B NDINGS Volume 27, No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Winter 2006-2007 Bishops approve guidelines on gays Same-sex attractions ‘disordered,’ shouldn’t be discussed publicly By Elizabeth A. Perry The Washington Blade November 17, 2006 from retired Auxiliary Bishop Joseph troubled some in the church. In summariz- has historically been referred to by the Sullivan of Brooklyn and Archbishop ing the guidelines for The Washington Post, United States bishops as homosexual “ori- The United States Conference of George Niederauer of San Francisco, who Serratelli said the church teaches that same- entation.” He said the Vatican has always Catholic Bishops this week overwhelmingly DeBernardo described as a “strong advocate sex attractions are considered “disordered” used “inclination.” approved its latest document on ministry of gay rights.” because they do not lead to procreation. He “It’s a word that therapists who believe to gays and lesbians, which maintains the “There were bishops who thought it was said homosexual “inclination” is not sin- in reparative therapy use,” said church’s long-standing a harmful docu- ful, but that same-gender sexual activity is DeBernardo. “Because it views homosexu- teaching that homo- ment,” he said. “They a sin, morally unacceptable and “[does] not ality only as an activity. If you have an in- sexual activity of any said it wouldn’t be lead to true human happiness.” clination, it’s a desire for an activity, but if kind is sinful. helpful and people “The document is certainly flawed right you have an orientation, it implies a direc- The bishops de- wouldn’t feel wel- from the title,” DeBernardo said. “Using the tion for relationship. In keeping with this creed that anyone min- come.” word ‘inclination’ rather than orientation inclination mode, the bishops are empha- istering to gay Catho- In a statement to shows the bishops do not have a good un- sizing the fact they view homosexuality lics must strictly adhere the Blade, Bishop derstanding of homosexuality.” only as an activity, not as a relational pos- to the teaching that Arthur J. Serratelli of He said the document’s use of the term sibility.” same-sex attractions Paterson, N.J., chair “inclination” represents a change from what Continued on page 7 are “disordered” and of the doctrine com- added that those with a mittee, said the pur- “homosexual inclina- pose of the guide- tion” not discuss it pub- lines is to “clarify the licly. whole truth of Long Island church pulls The vote passed church teaching in a Archbishop George Niederauer 194 to 37 with one ab- positive light.” He info on treating gays stention at a three-day meeting in Baltimore. also said it is important to keep in mind the The bishops engaged in a debate over document is designed for the bishops, so By Sophia Chang the draft document “Ministry to Persons they are able to evaluate their pastoral pro- Newsday with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines grams and programs of others engaged in Long Island, New York ter a parishioner called him seeking guid- for Pastoral Care,” written by the ministry to gays and lesbians. October 21, 2006 ance during a sexual identity crisis. The bishops’Committee on Doctrine. “Secondly, they challenge every person pamphlet, written by physicians with the Francis DeBernardo, director of the to a deeper understanding of the teaching The Curé of Ars church in Merrick has association, had been available to parishio- gay Catholic ministry group New Ways as a call to removed copies of a glossy green pamphlet ners for the past year and a half, Mangano said. Ministry, watched the debate unfold on holiness and called “Homosexuality & Hope” after re- closed-circuit television. DeBernardo is a thirdly, to call ceiving complaints about the brochure’s “The content of this pamphlet was in- former Catholic journalist. New Ways Min- forth people assertions that homosexuality was a disor- tended to offer direction to those who are istry exists to promote justice and theologi- to worship der preventable with psychotherapy. struggling with their sexual identity and cal dialogue between gays and the church. and to partici- Homosexuality is considered “intrin- those seeking guidance and conformity DeBernardo said of the 37 bishops pate in wor- sically disordered” in the Roman Catholic with the teaching of the church,” Mangano who rejected the guidelines, the majority ship in a wel- Church’s catechism. The pamphlet lists said. Mangano said he decided on Wednes- of them thought the document was not coming fash- possible causes of homosexuality in “at- day night to pull about 100 pamphlets from strong enough, though some opposed the ion,” he said. risk children,” including narcissism, alco- the church’s literature racks, with support language altogether. Some had reservations The 23- holic parents and poor body image. from the Diocese of Rockville Centre. about giving up autonomy with regard to page docu- It also says, “Current clinical therapy Mangano said he recently received two what goes on in their respective dioceses. ment was be shows that there is hope for prevention” and complaints about the brochure. “They are not infallible teachings,” he Bishop Joseph Sullivan gun in 2002 offers information on support groups and “It was a mixture of theory and Catho- said. “They are not rules or norms. Only a and released last month. The guidelines research. lic teaching,” said Sean Dolan, diocese bishop can determine the norms in a dio- state that according to church teaching, gays Critics said the pamphlet’s advice on spokesman. “And the theory in some places cese. Those 37 probably are not going to “must be accepted with respect, compas- therapy as a way to prevent homosexuality is dated.” follow them.” sion and sensitivity.” It also condemns “all is not scientifically proven. “I don’t think anyone knows what the Archbishop Peter Rosazza of Hartford, forms of violence, scorn and hatred, how- The Rev. Charles Mangano, the pastor causes of homosexuality are,” he added. Conn., proposed an amendment to the docu- ever subtle or overt.” of the church, said he had first ordered the Daniel Araoz, a human sexuality spe- ment to strike the word “disordered.” Use of the words “disordered” and “in- brochure from the Massachusetts-based cialist at Long Island University and former Some of the opposing votes came clination” to describe gay Catholics has Catholic Medical Association in 2005 af- Continued on page 2 Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 27, No. 2 B NDINGS Gay-Friendly Catholic Colleges Winter 2006-2007 Vol. 27, No. 2 Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic colleges Francis DeBernardo, Editor that have some type of gay and lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay and lesbian people, please let Board of Directors us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a club, support services, participation in gay community events, or Mary Byers simply the friendliness of faculty and staff. Frank O’Donnell, SM Rev. Paul Thomas Arizona Louisiana Buffalo: Canisius College Tempe: All Saints Catholic Newman Center New Orleans: Loyola University New New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Board of Advisors Orleans Iona College Mary Ann Coyle, SL California Poughkeepsie: Marist College Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur Maryland Riverdale: College of Mount Saint Patricia McDermott, RSM University Baltimore: College of Notre Dame of Vincent Barbara Regan, rc Goleta: St. Mark’s University Maryland, Loyola College of Maryland Rochester: Nazareth College of Rochester Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount Syracuse: LeMoyne College Staff University Massachusetts Tarrytown: Marymount College Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director Moraga: Saint Mary’s College Boston: Emmanuel College, Boston College Matthew Myers Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount Chestnut Hill: Boston College Ohio Mary Parker College Easton: Stonehill College Cincinnati: Xavier University, University Betty Scholten San Diego: University of San Diego North Andover: Merrimack College of Cincinnati San Francisco: University of San Weston: Regis College Columbus: Ohio State University Co-Founders Francisco Worcester: Assumption College, Holy Cross Dayton: University of Dayton Sister Jeannine Gramick Santa Clara: Santa Clara University College Father Robert Nugent Pennsylvania Colorado Michigan Erie: Mercyhurst College Bondings is a seasonal publication designed to keep Denver: Regis University Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, our subscribers informed of