B NDINGS Vol. 38 No. 3 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Summer 2019 Indianapolis Archdiocese cuts ties with Jesuit H.S. over refusal to fire teacher

By Arika Herron the high school, said Midwest Jesuits, called the decision The Indianapolis Star Brebeuf had worked hard "disappointing" in a statement posted to June 20, 2019 to avoid this outcome but the group's website. He said the Midwest the split will not change Jesuits and Brebeuf have been fighting The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is anything for students or the archdiocese over the gay teacher for cutting ties with Brebeuf Jesuit Prepara- families. The partnership the last two years. tory School after the school refused to had enabled VanSlam- "Brebeuf’s administration and Board fire a gay teacher, the latest chapter in a brook to participate in of Trustees have determined that follow- growing debate over LGBTQ staff in meetings of Catholic ing the Archdiocese’s directive would local Catholic education. school principals and al- not only violate their informed con- The decision comes with limited lowed archdiocesan priests science on this particular matter, but also financial implications for Brebeuf, but it to minister at Brebeuf, would set a concerning precedent for could isolate the northwest side school though the school does not future interference in the school’s opera- from the larger Catholic community. have anyone from the arch- tions and other matters that have histori- Brebeuf, which is sponsored by the diocese at the school cur- cally been the right and privilege of USA Midwest Province of the Society of rently."All of our program- Brebeuf Jesuit officials," Paulson said in Jesus, received notice Thursday that the ming will remain un- his statement. archdiocese will issue a canonical decree changed," he said. "There Because Brebeuf is an independent Friday stating that the archbishop will no are some things we're go- Catholic school, not governed by the longer formally recognize Brebeuf Jesuit port from the archdiocese, but has part- ing to miss, but it's not things that stu- archdiocese as many other Catholic as a Catholic school in the archdiocese. nered with it since its founding in 1962. dents and families will notice." schools in the city are, administrative Brebeuf receives no financial sup- Greg VanSlambrook, principal at Brian G. Paulson, provincial for the decisions are usually left to the school. School Leaders’ Statement to the Brebeuf Jesuit Community

Below are excerpts from a message that was sent to the Brebeuf Jesu- science on this particular matter, but also set a concerning precedent for it Community on Thursday, June 20, 2019. For the full text, go to: future interference in the school’s operations and other governance mat- brebeuf.org/statement-to-the-brebeuf-jesuit-community/ ters that Brebeuf Jesuit leadership has historically had the sole right and privilege to address and decide. On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory What’s more, we also recognize the harm that adhering to this man- School, we write to share news regarding Brebeuf Jesuit’s relationship date would cause our highly capable and qualified teachers and staff. As with the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. . . . It is our understanding that the an institution with a mission to develop men and women for others, our Archdiocese of Indianapolis, at the direction of Archbishop Charles intent has been to do the right thing by the people we employ while pre- Thompson, will no longer formally recognize Brebeuf Jesuit as a Catho- serving our authority as an independent, Catholic Jesuit school. . . . lic school in the Archdiocese. We understand that a formal decree an- Whereas the Archdiocese of Indianapolis may choose to no longer nouncing the Archdiocese’s decision will be published in The Criteri- attend or participate in the school’s Masses and formal functions, on on or around Friday, June 21. Brebeuf Jesuit is, and will always be, a Catholic Jesuit school. The Arch- The decree follows a sincere and significant disagreement between diocese has assured us that Jesuit priests may continue to serve at the Archdiocese, on the one hand, and Brebeuf Jesuit and the USA Mid- Brebeuf Jesuit and will retain their ability to celebrate the sacraments of west Province of the Society of Jesus, on the other, regarding whether the the . Archdiocese or our school’s leaders should make final governance deci- As we look to the school year ahead, Brebeuf Jesuit’s Board of Trus- sions related to internal administrative matters at Brebeuf Jesuit and, in tees and school leadership will remain focused on providing an excep- particular, the employment status of our faculty and staff. Specifically, tional education within the Jesuit tradition. We are prayerfully discerning Brebeuf Jesuit has respectfully declined the Archdiocese’s insistence and how best to proceed with the process of appealing the Archdiocese’s di- directive that we dismiss a highly capable and qualified teacher due to rective. . . . the teacher being a spouse within a civilly-recognized same-sex mar- We urge members of the Brebeuf Jesuit community to be respectful riage. of all parties involved, and we ask that you join us in keeping our stu- To our knowledge, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ direct insertion dents, faculty, staff and the entire Catholic community of greater Indian- into an employment matter of a school governed by a religious order is apolis in your thoughts and prayers. . . unprecedented; this is a unique action among the more than 80 Jesuit sec- ondary/pre-secondary schools which operate in dioceses throughout God’s blessings, North America, along with the countless Catholic schools operated by Fr. William Verbryke, S.J. – President other religious orders such as the Christian Brothers, Dominicans, and W. Patrick Bruen ’79 – Board of Trustees, Chair Xaverian Brothers. Daniel M. Lechleiter ’97 – Board of Trustees, Chair-elect After long and prayerful consideration, we determined that following the Archdiocese’s directive would not only violate our informed con- Couple creates a new scholarship for L.G.B.T. Catholics

By Michael J. O’Loughlin had this revelation,” Mr. Bourke told Lourdes parish have donated to the en- By way of example, he pointed to America Magazine America. dowment, he said. news that a local Catholic high school April 2, 2019 The scholarship, which Mr. Bourke “We think that L.G.B.T.Q. young recently fired a guidance counselor after said he believes is the first of its kind in people today don’t get enough encour- a parent complained to the school she Dismayed by the negative messages the nation, will be awarded next month. agement to stay in the faith,” said Mr. was married to another woman. The L.G.B.T. Catholics often face regarding The University of Louisville, a public Bourke, a 1979 graduate of the Universi- counselor, Alison King, wrote in The their place in the church—firings of institution with nearly 16,000 undergrad- ty of Louisville. “They get too easily Courier-Journal on Mar. 21 that even L.G.B.T. workers by Catholic institu- uate students, offers six other scholar- discouraged when they read about the though she had kept her private life un- tions and the negative comments about ships aimed at L.G.B.T. students. All the discrimination that’s taking place.” der wraps during her 11-year tenure gay people from some church leaders— same, Mr. Bourke working for the school, she was fired Greg Bourke and Michael De Leon de- said he was initially after being confronted by school admin- cided to take action. The couple, who worried the creation istrators. were plaintiffs in the 2015 Supreme of the award might “They see these things happening Court case that legalized same-sex mar- generate controver- with the church—discriminating against riage in the United States, recently an- sy given the L.G.B.T.Q. people—and they think, nounced the creation of an endowed church’s teaching on ‘Why should I stay?’” Mr. Bourke said. scholarship at the University of Louis- . But Mr. De Leon agrees. ville that will support Catholic students he said he has been “So many L.G.B.T.Q. people feel or graduates of Catholic high schools heartened by the that their faith and their sexuality is an who identify as L.G.B.T. response of the ‘either/or’ situation,” he said. “We feel “We’ve had so many talks about community. Several that even though the Catholic Church what we can do to encourage L.G.B.T.Q. of the couple’s fel- does not make it easy, young people youth to stay in the Catholic faith, to low parishioners at need to be encouraged to keep the faith remain rather than walk away, and we Our Lady of Greg Bourke and Michael DeLeon (Continued on page 6) Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 3

The Vatican’s New Document on Gender: B NDINGS Is There Hope? Summer 2019 Vol. 38, No. 3

