed Catholics. “It was beautiful,” she said of the the needs of transgender Catholics and At Loyola, for instance, he’s part of a The name of the session? crowd’s reaction. their families is part of the reason event group of students who meet for several “Transgender in the Church: One Bread, Mateo Williamson, a 24-year-old organizers included the session, as a way hours each week to explore how Ignatian One Body.” medical student at the Jesuit-run Loyola to launch a conversation by inviting peo- spirituality relates to medicine. The Rev. Christopher Bazyouros, the Medical School in Chicago, described ple to share their personal stories. But last year, he said, he was hurt director of the office of religious educa- with joy his deeply Catholic upbringing, “We were just going with the pope’s when his invitation from the White House tion for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, part of a family that included several desire to go out and encounter people, to to be one of 15,000 people on the South said including the discussion in the pro- priests and nuns. hear their stories,” said Bazyouros, the Lawn when President Barack Obama for- gram was an important first step for the After his talk, he said many young LA priest who oversees the Congress. mally welcomed Pope Francis to the Church in grappling with an issue that people thanked him for sharing his story “We decided to see what would happen if White House was criticized by the right as exploded onto the national consciousness about living as a transgender man in the we hosted a session for people to share inappropriate. last June when Caitlyn Jenner appeared Church. their stories.” “It was discouraging, because I’m on the cover of Vanity Fair, announcing “Pope Francis’ charity, compassion, “Sometimes issues are just these ab- trying to bring about this positive mes- to the world that she is transgender. and call to mercy, it’s changed the tone in stract things until you hear people speak sage,” he said. “We don’t want people to “There aren’t many places for Catho- the Church,” he said. “He hasn’t been about their journeys, and then you can think that trans Catholics are a threat to lics to discuss these things that are explicit about trans people, and there’s begin to have a conversation,” he said. the sanctity of any event.” thoughtful, intentional, and that gathers nothing in the Catechism, but there’s been Patti said that her Catholic faith has The LA Congress workshop sold out people who have had this experience,” he a change among people in general to un- been central in her own journey, but that quickly, and some of the audience, which said. “Many Catholics want information derstand something they maybe haven’t the culture war threatens the Church’s included several priests, seminarians, and about this topic, they want things to help encountered before.” ability to help other transgender people. nuns, said the fact it happened at all gave them understand this situation.” Pope Francis has spoken out repeat- “Catholic spirituality and the Catholic them hope about the future of the Church. To that end, conference organizers edly against so-called gender ideology, tradition can provide more nourishment,  invited two transgender Catholics to but Patti said she doesn’t interpret those and also more sense into the trans experi- speak, both of whom were surprised and comments as hostile to trans people. In ence, than anything else I’ve encoun- LGBT-friendly Catholic Colleges and Universities

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

Alabama Iowa Nebraska Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, Mobile: Spring Hill College Davenport: St. Ambrose University Omaha: Creighton University LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s Dubuque: Loras College University California New Hampshire Pittsburgh: Carlow University, Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University Kentucky Manchester: St. Anselm College Duquesne University Goleta: St. Mark’s University Louisville: Spalding University, Nashua: Rivier College Radnor: Cabrini College Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Universi- Bellarmine University Reading: Alvernia University ty, Mount Saint Mary’s College New Jersey Scranton: Marywood University Moraga: St. Mary’s College Louisiana Caldwell: Caldwell College Villanova: Villanova University Oakland: Holy Names University New Orleans: Loyola University Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College South Orange: Seton Hall Rhode Island San Diego: University of San Diego Maryland Newport: Salve Regina University San Francisco: University of San Baltimore: Notre Dame of New York Providence: Providence College Francisco Maryland University, Albany: College of Saint Rose Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Loyola University of Maryland Brooklyn and Patchogue: Texas St. Joseph College Austin: Saint Edward’s University Colorado Massachusetts Bronx: Fordham University, San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Denver: Regis University Boston: Emmanuel College, Manhattan College Word, Our Lady of the Lake Chestnut Hill: Boston College Buffalo: Canisius College University Connecticut Chicopee: Elms College Loudonville: Siena College Fairfield: Fairfield University, Easton: Stonehill College New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Vermont Sacred Heart University North Andover: Merrimack College Iona College Colchester: Saint Michael’s College New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Weston: Regis College Poughkeepsie: Marist College West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Worcester: Assumption College, Rochester: St. John Fisher College Washington College of the Holy Cross St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Lacey: St. Martin’s College District of Columbia University Seattle: Seattle University Georgetown University, Trinity University Michigan Sparkill: St. Thomas Aquinas College Spokane: Gonzaga University Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy Syracuse: LeMoyne College Florida Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Queens: St. John’s University West