BONDINGS Volume 28, No. 3 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Summer/Fall 2008 Cardinal Newman is set to become Britain’s newest saint First he must be exhumed from the grave he shares with another man - the greatest love of his life

By Geoffrey Wansell only be disinterred, but opened so that ‘rel- with all my heart, to be buried in Father logia Pro Vita Sua - which contains a defence – United Kingdom ics’ from Newman’s body, which may be Ambrose St John’s grave... I give this as my of Newman’s sensitive view of ‘masculinity’. August 29, 2008 bones from his fingers or fragments of cloth last, my imperative will.’ Cardinal Newman pictured in his study from his priestly , may be taken in And for the past 118 years, that is ex- chapel at the Birmingham Oratory in 1889 The precise time and details are still a order to distribute and display in other Catho- actly how it has been, with the two men’s The softly spoken Newman was also at- closely guarded secret, but the plans are al- lic churches. But that’s not what’s provoking bodies sharing the one simple grave. Now, tacked by other 19th century contemporaries ready well under way. At some stage - possi- such outrage. though, if the Roman gets for a ‘lack of virility’ and a ‘feminine nature’, bly before the end of the No, what offends its way, the two men will be separated for and in 1933 author Geoffrey Faber portrayed year - a small party of many campaigners is eternity in what some protesters have claimed him as a homosexual - ‘with feminine char- priests, gravediggers and that this process of ex- is an act that amounts to blatant homophobic acteristics’. officials from the Vatican humation will take place persecution. Newman had several friendships with will arrive at the small contrary to the explicit On Sunday, Peter Tatchell, the gay rights women, but none of them could be regarded cemetery at Rednal, near wishes of Newman him- campaigner, waded into the debate, claiming: as close. And there is no real evidence that Birmingham, to conduct self, whose dying wish ‘The Vatican’s decision to move Cardinal he ever consummated a heterosexual union - their sombre business. was to be buried in the Newman’s body from quite the reverse. There they will simple grave at Rednal its resting place is an act From the age of 15 make their way to a head- - alongside the body of of grave robbery and re- he was convinced it was stone bearing the Latin his lifelong friend, Fa- ligious desecration. the will of God that he inscription ‘Ex umbris et ther Ambrose St John. ‘It violates should lead a single life. imaginibus in veritatem’ For more than three Newman’s repeated While he was an under- - ‘out of shadows and decades, the two men wish to be buried for graduate, and later a phantasms into the truth’, were inseparable - liv- eternity with his life- priest in Oxford, he which marks the resting ing almost as a married long partner Ambrose St taught that celibacy, for place of the Venerable couple - in what many John. It’s a shameful, the priesthood, was ‘a John Henry Cardinal now believe to have dishonourable betrayal high state of life, to Newman, the revered been a homosexual re- of Cardinal Newman by which the multitude of Catholic priest, thinker lationship. the gay-hating Catholic men cannot aspire’. and writer, who died in Just how close the Church.’ Few deny, however, 1890. And then they will John Henry Newman two men were can be His argument has that his deepest emo- start digging. judged from Newman’s been bolstered by a re- tional relationships were For in a decision that has provoked con- statement shortly after Father St John’s death cent poll in the Church with young men who be- troversy in the Catholic church and beyond, in 1875. Times newspaper, came his disciples, in- Cardinal Newman is due to be exhumed and He declared: ‘I have always thought no which found that 80 per cluding the flamboyant his body moved to a far grander sarcophagus cent of respondents Richard Hurrell Froude, bereavement was equal to that of a husband’s Ambrose St. John inside Birmingham Oratory as part of the fi- or a wife’s, but I feel it difficult to believe were opposed to Newman’s who died in 1836, and nal preparations before the London-born that anyone’s sorrow can be greater than exhumation. Ambrose St John, who priest is beatified by Pope Benedict - a pro- mine.’ But the Catholic church is insistent the lived with Newman from 1843 until his death. cess that will set him on course to become Subsequently, the Cardinal repeated on move is part of the standard process in prepa- What undoubtedly made matters more the first English saint for more than four de- no fewer than three occasions his firm desire ration for beatification, and has nothing to awkward for Newman was that the other most cades. to be buried with his friend. do with Newman’s private life. significant 19th century English churchman, By any reckoning, it will be a somewhat He wrote the following just weeks be- They accuse the gay rights lobby of hi- Cardinal Henry Edward Manning, embodied macabre process. The coffin itself will not fore his death in the summer of 1890. ‘I wish, jacking the debate to suit their own agenda. the very antithesis of Newman’s character and Austen Ivereigh, former adviser to Cardinal outlook. Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, head of the Although Manning was similarly a con- Catholic Church in England and Wales, told vert from Anglicanism, who ascended to the BBC’s Radio 4 Sunday programme at the heights of the Catholic Church’s hierarchy, weekend: ‘I don’t think anyone disputes that he delighted in the outdoors and championed Cardinal Newman loved Ambrose St John... the working man. But it is simply wrong to read back from There were certainly no doubts over his today’s categories into the Victorian periods sexuality - Manning became a priest after his when these very intense, passionate, but to- wife’s death, quite unlike the bookish tally celibate relationships among the Anglo- Newman who remained forever cloistered in Catholic community were very common.’ an all-male world. But the very act of exhumation - and the Ultimately, the precise nature of removal of Newman’s body from his friend’s Newman’s close relationship with St John is side - will add fuel to the controversy over impossible to prove one way or the other, the role of homosexuality in both the Angli- though many see the inscription above their can and Roman Catholic Church. shared resting place - ‘out of shadows and So what is the truth about Newman? Was phantasms into the truth’ - as a posthumous he gay, or were his close friendships with male ‘coming out’. colleagues simply deep friendships of an in- In an ideal world, of course, it shouldn’t nocent nature distorted through the prism of matter either way. The controversy should not time? be allowed to diminish Newman’s great con- Born in London in 1801, the son of a tribution to the Catholic Church in this coun- baker, Newman was ordained into the Angli- try. can Church in 1823, but converted to Catholi- British Christians of all denominations cism in 1844 and went on to found the first should be proud that he is set to be beatified. Gay Rights Pioneer Visits New Ways Ministry English Oratory in Birmingham, as well as By December this year, Pope Benedict XVI - establishing what is now known as Univer- a keen supporter of Newman’s work and be- Frank Kameny, one of the pioneers of the gay rights movement in the US, stopped sity College, Dublin. liefs - is expected to confirm that a miracle by New Ways Ministry for lunch this past summer, and posed at the front door with Subsequently, he became a figurehead can be attributed to Newman. staff members Francis DeBernardo and Matthew Myers. for all Catholic converts everywhere and was This represents the first formal step to- In 1957, Dr. Kameny, who lives in Washington, DC, was dismissed from his fed- made a Cardinal in 1879. wards his beatification, and will mean that eral government position as an astronomer when it was disclosed that he was gay. He Even in his own lifetime, though, he will be called the ‘Blessed’ John Henry began the Mattachine Society of Washington, and in 1965, he and his supporters pick- Newman’s sexuality attracted controversy. Newman. eted in front of the White House in first public protest against U.S. government em- The novelist and historian Charles Kingsley The miracle in question involves the fate ployment discrimination The Smithsonian Institution has included his picket sign from launched a famous attack on him in 1864, that event in their standing civil rights exhibit. which provoked Newman to write his Apo- NEWMAN continued on page 5 Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 28, No. 3 Catherine Pinkerton to offer prayer B NDINGS at Democratic National Convention Summer/Fall 2008 Vol. 28, No. 3