Francis DeBernardo, Editor By Deacon Ray Dever But my primary interest here is not in parsing and de- Bondings 2.0 bating every detail of the document but in addressing what Board of Directors Www.NewWaysMinistry.org/blog the potential negative impact of the document may well be Jeannine Gramick, SL, Chair June 13, 2019 in practice. Imagine you are a Catholic parent with a son Dr. Jerry Fath or daughter who comes out as . This awareness Ryan Sattler When I read the Vatican’s newly released document on comes after a long, painful process of their struggling with Cristina Traina gender identity in the last few days, I kept thinking about and finally embracing their authentic identity. None of this my experiences this past year. was a choice. Imagine how your nor- Over the last 12 months, I have mal parental concerns for the well- Board of Advisors heard from many Catholic schools, being of your children would be ampli- Robert Brady parishes, and families from across the fied in the case of your transgender Rev. James Kiesel US seeking counsel on issues related child. Imagine knowing that your son Anne Marie Miller, RSM to the acceptance and accommoda- or daughter would face a path in life tion of transgender students. In some characterized by the constant threat of Staff cases, this process has been a very hatred and discrimination, just because Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director rewarding experience, but in others, of who he or she is. Imagine having to Matthew Myers, Associate Director it has been very discouraging. live with the knowledge that the likeli- Robert Shine, Associate Director As an example, I was invited a hood of your son or daughter being a Dwayne Fernandes, Staff Associate few months ago to spend a couple of victim of violence or of dying by sui- days at an all-boys Jesuit high school cide—both of which are significantly Co-Founders in the Midwest, to have an honest, greater for transgender people than for Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL respectful conversation with admin- the general populace. It is difficult for Rev. Robert Nugent, SDS istration and faculty about me to adequately express how painful transgender issues and how best to it was when our transgender daughter address those issues in a Catholic said that she was reluctant to make any Bondings is a seasonal publication designed context. I was enormously grateful long-term plans because if statistics to keep our subscribers informed of issues for their openness and their sincere about transgender people held true, she that pertain to LGBT people desire to do what is right. was not likely to live to age 40. and the Catholic Church. On the other hand, I also recently Now since you are a struggling heard from the principal of another Catholic parent who is trying to pass Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry Catholic high school in the Midwest Deacon Ray Dever on the faith to your children to help is an educational and bridge-building who was being forced by the diocese them find the ultimate meaning of their ministry of reconciliation between the to stop accommodating an openly lives, you turn to your local Catholic Catholic LGBT community transgender student and to essentially expel the student at community for support. Instead of support, you are told and the institutional structures the end of the school year. In addition, the diocese was that your transgender son or daughter will no longer be in the Roman Catholic Church. proceeding to develop a policy that would effectively ban allowed to attend the local Catholic school. At the parish, openly transgender students from attending any Catholic you are told that he or she will not be allowed to attend New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate school in the diocese. faith formation or sacramental preparation classes, or to prevalent myths and stereotypes How to accommodate transgender students in a Catho- continue participating in youth group. For a family of faith lic educational context is a complex and challenging ques- who is already struggling with all the issues that having a about homosexuality and gender identity tion that just about every Catholic school or parish has en- transgender child brings, the experience of also being re- and supports civil rights for LGBT persons countered or will encounter at some point. In an apparent jected by the church can be incredibly painful and damag- in society. attempt to address this question, this week the Vatican’s ing on many levels. And these examples are not hypothet- Congregation for Catholic Education published the docu- ical situations, but situations that I know have happened at ment “Male and Female He Created Them’: Towards a a number of Catholic schools and parishes across the New Ways Ministry Path of Dialogue on the Question of Gender Theory in Ed- US. With the addition of this most recent Vatican docu- 4012 29th Street ucation,” a document that has rapidly elicited strong reac- ment to the discussion, I would not be at all surprised if Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 tions from both ends of the spectrum, including here these instances of unjust discrimination increase. (301) 277-5674 on Bondings 2.0. I certainly hope that this confused document will not [email protected] I have a number of serious concerns with the docu- have the negative impact that I fear it will, but that it will NewWaysMinistry.org ment, but my single greatest pastoral concern is that this be kept in proper perspective by thoughtful people of document will be used as a reason for Catholic schools and faith. If there is anything positive that can be taken from parishes to unjustly discriminate against transgender stu- the document, it might be its call to a process of dialogue dents, and in the process do some real harm to them and on these issues (although it obviously would have been their families. For a church called to follow the way of Our much better if the Church had done that dialogue before Savior Jesus, the way of love and compassion, the way of publishing a document like this). I think that the Church is TO SUBSCRIBE inclusion not exclusion, this type of unjust discrimination is long overdue to engage objectively with the science of gen- simply unacceptable. der identity and learn from the lived reality of transgender COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM Many objections have been raised to the document’s people. BELOW narrow focus on so-called “gender theory” and to its appar- If the Church is serious about that dialogue, then it ent denial, often in harsh terms, of the reality of needs to start taking some formal steps to make it happen transgender individuals. It has also been observed that the and to ensure that it is not just another dialogue with hand- Enclosed is: document seems to be totally disconnected from the signifi- selected individuals who already support the Church’s cant and growing body of scientific and medical knowledge strongly stated points of view. It needs to be an open, hon- _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada about gender identity and from the lived reality of est, objective dialogue with the larger medical and scien- transgender individuals, observations with which I would tific communities with expertise in gender identity, and _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada concur. With virtually every national and international most of all, it needs to be a dialogue with transgender indi- professional organization that represents the vast majority viduals and their families. _____ I wish to receive Bondings, of doctors, psychiatrists, and psychologists affirming the I hope and pray that true process of dialogue hap- but cannot donate at this time. reality of transgender individuals, researching and docu- pens. If it does, perhaps the institutional church will dis- menting how gender identity is determined, and strongly cover what so many fortunate Catholic families like mine Name ______supporting appropriate health care and non-discrimination have discovered about their gay or trans children: they are protections for transgender people, the portrait of gender part of God’s beautiful, diverse creation, not aberrations of Address ______identity issues presented by this document is outdated and nature or products of some confused ideology. Their pres- at odds with the published science. ence in our lives has helped open our eyes to not just the City ______As the parent of a transgender daughter and as a dea- LGBTQ community but to all the marginalized and op- con whose ministry includes pastoral care to Catholic fami- pressed people that we as Christians are called to embrace State ______lies with transgender members, it is also painfully apparent and love. Our daughter has done absolutely nothing to un- that the document is totally divorced from the lived reality dermine Catholic marriage and family but in fact has DayPhone ______of transgender people. The model on which the entire doc- brought our entire family much closer together. ument is based is fundamentally flawed. It claims that the But until a process of open, honest dialogue and learn- Night Phone ______growth and influence of gender theory makes people be- ing takes place, I am deeply concerned there will be many lieve that they can simply choose their gender. I think that transgender students and their families and friends that will Cell Phone ______anyone with first-hand experience with gender identity be hurt by this document and its recommendations.  issues will confirm that for an authentically transgender Email ______person, being transgender is not a choice, and it is certainly Deacon Ray Dever of St. Paul Catholic Church, Tam- not driven by any gender theory or ideology. pa, Florida, is the parent of a transgender daughter.