issues that pertain to LaSalle University, Saint Joseph’s lesbian and gay people and the Catholic Church. Connecticut Missouri University Fairfield: Fairfield University, Sacred St. Louis: Saint Louis University Villanova: Villanova University Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry is an educational Heart Univ.ersity and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Minnesota Rhode Island the Catholic gay and lesbian community and institu- West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Collegeville: Saint John’s University Newport: Salve Regina University tional structures in the Roman Catholic Church. Saint Joseph: College of Saint Benedict District of Columbia St. Paul: St Thomas Univeristy Texas New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate prevalent Georgetown University Winona: Saint Mary’s University of Minne Austin: Saint Edward’s University, myths and stereotypes about homosexuality and sota University of Texas supports civil rights for lesbian and gay persons in Florida San Antonio: University of the Incarnate society. Miami Gardens: Saint Thomas University Montana Word Miami Shores: Barry University Helena: Carroll College For more information, contact: Vermont New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th St., Illinois Nebraska Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Mt. Rainier, MD 20712 Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Omaha: Creighton University (301) 277-5674 University, Saint Xavier College Washington E-mail: [email protected] New Hampshire Lacey: Saint Martin’s College Web: www.newwaysministry.org Indiana Nashua: Rivier College Seattle: Seattle University Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, Saint Spokane: Gonzaga University Mary’s College, University of Notre Dame New Jersey South Orange: Seton Hall Wisconsin Iowa De Pere: Saint Norbert College Dubuque: Loras College New York Madison: Edgewood College Albany: College of Saint Rose Milwaukee: Alverno College, Cardinal TO SUBSCRIBE... Kentucky Bronx: Fordham University, Manhattan Stritch University, Marquette University COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM BELOW Louisville: Spalding University College

Please add my name to your mailing list. Enclosed is: ___ $15.00 in the U.S. continued from page 1 ___ $20.00 outside the U.S. ___ I would like to receive Bondings, but cannot Long Island church pulls info on treating gays donate at this time. ___ An extra contribution for those unable to donate Jesuit priest, blasted the pamphlet’s claims as psychologi- ters, whoever they may be,” said Nicole Soleto of the Catho- Name ______cally unsubstantiated. lic church reform group Call to Action, based in Chicago. Address ______“This is a very biased type of propaganda, and it will According to the pamphlet “Homosexuality & Hope,” City ______State/Province ______Zip______only create more guilt and confusion in people who are those with same-sex attraction may have one or more of Home Phone______homosexual,” he said. these in their histories: Work Phone______Araoz said he believes people are born homosexual. “In males, a weak masculine identity and loneliness E-mail______The controversy mirrors the larger debate over the resulting from a lack of male peer acceptance due to an church’s grappling with homosexuality, an issue that the inability to play team sports requiring eye-hand coordina- Please make check payable to “New Ways Ministry.” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is expected tion, such as baseball, soccer and basketball.” Outside the U.S., please use only checks drawn on a U.S. to revisit during its conference next month. “In females, a father who deserted the family or who bank in U.S. dollars; no postal money orders. “In the Bible, Jesus never mentions homosexuality. was angry, critical, distant, selfish or alcoholic; a mother Mail to: New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th Street, Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. What Jesus does mention is love and the need to reach out who was emotionally distant, critical or domineering ...” XXX to the marginalized, to reach out to our brothers and sis- Winter 2006-2007 BONDINGS Page 3 Welcome gay Catholics, speakers urge By John L. Allen Jr. National Catholic Reporter Mugavero, known as “the bishop of char- “In our community,” Loftus said, “no- desire “to live the Gospel of Christ faith- October 6, 2006 ity,” stood in contrast to the experience of body is really queer … or maybe everybody fully and without compromise.” the New York archdiocese, where he said is a little queer.” Fr. Bernard Turner of the Albany, N.Y., Urging Catholics who minister to ho- annual debates over the St. Patrick’s Day Fr. Jim Schexnayder, cofounder of the diocese, who serves as the association’s mosexuals to regard themselves as part of Parade and other issues have generated an National Association of Catholic Diocesan president, said it had not been particularly the ecclesial mainstream, on a par with adversarial relationship between the church Lesbian and Gay Ministries, told NCR that hard-hit by the November 2005 Vatican church-run charities or educational ser- and the gay community. Jesuit Fr. J.A. the last five years have seen slow and un- document banning the admission of men vices, retired Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Loftus, director of the Jesuit Urban Center even growth in the number of diocesan and with “deep-seated homosexual tendencies” Sullivan of Brooklyn said that gays, lesbi- in Boston and a psychologist in private prac- parish-based ministries aimed at homo- to Catholic seminaries. ans, bisexuals and transgendered persons tice, argued that Paul’s message to early sexual Catholics. He said that more than 50 “Some individuals may have said, ‘This “have to be brought into full participation Christians pivoted on the definitive rejec- dioceses were represented at the confer- is the last straw,’ ” Turner said. “There’s also in the life of the church.” tion of “purity codes,” a point he said with ence, although he acknowledged that a a concern about the morale of gay priests, Sullivan spoke to a conference of the special meaning for homosexual Catholics. handful of dioceses have recently closed many of whom feel their ministry has been National Association of Catholic Diocesan “No one has the power to call you un- offices for gays and lesbians. discredited by that document.” Lesbian and Gay Ministries, which met at clean from the outside,” Loftus said. “There The Brooklyn diocese was not offi- Schexnayder said he was unaware of St. Francis College in Brooklyn Sept. 21- are no purity codes in our community, how- cially a cosponsor of the conference, but any programming or ministry to gay Catho- 24. Offices for ministry to gay Catholics ever carefully couched in medieval philo- Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio sent a letter lics closing down in the wake of the docu- in 14 dioceses, along with 25-30 parishes, sophical language. welcoming participants, and affirming their ment. XXX were represented at the event. In his keynote address, Sullivan called the tendency by some church leaders to Book Review avoid homosexual Catholics “unkind,” ar- guing that “for a bishop to be an effective Just Love: A Framework for Christian Sexual Ethics teacher, he must be in the mix. He must be like Jesus — with the people.” By Margaret A. Farley volving human sexuality and reflects upon fulness, she states that objections to gay/ The heart of Sullivan’s argument was Continuum, 336 pp., $29.95 them in light of her proposed framework. lesbian relationships as non-procreative that the “ecclesiology of communion,” pro- Reviewed by Rev. Paul K. Thomas These are indeed the contexts for just love, “represent either a failure of imagination moted by Pope John Paul II, calls Catholi- for justice in loving: Marriage and Family, or a narrowness of experience” (p. 290). cism not to deny its teaching on homosexu- Margaret Farley, a Sister of Mercy and Same-Sex Relationships, and Divorce and Similarly, she submits some very logical ality, but to adopt a pastoral style toward professor of Christian ethics at Yale Divin- Remarriage. observations with regard to the religious gays and lesbians that is “accepting, wel- ity School, has authored or edited five pre- Farley includes the LGBT community contention that homosexual unions will coming, encouraging, one that does not re- vious books, including Feminist Ethics and from the first page of her reflections. In weaken heterosexual marriage: “It is diffi- ject, define and exclude, but that enables the Catholic Moral