Virginia Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University Miami Shores: Barry University Minnesota Ohio Collegeville: St. John’s University Cincinnati: Xavier University Wisconsin Hawaii Duluth: College of St. Scholastica Cleveland Heights: John Carroll University De Pere: St. Norbert College Honolulu: Chaminade University Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine Dayton: University of Dayton Madison: Edgewood College St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Pepper Pike: Ursuline College Milwaukee: Alverno College, Illinois St. Paul: St. Thomas University South Euclid: Notre Dame College Cardinal Stritch University, Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Uni- Winona: St. Mary’s University of Sylvania: Lourdes College Marquette University versity, St. Xavier University Minnesota Joliet: University of St. Francis Oregon Canada River Forest: Dominican University in Illi- Missouri Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Toronto: Regis College nois Kansas City: Avila University, Portland: University of Portland Romeoville: Lewis University Rockhurst University St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Pennsylvania Indiana St. Louis University Cresson: Mount Aloysius College Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, St. Dallas: Misericordia University Mary’s College, Univ. of Notre Dame Montana Erie: Mercyhurst College Helena: Carroll College Greensburg: Seton Hill University Spring 2016 BONDINGS Page 5 Fr. Charles Curran addresses ‘Pope Francis, Reform, and Moral Theology’

By Francis DeBernardo sial reform, too, Curran suggested. The developments in Catholic teaching should weakness for Pope Francis and said that, Bondings 2.0 lecturer pointed towards papal efforts to- be realistic because, according to Curran, as a structural issue, it cannot be solved by NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com wards church decentralization, including the Catholic Church has an almost impos- conscience and will therefore be very hard May 9, 2016 the two synodal assemblies on family held sible unwillingness to admit that its teach- to change. in 2014 and 2015. Prompted by Pope ings have ever been wrong. Even when the A vigorous question period followed In subtle but profound ways, Pope Francis’ appeal for honest discussions and church reversed its teaching on religious the lecture. One attendee asked Curran Francis is making great changes in church undaunted by fear of chaos or confusion, liberty at Vatican II, there was no admis- about the future of church reform efforts. government, moral theology, and Catholic bishops openly disagreed with one another sion that a change had taken place. He responded that, unlike previous centu- life. That’s the opinion of Rev. Charles E. at these meetings, Curran noted. These Pope Francis instead seeks a pastoral- ries, in an era of instant communication Curran, who shared his views on these occasions were the first time since Vatican ly-oriented approach to moral questions, and globalization the church, if it wants to topics in an April lecture entitled “Pope II that bishops openly disagreed with one Curran said. While admittedly insuffi- be relevant to the world, cannot wait cen- Francis, Reform, and Moral Theology,” another. Curran turies to change . Curran said, too, that, in sponsored by New Ways Ministry. said that the the long run, the church has an important The occasion for Curran’s talk was church must be and appealing message for young people the first Fr. Robert Nugent Memorial Lec- realistic about who are concerned with social issues. ture, honoring New Ways Ministry’s co- differences of The National Catholic Reporter, in its founder who passed away in 2014. Curran opinion and learn coverage of the lecture asked a similar described his friend, Fr. Nugent, as a to live with diver- question of Bob Shine, social media and “marvelous combination of pastoral, spir- sity. The lecturer young adult coordinator at New Ways itual, and intellectual qualities.” More than also cited Francis’ Ministry. He agreed with Fr. Curran that 150 attendees gathered at the Bon Secours frequent quoting the church was in a “new period of open- Retreat and Conference Center in Mar- of episcopal con- ness,” adding: riottsville, Maryland, to hear the thoughts ference documents ” ‘We can’t get obsessed with the of this important thinker who is the Eliza- in his environ- rules; we have to ask how we’re bringing beth Scurlock Professor of Human Values mental encyclical people to Jesus in the reform movement. at Southern Methodist University, Dallas. Laudato Si as a It’s going to mean a big revamp of how “From the very beginning, it was ob- sign that the pope things exist if we’re taking the needs of vious Pope Francis would be a reformer, ” is promoting de- the communities who are coming to domi- Curran told the audience. The lecture ana- centralization. nate our church seriously.’ lyzed Pope Francis in four movements: the But reforming Fr. Curran answers a question from the audience. ” ‘I think the greatest opportunity we significance of his style, the impact of his structures is not the have right now to create permanent and priorities, the desire he has for the church, only or even main way Pope Francis seeks cient, this method can create space for sustainable change is that [Francis] is cre- and the impact he may have on moral the- to reform the church. Curran said the pope further progress. Curran acknowledged ating space for lay Catholics to take own- ology. is reaffirming the essential role the bap- that because Francis proceeds in this way, ership for our church.’ “ From his first moments as pope, Fran- tized faithful play in church life, especially there will be disappointment, but Fr. Curran’s participation in the cis’ style has been shockingly different for evangelization and for the sensus fi- “nonetheless, Francis has left the door church as a theologian and as a priest has from his predecessors. He lives in two delium–the reception of doctrine. Church ajar.” Though the pope’s apostolic exhor- greatly contributed to church reform al- simple rooms and dines at the communal teaching should emerge from the bottom, tation Amoris Laetitia had not yet been ready. His academic career laid founda- cafeteria, having shunned the papal palace. he suggestd. Church practice should be released at the time of this lecture, Curran tions on which moral theologians have Curran was clear, though, that Francis’ informed by the poor and hurting people identified rightly the re-emphasis Pope built new theologies informed by contem- reforms are genuinely “more than just of the world among whom the church Francis has placed on conscience. The porary knowledge. His challenge to unjust style.” Pope Francis’ shifted tone helps must be present. For Francis, Curran not- ultimate decision a Catholic makes should church structures as early as the 1960s make clear his priorities. ed, everyone has a teaching role because be made in the person’s conscience, Cur- remains a powerful witness for our These priorities refocus Catholic at- he affirms that the Holy Spirit is present in ran said, not by one’s parish priest. In a church. And as this lecture revealed, Fr. tention to structural injustices, Curran all. related note, Curran called for the church Curran continues to turn his powerful and said. For example, Francis has highlighted Regarding moral theology, Curran to reform the Sacrament of Reconciliation humane intellect to issues important to the the ways in which oppression of the poor said Pope Francis has explicitly said on so that it will be more viable by resonating church and to the world. Pope Francis is linked to environmental degradation. multiple occasions that the church’s moral with people’s needs. would do well to read Curran’s new book, Included in these new priorities is a cri- teachings are not what is most important Appeals to conscience may resolve a Tradition and Reform: Perspectives on tique of the U.S. bishops’ obsession with about the faith. Having described himself number of challenging moral questions, Catholic Moral Teaching.  moral issues, such as marriage equality as a loyal son of the church, Francis will but they cannot resolve every ecclesial and contraception. not change moral teachings, Curran noted. problem, Curran noted. He identified the Pope Francis’ priorities include eccle- In view of this reality, Catholics who seek issue of women in the church as a major Massachusetts Catholic bishop offers apology to women, gays

By Michael O’Loughlin ing in the faith. out fear, to demonstrate the faith we cele- couraged to go to confession and walk Crux “Still there are others who have dis- brate in liturgy takes form in the reality of through designated holy doors in churches February 11, 2016 tanced themselves because they feel un- the world around us.” in order to have their sins forgiven. The welcomed. The reasons here can vary, but Rozanski opened the letter by asking pope has made mercy and forgiveness the If you’ve ever felt unwelcome at key among them are race and cultural dif- several questions about love and for- hallmarks of his papacy. Church because of your gender, race, or ferences, a sense of gender inequality as giveness, urging Catholics to look to Pope “Do you believe in a God who loves sexual orientation, a Massachusetts bishop well as sexual orientation,” he wrote. Francis as an example of how to love like you?” Rozanski asked. “Do you believe in has a message for you: I’m sorry. “Others have been treated unkindly, impa- God, who “looks beyond our faults and a God who forgives? Are you able to offer Bishop Mitchell T. tiently, or rudely by failings and loves us just as we are.” forgiveness to those who have hurt you? Rozanski of Springfield clergy, religious, min- Pope Francis launched the Jubilee of Are you able to ask forgiveness from used the occasion of isters, and staff of Mercy in December, opening a special them?”  Ash Wednesday to parishes — all which holy year during which Catholics are en- mark Pope Francis’ is unacceptable.” Jubilee of Mercy by “I ask your for- New Ways Ministry’s Eighth National Symposium apologizing to and giveness,” he contin- seeking reconciliation ued. with Catholics in West- He said parishes Justice and Mercy Shall Kiss: ern Massachusetts. “must be inviting and Rozanski, sent energetic environ- LGBT Catholics in the Age of Pope Francis from Baltimore to lead ments, founded both April 28-30, 2016 the 217,000-member in our traditions but diocese in 2014, said also the reality of eve- Chicago, Illinois that ongoing fallout ryday life,” and urged from the clergy sexual local Catholics “to Plenary Speakers: abuse scandal, shut- evangelize those who tered and merged were once, but are no LISA FULLAM, Associate Professor, Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley churches, and less than longer with us.” LESLIE GRIFFIN, Professor of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas welcoming parishes “We need you, we BRYAN MASSINGALE, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, Fordham University have caused a rupture Bishop Mitchell Rozanski need your presence, FRANK MUGISHA, Executive Director, Sexual Minorities Uganda between the Church and your gifts and your some of the faithful. talents. We need you to Workshop sessions will examine such issues as: transgender and intersex He says he is seeking forgiveness. complete our community, to enrich it, to identity, LGBT church workers, lesbian/gay members in religious life and “There are many people hurting in our make it better and more effective,” he Catholic community from the pain caused wrote. the clergy, LGBT youth, parish outreach programs, and family issues. by our past failings as a diocese, as well as He quoted one of the people who took the grievous actions of some who minis- part in the diocesan survey, who wrote, Pre-Symposium Retreat on Spirituality & Social Justice led by tered in our church,” he wrote in a pastoral “The gay community feels that they aren’t letter on evangelization. “The reality of welcome. They don’t want to espouse an- Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK this pain is that it still echoes many years other religion; therefore, they don’t attend later, as was given witness in our recent church at all. Hopefully, a special outreach For more information, contact: diocesan