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Mail to: [email protected] New Ways Ministry 4012 29th Street Let us know if you would like daily news updates or monthly announcements. Mount Rainier, MD 20712 Summer 2019 BONDINGS Page 3 Vatican Rejects Notion That Gender Identity Can Be Fluid By Jason Horowitz and Elisabetta disappointed advocates who had hoped Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic institution, bringing with it a tendency to Povoledo for greater acceptance. Education, and written as a guide for cancel out the differences between men The New York Times They warned that the church was Catholic schools, teachers and educators. and women, presenting them instead as June 10, 2019 inviting discrimination, and that in deliv- The guidance said that “ideas of merely the product of historical and cul- ering an anachronistic message on hu- ‘intersex’ or ‘transgender’ lead to a mas- tural conditioning.” ROME — The Vatican on Monday man sexuality, it had apparently decided culinity or femininity that is The Vatican guidance on gender flatly rejected what it cast as the notion to take on esoteric theories rather than ‘ambiguous.’” questions, and its idealization of women that individuals can choose their gender, the lived experiences of L.G.B.T. peo- “This oscillation between male and (“Women have a unique understanding releasing its first extensive document on ple. female becomes, at the end of the day, of reality”) also seemed consistent with the issue as Western countries are in- Francis DeBernardo, director of the only a ‘provocative’ display against so- past statements by . He has creasingly wrestling with the social and Maryland based New Ways Ministry, an called ‘traditional frameworks,’ and one often warned that gender theory is one of legal implications of more fluid defini- advocacy group for L.G.B.T. Catholics, which, in fact, ignores the suffering of the principal threats to the modern fami- tions of identity. took issue with the document’s assump- those who have to live situations of sex- ly. The document, issued by the Vati- tion that “gender is determined solely by ual indeterminacy,” it added. In a 2015 book-length interview, he can department overseeing Catholic edu- visible genitalia,” and not also by genet- The document argued that the listed gender theory alongside “nuclear cation, echoed past statements by Pope ics, hormones and brain chemistry. church should be open to listening to and arms” and “genetic manipulation” for its Francis. It argued that acceptance of He also objected to the Vatican’s talking with proponents of gender theo- failure to “recognize the order of crea- flexible ideas of gender posed a threat to notion that people simply “choose” their ry, and should not discriminate against tion.” traditional families and ignored the natu- gender. “They discover it through their those who defined their gender different- Francis has also identified education ral differences between men and women. lived experiences,” he said in a state- ly, something it acknowledged it had programs as some of the primary chan- It lamented “calls for public recog- ment. done in the past. nels through which gender theory has nition of the right to choose one’s gen- been allowed to take root in Western der, and of a plurality of new types of societies. Some prominent African cler- unions, in direct contradiction of the ics have long argued that a Western view model of marriage as being between one that accepts shifting genders was poison- man and one woman, which is portrayed ous to the church in Africa and should be as a vestige of patriarchal societies.” rejected. The idea of gender moving along a Returning from a trip to Georgia spectrum was “nothing more than a con- and Azerbaijan in October 2016, Francis fused concept of freedom in the realm of seemed to agree, speaking inclusively feelings and wants.” about gay people while blasting what he The document broke little new saw as the “wickedness” of indoctrinat- ground in casting doubt on gender theory ing people in gender theory, which was and promoting traditional Roman Catho- “against the natural order.” lic teaching on the intrinsic biological “It is one thing for people to have a differences between men and women. homosexual tendency or even to change But for some Catholic advocates for a sex, but it is another thing to try to teach more inclusive and understanding ap- along this line in schools, to change the proach to L.G.B.T. people, the Vatican mentality. I call this cultural colonial- document represented a significant step ism,” the pope told reporters on the pa- backward. pal plane. Pope Francis had encouraged many “The document associates sexual “The congregation’s call for listen- A few days earlier in Tbilisi, Geor- of them that the church was changing and gender minorities with libertine sex- ing and dialogue about gender is a posi- gia, the pope had said that gender theory when he memorably responded “Who uality, a gross misrepresentation of the tive step, however, it seems that the con- was part of a “world war against mar- am I to judge?” when asked in 2013 lives of L.G.B.T. people which perpetu- gregation is listening only to philoso- riage” and an example of the about a priest working at the Vatican ates and encourages hatred, bigotry, and phers and theologians rather than to “ideological colonization” that had been who was said to be gay. In 2016, Francis violence against them,” Mr. DeBernardo L.G.B.T. people who would share their spreading in many parts of the world. reported at a news conference that he wrote. real life experiences if asked,” said Rev. The document calls on Catholic had met at the Vatican with a Spanish Some advocates saw a particular James Martin, the author of “Building a teachers and educators to be transgender man who had undergone slight in that the document, which was Bridge,” a book about how the Catholic “sufficiently prepared regarding the in- gender reassignment surgery and been dated Feb. 4, was released in June, dur- church can reach out to L.G.B.T. faith- tricacies of the various questions that ostracized by his priest. ing L.G.B.T. pride month, though the ful. gender theory brings up and be fully “We must be attentive, not saying purpose of the timing was unclear. More “L.G.B.T. people are usually not informed about both current and pro- all are the same,” Francis said at the broadly, the document marked a clear responding to a theory or ideology but posed legislation.”Father Martin wor- time, adding that “people must be ac- attempt by the church to weigh in as their own inner feelings and their own ried, though, that the document failed to companied.” countries like the United States respond desires,” he said. encourage Catholic educators to be suffi- But despite a small section warning to increasing acceptance of gender and The document warned that gender ciently prepared to deal with the real against discrimination (“no one should sexual fluidity. theory could cause confusion among the experiences of L.G.B.T. people in their suffer bullying, violence, insults”) and a Titled “Male and Female He Creat- young and the erosion of the family. midst. few sentences about accompanying ed Them: Towards a Path of Dialogue It argued that studies in the last half “Anyone who thinks that being young Catholic school students in a way on the Question of Gender Theory in century had asserted sexuality as a social transgender is a response to ideology,” that “is discrete and confidential, capable Education,” the document seemed to lay construct, and that human identity has he said, “has not spoken to many of reaching out to those who are experi- down a line on how far the Vatican was been “consigned to the individual’s transgender people.”  encing complex and painful situations,” willing to go. choice, which can also change in time.” the new church document immediately The document was signed by Cardi- It cautioned that confusion over nal Giuseppe Versaldi, the head of the gender “had destabilized the family as an 2nd Vatican Document on Gender Expected, As Cardinal Admits Failure to Listen

By Robert Shine ‘methodological’ document: [designed] interested. Therefore, in the document, “One objection to that proposition is Bondings 2.0 to tell teachers how they should comport although we could have been more ex- that it ignores the real-life experience of Www.NewWaysMinistry.org/blog themselves with those who support these plicit, we really recommend respect for L.G.B.T. people. In fact, the document’s June 18, 2019 theories.” The cardinal deflected to the people in difficulty, people who may primary partners for conversation seem CDF saying it was suffer discrimina- to be philosophers, theologians and older A news report suggests that a second that congregation’s tion because of the church documents and papal state- document on gender is being prepared by responsibility to difference they find ments—not biologists or scientists, not the Vatican, this time from the Congre- address the more compared to nor- psychiatrists or psychologists, and not gation for the Doctrine (CDF) of the abstract debate mal life in this ar- L.G.B.T. people and their families. If Faith, even as the cardinal behind the about gender. ea. And therefore, more people had been included in the first document released last week Asked what we could have dialogue, the congregation would proba- acknowledged its shortcomings from a might have been done better, cer- bly find room for the now commonly lack of dialogue. done differently or tainly, in this area.” held understanding that sexuality is not The Catholic Herald reported that a better, Versaldi Commentaries, chosen by a person but is rather part of document from the CDF that “will ad- responded: which often high- the way that they are created. . . The dress Church teaching and the anthropol- “One criticism light these two church, like the rest of society, is still ogy of the human person in the context we’ve had from critiques, have con- learning about the complexities of human of so-called gender theory” is in develop- several different tinued to be pub- sexuality and gender. The next step, then, ment and is expected to be published in parts, even by the lished in the week could be for the church to listen to re- the coming months. Such a document interested party, is since Male and sponses from those that this document would have doctrinal authority which the that we did not Female He Created most directly affects: L.G.B.T. people Congregation for Catholic Education’s listen to the people Them was pub- themselves.” (CCE) Male and Female He Created who have difficul- lished. Fr. James Theologian David Cloutier defended Them, heavily criticized by transgender ties in this field of Martin, SJ, wrote the document in America, suggesting the Catholics and Catholic LGBTQ advo- sexual identity. in America that the Congregation and the discussion about cates even as some bishops welcomed it, That is true: we document is “an LGBTQ issues in society “are like ships did not. were not, in our explicit call for passing in the night.” Cloutier’s piece Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, the preparatory phase, dialogue, which all was his own attempt to foster dialogue, CCE’s prefect, spoke to The Catholic able to hear the should welcome” though it generally affirmed Male and Herald, for a separate article, about that people directly in- Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi for a church that Female He Created Them‘s LGBTQ- initial text, acknowledging some of its volved. Indirectly, “has not yet reached negative approach (e.g. supporting the flaws while defending the overall pro- however, yes, [we were], because, hav- the destination.” Believing the Congrega- Vatican’s distinction between respecting ject. Versaldi was clear that the docu- ing also given the preparation of this tion for Catholic Education”seems sin- a person’s dignity and affirming their ment was “not a doctrinal document, . . . document into the hands of experts, we cere” in wanting such dialogue, Martin but rather a practical aid” that is “a kept in mind the people who are directly contributed his own thoughts, including: (Continued on page 7) Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 3 LGBT-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities Below is a list of known LGBT-friendly Catholic parishes and intentional Eucharistic communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list. If you are aware of a parish or community that welcomes LGBT Catholics, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mis- sion statement, participation in LGBT community events, or involvement with parents. For links to many of these parishes’ websites, go to www.NewWaysMinistry.org/resources/parishes.

To add your community 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. If you learn that any of the parishes on this list are no longer LGBT-Friendly, please inform us of that, too.