Tradition. Her latest cult to make sense of this reasoning, espe- and encourages participation.” and long-awaited book Just Love is a cially since the churches do not mount cam- Sullivan, 76, is former executive di- thoughtful reexamination of “justice in lov- paigns against laws” recognizing “the argu- rector of Catholic Charities as well as vice ing” within the sexual sphere, including les- ably greater threat of divorce” and because president of its board of trustees, and bian/gay relationships. Subtitled A Frame- “the possibility of gay marriage” might “ac- former chair of the Social Development and work for Christian Sexual Ethics, the new tually reinforce the value of commitment” World Peace Department of the U.S. bish- work offers a fundamental but updated set for everyone (pp. 293-4). ops. In the latter capacity, Sullivan was in- of ethical principles, based on well-articu- In her section on Same-Sex Relation- volved with the bishops’ efforts in the lated norms of justice. ships, the author revisits four decisive 1980s to produce major teaching docu- After presenting helpful introductory sources for Christian ethical insight and ments on the economy and on war and material, Farley meticulously scrutinizes moral discernment, namely, Scripture, tra- peace. historical perspectives and cross-cultural dition, secular disciplines (such as biology Sullivan cited those pastoral letters as differences with regard to sexual ethics. She and psychology), and contemporary expe- examples of teaching rooted in dialogue next explores current meanings of human riences of human sexuality. She writes that, with people’s concerns. sexuality and provides several further pre- “given the arguable inconclusiveness” of Referring to church documents on liminary considerations, such as methods the first three regarding homosexuality, homosexuality that have generated contro- and sources, but especially discussing the “concrete experience becomes a determin- versy, Sullivan said sometimes the problem relation of justice to sex and love. ing source on this issue” (p. 287; cf. pp. 277, is one of language. “Often people object The author then carefully proposes her Margaret Farley, RSM 280, 285-6). She immediately adds that not to the content of doctrine, but to the own central framework of seven ethical “we do have clear and profound fact that it’s not sensitively articulated,” he norms for contemporary Christian sexual expounding her specific framework for testimonies…from women and men of said. “They find difficulty with the language, morality. After extensive and insightful sexual morality, she clearly indicates that integrity…to the intrinsic goodness of which might be appropriate in a classroom explications of each bottom-line require- the justice ethic for homosexual relation- same-sex loves…in sustaining human well- but not in the public forum. ment, she inserts a clear diagram of all the ships is the same as for heterosexual ones being…” (pp. 287-8). “That’s something we have to learn as sometimes overlapping norms (p. 231) (pp. 272, 288). Farley’s book can be recommended for bishops,” Sullivan said, conceding that “of- which can be listed briefly as follows: No The professor therefore rightly criti- scholar and novice alike. The work is emi- ten we’re not skilled communicators.” harm, Free consent, Mutuality, Equality, cizes Vatican inconsistency in “relativizing” nently readable, despite the profundity of Sullivan referred to a pastoral letter on Commitment, Fruitfulness, and Social jus- procreative obligations for heterosexual its subject matter. It is extensively docu- homosexuality by former Bishop Francis tice, the latter entailing respect from the persons – for example in allowing contra- mented, with clarifying and often lengthy Mugavero of Brooklyn in the 1970s, which wider community as to rights and protec- ceptive rhythm – but then “absolutizing” footnotes, which the average person may called for “a special degree of pastoral un- tion. them in every conceivable instance for ho- simply ignore. A bibliography has not been derstanding and care” for gays and lesbi- In her concluding chapter the ethicist mosexual individuals (p. 279). In fact, con- provided, but nearly 300 works are cited in ans. Sullivan argued that the approach of looks at three patterns of relationship in- cerning her aforementioned norm of Fruit- the explanatory notes. XXX Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 27, No. 2 Gay theology pioneer trusts

By Robert J. McClory His life has taken a winding, somewhat mysti- potato one day. When McNeill tried to return a ges- National Catholic Reporter times assisting McNeill as he stands up, getting books fying path since he was growing up in Buffalo, N.Y. ture of thanks, the man merely made the sign of the November 11, 2005 and documents from another room when requested, providing an elusive name or date when needed. He was the youngest of five siblings — four broth- cross. In his autobiography, Both Feet Firmly When The Church and Homosexuality was “Charlie,” says McNeill, “what year did we move ers and a sister — of first-generation Irish parents. Planted in Midair, McNeill wrote, “Here was a published in November 1976, its author, Jesuit Fr. down here?” His only clear memory of his mother was the day man willing to risk his life to feed me, a stranger, and John J. McNeill, became an instant celebrity. A front- “September 2001,” says Chiarelli, “right after she was taken to the hospital where she would soon he found that courage and his freedom from fear in page story in The New York Times told about the 9/11, remember?” die. He was 4 years old, and he remembers hearing his religious faith. I date my vocation to the priest- Jesuit theologian who had openly challenged the McNeill is eager to share his latest views on her say, “What’s going to happen to my babies?” hood from that moment. My constant prayer from Catholic church on one of its most closely held doc- the church, theology and the state of the gay rights The wake was held in the family home on Christmas then on was that God would grant me the courage trines. A few days later McNeill was on NBC’s “To- movement. Once he starts, it’s hard to stop him. in 1929. McNeill says he mistook the looks of sym- to never be ruled by fear.” day Show,” where he was interviewed by a nervous “I’m really excited about what is going on,” he says. pathy from relatives and friends as accusations, as After being liberated by allied forces and dis- and uncomfortable Tom Brokaw (his first day as To explain this, he cites Jesus’ statement at the Last though he were somehow responsible for his charged from the service, he attended Canisius Col- host). Stories quickly followed in Newsweek, TIME Supper: “It is much bet- lege in Buffalo, N.Y., and entered the Jesuit novi- and newspapers around the country, and McNeill ter for you that I go. If I tiate in 1948. He believed religious life would re- was a guest on “The Phil Donahue Show.” During fail to go, the Paraclete solve his problems and questions. As a philosophy the next year as the McNeill book tour hit some 20 will never come to you, student, he found in Maurice Blondel a 19th-cen- cities, the priest was portrayed in the press as a radi- whereas if I go, I will send tury pre-existentialist, a kindred spirit. Blondel, who cal innovator, and the infant Catholic gay rights move- him to you … and he will had his own run-ins with the church, fastened on a ment embraced him as a credible voice and leader. guide you into all truth.” text from St. John’s Gospel: “One who does the Now, almost 29 years later, the buzz associ- “As I see it,” says truth comes to the light.” He taught that “doing” may ated with McNeill has still not entirely dissipated. At McNeill, “the whole tra- be a more important way of knowing than intellec- the national convention of DignityUSA in Philadel- jectory of the church is tual exploration — that freely chosen action can unite phia last July, McNeill got two standing ovations be- toward the era of the the human spirit with the divine spirit; thus one who fore he even said a word. One panelist choked with Spirit, when each will loves knows God because God is love. Blondel’s emotion as he told of coming by accident on The know the truth in his heart approach became the subject of McNeill’s thesis, Church and Homosexuality in the library of the and there will be no need his first published book, and it would become the college where he was a student. Profoundly wor- for extrinsic authority.” basis for much of his own doing and thinking later in ried about his own orientation, he read the book He is fascinated life. hidden inside