survey.” could be done to them.” New Ways Ministry Through that survey, completed by Rozanski said that revitalizing the 4012 29th Street 3,000 local Catholics, Rozanski said he diocese through evangelization would be a Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 learned that some Catholics don’t feel wel- “daunting task,” but urged Catholics “to Phone: 301-277-5674 come in churches and thus stop participat- walk beyond our parish boundaries, with- Email: [email protected] Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 35, No. 3 In Louisville, Kentucky Supreme Court gay couple's headstone design hits dead end By Martha Elson natural symbol to include on their head- Louisville Courier-Journal stone, along with the ubiquitous wedding May 19, 2016 rings. The Catholic Archdiocese of Louis- Among headstone images at St. ville didn't see it that way, and a politely Michael's Cemetery in Germantown that worded letter to De Leon and Bourke from depict golfing, fishing, playing basketball Catholic Cemeteries executive director and baseball, riding motorcycles, #BBN Javier Fajardo thanks them for their pa- (Big Blue Nation), race cars and numerous tience but said, "We cannot approve the interlocking wedding rings, Michael De depiction of the Supreme Court building Leon and Greg Bourke didn't expect their and the use of wedding rings." design for a headstone showing rings and Otherwise, their request to be buried the Supreme Court building to stand out. side by side and the rest of the design with Then there's also the twin spires at their names, a cross and other standard Churchill Downs. information was deemed acceptable. They "You see all kinds of things...that are were asked to let Fajardo know if they totally unrelated to any church teaching or wanted to submit a new design for review. any church symbolism," Bourke said. A Catholic cemetery is a "sacred The gay couple, who were married in place" where "the signs and symbols of Canada in 2004 and live in St. Matthews, our Catholic faith are displayed with pride were among the petitioners in the legal and reverence," the letter said. case that resulted in the historic June 26 "Inscriptions on grave markers are permit- ted so long as they do Michael De Leon, front left, and Greg Bourke, back right, with their two children not conflict with any outside the U.S. Supreme Court teaching of the Church. Your proposed mark- ness Ordinance that prohibits discrimina- Greg and Michael in their efforts," Chris ings are not in keeping tion against members of the LGBT com- Hartman, the Fairness Campaign's execu- with this requirement." munity, and the "Archdiocese has every tive director, said in an interview. Hart- De Leon and Bourke, legal right to do what they're doing," man said they all have been involved in an both 58, belong to a Bourke said. "We have no protection "ongoing public battle" for years with group called Catholics whatsoever in a situation like this." Archbishop Joseph Kurtz over the issues for Fairness that held a They hope to set up a meeting with of LGBT rights, and he cited the decision news conference with Archdiocese officials to try to reach a not to allow Greg Bourke to continue to be the theme "Freedom to compromise but haven't taken action yet. a Boy Scout leader because he is openly Bury" along with the They had submitted their design in Octo- gay as another example. ber, after consulting with an Archdiocese Bourke and De Leon "might have a Fairness Campaign Wednesday outside St. employee, not realizing that it would be more receptive audience with the Vatican Michael, 1153 Charles subject to review by a higher authority. than with the Archdiocese." St., to call attention to They thought it was "like picking out Bourke and De Leon are longtime what they consider to countertops," Bourke said. members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic be an unjust situation. But "bells and whistles went off" Church in St. Matthews and they were State Rep. Jim Wayne, when months went by before they re- named 2015 "Persons of the Year" by the a supporter of the ceived a response, in the form of the National Catholic Reporter, an independ- group, also was present. March 30 letter. The "appropriateness" of ent weekly newspaper based in Kansas The Huffington Post any inscription or symbol is determined by City, Mo. De Leon works in information posted a story Tuesday- the cemeteries’ director in consultation technology at General Electric, and with the "proper Church authority," the Bourke is a consultant for Humana. The rejected gravestone design. about the headstone controversy. letter said. Bourke said the treatment they re- "We feel like we've been dealt with De Leon said he and Bourke are ceived with regard to the headstone design ruling in which the Supreme Court said unfairly," Bourke said. Their design is "planners and look ahead" and wanted to is not consistent with "the moderating tone states must allow gays and lesbians to "not any more outrageous than other spare their two children any extra expense we Catholics have enjoyed lately from marry and that states much recognize things," he said. "It's very modest, not and trouble later. Bourke's parents already Pope Francis." At the press conference, those marriages. over-sized and not in a well-trafficked part have their memorial headstones in place he said it felt like "deliberate retaliation So to them, the high court building -- of the cemetery." three rows from where he and De Leon against my family" and asked, "Is that "one of the great icons of American de- At the same time, Bourke said the bought a plot last year, Bourke said. what Jesus would do?"  mocracy," Bourke said -- seemed like a Archdiocese is exempt from the local Fair- "We just want to show support for Pope calls for conscientious objection to officiating at same-sex ceremonies