Lady of the Pines Louisiana New York Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, New Orleans: St. Augustine Albany: St. Vincent DePaul PARISHES Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Igna- Baldwinsville: St. Augustine tius Loyola Maine Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Alabama Lafayette: Immaculate Conception Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Bellport: Mary Immaculate Decatur: Annunciation of the Lord Lakewood: St. Bernadette Saco: Most Holy Trinity Binghamton: St. Francis of Assisi Montgomery: St. Bede Littleton: Light of the World, Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, St Frances Cabrini Maryland St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Arizona Baltimore: Corpus Christi, St. Augustine, Immaculate.Heart of Glendale: St. Thomas More Connecticut St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ignatius, Mary Mesa: St. Bridget Guilford: St. George’s St. Matthew, St. Vincent dePaul Buffalo: St. Joseph University Parish Tucson: St. Cyril of Alexandria, Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, New Haven: St. Thomas More Chapel Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima East Islip: St. Mary Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia, & Center Hagerstown: St. Ann Elmira: St. Mary St. Thomas More Severn: St. Bernadette Fairport: Church of the Assumption Delaware Henrietta: Good Shepherd California North Wilmington: Holy Child Massachusetts Ithaca: St. Catherine of Siena Baldwin Park: St. John the Baptist Wilmington: St. Joseph, Sacred Heart Amherst: Newman Catholic Center of Manhattan: Ascension, Blessed Sacra- Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Oratory UMass ment, Holy Name of Jesus, St. Fran- Burney: St Francis of Assisi Boston: St. Joseph, Paulist Center, cis deSales, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Carlsbad: St. Patrick District of Columbia St. Anthony Shrine, St. Cecilia Francis Xavier, St. Ignatius Loyola, Camarillo: Padre Serra Parish Holy Trinity, St. Matthew Cathedral Buzzard’s Bay: St. Margaret’s/St. St. Paul the Apostle Claremont: Our Lady of Assumption Mary’s Pittsford: Church of Transfiguration El Cajon: St. Luke Florida East Longmeadow: St. Michael Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, Encino: Our Lady of Grace Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Medford: Catholic Community at Tufts St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica Escondido: St. Timothy Daytona Beach: Our Lady of Lourdes University Saratoga Springs: St. Peter Fremont: St. Joseph-Mission San Jose Flagler Beach: Santa Maria del Mar Newton: St. Ignatius Schenectady: St. Luke Fresno: St. Anthony Claret, Ft. Lauderdale: Blessed Sacrament, St. Provincetown: St. Peter Syracuse: St. Lucy, All Saints St.. Paul Newman Center Anthony, St. Maurice Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Utica: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Goleta: St. Mark Univ. Parish Key West: Basilica of St. Mary Star of Springfield: Sacred Heart Historic Old St. John’s Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) the Sea Whitinsville: St. Patrick Wading River: St. John the Baptist Hayward: All Saints St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Wantagh: St. Frances de Chantal Huntington Beach: Sts. Simon and Jude Tampa: Sacred Heart Michigan West Islip: Our Lady of Lourdes LaPuente: St. Martha Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Westbury: St. Brigid Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Georgia Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King, Gesu Long Beach: St. Matthew, Our Lady of Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Parish North Carolina Refuge Conception Livonia: St. Edith Charlotte: St. Peter Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola Durham: Immaculate Conception Christ the King, Mother of Good Idaho Westland: Ss. Simon and Jude Fayetteville: St. Patrick Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Boise: St. Mary Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi USC Medical Center (Spanish), Minnesota St. Agatha, St. Paul the Apostle, Illinois Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, Ohio St. Anselm Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle St. Joan of Arc Akron: St. Bernard North Hollywood: St. Jane Frances de Chicago: Immaculate Conception, St. Paul: St. Thomas More Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica, Chantal, St. Patrick St. Clement, St. Gertrude, St. Robert Bellarmine, St. Francis de Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Co- St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, Missouri Sales lumba, St. Jarleth St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Kansas City: Guardian Angels, Cleveland: Blessed Trinity, Oceanside: St. Thomas More Apostle, Our Lady of Lourdes, Our Holy Family, St. James, St. Francis St. Malachi, St. Martha Orange: Holy Family Cathedral Lady of Mt. Carmel, Xavier Columbus: St. Thomas More Palm Springs: St. Theresa, Our Lady of Old St. Patrick St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier Newman Center, St. Francis of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Solitude Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Assisi Pasadena: Assumption of the B.V.M. Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Scotland, St. Pius V Fairlawn: St. Hilary Redondo: St. Lawrence Martyr Evanston: St. Nicholas Mentor: St. John Vianney Redwood City: St. Matthias Inverness: Holy Family Montana University Heights: Church of Gesu Ross: St. Anselm Johnston City: St. Paul Billings: Holy Rosary, St. Pius X Westlake: St. Ladislas Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Morton Grove: St. Martha Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate San Carlos: St. Charles Oak Park: Ascension, St. Catherine of Nebraska Conception San Diego: Ascension, St. John the Sienna-St. Lucy, St. Giles Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart, Evangelist, St. Jude Shrine, Catholic Schaumburg: St. Marcelline St. John Parish (Creighton Oklahoma Community of UC San Diego University) Tulsa: St. Jerome San Dimas: Holy Name of Mary Indiana Nevada San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Dyer: St. Maria Goretti Oregon Las Vegas: Christ the King, Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas Beaverton: Spirit of Grace Guardian Angel Cathedral St. Dominic, St. Ignatius, St. Teresa of Portland: St. Andrew, St. Francis of As-

Avila Iowa sisi, St. Phillip Neri, Downtown New Hampshire San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, Coralville: St. Thomas More Chapel (St. Vincent de Paul), Merrimack: St. John Neumann San Luis Obispo: Mission San Luis Des Moines: Holy Trinity St.Ignatius Pelham: St. Patrick San Ramon: St. Joan of Arc

San Raphael: Church of San Raphael & Kentucky Pennsylvania New Jersey Mission San Raphael Arcangel Lexington: Historic St. Paul Church, Danville: St. Joseph Clifton: St. Philip the Apostle Santa Barbara: OL of Guadalupe St. Peter Claver Latrobe: St. Vincent Basilica Hoboken: Our Lady of Grace Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Keyport: St. Joseph Santa Monica: St. Monica Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of the Old St. Mary, St. John the Lawrenceville: St. Ann Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Assumption, St. William Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Stanford: Catholic Community at Stan- Wilkinsburg: St. James Assisi ford University Maplewood: St. Joseph South Pasadena: Holy Family Rhode Island Monmouth: Precious Blood Valinda: St. Martha Providence: St. Raymond Pompton Lakes: St. Mary Vernon: Holy Angels Catholic Church of Warwick: Sts. Rose & Clement River Edge: St. Peter the Apostle the Deaf Wickford: St. Bernard South Plainfield: Sacred Heart Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Tinton Falls: St. Anselm West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, Tennessee Turnersville: Sts. Peter and Paul St. Victor Memphis: St. Patrick, Cathedral of the

Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Immaculate Conception New Mexico Albuquerque: Holy Family, Colorado Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Arvada: Spirit of Christ Avon: St. Edward (Continued on page 5) Colorado Springs: Sacred Heart, Our Summer 2019 BONDINGS Page 5 LGBT-friendly Catholic Parishes & Communities (continued)

(Continued from page 4) Washington Milwaukee: St. Bernadette, Good Shep- England Seattle: Christ Our Hope, St. Benedict, herd, Prince of Peace, Trinity- Bristol: St. Nicholas of Tolentino Texas St. James Cathedral, St. Joseph, St. Guadalupe, Our Lady of Lourdes London: Church of the Immaculate Austin: Univ.of Texas Catholic Center Mary’s Wauwatosa: St. Pius X Conception (Mayfair) Colleyville: Good Shepherd Spokane: St. Aloysius Dallas: Holy Trinity Tacoma: St. Leo Outside the U.S. Ireland El Paso: All Saints Dublin: Orlagh in the City Houston: St. Anne, St. Teresa Wisconsin Canada Odessa: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Fond du Lac: Holy Family Montreal: Holy Cross, Saint-Pierre- Northern Ireland Plano: St. Elizbeth Ann Seton Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace Apôtre, Belfast: Clonard Monastery Parish Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Ottawa: St. Joseph Virginia Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Glen Allen: St. Michael the Archangel Mechanicsville: Church of the Redeemer INTENTIONAL EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITIES Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Sacred Heart Parish Arizona Community Roanoke: St. Gerard Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Living Water Inclusive Catholic Pittsburgh: Dignity//Pittsburgh Triangle: St. Francis Community Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas California Greenbelt: Greenbelt Catholic Virginia Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Community Arlington: NOVA Catholic Community Pleasanton San Diego: Mary Magdalene Catholic Michigan Washington Community Grand Rapids: Marywood Lacey: Holy Wisdom Inclusive San Francisco: Dignity/San Francisco Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholic Catholic Community