another, lest fellow students would see. with the teaching of Ordained in 1959, he quickly discovered that “Fr. McNeill,” he said, “you saved my life!” Joachim of Fiora, a 12th- the grace of the priesthood did not stem his sexual Indeed, life-saving is a fairly common topic century visionary who drive, and while continuing his studies in Europe, he when gay Catholics discuss McNeill’s influence. spoke of three periods in began acting out his homosexual fantasies. “I Kevin Heffernan, a leader of the Gay and Lesbian Christian history: the era searched out sexual encounters,” he says, “and be- Alumni/ae of the University of Notre Dame and St. of the Father, that is, the came completely demoralized.” One day in Paris Mary’s College, said, “This guy saved my life, made period of the Old Test- John McNeill and Charles Chiarelli on the banks of the Seine, he found himself ready to me realize I can be OK as a gay man and still have ament; the era of the Son, jump into the river and end it all but said he was faith. His book made so much sense to me when I during which the institutional church was develop- mother’s death. For many years after he would re- caught short by a sudden “deep trust,” a sense that was in the seminary figuring out who I really was.” ing; and the coming era of the Holy Spirit. “I think late to God in fear, as the one who punished him by God was hearing his prayer, “that he would remain In early October, Heffernan’s alumni group pre- we’re moving into that era,” he said, and he sees the taking away his mother. His father, a construction close to me, that he would somehow bring good out sented McNeill with its Thomas A. Dooley Award gay community as the vanguard. “By being rejected worker on Erie Canal projects, soon married his of this.” His bouts with self-hatred, shame and guilt at a ceremony in Chicago. by church leadership, gays and lesbians have had to wife’s sister, Katie, though they agreed to live as would continue for years as he taught at LeMoyne “He stands as a pillar of gay theology,” said ask God directly if they can live authentic Christian brother and sister, in keeping with an old Irish tradi- College in New York. Jim Bussen, a former national president of lives, and they are getting [positive] answers. tion, says McNeill. His father, he says grew more Then on New Year’s Eve 1965 he met Charles DignityUSA. “He was the groundbreaker, the first They’ve come to see church teaching on homosexu- distant in time, and his stepmother seemed always Chiarelli in a New York bar. The two have been to give gay folks a legitimate theological voice. Ev- ality as destroying their self-image, so they’ve had angry. together as lovers and partners ever since, even erything that has happened since was built on him.” to take direct access to God, based on prayer, spiri- As he got older, McNeill struggled with sexual though McNeill continued functioning as a Jesuit Like an elderly couple tuality and freedom of conscience.” fantasies and questions about his own sexual orien- priest for the next 23 years. Today McNeill says He is 80 years old now and not as active as he But isn’t direct access the Protestant approach, tation, all of which made him even more fearful of there are some things he is sorry about in his life, but once was. McNeill and his partner of nearly 40 years, and doesn’t this era of the Spirit he’s advocating the God preached at school and in Sunday sermons. not his alliance with Chiarelli, nor the deception that Charles Chiarelli, live in a trailer park in Hollywood, mean the end of Catholicism? “Not at all,” says In 1942, he enlisted in the Army in what he describes the breaking of his vows involved. “I prayed about Fla. Truth be told, it is the AAA of trailer parks — McNeill. “This is where we see the shrewdness of as a government-sponsored hoax to nab 17-year- this relationship for a long time,” he said, “and I fi- nicely built, individually-styled “manufactured the Holy Spirit. Members of Dignity and other gay olds like himself with promises of a “specialized edu- nally got assurance that I had God’s approval. If an homes,” many with carports and screened porches, Catholics are not leaving the church. They’re stay- cation program.” action is in accordance with the divine will, I believe spread out along winding streets. A series of small ing. They value the church, the Mass, the sacra- On the frontlines you will know peace and joy in pursuing it. If some- strokes and a touch of diabetes have slowed him ments. There will of course be leaders, priests and His education turned out to be on the frontlines thing is not in accordance with the divine will, you down; he walks with a cane and his memory for bishops in the new church. The people will appoint of battle in 1944 near the French city of Metz, where will experience desolation and unhappiness.” Peace names and dates isn’t as sharp as it once was. But them, and the one duty of leaders will be to listen. he and his companions were captured by the Ger- and joy, he explained, are all he has known in his 40 his jaw is as square as ever and his eyes are clear. You know, it’s already happening all over the world.” man army. Thus began five months of horror as a years with Chiarelli. Seated in the living room of their home, McNeill and He sees the priest shortage as one more example of prisoner of war, which saw him nearly die of starva- However, he acknowledges that the decision Chiarelli seem like any elderly couple, at ease and “God’s shrewdness,” because laity are beginning to tion and abuse. But a single incident during that time came with a price. After he admitted his own homo- comfortable in their life together. Chiarelli, 70, a re- name their own leaders, empowering them to do changed his life, he said. A European slave laborer, sexual orientation in the Brokaw interview (though tired electrical engineer, is the junior partner, some- what must be done to preserve the faith. observing McNeill’s failing condition, threw him a he denied he was sexually active at the time), his Winter 2006-2007 BONDINGS Page 5 ‘God’s shrewdness’

relationship with his three brothers, all now de- general, Fr. Pedro Arrupe, ordered McNeill not to Catholic.” found a publisher. “I’ve been told it’s too Catholic ceased, remained strained; only his sister, a publish anything in the popular press and not to ad- A little more than a year after publication, the and too scholarly,” he says. Franciscan nun, offered him prayers and support until dress gay groups until further notice. A Jesuit com- Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, in a let- McNeill is hopeful, almost buoyant about the her own death. The Jesuit order has essentially ex- mission, including Jesuit Frs. Avery Dulles and Ri- ter to Arrupe, ordered the imprimi potest removed future. He sees gay marriage as “a new paradigm” iled him, he said, not acknowledging him as a former chard McCormack, among others, studied the from future editions. McNeill was ordered hence- that will in time rescue straight marriages from their member of the order or inviting him to occasional manuscript and sent their findings to Arrupe. Said forth “not to speak on homosexuality and sexual eth- present dysfunctional status in modern society. “God gatherings for those who left or were forced to leave. McNeill, “I was given to understand that although ics.” created male and female as equals,” he notes, “but “I’m sure it’s because of all those years when I was the commission didn’t necessarily agree with all my He was gravely disappointed but not crushed. Western culture has been based on the superiority under a vow of celibacy and seen as living as a hypo- conclusions, they did find it a serious and scholarly He decided the silencing order could be interpreted of the male, the inferiority of the woman, and there- crite,” he said. work worthy of publication.” that he could talk on homosexuality as long as he fore a fundamental inequality in the relationship.” The Ironically, those were the years of intense ac- Arrupe asked to review a copy for his own did not touch sexual ethics and vice versa. He oper- male is expected to suppress his female qualities and tivity when McNeill, teaching for a time at the Jesu- personal judgment. After further delay, including an- ated for the next eight years on what some col- talents, and the female is expected to suppress her its’ Woodstock Seminary, began an in-depth study other Jesuit expert review, Arrupe transferred final leagues, he said, called this “Machiavellian ap- male qualities, he explains, inevitably leading to an- of homosexuality, especially what psychologists, psy- authorization to publish to the New