By Francis DeBernardo “However, once a law has been Francis’ exhortation on conscience original bill to appease conservative Bondings 2.0 adopted, the state must also respect would ring truer if he would call on members of parliament who closely fol- NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com [people’s] consciences. The right to con- church officials to respect the consciences low the bishops’ directives. May 21, 2016 scientious objection must be recognized of LGBT people who have discovered “One of their biggest complaints is within each legal structure because it is a that living in a committed same-gender that a so-called ‘stepchild adoption’ For the first time since Italy’s Parlia- human right. Including for a government relationship or transitioning to their true clause, which would have allowed people ment approved a civil unions bill for les- official, who is a human person. The state gender is the most authentic way to fol- in civil unions to adopt the biological bian and gay couples two weeks ago, must also take criticism into account. That low the call of God. They, too, should be child of their partner, is not in the new Pope Francis has commented about the would be a genuine form of laicity. welcomed into the Christian community, law. Family court judges will decide on a issue of legally recognizing same-sex “You cannot sweep aside the argu- which unlike employment, is not simply case-by-case basis.” relationships. ments of Catholics by simply telling them an economic form of association. Francis’ call to conscience would In an interview with La Croix, a that they “speak like a priest.” No, they News that Pope Francis will visit also sound truer if he would begin a more French newspaper, Pope Francis said that base themselves on the kind of Christian Ireland in 2018 for the World Meeting of honest and open conversation about sexu- Catholic public officials should be ex- thinking that France has so remarkably Families, provides him a golden oppor- ality in the Church. Mickens writes: cused from officiating at same-gender developed.” [boldface emphasis is in the tunity to meet with recently married Cath- “The Italian hierarchy, which pre- union ceremonies if they have a conscien- original text] olic gay and lesbian couples to learn of sides over a Church where every honest tious objection to such relationships. The Pope Francis made similar remarks their experiences and of the formation of person knows a large percentage of the following is an English version of the about the conscience decisions of govern- their own consciences. Such an encounter clergy are homosexually-oriented men, interview on the newspaper’s website: ment officials on his plane ride home would surely prove educational for the has done everything to perpetuate their “In a secular setting, how should from his U.S. visit in September 2015. pontiff, who has shown an un-pope-like country’s longstanding hypocrisy regard- Catholics defend their concerns on socie- The issue also came up during the same curiosity to learn more about the real lives ing gay people. tal issues such as euthanasia or same-sex visit when the brouhaha developed over of people. “Thanks to their efforts, especially to marriage? his unplanned and secretly orchestrated Such an education would also serve enforce deeply conservative views on “Pope Francis: It is up to Parliament meeting with Kim Davis, the Kentucky well for Cardinal Antonio Bagnasco, the family life in Italian society, many people to discuss, argue, explain, reason [these clerk who refuses to perform same-sex president of the Italian bishops confer- in this country have been trapped into issues]. That is how a society grows. marriages. ence, who recently said that the civil un- leading double lives. They get married, ions bill equates gay and lesbian relation- have children and some—some—secretly ships with marriage. What the cardinal find sexual intimacy or a relationship with fails to recognize is that there is a great other people of their same sex. Or they New Ways Ministry’s blog difference between the Italian civil unions join the ‘celibate’ priesthood and do the law and marriage law, and that LGBT same. Bondings 2.0 advocates, while glad for the civil unions “Italy’s new law has opened the door

bill, also lamented the fact that such un- to a more honest conversation in a chang- ions were not on a par with marriage. ing society. And hopefully it marks the The best way to keep up on the latest Robert Mickens, a seasoned Vatican ob- beginning of the end of one of the great Catholic LGBT news and opinions! server in Rome, noted in a Commonweal Italian hypocrisies.” dispatch: Yes, far from being the end of civili- Updated daily! “. . . . [A]ctivists that have been zation, the marriage equality debates and Share your ideas with others! fighting for civil unions, and especially laws have been an opportunity for people those who continue to call for gay mar- to live more authentically and freely.  riage, say the new law is far from satisfac- NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com tory. They are upset that Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi watered down the Spring 2016 BONDINGS Page 7 Gay-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known gay-friendly Catholic parishes and intentional Eucharistic communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of a parish or community that is welcomes LGBT Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in LGBT community events, or involve- ment with parents. Parishes are listed first and intentional Eucharistic communities follow. For links to many of these parishes’ web- sites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org