District of Columbia Minnesota Wisconsin Communitas, Dignity/Washington Minneapolis: Spirit of St. Stephen's Madison: Holy Wisdom Monastery Catholic Community Milwaukee: Mary of Magdala, Apostle Florida Ohio to the Apostles Tampa: Franciscan Center Dayton: Living Beatitudes Community Outside the U.S. Iowa Oregon Coralville: Full Circle Small Faith Portland: Journey and Koinonia Ireland Community Catholic Community Dublin: Orlagh in the City

Maryland Pennsylvania Korea Baltimore, Annapolis, Thurmont: Drexel Hill: St. Mary Magdalene Seoul: Alpha Omega Commuinity

LGBT-friendly Catholic Colleges and Universities Below is a list of known LGBT-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic institutions that have some type of LGBT student group, support group, ally group, 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 Univ. Dubuque: Loras College, Pittsburgh: Carlow University, California Clarke University New Hampshire Duquesne University Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur Universi- Manchester: St. Anselm College Radnor: Cabrini College ty Kentucky Nashua: Rivier College Reading: Alvernia University Goleta: St. Mark’s University Louisville: Spalding University, Scranton: Marywood University Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Universi- Bellarmine University New Jersey Villanova: Villanova University ty, Mount Saint Mary’s College Caldwell: Caldwell College Moraga: St. Mary’s College Louisiana Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Rhode Island Oakland: Holy Names University New Orleans: Loyola University Newark: Seton Hall School of Law Newport: Salve Regina University Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Providence: Providence College San Diego: University of San Diego Maryland New York San Francisco: University of San Baltimore: Notre Dame of Albany: College of Saint Rose Texas Francisco Maryland University, Brooklyn and Patchogue: Austin: Saint Edward’s University Santa Clara: Santa Clara University Loyola University of Maryland St. Joseph’s College San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Bronx: Fordham University, Word, Our Lady of the Lake Univ. Colorado Massachusetts Manhattan College Denver: Regis University Boston: Emmanuel College, Buffalo: Canisius College Vermont Chestnut Hill: Boston College Loudonville: Siena College Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Connecticut Chicopee: Elms College New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Fairfield: Fairfield University, Easton: Stonehill College Iona College Washington Sacred Heart University North Andover: Merrimack College Poughkeepsie: Marist College Lacey: St. Martin’s College New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Weston: Regis College Rochester: St. John Fisher College Seattle: Seattle University West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Worcester: Assumption College, St. Bonaventure: St. Bonaventure Univ. Spokane: Gonzaga University College of the Holy Cross Sparkill : St. Thomas Aquinas College District of Columbia Syracuse: LeMoyne College West Virginia Georgetown University, Trinity University Michigan Queens: St. John’s University Wheeling: Wheeling Jesuit University Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy, Florida Marygrove College Ohio Wisconsin Miami Gardens: St. Thomas University Grand Rapids: Aquinas College Cincinnati: Xavier University De Pere: St. Norbert College Miami Shores: Barry University Cleveland Heights: John Carroll Universi- Madison: Edgewood College Minnesota ty Milwaukee : Alverno College, Hawaii Collegeville: St. John’s University Dayton: University of Dayton Cardinal Stritch University, Honolulu: Chaminade University Duluth: College of St. Scholastica Pepper Pike: Ursuline College Marquette University Minneapolis: College of St. Catherine South Euclid: Notre Dame College Illinois St. Joseph: College of Saint Benedict Sylvania: Lourdes College Outside the U.S. Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Uni- St. Paul: St. Thomas University versity, St. Xavier University Winona: St. Mary’s University of Oregon Canada Joliet: University of St. Francis Minnesota Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Toronto: Regis College River Forest: Dominican University in Portland: University of Portland Illinois Missouri Romeoville: Lewis University Kansas City: Avila University, Pennsylvania Rockhurst University Cresson: Mount Aloysius College Indiana St. Louis: Fontbonne University, Maryville Dallas: Misericordia University Hammond: Calumet College University, St. Louis University Erie: Mercyhurst College Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, St. Greensburg: Seton Hill University Mary’s College, Univ. of Notre Dame Montana Immaculata: Immaculata University Helena: Carroll College Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 3 CAMPUS CHRONICLES: College President Backs Trans Student, and More Items By Robert Shine eficial dialogue about mutual respect” on experiences of being LGBTQ at the newspaper The Fordham Observer. Bondings 2.0 campus, “a drag show makes this more Washington, D.C. school. One student Www.NewWaysMinistry.org/blog difficult.” According to one student lead- addressed CUAllies’ ongoing efforts to Brief Items May 16, 2019 er, Hamen was responding to negative become an official student group so they Cambridge University student Elea- input from the university’s board, which can advertise on campus and use univer- nor Smith wrote a column on the chal- Some news items from college campuses the student described as “old and con- sity facilities. Attendees then gathered lenges of being Catholic and LGBTQ- around the U.S. and the globe: servative and probably don’t know” for small group discussions about what identified while attending that prestig- about drag or the LGBTQ community. could be done for CUAllies to better ious U.K. school, sharing her experienc- Jesuit College in Philippines The performance, which was to raise support LGBTQ and Ally students, hop- es both of “unimaginable relief” and Backs Transgender Students’ Request funds for the LGBTQ group Iowa Safe ing to advance an effort which has exist- deep loneliness. Fr. Roberto Exequiel N. Rivera S.J., ed for more than a Boston College’s School of Theolo- president of Ateneo de Naga University, decade, reported cam- gy and Ministry included two queer cou- located in Naga City in the Philippines, pus newspaper The ples in its social media campaign, responded to a trans student’s request to Tower. #LoveSTM, about people who had met wear graduation clothing consistent with their partner while studying at the her gender identity. The student, Roman Fordham University school. Giuseppe “Emma” F. Bueno, had a pro- Denies Gender- The Gender and Sexuality Alliance fessor question her gender identity, so Neutral Housing for of Creighton University, Omaha, Ne- she wrote a letter to Rivera requesting Students braska organized a Day of Silence as she be able to wear appropriate garb at At an April meet- part of the university’s numerous events the baccalaureate mass and commence- ing, Fordham Univer- and efforts to make LGBTQ students ment. In a handwritten note to Bueno, sity’s dean of students feel welcome. who is presently transitioning, the priest for the Lincoln Center, Loyola Marymount University’s wrote: “Emma, Pls. present this letter if New York City, cam- queer director of LGBT student services, your clothing is questioned. Congralua- Schools, was rescheduled off-campus for pus, Keith Eldredge, told student leaders Lauren Moreno, spoke to the student tions!” A tweet of this note posted by May 3rd. This incident comes just a that “the university is not ready for gen- newspaper about her work on the Los Bueno went viral, reported Coconuts month after Hamen was criticized der neutral housing for all students at Angeles campus and her own experienc- Manila. for promoting the gay-negative views of this time” but remained committed to es as someone using gender-neutral pro- Mount Mercy’s chaplain in her decision supporting transgender students. Student nouns now. Drag Fundraiser Canceled by to offer questionable Safe Zone train- organizers believe the university’s poli- University of Notre Dame stu- Mount Mercy University Officials ings. cies on housing are transphobic because dents celebrated the fourth-annual Ally Laurie Hamen, president of Mount students are assigned rooms according to Week, hosted by the Indiana campus’ Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Students at Catholic University their assigned sex rather than gender Gender Relations Center, to help not has canceled a drag performance fund- Keep Up Movement for Inclusion identity, which one leader described as only build awareness about the LGBTQ raiser to be hosted by the school’s stu- Students involved with CUAllies, an “absurdity.” Students have since ral- community but to empower allies. dent government and LGBTQ+ Alliance the LGBTQ group which officials of The lied for transgender rights, and some Events and efforts included Mass and Club. Little Village Mag reported that Catholic University of America continue changes like gender neutral restrooms on other faith-related programming.  Hamen emailed the community telling to deny recognition, were hosted by stu- campus and a new chosen name policy them that while she wanted “deeply ben- dent government to speak about their are being implemented, reported campus Mary McAleese Condemns Gay