York Jesuit pro- proach.” ger, a disruption of sexual intimacy and often a chiatrists and sociologists were saying about it. He vincial, provided McNeill made some clarifications While waiting for a decision on the book, breakup of the union. Gay unions, on the other hand, noted how frequently some experts cited the anger in the work. McNeill had earned a degree in psychotherapy from are based on the full equality of the couple, says and shame gays and lesbians directed at themselves Then in early January 1976 the Congregation the Institutes of Religion and Health in New York. McNeill, leaving the partners free to express their and how often their relationships with others proved for the Doctrine of the Faith issued “A Declaration Soon after, he began teaching at the school, devel- male and female sides. The example of stable gay unsatisfying and transitory. Could it be, he wondered, on Certain Questions Concerning Sexual Ethics.” oped his own professional practice, cofounded the unions, he predicts, will have a salutary effect on all that the shame and anger stemmed from the ho- In the document, the Vatican noted for the first time New York Dignity chapter and gave regular retreats marriages, gay and heterosexual. mophobic messages these people were receiving a distinction between “heterosexuals who indulge in to gays and lesbians. In the 1980s he also worked He sees legislative efforts to ban gay marriages from church and society? Might it not also be that, homosexual acts and others who share in a perma- in a ministry to homeless AIDS patients in Harlem as a “last gasp” of an outmoded system. Nor does besides the troubled gays who were seeking out pro- nent homosexual condition.” It labeled such a per- with Franciscan Fr. Mychal Judge, the New York he fear that the priest abuse scandal will raise a de- fessional help, there existed a whole subculture of manent condition “pathological,” adding there could fire chaplain who died at the World Trade Center termined outcry against gays. “Who knows if abu- well-adjusted gays about whom the social scientists never be a pastoral justification of gay activity. on Sept. 11, 2001. sive priests are gay or heterosexual?” he says. knew little because they had no need of therapy? McNeill feared his efforts had bottomed out, In 1986, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, prefect of “Abusers are “self-hating, disturbed people” who He also investigated what scripture scholars, church but just 13 days after the Vatican declaration, his the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, is- don’t seek out healthy relationships; they abuse historians and moral theologians had written about provincial granted his book sued a document on the whoever is available. And if the pope issues a letter the subject, and he discovered a great divide be- an imprimi potest, that is, pastoral care of gays. banning gays from entering seminaries, McNeill is tween traditional assumptions and what modern ex- official permission to pub- “As I see it,” says The document called convinced he will accelerate “the era of the Holy perts were saying. He came to think the foundations lish. the gay orientation itself Spirit,” in which clergy and laity will more and more of church and society’s opposition to homosexual McNeill says he McNeill,“the whole “an objective disorder” look directly to God for answers and dismiss op- love were not only outmoded but had been wrong wanted the book to read and signaled a new pressive, extrinsic authority. “Just another sign of from the beginning. “like a legal brief,” and it trajectory of the church Vatican crackdown on God’s shrewdness,” he explains. In the spirit of Blondel, he combined action with does — except it’s a lot theologians who pub- Despite age and infirmity, McNeill is not ready research and began to counsel gay and lesbian cli- easier to read. It is tight, is toward the era of the licly taught otherwise. to fully retire. He is on the road at least twice a ents and became involved in the early organizing of consistent, devoid of rheto- Meanwhile, the Jesuit month giving talks, attending conferences, receiving the Catholic Dignity movement. In 1970 he pub- ric, accusation or anger. Spirit, when each will general, Peter Hans awards. Chiarelli accompanies him. “I sort of see lished three articles titled, “The Christian Male Ho- Citing a wide range of au- know the truth in his Kolvenbach, came to myself as Sancho these days,” says Chiarelli, who mosexual” in the conservative Homiletic and Pas- thorities both for and New York and met for has himself survived bypass heart surgery but is more toral Review. They urged change in the traditional against his positions, heart and there will be two hours with mobile than his partner. counseling approach with gays, questioned whether McNeill lays out his case: McNeill, explaining that If there is anyone in the wings to replace conversion to heterosexuality was practical or even “Given 1) the uncertainty of no need for extrinsic his public ministry was McNeill when the time comes, that person could be possible, and suggested that, under certain circum- clear scriptural prohibition, incompatible with the Daniel Helminiak, a 62-year-old psychotherapist stances, homosexual relations could be acceptable 2) the questionable basis of authority.” Jesuit mission and, if he and professor of psychology at the University of West as a lesser evil than promiscuity. the traditional condemna- persisted in it, he would Georgia. Helminiak, author of What the Bible Re- Hundreds of calls and letters tion in moral philosophy and moral theology, 3) the be expelled from the order. ally Says About Sexuality, is convinced the old bib- McNeill was astonished at the hundreds of calls emergence of new data, which upset many tradi- Seeing the handwriting on the wall, McNeill lical, theological, and psychological disputes have and letters of support he received. Within Catholic tional assumptions, and 4) controversies among psy- announced he could not in conscience abandon what now been resolved in favor of gay and lesbian rela- circles the series represented an apparently welcome chologists and psychiatrists concerning theory, eti- he had begun. More than a year later, his dismissal tionships; he calls the evidence “incontrovertible.” break in the barrier of absolute condemnation. Over ology and treatment … there obviously is a need to became official as the New York provincial, in the The next step, he said, it “political,” that is, getting the next three years more questions and criticism of open up anew the question of the moral standing of presence of two witnesses, read to McNeill (in En- the Vatican to change its stance. He suspects this church teaching appeared in publications like The homosexual activity and homosexual relationships glish and Latin) the document of expulsion. He was will be a long struggle. Meanwhile, he is concerned Thomist, Commonweal and the Catholic World for public debate.” not laicized, however, so he considers himself still a about helping gays “live with a profound spiritual- and in a book by Fr. Charles Curran, Catholic Moral According to Charles Curran, “Of all those priest and “a Jesuit in exile.” ity,” and he thinks Catholicism, “with its tradition of Theology in Dialogue. By 1972 McNeill had his theologians who have written on the subject since, As it turned out, his departure from the order grace building on nature” may be better equipped own book manuscript ready, and after his speech at McNeill through this book is most identified with an broadened his ministry beyond the Catholic church, to do this than those strains of Protestantism that the first national convention of Dignity ran in NCR, acceptance of the moral goodness of homosexual and he has since written two books dealing with the are obsessed with the depravity of human nature. he got an offer from Sheed & Ward to publish The acts within committed relationships. His thinking has psychology and spirituality of anyone who is gay and Helminiak says McNeill’s legacy is assured. Church and the Homosexual. come to be shared by many Catholic moral theolo- Christian: Taking a Chance on God and Freedom, “He broke the dam,”he says, and the Catholic ap- At that point the magisterium seemed to be- gians. Among gay persons themselves, his effect is Glorious Freedom, in addition to his autobiogra- proach to sexuality has been forever changed. XXX come aware of where all this was going. The Jesuit to say you can be who you are and still be a Roman phy. He has another manuscript but so far has not Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 27, No. 2 International News Catholic leaders clash over anti-gay stance of ‘rogue bishop’