District of Columbia Montana Tennessee Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Memphis: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Florida Nebraska Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart Texas Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar Colleyville: Good Shepherd PARISHES Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, Nevada Dallas: Holy Trinity St. Maurice Las Vegas: Christ the King, El Paso: All Saints Alabama Kissimmee: Holy Redeemer Guardian Angel Cathedral Houston: St. Anne Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Montgomery: St. Bede Tampa: Sacred Heart, Christ the King New Hampshire Virginia Merrimack: St. John Neumann Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Arizona Georgia Pelham: St. Patrick Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Chandler: St. Andrew Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Heart, Sacred Heart Parish Glendale: St. Thomas More Conception New Jersey Roanoke: St. Gerard Mesa: St. Bridget Keyport: St. Joseph Triangle: St. Francis Phoenix: St. Matthew Idaho Lawrenceville: St. Ann Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Scottsdale: St. Patrick Boise: St. Mary Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, Assisi Washington Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Illinois Maplewood: St. Joseph Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle South Plainfield: Sacred Heart St. Joseph, Prince of Peace Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Tinton Falls: St. Anselm Newman Center California St. Clement, St. Gertrude, Tacoma: St. Leo Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, New Mexico Burney: St Francis of Assisi St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Albuquerque: Holy Family, Wisconsin Carlsbad: St. Patrick Apostle, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Shrine of St. Bernadette Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption Lady of Mt. Carmel, Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd El Cajon: St. Luke Old St. Patrick Milwaukee: Good Shepherd, Encino: Our Lady of Grace Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame New York Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe Escondido: St. Timothy Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Albany: St. Vincent DePaul Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Evanston: St. Nicholas Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Canada Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish Inverness: Holy Family Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Montreal: Holy Cross Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Johnston City: St. Paul Bellport: Mary Immaculate Ottawa: St. Joseph Hayward: All Saints Morton Grove: St. Martha Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes LaPuente: St. Martha Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Sienna-St. Lucy St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, England Long Beach: St. Matthew Schaumburg: St. Marcelline St. Augustine, Immac.Heart of Mary London: Church of the Immaculate Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Conception (Mayfair) Christ the King, Mother of Good Indiana East Islip: St. Mary Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas Elmira: St. Mary USC Medical Center (Spanish), Fairport: Church of the Assumption INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle Iowa Henrietta: Good Shepherd COMMUNITIES North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Coralville: St. Thomas More Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus, Arizona Chantal, St. Patrick St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul the Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes Kentucky Apostle, Church of the Ascension, Center Oceanside: St. Thomas More Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Assumption, St. William Sales California Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration Orange: Koinonia Ross: St. Anselm Louisiana Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi New Orleans: St. Augustine St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Pleasanton San Carlos: St. Charles Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints San Diego: Ascension, St. Jude Shrine Maine Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Colorado San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Historic Old St. John’s Colorado Springs: Benet Hill Monstery Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Saco: Most Holy Trinity Wading River: St. John the Baptist St. Dominic Wantaugh: St. Frances de Chantal District of Columbia San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, Maryland Westbury: St. Brigid Communitas St. Martin of Tours (Emmaus Baltimore: Corpus Christi, Community) St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, North Carolina Florida San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis St. Matthew, Charlotte: St. Peter Tampa: Franciscan Center San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & St. Vincent dePaul Durham: Immaculate Conception Mission San Raphael Arcangel Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Fayetteville: St. Patrick Maryland Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Catonsville: Living Water Inclusive Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Hagerstown: St. Ann Catholic Community Santa Monica: St. Monica Severn: St. Bernadette Ohio Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Simi Valley: St. Rose of Lima Akron: St. Bernard Community Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Massachusetts Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Stanford: Catholic Community at Stan- Boston: Paulist Center, St. Anthony St. Robert Bellarmine Michigan ford University Shrine, St. Cecilia Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Grand Rapids: Marywood South Pasadena: Holy Family East Longmeadow: St. Michael St. Malachi, St. Martha Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics Valinda: St. Martha Newton: St. Ignatius Columbus: St. Thomas More Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church Provincetown: St. Peter Newman Center Minnesota of the Deaf Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Fairlawn: St. Hilary Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Springfield: Sacred Heart Mentor: St. John Vianney Catholic Community West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, University Heights: Church of Gesu St. Victor Michigan Westlake: St. Ladislas Oregon Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate Portland: Journey and Koinonia Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu Conception Catholic Community Colorado Parish Arvada: Spirit of Christ St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Oregon Virginia Avon: St. Edward Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Beaverton: Mission of the Atonement Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Minnesota