By Jade Wislon in keeping with the dic- made by those who en- a responsibility to protect LGBT+ youth Gay Community News tates of the Catholic gage in homosexuality.” from the programme. Dublin, Ireland Church and, at the time The author of the book is The former president has previously April 8, 2019 of O’Brien’s reporting, an unlicensed psychother- condemned conversion therapy, saying had an advertisement in apist who had been ejected that it had done “untold damage” to men Mary McAleese, former president of the Catholic free- from the American Coun- she had met. “I follow the coffins of Ireland, has condemned a programme by sheet, Alive!, looking for selling Association for young men who have gone through these a Catholic group called Courage Interna- new members. “ethical reasons.” bogus ‘conversion therapies’ thanks to tional that tries to teach LGBT+ people Upon meeting with In the original article the church,” she said. to suppress their sexual or gender identi- one of the group leaders, for GCN, O’Brien wrote In February 2018, the organisers of ty. She described the group’s practices as O’Brien was given a “Courage accepts people the ‘Why Women Matter’ conference, “Machiavellian, dangerous and deliber- book called Coming Out indiscriminately into its which Mary McAleese was attending, ately specious”. Straight: Understanding ranks because of a concept moved the event outside of the Vatican Courage International believes in and Healing Homosexu- of homosexuality as some- due to Cardinal ’s objec- conversion therapy, a practice which al Wounds by Richard thing intrinsically wrong. tions to McAleese being an ally to the aims to make gay people turn straight. Cohen which featured Its organisers don’t take LGBT+ community. The group also believes that being statements and unfound- the time to consider any of Last year, Mr Michael Martin joined transgender is a “special psychological ed statistics such as Mary McAleese the myriad reasons why an McAleese in condemning conversion problem.” “Homosexuals are at individual might feel un- therapy. He told The Times that conver- In 2010, Gay Community News least 12 times more likely to molest chil- comfortable and unhappy with his or her sion therapy should be banned. He said: (GCN) journalist Cormac O’Brien dren than heterosexuals; homosexual sexual orientation.” O’Brien added that “I think conversion therapy is absurd, went undercover and attended one of the teachers are at least seven times more “Unhappiness, they said, was only rooted that sort of thing should not be allowed Courage “support groups” in South likely to molest a pupil; homosexual in acting on the homosexual impulse.” anywhere. That would be an affront to County Dublin. O’Brien reported on the teachers are estimated to have committed Ms. Mary McAleese recently said people’s human dignity. It would be damaging path it was providing for at least 25 percent of pupil molestation; that the work of Courage International is anathema to everything we stand for as a LGBT youth. The Courage group is dedi- 40 percent of molestation assaults were homophobic and that the government has political party.” cated to living chaste homosexual lives Couple creates a new scholarship for L.G.B.T. Catholics (Continued from page 1) The pair are both lifelong Catholics husband, both of whom are graduates of To that end, Mr. Bourke participates in which they have grown up and hope- and are not shy about discussing their Catholic schools, have experienced hom- in the unofficial L.G.B.T. alumni group fully love.” faith. ophobia in the church over the years. of the University of Notre Dame, where “Greg and I often say, ‘If we leave, In 2015, they were named Persons When the Boy Scouts of America he graduated with a masters degree in they win,’” he added. “We feel we can of the Year by the National Catholic lifted its ban on gay scout leaders in 1982. He and Mr. De Leon joined Jim change things by practicing the faith we Reporter; their two children attended 2015, Mr. Bourke reapplied to lead his Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the 2015 love and by helping others do the same.” Catholic schools, and the family volun- son’s troop, a position he previously held Supreme Court case that ruled in favor of Mr. Bourke and Mr. De Leon mar- teers at church together. In a 2015 inter- until he stepped down in 2012. But the same-sex marriage, for a talk at the uni- ried in Ontario in 2004, but their union view with The Huffington Post, the pas- Archdiocese of Louisville said that it versity’s law school on Mar. 27. was not recognized in their home state of tor of their church, the Rev. Scott Wim- would continue to ban openly gay men In November 2016, Mr. Bourke led Kentucky. In 2013, with same-sex mar- sett, said that Mr. Bourke and Mr. De from serving as leaders. a “Pilgrimage of Mercy” for about 80 riage already legal in several U.S. states, Leon are “loved and respected” at the Then in 2016, the archdiocese re- L.G.B.T. Catholics and their allies in they agreed to be part of a lawsuit parish, adding: “They’re just good peo- jected a proposed design for a tombstone New York. Most recently, he urged a against Kentucky, seeking in federal ple. And that’s kind of what it’s all the couple created for their side-by-side woman who reached out to him for ad- court the right to have their marriage about, isn’t it?” burial plots in a Catholic cemetery that vice to stay involved at her parish even recognized. Lisa Gunterman, who is also Catho- featured an inscription of wedding bands though she was upset about the firing of While a judge ruled in their favor in lic, has known Mr. Bourke and Mr. De and a drawing of the Supreme Court. Ms. King from her guidance counselor 2014, saying Kentucky must recognize Leon for decades through their mutual (Other grave markers at the Catholic post. marriages conducted in other jurisdic- work fighting for L.G.B.T. nondiscrimi- cemetery include images related to Mr. Bourke said that when it comes tions, that decision was later overturned nation protections in Louisville, a law sports, colleges and even horse racing, to L.G.B.T. Catholics, the situation has by an appeals court. A group of plaintiffs that passed 20 years ago. The director of The Courier-Journal reported.) improved over recent decades—progress that included Mr. Bourke and Mr. De the L.G.B.T. center at the University of Despite the occasional challenges, he hopes will be aided by the scholar- Leon appealed to the U.S. Supreme Louisville Belknap Campus called Mr. Mr. Bourke said he long ago chose to ship. Court, which in 2015 cleared the way for Bourke and Mr. De Leon “great role remain part of the church and he does “When I was younger, being same-sex marriage nationwide. (Mr. models for our students,” who, thanks to not plan to walk away anytime soon. L.G.B.T.Q. was something that was cer- Bourke said he felt “relief” when the the scholarship, will “know you don’t “If something is really important to tainly just not ever discussed,” he said. court ruled that states must recognize have to give up part of your identity just you, you really need to fight for it,” Mr. “There’s more of a discussion now and same-sex marriages because it meant that because of who you are. You can be Bourke said, adding that he and his hus- there are more places for L.G.B.T.Q. both he and Mr. De Leon could apply to L.G.B.T., and you can be Catholic.” band feel compelled to speak publicly people to find acceptance and to find be jointly recognized as the legal parents While Mr. Bourke prefers to focus about their lives in order “to change peo- homes in the church.”  of their two children.) on the positive, he said that he and his ple’s hearts and minds.” Summer 2019 BONDINGS Page 7 Mercy Nun Opens PA’s 1st LGBTQ-Friendly Homeless Residence for Young Adults