By Eddie Barnes Scottish Parliament remain constructive Scotland on Sunday couples to adopt. pressing fury at both Devine and his spokes- and cordial.” October 29, 2006 The new laws mean that homosexual man Gerry O’Brien. men and women who have entered a civil Aides to Cardinal O’Brien and Conti It added: “While differences exist be- partnership can now adopt as a couple. Pre- have privately voiced tween Scotland’s The leaders of the Catholic Church in viously, they were only allowed to adopt on increasing concern Catholic bishops and Scotland have descended into an extraordi- their own. over the tone of the Scottish Executive nary public spat over claims by a “rogue Devine claimed that John Deighan, the Devine’s public pro- on a number of policy bishop” that they do not speak out enough Church’s liaison officer at Holyrood, and nouncements in re- areas it is the intention against homosexuality. his fellow Catholic leaders had been effec- cent months. He de- of the Bishops’ Con- In an unprecedented move, the tively bought off by the Scottish Executive scribed the Labour- ference to maintain a Church’s two most senior clerics, Cardinal on the matter. “They feared there would be led Scottish Execu- position of construc- Keith O’Brien and Archbishop Mario Conti, a serious risk of the Executive reneging on tive as “moral van- tive engagement with have moved publicly to rebuff a third its intimation to exempt the two Scottish dals” and “politically Scotland’s political bishop, Joseph Devine of Motherwell, af- Catholic adoption agencies from the re- correct zealots”, institutions at every ter he claimed the Church was embarking quirements of the Adoption bill, should the prompting com- level.” on “a policy of appeasement.” Church put the Executive on the rack in the plaints from Labour One senior Devine wrote in a letter last week that media,” he said. “But I was not prepared to MSPs that he and Church source added: he condemned the actions of a senior be part of this policy of appeasement.” Gerry O’Brien, a “This is probably the Church aide who, he claimed, had failed to The letter triggered open turmoil in the former Tory spin first time the Scottish express opposition to plans to allow gay Church last week, with Church leaders ex- doctor, have been hierarchy has contra mounting a politically Cardinal Keith O’Brien dicted a bishop. His motivated campaign. fellow bishops are Cardinal O’Brien and Conti have kept concerned about the spate of press releases Mexico City Recognizing Gay their silence up until this week, but coming from the Diocese. We are dealing Devine’s new letter appears to have snapped with a rogue bishop and a rogue press of- Civil Unions their patience. They and Bishop Ian Murray ficer.” of Argyll and the Isles issued a public state- The row leaves the Church facing a Associated Press ment, backing Deighan and effectively cut- split at its highest ranks and the potential November 17, 2006 ting off Devine. for a damaging stand-off. As a bishop, Legislation recognizing gay civil City legislature passed the law last It is thought to represent the first time Devine is entitled to act as he sees fit within unions in the Mexican capital was published week and it was signed on Monday by that the Church’s bishops have ever openly his Diocese, with his fellow bishops en- in the official gazette on Thursday, making Mexico City Mayor Alejandro Encinas. fallen out. The “Bishops’ Conference” - tirely powerless to depose him. it the first such law in the history of the However it will not take effect for 120 which heads the Church in Scotland - is usu- Last year he declared that being openly conservative, predominantly Roman Catho- days. ally renowned for its unanimity. gay would not be “compatible” with being a lic country. At least one conservative non-govern- The statement declares: “Mr John teacher in a Catholic school. The law does not legalize gay marriage mental group said it was considering seek- Deighan enjoys the full support of the Gerry O’Brien, spokesman for 69- but allows same-sex couples living in ing a court injunction against the measure. [Bishops’] Conference to whom he contin- year-old Devine who has been Bishop of Mexico City to register civil unions with The measure has been severely criti- ues to provide an informed and valuable Motherwell for 26 years, last night refused authorities, granting them inheritance rights cized by the Catholic Church and conser- service. This work, together with the efforts to comment on whether he had changed his and other benefits typically given to vative groups in the country, which is 90 of individual bishops, has ensured that re- view on the matter. Deighan also declined spouses. percent Catholic. The Mexican Council of lations with the Scottish Executive and the to comment on the row. XXX Bishops has said the law is the first step toward legalizing gay marriage and adop- tion by gays. The conservative National Gay rights activists protest pope’s Parents Union called it ‘’aberrant.’’ Gay couples While homosexuality is still taboo in many rural parts of Latin America, the visit to Germany allowed to register region’s urban areas are becoming more Washington Blade Reuters tolerant. Mexico City joins the Argentine September 15, 2006 December 7, 2006 capital of Buenos Aires and the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul in le- Gay activists quietly protested against to the fire,” said Ulrike Gehrig, pointing to Padua became the first Italian city galizing same-sex civil unions. Bavarian-born Pope Benedict XVI’s anti- the violence many gays still face in many to allow unmarried heterosexual At the national level, lawmakers in gay policies on Sept. 8, the day before his countries around the world, including east- couples and homosexual couples to Costa Rica and Colombia have debated, but arrival in Germany for a six-day visit. A ern Europe, the German news agency re- register formally as families, provok- not passed, similar measures. dozen gay rights activists held signs that ported. On the same day, Benedict repeated ing the wrath of the Vatican and the po- The Mexico City assembly passed the read “For tolerance,” “Against discrimina- from the Vatican his opposition to gay mar- litical right. While the decision did not measure by a vote of 43-17, with all the tion” and “We want acceptance, not empa- riage and abortion in a toughly worded ad- authorize legal marriage for the no-votes coming from the conservative Na- thy,” the Deutsche-Welle news agency re- dress to visiting bishops from Canada. “In couples, the Vatican newspaper tional Action Party of President Vicente ported. Before becoming pope, then Car- the name of ‘tolerance’ your country has L’Osservatore Romano condemned the Fox and President-elect Felipe Calderon. dinal Joseph Ratzinger called gay marriage had to endure the folly of the redefinition move and branded its supporters “hypo- The party is known for its opposition to the “legalization of evil,” a statement that of spouse, and in the name of ‘freedom of crites.” XXX abortion and support for traditional fami- especially outraged many of the protesters. choice’ it is confronted with the daily de- lies. XXX “I think it’s irresponsible that he adds fuel struction of unborn children,” the pope said.XXX Winter 2006-2007 BONDINGS Page 7 continued from page 1 Bishops approve Gay-Friendly Parishes guidelines on gays Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic parishes and faith communities. According to the guidelines, gay Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of such a parish that is Catholics who are living celibate lives are known as welcoming to lesbian and gay Catholics as members and active parishioners, free to take active roles in their faith com- please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality munities so long as their behavior does not group, mission statement, participation in gay community events, involvement with par- violate church teaching. Those who minis- ents, or simply the friendliness of pastoral staff. ter to gays may not advocate positions or belong to groups that conflict with church teaching. The document also reaffirms the church’s rejection of gay adoptions, civil Highlands Ranch: Pax Christi unions and same-sex marriages. The one Alabama Montgomery: St. Bede Littleton: St. Francis Cabrini North Carolina concession is that children of same-sex Newton: Our Lady Help of Charlotte: St. Peter couples are not to be refused baptism in Arizona Connecticut Christians Durham: Immaculate Conception the hope they will be raised Catholic. Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony Sharon: Our Lady of Sorrows Fayetteville: St. Patrick Mesa: Christ the King Worcester: Holy Cross College Stephen McDonnell is a gay Catholic Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi District of Columbia and president of the board of directors for Center Michigan Tuscon: St. Cyril of Alexandria, SS. Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, St. Ohio Dignity/Washington, the local chapter of Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Our Matthew Cathedral Detroit: St. Leo Akron: St. Bernard the national organization for gay, lesbian, Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics Cleveland: Ascension of Our Lord, bisexual and transgender Catholics. He was Florida St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola St. Malachi, St. Martha raised Catholic, entered the seminary when California Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, St. Mentor: St. John Vianney Minnesota University Heights: Church of the he was 14 and ordained a diocesan priest in Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Maurice Burney: St Francis of Assisi Melbourne: Ascension Parish Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, St. Gesu 1989. Carlesbad: St. Patrick Naples: St. John the Evangelist Joan of Arc, St. Stephen Westlake: St. Ladislas He said he left the priesthood because Claremont: Our Lady of the St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate he was not able to integrate his sexual ori- Assumption Winter Haven: St. Matthew Missouri Conception entation with his vocation. He became a so- El Cajon: St. Luke Kansas City: Cathedral of the Escondido: St. Timothy Oregon cial worker and specializes in addiction and Georgia Immaculate Conception, Guardian Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Portland: Journey and Koinonia trauma counseling and lives with his part- Angels, St. Francis Xavier, St. James LaPuente: St. Martha Conception St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Catholic Community, St. Andrew, ner of three years. Lemon Grove: St. John of the Scotland, St. Pius V St. Phillip Neri, St. Vincent dePaul McDonnell still Cross Illinois Long Beach: St. Matthew Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Pennsylvania considers himself a Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Nebraska Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Old priest and celebrates Christ the King, Mother of Good Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart St. Clement, St. Gertrude, St. St. Mary, St. John the Evangelist, Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Mass for Dignity Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, St. Vincent dePaul USC Medical Center (Spanish), Nevada groups in Washington St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas York: St. Joseph St. Paul the Apostle Las Vegas: Christ the King, Guardian the Apostle and Virginia. North Hollywood: Blessed Angel Cathedral Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Rhode Island He said despite Sacrament, St. Jane Frances de Evanston: St. Nicholas Providence: St. Francis Chapel Chantal, St. Patrick the negative recep- Morton Grove: St. Martha New Hampshire Wickford: St. Bernard Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes tion the guidelines Oak Park: Ascension, St. Merrimack: St. John Neumann Oceanside: St. Thomas More Catherine of Sienna-St. Lucy Pelham: St. Patrick have received, there Stephen McDonnell Orange: Holy Family Cathedral, Tennessee Schaumburg: St. Marcelline is a glimmer of hope Koinoia New Jersey Memphis: Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception because after years of silence the church Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Clifton: St. Brendan San Carlos: St. Charles Indiana is reaching out to gays and lesbians. Evansville: St. Mary Lawrenceville: St. Ann San Diego: Ascension, Christ the Trenton Falls: St. Anselm Texas “From the late 1980s onward there has King, San Rafael, St. Jude Shrine Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas Colleyville: Good Shepherd been this shunning and silencing of gay and San Francisco: Most Holy New Mexico Dallas: Holy Trinity lesbian people,” he said. “Dignity chapters Redeemer, Old St. Mary’s Iowa Albuquerque: Holy Family Plano: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton were shut down by order of the bishops Cathedral, St. Agnes, St. Dominic Iowa City: St. Thomas More San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, St. Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus starting with New York and continuing Martin of Tours (Emmaus Kentucky Virginia Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace throughout the country. In the last 15 years Community) Louisville: Epiphany, Cathedral of New York Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred we’ve been treated to silence.” San Luis Obispo: Old Mission of the Assumption, St. William Baldwinsville: St. Augustine San Luis Obispo Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Heart, Sacred Heart Parish McDonnell added that the guidelines Roanoke: St. Gerard San Rafael: Church of San Rafael Maine Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, St. are indicative of the bishops’ refusal to en- & Mission San Rafael Archangel Boniface Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Portland: Sacred Heart-St. gage with gays and lesbians in the pews. Santa Clara: GALA Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Dominic Santa Cruz: Holy Cross East Islip: St. Mary Washington “This document comes out of philo- Saco: Most Holy Trinity sophical precepts that do not match our ex- Santa Monica: St. Monica Elmira: St. Mary Seattle: St. Benedict Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Fairport: Church of the Assumption Tacoma: St. Leo perience,” he said. “It is medieval theology Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney Maryland Henrietta: Good Shepherd that is not based on people’s experience or West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, St. Baltimore: Corpus Christi, St. Long Island: Sacred Heart West Virginia Francis of Assisi, St. Matthew, what we know to be true in the mental health Victor Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus, St. Shepherdstown: St. Agnes St. Philip and James, St. Vincent profession.” Whittier: St. Mary of the Francis Xavier, St. Paul the Apostle Assumption dePaul Melville: St. Elizabeth DeBernardo said the guidelines are not Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Merrick: Sacred Heart Wisconsin Madison: St. Benedict Center the final word on the issue. He said although Colorado Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, St. Hagerstown: St. Ann Sunday Assembly there was discussion at the meeting about Arvada: Spirit of Christ John the Evangelist (Humboldt St.), Severn: St. Bernadette Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd whether or not sexually active gay Catho- Boulder: St. Thomas Aquinas St. Mary, St. Monica Syracuse: St. Andrew the Apostle Milwaukee: Prince of Peace, Trinity- lics should receive Communion, it was in- Colorado Springs: Our Lady of Guadalupe Guadalupe Massachusetts Utica: St. Francis DeSales formal discussion and was not put to any Boston: Jesuit Urban Center, Wantaugh: St. Frances de Chantal Denver: Cathedral of the Canada kind of vote. He encouraged gay and les- Immaculate Conception, St. Paulist Center, St. Anthony’s Westbury: St. Brigid Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes bian Catholics to “keep showing up and shar- Dominic Shrine ing the faith journey.” XXX Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 27, No. 2 School dips into delicate dogma Students at Jesuit High are spearheading a campaign on tolerance that stretches to gays By Amy Hsuan The Oregonian ers,” said senior Maddy Bennett, student body tent. At Southridge, administrators canceled and the show is staged in April. Since her son’s death, November 26, 2006 president. “We’re not in line with those rigid ste- later revived the play’s production, drawing a Judy Shepard has become an outspoken activist Gentle reminders of faith and religion touch reotypes.” volatile visit from a Kansas group known for for hate-crime legislation. students across Jesuit High School’s campus. This year, a wide range of personal and pro- their opposition to the play. “As educators, we can’t let opportunities Each classroom holds a palm-sized crucifix. A fessional backgrounds drew nine new Board of “We kind of knew what we were getting slip by,” Hall said. “If we’re going to do ‘The cross towers high from the school’s auditorium. Trustees members to the helm. For the first time into,” Kloser said. “But we realized how much Laramie Project,’ we’re going to do ‘The Yet, amid the Catholic traditions at this pri- in the school’s 50 years, the diversity director it would serve the community and the school.” Laramie Project.’ We’re going to open up that vate Beaverton high school, a new openness went full time. Jesuit High’s minority student count Jesuit administrators have invited Matthew discussion.” XXX spurs discussion about a once-quiet matter. climbed to an all-time high along with its number Shepard’s mother to speak to students when Students this year are on a mission to spread of non-Catholic students and staff. a message of tolerance, a mantra of Jesuit edu- The shifts are an effort to mirror the outside cators. They’re launching “Crusade for Respect,” community, Gladstone said, though there’s room a campuswide initiative they hope will open doors for improvement. Catholic school fires gay guard for students of different backgrounds. “We’re not a perfect place,” he said. “(The And, by bringing gays into the conversa- Crusade for Respect) is a milestone for us in Church teaching cited; petition seeks an apology tion, school leaders are taking a bold step in teaching how important it is to embrace racial By Lori Higgins stretching long-held Catholic beliefs. As part of and ethnic differences, gender identities, even Detroit Free Press the yearlong program, school leaders plan to stage different learning styles.” October 19, 2006 “The Laramie Project” next spring, a controver- Not everyone is on the same page when it sial play about the murder of a gay college stu- comes to the topic of homosexuality, Gladstone A gay-rights advocacy organization is de- which addresses the relationship, she was fired. dent. said. But, students and staff overwhelmingly agree nouncing the firing of a campus safety officer at Genther said Sister Lenore Pochelski, the “We’ve been guilty of stifling conversations the school should be a haven as young people Marian High School, saying she was dismissed school’s president, gave her the news Friday, two in the past,” school President John Gladstone form their identities. because she publicized that she’s a lesbian. hours after a local newspaper reporter interviewed said. “But we want students to say, ‘It’s OK to “In some ways, it’s safer here than other “It’s a horrible lesson to the young women her about the book. She said Pochelski said she talk about it. It’s OK to be different, no matter places,” said Beth Fagan, a senior drama club at that school,” said Jeffrey Montgomery, execu- wouldn’t have gotten fired if she hadn’t gone what your sexual identity or socioeconomic back- leader. “We’re not afraid to look at things differ- tive director of the Triangle Foundation in De- public with the book. ground is. You don’t have to hide who you are.’” ently.” troit. “She was very clear,” Genther said. “She The push for greater dialogue comes as the School leaders hope the Crusade for Re- The officer, Charlene Genther, 55, was in said it was because my lifestyle does not coin- nation’s Roman Catholic leaders reaffirm poli- spect will foster understanding of a changing her sixth year at the Catholic, college-prepara- cide with the teachings of the Catholic Church. I cies on gay outreach, discouraging homosexuals world. The program is the brainchild of a handful tory school for girls. A former Detroit police of- personally felt she was having a hard time firing from making “general public self-disclosures” of students who wanted to replicate intense class- ficer, she has a daughter who graduated from the me. within their churches. The U.S. Conference of room debates on a campuswide level. “But she was firm that she had to go along Catholic Bishops recently adopted new guide- “We’ve all heard racial and homophobic with the teachings of the Catholic Church.” lines, attempting to support gay members while remarks in the hallways,” said senior Salam Pochelski confirmed that Genther was ter- upholding bans on same-sex marriage. Tessema, who leads the school’s Unity Council minated, but said she would not comment on her Across the country, Catholic schools and and teamed up with Fagan, Bennett and other termination out of respect for personnel and con- universities have struggled to balance religious student leaders to propose the campaign. “Intol- fidentiality issues. values with educational ones. Education increas- erance comes from people not talking to each “She was a great employee,” Pochelski ingly trumps tradition in a changing society, said other.” said. “We’re grateful for her generous service.” the Rev. John Whitney, provincial superior of Two weeks ago, Jesuit’s 1,150 students The Rev. Harry Cook, pastor of St. Jesuits of the Northwest. broadened their horizons to Africa with a visit Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Clawson, said “It’s the difference between teaching and from Peter Kimeu, a Catholic Relief Services di- Genther, a friend and a parishioner, was an asset preaching,” Whitney said. “They’re not opposed rector from Kenya. Kimeu brought a face to the to the school. to each other; it’s just a different context. There’s AIDS epidemic on the continent, where 6,300 “People are in an uproar,” Cook said. a whole need for diversity in our population and people die each day. And Genther is devastated. She said she to face these issues without fear, and that’s what “Try to think of each of those millions of left the school in tears Friday. Jesuit High is trying to do.” numbers with a name,” he said. “Think about “My heart was breaking. That school has At Jesuit, school and student leaders wel- Africa as a country of people with names.” been my life for the six years I’ve been there. To come a discourse some public schools have shied After the presentation, students formed be around these positive, energetic young women groups of 16 with representatives in each grade. from. School leaders say their support for “The Charlene Genther who are going to make a difference in that world. Laramie Project” reflects Catholic teachings of Their assignment throughout the discussion: form “I never needed an alarm clock to wake love and tolerance. The play, they say, is less an action plan to reach out to those in Africa. Bloomfield Township school in 2001. up. I didn’t call it work.” about homosexuality than about understanding The drama department also has grabbed the Her firing has prompted Marian alumnae to Montgomery said Genther’s firing illustrates differences. opportunity to seize teachable moments. In the action. A petition at www.petitionspot.com/peti- the lack of protections against discrimination that “We want kids to be familiar with the world fall, the department staged “Bat Boy” and plans tions/genther that seeks an apology for Genther gays have in Michigan. they’re going into,” Gladstone said. “We really “Beauty and the Beast” for March. Both feature and the gay and lesbian community had gathered “In Michigan it is not against the law to dis- expect kids to be risk takers while staying within characters who feel ostracized because of their 136 signatures by Wednesday. criminate against gay people. You can be fired if the Catholic Church. We are not saying kids who physical appearances. Genther said Wednesday that she has been you’re gay. You can be refused public accom- are homosexual or heterosexual should act on it. But drama teachers Jeff Hall and Elaine in a committed relationship for 28 years and that modations. There is no protection against dis- But kids should accept what different people Kloser chose a decidedly more contentious script it was no surprise to anyone at the school that crimination.” bring to society.” with their third play. “The Laramie Project” tells she is a lesbian. She and her partner often at- Genther said she doesn’t expect to get her Over the past year, Jesuit High School stu- the true story of the 1998 murder of Matthew tended school events, chaperoned dances and job back, but the firing saddens her. dents and administrators have flexed the mold of Shepard in Laramie, Wyo. went to parent-teacher conferences. “I wish the Catholic Church would follow a tradition-bound Catholic school. The play, staged at Beaverton’s Southridge But last week, when she began publicizing the doctrine of Jesus Christ, who said there are “There’s a public perception out there that High School last year, has been banned at some her autobiography, “Badge 3483: A True Story,” no outcasts in the kingdom of heaven.” XXX Catholic schools are all knee-high socks and blaz- schools for its harsh language and sensitive con-