Assisi, St. Phillip Neri, Down- Washington Our Lady of Mount Carmel Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, town Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul) Olympia: Holy Wisdom Inclusive Lafayette: Immaculate Conception St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community Littleton: Light of the World, Pennsylvania St Frances Cabrini Missouri Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Wisconsin Kansas City: Guardian Angels, Old St. Mary, St. John the Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Connecticut St. James Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier To add your faith community to our St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Rhode Island list, please contact New Ways Minis- Delaware Scotland, St. Pius V Providence: St. Francis Chapel, try at [email protected] or North Wilmington: Holy Child St. Mary’s call 301-277-5674. Wilmington: St. Joseph Wickford: St. Bernard Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 35, No. 3 LGBT pilgrimage to ‘Ireland: Land of Rainbows and Wedding Bells’

By Bob Shine and Francis DeBernardo also the leader of the Corymeela Commu- Bondings 2.0 nity, an Irish spirituality center, which NewWaysMinistryBlog.wordpress.com includes LGBT people and sponsors a April 30 and May 1, 2016 retreat for pastoral ministers involved in LGBT ministry. New Ways Ministry’s recent pilgrim- In Dublin, we visited the home of one age to Ireland brought showers of bless- of that city’s most well-known Catholic ings to the two dozen participants who daughters: Venerable Mother Catherine made the trip. One of the biggest bless- McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of ings was the opportunity to learn firsthand Mercy. At the Mercy International Center about LGBT ministry, welcome, and ad- on Baggot Street, we were warmly wel- vocacy in Ireland at this time. comed by Sister Mary Kay Dobrovlny, a Sister Jeannine Gramick, New Ways U.S. sister who provided us with infor- Ministry’s Co-Founder, was the planner mation and inspiration about Mercy’s ori- and spiritual leader of this journey, enti- gins. At Mass in the Center’s chapel, one tled “Ireland: Land of Rainbows and of our pilgrims, Susanne Cassidy, the Wedding Bells.” Ireland was selected not Catholic mother of two gay sons and a only for its strong Catholic identity, but Mercy Associate, shared the impact that because in 2015 it became the first nation Mother McAuley’s witness had on her in the world to enact marriage equality by own life and LGBT ministry. We ad- popular vote. As the pilgrims learned journed, as always, for a comfortable cup from their visits and meetings with church of tea afterwards. Pilgrims gathered among the monastic ruins at Glendalough. leaders and LGBT advocates, the Catholic In Kildare, the pilgrims visited Solas movement for LGBT equality is strong in Bhríde (Light of Brigid), a spirituality sure that the voice of LGBT Catholics is Priory in Dublin. This monthly Mass and the Emerald Isle. center and hermitage opened just last year. heard in the debate on homosexuality both social provides a particular welcome to Throughout the trip, the pilgrims re- The three Brigidine Sisters–Sr. Mary inside and outside the Catholic Church.” It LGBT people, family members, and ceived warm Irish welcomes from several Minehan, Sr. Phil O’Shea, and Sr. Rita had high visibility in the debate preceding friends. It was established and is still sup- communities of religious men and women, Minehan–who oversee the ecologically- Ireland’s 2015 referendum on marriage ported by the city’s Archbishop Diarmuid while also visiting sites important to the built center said the purpose of their min- equality, about which members spoke Martin. While Martin opposed marriage LGBT community. istry is to “unfold the legacy of St. Brigid extensively during the meeting with pil- equality in last year’s referendum, his The day we arrived, the Redemptor- and its relevance for our time.” St. Brigid, grims. conciliatory manner during the debate and ists welcomed us for Mass and a “cuppa” abbess of a double monastery (one part for GCVI members each told their per- afterwards, as well as his frequent affirma- tea, scones, and soup at their Esker Mon- men and one part for women) in Kildare, sonal stories of coming to terms with their tions of LGBT people, helped maintain a astery outside the town of Athenry. Fr. is a great inspiration to the Irish people for sexual orientations. While some were relationship with the LGBT community. Tony Flannery, a leader in Ireland’s taking care of the environment. “out” to all people, others experienced the After a joyful Mass celebrated by a church reform movement, was on hand At the spirituality center, we visited need to be more self-protective. Jesuit priest, at an altar decorated with a with his brother Redemptorists to intro- the garden to see a new statue of St. Brig- Beyond achieving marriage equality’s rainbow flag, the pilgrims met with the duce us to the many ways his community id by Canadian sculptor Timothy passage, the referendum provoked a na- Mass regulars for tea and conversation. is building a more inclusive church. Fr. Schmalz. The statue was commissioned tional conversation on LGBT equality, We heard from four Irish parents who Brendan O’Rourke presided at Eucharistic by Fr. Dennis O’Neill, a Chicago priest said GCVI members. Discussing the refer- have gay or lesbian children. Each mov- liturgy for the group. who is pastor of St. Martha parish, Morton endum gave voice to positive attitudes that ingly told the story of their child’s coming We encountered the Redemptorists Grove, which is an had been unspoken for years in Ireland. out and spoke about their relationship to three more times on our trip. We celebrat- LGBT-friendly parish. The referendum brought the Catholic Church. ed Mass at their parish church in Cherry At the Whitefriars to light that a social trans- One parent said Ireland’s church has Orchard, a low-income neighborhood of Street Church, a Car- formation had already undergone a paradigmatic cultural shift Dublin. Fr. Adrian Egan discussed con- melite parish in Dublin, taken place in the coun- away from its