By Alfred Lubrano brick residence at Eighth and Thompson tions to homelessness." The Philadelphia Inquirer Streets that bears the Project HOME Mindful of inclusiveness of LGBTQ May 14, 2019 motto, “None of us are home until all of people experiencing homelessness, Scul- us are home.” lion said the opening of the residence James Allen came out as bisexual at The residence, which includes 30 represents a “magnificent celebration of 13, only to absorb so much abuse that he one-bedroom apartments for those 18 to the power of we.” considered taking his own life. 23 who have aged out of the foster care She added that LGBTQ people who Through the years, he vowed to him- system and/or are homeless, is named experience homelessness have “borne the self, “One day, I’m going to have my after Gloria Casarez, Philadelphia’s first brunt of vicious social stigma.” Give own place, where I feel safe and loved.” director of the Mayor’s Office of Lesbi- people a place to call home, Scullion On Tuesday, Allen, now 20, de- an, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Af- added, “and it will be a base for them to clared that he had finally found that fairs, appointed in 2008. She died of can- develop their gifts.” place. cer in 2014. The building received funding from “This is my domain,” he told about “Philadelphia is the place [where] the city as well as the Philadelphia Hous- 125 people gathered for the grand open- Gloria fought for all of us,” Amber ing Authority, U.S. Department of Hous- ing of the Gloria Casarez Residence in Hikes, current executive director of the ing and Urban Development, William North Philadelphia, the first LGBTQ- office, said at the grand opening. “This Penn Foundation, and Philadelphia Foun- friendly permanent housing for young building is a beautiful and desperately dation, and from private donors. adults in Pennsylvania. needed space.” Along with a home, residents are “I welcome you to my home.” It’s estimated that people who iden- provided with a combination of employ- The event was hosted by Project tify as LGBTQ make up about 40 percent Sister Mary Scullion, RSM ment, education, and health-care ser- HOME, the nonprofit that combats of all people experiencing homeless- vices, as well as life-skills education. homelessness in the city. Sister Mary ness in the nation, according to Project Residents are asked to pay 30 per- Scullion, its president and executive di- HOME figures. homeless services through the year, city cent of whatever income they have for rector, was the force behind the construc- Nearly 1,000 people live homeless figures show. rent.  tion, gathering $13 million in public and on Philadelphia’s streets, with an esti- Scullion said that Project HOME is private funding to create the four-story mated 5,000 living in shelters or using working to build “real and lasting solu- Activists examine church impact on LGBTQ rights movements around world by Peter Feuerherd spread the word that she is in a spirituality and community, despite author and psychotherapist who advocat- The National Catholic Reporter relationship, an act Warry described as strong opposition from the church and ed for LGBTQ rights in the church. Tu- June 28, 2019 threatening in a country where homosex- the wider Filipino culture. ason struck up an email friendship with uality is often vehemently opposed. She As a youth, he sought out the Neo- McNeill, who was forced out of the Jesuit New York — As this city readied and her partner have tried to keep their catechumenal Way, a Catholic group community in 1987 for his writings and for Gay Pride Weekend — this year orientation quiet from the three children with appeal to young spiritual seekers. lectures seen by Vatican superiors as marking the 50th anniversary of the they are raising. While with that group, Tuason faced a overly favorable to homosexuality. Stonewall riots that brought While difficulties for gay Cath- LGBTQ rights to public conscious- olics are front and center in Ugan- ness — Catholics gathered June 26 da and the Philippines, there is at Fordham University to explore reason for hope in Mexico, said how their church is facing LGBTQ Carlos Navarro, who helped create rights movements around the the Mexico Network of Rainbow world. Catholics. Catholic activists from Ugan- About half of Mexico's 32 da, Mexico and the Philippines states have legalized gay marriage, described the impact the church has and Navarro himself is married to on LGBTQ rights, such as a total Eduardo, his partner of 22 years. roadblock in Uganda, to signs of "We are moving along and will hope south of the U.S. border. eventually get to all 32 states," he The event "LGBTQ+ Catholic said. Activism: A Global Conversation" While the church has opposed was co-sponsored by the Fordham same-sex marriage, his group, said Department of Theology and the Argel Tuason, Carlos Navarro, Ssenfuka Joanita Warry Navarro, who once worked in Church of St. Francis Xavier, a Manhat- church media in Mexico City, is tan Jesuit parish. It was moderated by "It has to be all in the closet. When panel which he said tried to exorcise his "using the church's tools," including quot- Jamie Manson, NCR columnist and the child finds out, there is a backlash," homosexuality. ing Scripture, "to let the church know that books editor, and Craig Ford, a postdoc- she said. The goal, led by an Argentinian they are mistaken, they are wrong." toral theology teaching fellow at Ford- Ugandan bishops and priests regu- priest, was to "pray away my homosexu- Navarro said he became involved in ham. larly encourage discrimination against ality," Tuason said. The ritual included outreach to LGBTQ Catholics because he Ssenfuka Joanita Warry, executive LGBTQ people, both in homilies and in the priest intoning, "Do you believe that wanted to recreate the sense of spiritual director of Freedom and Roam Uganda, a public statements. But Warry feels it's the power of Christ can change you?" community he experienced with a youth group dedicated to fighting for LGBTQ important for her to keep going to Mass After a series of denials, Tuason group in his hometown of Puebla. The rights, said the situation in her country is as a witness that one can be a lesbian and responded yes, because, he said, "I got community he founded in Mexico City dire and the Catholic Church is not help- have a Catholic spiritual life. She said tired" of the insistent questioning. now has some 60 members, from all ing. her goal is to one day be a priest. He left that community and said he walks of life, including gays and "You don't want your child to know Br. Argel Tuason, the chair of the felt bereft, without a spiritual family. He straights, who meet twice a month. A you are gay in Uganda," she said, de- spirituality and faith development com- ran across a book written by Jesuit Fr. pastor invited the group to form a choir scribing her situation with a lesbian part- mittee of the Global Network of Rain- John McNeill in a bookstore, flipping for his parish. ner, raising three of her partner's chil- bow Catholics, is a Benedictine of through the pages before the store closed "There is no doubt that it is a gay dren. the Monastery Without Walls. He de- because he could not afford the purchase choir," he said. But the Mass itself is for Her partner's former husband has scribed his life as a quest for Catholic price. McNeil, who died in 2015, was an all people. That sense of inclusion is what Na- varro is trying to build in Mexico. He said other LGBTQ Catholic groups have a 2nd Vatican Document on Gender Expected more confrontational . But in the long-term, he said, inclusion is what will (Continued from page 3) years and I do not recognize the people I worldwide have pressed the need for change attitudes. decisions). He concludes by suggesting know from the harsh and dangerous de- more listening in response to the Vati- "The church is not the enemy," he that it is is possible to respect people scription of them in this document.'” can’s new document on gender. Cardinal said. "Heterosexuals are not the enemy." while not affirming their choices: Theologian Fr. Bryan Massingale Versaldi has acknowledged no LGBTQ He said the church will change not by “Either affirm everything relativisti- agreed that trans Catholics, in addition to people or their loved ones were directly papal decree but by the example of cally or recognize that respecting the theologians and other Catholics, would consulted before releasing this major LGBTQ people who are openly part of its dignity of persons can co-exist with re- be key to helping Church leaders “arrive text. Before the Vatican releases an actu- life. garding their choices as wrong and con- at a fuller understanding of human expe- al authoritative doctrinal text, these criti- In Uganda, the Philippines, and Mex- trary to individual and social flourish- rience” because, to this point, they have cisms and shortcomings prove how criti- ico, the growing presence of evangelicals, ing.” “had comparatively little time to absorb cal it will be to slow the process, listen to many financed from the United States, Many proponents of dialogue on and reflect upon the findings on the hu- and learn from LGBTQ people directly, poses a more aggressive threat to LGBTQ LGBTQ issues were more critical of the man sciences about the complexity of engage the latest scientific knowledge, rights than the Catholic Church, said the Vatican document. Sr. Luisa Derouen, gender and sexuality.” and proceed pastorally in the mode of panelists. They have become politically who has ministered with transgender Hilary Howes, director of Pope Francis. Yesterday’s post from involved, fighting legislation that would people for two decades, commented TransCatholic, was deeply critical of the canon lawyer Jennifer Haselberger re- outlaw discrimination. to America: document, saying: vealed that such a way forward on gen- All three panelists said that Pope “‘I can certainly agree with a por- “‘Here we have the hierarchy, a der identity is possible because the Vati- Francis, whose words of welcome to the tion of the title which calls for dialogue, male patriarchy really, essentially taking can has done so before. LGBTQ community have been highly and the opening paragraphs which stress this theory from the ’50s, one that’s been Male and Female He Created publicized, could do more in coming out the importance of listening. . .I found it debunked by now, and blaming every- Them has done tremendous damage al- against overt discrimination. quite jarring…that after those initial par- thing that’s wrong with Western civiliza- ready. The Vatican now has the moral "If only the pope spoke out against agraphs there was abundant evidence tion on it. . .