authoritarian past. He said temporary social problems facing this low the pilgrims gathered to try. Explaining what the that forty years ago, if you asked an Irish -income area before offering a prayer that pray at the shrine of St. campaign was like, one Catholic what they thought about an issue, we “keep in mind anyone who, for any Valentine, an altar GCVI member said: they would likely begin, “The Church reason, feels on the edges and excluded.” which holds a small “[I asked people,] Please says. . .” and that was the end of the dis- Redemptorist Father John J. Ó Rí- casket containing the will you vote to make me cussion. This ecclesial influence is no ordáin guided the pilgrims prayerfully relics of this famous equal? It felt completely longer the case. through the historic site of Glendalough, saint who is so connect- crazy because why should Members of All Are Welcome also the monastery founded by St. Kevin in the ed with love and rela- we have to ask. But you spoke about their experiences of working sixth century. As we walked from place tionships. Sister Jean- shouldn’t underestimate for the passage of the marriage referen- to place around the grounds, Fr. Ó Rí- nine offered a reflective the transformational ef- dum. Parents were moved by how sup- ordáin offered not only historical back- reading of St. Paul’s fect it had. Suddenly, lots portive their family members and Catho- ground, but also some Celtic prayers and famous discourse on and lots and lots of con- lics generally turned out to be. One ally in poems appropriate to the various settings. love, found in 1 Corin- versations were being the group spoke about campaigning with a Our trip there ended with an outdoor Mass thians 13, while we had.” “Catholics for Marriage Equality” button by the side of one of Glendalough’s stun- prayed for all our rela- Families could finally be on his lapel, and the simple power that ning lakes. tionships–past, present, open about LGBT mem- simple slogan had in shaping conversa- In Belfast, we visited the beautiful future. Statue of St. Brigid of Kildare, bers, and parents could tions. He explained that he received those acknowledge gay children buttons from Sr. Jeannine Gramick, who Clonard Monastery with a sanctuary dom- On the same day, we Solas Bhríde, Kildare inated by an image of Jesus with out- gathered for a photo, not when congratulating them last year gave them the remaining buttons stretched arms—a symbol that all are wel- prayer, at the statue of on the referendum’s suc- which were left over from the U.S. state come to the parish, Fr. Noel Kehoe, the Dublin’s famous author, Oscar Wilde, the cess. One GCVI member said, in this way, campaigns for marriage equality. pastor, told us in greeting. beautiful Merrion Square park. Wilde was “marriages are prophetic happenings facil- One member said that when an anti- While at Clonard, which also is the jailed for being a gay man and for writing itating conversations.” This was true for marriage equality letter was read at Mass- city’s main center for reconciliation be- of “the love that dare not speak its name,” even the oldest sectors of the church, too. es, his 92-year-old father refuted the posi- tween Catholic and Protestant citizens, the about which he said during his trial, “It is Another GCVI member said: tion by saying, “We know which way pilgrims were educated about these peace beautiful, it is fine, it is the noblest form “When I think of church, I think of we’re voting.” The man’s grandchildren, efforts by Pádraig Ó Tuama, an openly of affection.” my 93-year-old dad, a daily communicant, after having same-gender marriage ex- gay Catholic man. He said the Redemptor- One evening, six members of Gay who called my 24-year-old nephew pre- plained to them, were completely noncha- ist monastery is known well for being a Catholic Voice Ireland (GCVI) joined the historic because the young lad opposed lant about it. safe space to many, including LGBT peo- U.S. pilgrims for a conversation about the marriage equality.” Amid this conversation, representa- ple, because here, “You know you didn’t reality of being an LGBT Catholic in Ire- GCVI members said the referendum tives from the reform group We Are have to lessen your dignity.” Ó Tuama is land. GCVI is a group convened “to en- also highlighted the power of personal Church Ireland presented Sr. Jeannine storytelling. All spoke about knocking on Gramick with a painting of an inclusive their neighbors’ doors and making phone Last Supper to honor her efforts seeking calls, telling their stories and listening to LGBT equality in the church. stories from their friends. There was even But the work for equality and inclu- one national campaign which asked youth sion in Ireland is far from over, the speak- to call their grandparents and urge them to ers agreed. While the referendum cam- vote “yes.” Appeals were made to Ire- paign brought about great advances, cul- land’s radically egalitarian sentiments, a tural homophobia in society, and especial- product of the 1916 Rising and Republi- ly in certain church institutions, lingers. can movement for national independence, With the U.S. and Ireland achieving which was quite inclusive for its time, as national marriage equality within just the Republic of Ireland came to be. about one month of each other, the pil- All unanimously agreed that one of grims and the Irish hosts agreed that our the most touching parts of the referendum communities have much in common. was learning about the masses of Irish Sharing struggles and victories helped to emigres returning to their home just to strengthen those common bonds across vote for marriage equality. In the end, our great geographical distance. 62% of Irish voters approved marriage To view more photos from the pil- equality, with all but a single county being grimage, visit New Ways Ministry’s page supportive (and the difference in that on Facebook. county was less than 1,000 votes). To receive information about future On the last day of their pilgrimage, pilgrimages, please send an email to the U.S. travelers joined the All Are Wel- [email protected] or phone Monastic ruins at Clonmacnoise come Mass community at the Carmelite 301-277-5674. 