[The document] smears not choice of causing even greater harm or discrimination they would listen," said that those writing this document had only transgender people, but gays and of charting a new, truly dialogical path Warry, who noted the strong influence certainly not engaged in open, reverent, anyone who is feminist, frankly.'” on gender and sexuality. Let us pray it the church has in Uganda, a country listening dialogue with transgender peo- Collectively, reactions from will be the latter.  where religious leaders are revered.  ple. . .I have accompanied them for 20 LGBTQ advocates and many Catholics Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 38, No. 3 Stonewall’s Jubilee: A Time for Joyous Prayer By Francis DeBernardo but Catholic LGBTQ people and allies enduring, it was the Spirit of God mov- quiet and pray in thanksgiving for all Bondings 2.0 continue their work, as much for LGBTQ ing in the church that inspired individu- who have gone before us and paved the Www.NewWaysMinistry.org/blog people as for the good of the entire als and groups to speak out in love and to way for where we are now. Pray that we June 28, 2019 Church. In working for LGBTQ equali- call our Church to welcome, affirm, and may have the courage to follow in their ty, Catholics help a community margin- work for justice for LGBT people. footsteps and act boldly in our present Today is the 50th anniversary of the alized by discrimination, but they also Catholics, and all people of faith, world situation. Pray that the future will Stonewall Rebellion when LGBT cus- help the Church live up to its best ideals can mark the Stonewall anniversary as a continue to unfold with greater liberation tomers of the Stonewall Inn gay bar in of justice, respect, equality, human digni- holy day because the resistance of a and freedom for LGBTQ people. New York City resisted arrest during a ty, as well as compassion, mercy, and small band of LGBT people on June Pray quietly, yes. But also take raid and began four days of very public love. 28th, 1969, inspired a generation of these prayers to church this week- demonstrations for equality in the streets Next week, Digni- of Greenwich Village. While there had tyUSA will be celebrating been a number of heroic demonstrations their 50th jubilee at a con- by brave LGBT advocates before this ference in Chicago. In the event, Stonewall was a catalyst moment, same city, immediately pre- kicking off a new era of Pride and a new ceding the Dignity event, willingness to be public about calling for the Global Network of an end to hate and discrimination, and to Rainbow Catho- promote civil rights and equal treatment lics (GNRC), a world-wide in law and society. coalition, will be holding its And church. Third Assembly, bringing The tremors that continued from the together Catholic LGBTQ earthquake that was Stonewall reverber- leaders from a diversity of ated through the Catholic Church as well. countries to support one In the U.S., and in many nations, Catho- another in the common lics were just beginning to put into prac- work for justice. GNRC and tice the teachings of the Second Vatican Dignity will be hosting a Council which had ended just a few joint event between the two years earlier. Among those teachings meetings: a forum on the was the call to engage with the contem- international state of Catho- porary issues of the day, to promote hu- lic LGBTQ issues, featuring man rights, and to work to protect justice theologians Miguel Diaz, and human dignity for all. The Catholic Mary Hunt, and Fr. Bryan LGBT organization, Dignity, began in Massingale. California in 1969, the result of a priest, In other areas, the Cath- Fr. Pat Nidorf, gathering lesbian and gay olic LGBTQ movement Catholics together for conversation. Two continues to grow. New years later, Sister Jeannine Gramick be- Ways Ministry continues gan meeting with lesbian and gay Catho- the initial vision and dream lics in Philadelphia and started providing of Sister Jeannine and Father Catholics marching in 1974 New York City Gay Pride Parade, five years after Stonewall. Car- ministerial experiences for them. Father Bob by providing infor- rying the “Respect for Human Rights” poster is New Ways Ministry’s Sister Jeannine Gramick, Robert Nugent would soon join her in the mation, perspectives, and in modified habit. At left, in clerical garb, is Father Declan Daly, a Sacred Heart priest. . work, and a few years later, the two spiritual resources through would found New Ways Ministry as an this blog, Bondings 2.0, as well as Catholics to begin speaking out and end. Wear a rainbow ribbon. Add a educational and advocacy ministry in the through in-person educational work- working to respect and protect the people spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving for church to help build bridges of dialogue, shops, retreats, and online resources for they had come to recognize, through the LGBTQ equality at the prayers of the reconciliation, and justice. In Catholic ministers and LGBTQ peo- power of the Spirit, as their sisters, broth- faithful (or call your parish now and 1976, Jesuit Father John McNeill pub- ple. New Ways Ministry’s list ers, siblings. The Spirit has not, and will make sure that one is formally includ- lished The Church and the Homosexu- of LGBTQ-Friendly Parishes and Faith not, be stopped, as long as Catholics con- ed). Tell others why you are so filled al, the first comprehensive critique of the Communities, as well its its list tinue to respond to Her call to work for with the Spirit this weekend. Tell them Catholic Church’s disapproval of the of LGBTQ-Friendly Catholic Colleges justice in any way, small or large. you are celebrating the continuing action sexual partnerships of lesbian and gay and Universities continue to grow each Beginning today and throughout of our gracious God who loves all, and people. Throughout the U.S. and around month, a testimony to the fact that the this weekend, there will be many joy- that we, as a Church, still need to contin- the globe, dozens of Catholics began seeds planted in the wake of Stonewall ously raucous celebrations of Stone- ue to reflect that love to others. other initiatives to do outreach to the continue to grow. wall’s jubilee, and it is good for our indi- It’s great to celebrate. But there’s LGBT community, a group too often The spread of all these ministries vidual spirits to share that happiness and still much work to be done. Let the forgotten or despised by Catholics. and initiative over the past five decades liberation with others in the streets of our Stonewall jubilee be a time when we Fifty years later, the work for justice is a result of both the spirit of Stonewall cities and towns. As Catholics, we need recommit ourselves to making our that blossomed from those early initia- and the Spirit of God. While Stonewall to bring our own traditions to this mo- church a place where all are truly wel- tives continues. There have been many showed the world the injustices and in- mentous milestone. In the midst of all come!  setbacks and successes along the way, dignities that LGBT people had been the events, take a few moments to be Modern LGBTQ movement and Catholic social teaching have plenty in common By Father Bryan Massingale persons of color—fueled a demand for ly gay man for the presidency. The community’s engagement with the pro- U.S. Catholic “gay liberation” and inspired more com- Stonewall events of June 1969 heralded found mystery of human sexuality. June 2019 prehensive struggles against social stig- a sea change in our understandings of These tensions were publicly mani- ma and for equal justice, recognition, sexuality and gender that are still contin- fested during last fall’s Synod on Youth. The Stonewall Inn of New York sits and acceptance. uing today. There the assembled bishops grappled in a quiet part of an often bustling city. Few could have predicted the far- This is why every June “Pride” with how to relate to young people who Its interior and exterior are rather nonde- reaching consequences of what unfolded marches occur nationally and interna- have come of age in societies of in- script. Other than a commemorative the night of June 28, 1969. For example, tionally, marking not only the pivotal creased sexual diversity and visibility. plaque in an adjoining small park, there I doubt that the participants in those events of the past but also celebrating the The Synod’s preparatory documents is nothing that marks its historical signif- demonstrations could have imagined that existence of gay, lesbian, trans, and used the acronym “LGBTQ” for the first icance. Yet events here 50 years ago are over the course of the next 50 years their queer lives. Such celebrations make visi- time in official church statements, yet regarded as the catalytic beginning of the activism would lead to gays and ble what was previously hidden. some bishops questioned that move, modern gay rights movement. Street serving openly in the military, the elec- LGBTQ Christians, including many wondering if it was the prelude to en- protests and demonstrations against po- tion of openly gay and lesbian political Catholics, participate in these Pride dorsing behaviors the church has regard- lice harassment—led by the more mar- leaders (most recently as the mayor of events. For Stonewall’s legacy of social ed as immoral. The Synod ended with a ginalized members of the gay communi- Chicago), the legalization of same-sex activism also impacts the faith communi- call for deeper study of human sexuality ty, including transgender persons and marriages, and the candidacy of an open- ty’s reflection upon homosexuality and in all its dimensions—a move that was relationships with LGBTQ per- greeted with both cautious optimism by sons in complex and complicat- some who hope for significant change ed ways. The increased social and uneasy wariness by others who fear visibility and acceptance of an erosion of traditional beliefs. same-sex relationships pose Perhaps Stonewall’s lasting legacy major challenges to every is the conviction that all people, regard- branch of Christianity. Ques- less of gender identity and sexual ex- tions over the baptism of chil- pression, are equally human and possess dren of same-sex parents, the fundamental human rights. This is a val- admission of openly gay men ue shared by Catholic social teaching as to the priesthood and religious its own bedrock conviction. This is why life, the employment of openly many Catholics publicly participate in gay and lesbian believers as Pride events and maintain membership school teachers or in positions in the church as their faith community of church ministry, the provi- wrestles with the implications of that sion of health care services to fundamental belief for its relationship transgender persons, and the with LGBTQ persons.  pastoral care of LGBTQ young people in our catechetical and Father Bryan Massingale is a pro- sacramental programs: all of fessor of theological and social ethics at these are flashpoints for unre- Fordham University, New York. The Stonewall Inn today solved tensions in the Catholic