Francis DeBernardo, Editor By Sabrina Eaton Plain Dealer – Cleveland, Ohio Board of Directors August 19, 2008 Mary Byers Frank O’Donnell, SM An 86-year-old nun from Cleveland who works for a who has really been an inspiration to women everywhere,” Rev. Paul Thomas Catholic anti-poverty lobbying group has been selected to said spokesman Tom Reynolds. deliver the closing prayers one night during the Democratic “For decades, she has been a national leader and a cham- Board of Advisors National Convention. Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX pion for working families,” Reynolds said. “Catholics across Anna Koop, SL “I think you have a different perspective when you’ve Ohio should be proud to have one of their own taking center Elizabeth Linehan, RSM lived some history,” says Catherine Pinkerton, a member of stage at this historic event.” Patricia McDermott, RSM the Cleveland- Rev. Joseph Muth based religious Barbara Regan, rc order Congrega- tion of St. Joseph The text of Sr. Catherine’s prayer at the DNC: Staff who once served Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director as principal of the Matthew Myers, Associate Staff “After this glorious evening with all its blessings of West Side sec- promise, let us raise our hearts and minds in prayer: Co-Founders ondary school it Sister Jeannine Gramick founded, St. Jo- O God of wisdom, truth and love, Father Robert Nugent seph Academy. Let us tonight first acknowledge Pinkerton that we are already a nation abundantly blessed; Bondings is a seasonal publication designed to keep says that she has our subscribers informed of issues that pertain to We are the beneficiaries of Founders, never been an ac- people of wisdom and vision, lesbian and gay people and the Catholic Church. tivist for either Who fashioned this government on the principles and political party but Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry is an educa- unquestionable truths drawn from our faith traditions; tional and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation that she admires Barack Obama’s That all people are created equal, irrespective of race, between the Catholic gay and lesbian community and Sr. Catherine Pinkerton, color, creed, status, national origin institutional structures in the Roman Catholic Church. “vision of where former board member That each and all of us are endowed by the Creator we stand as a nation of New Ways Ministry New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate prevalent and where we stand with certain inalienable rights: myths and stereotypes about homosexuality and among nations” and agreed to deliver the benediction at the The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. supports civil rights for lesbian and gay request of his campaign. These incomparable blessings of freedom and equality persons in society. For the past 24 years, Pinkerton has worked for Net- have drawn people from countless nations across the For more information, contact: work, a national Catholic social-justice lobby in Washing- globe seeking the blessings of liberty and justice. New Ways Ministry ton, D.C., where she works to establish international trade Tonight, gracious God, inspire us all 4012 29th Street and investment policies that benefit the United States as well to call forth and affirm as leaders of this nation, Mount Rainier, MD 20712 as the developing world. persons of vision, courage, and solid values, (301) 277-5674 “We are standing at one of the critical moments of our Clearly focused not only on what is, E-mail: [email protected] history,” says Pinkerton, who is still drafting the remarks she’ll but rather open to the challenge Web: www.newwaysministry.org deliver in Denver on Wednesday, Aug. 27. of discerning and welcoming what is yet to be. Obama’s campaign invited a diverse group of religious These gifts we ask, God of wisdom, love, and peace.” leaders to offer prayers at the convention and asked Pinkerton to be among them because she’s “an icon among Catholics

News from New Ways Ministry

TO SUBSCRIBE... By Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM BELOW Pope Benedict XVI’s apostolic visit to the U.S. brought We saw Christ the Teacher at our first “Next Steps” week- with it a whirlwind of media events and opportunities for end in Ossining, NY, in May 2008. Several dozen pastoral Please add my name to your mailing list. New Ways Ministry to speak a positive Catholic message of ministers from all over the northeast came together to teach justice for lesbian/gay people in the church. Those hectic and learn from one another as they discerned new ways to Enclosed is: days and weeks surrounding the papal visit kept the New develop their programs for lesbian/gay ministry in their com- ___ $15.00 in the U.S. Ways Ministry staff quite busy for several weeks! munities. ___ $20.00 outside the U.S. The subsiding of all the activity surrounding the pope’s We saw Christ the miracle-worker at a similar weekend ___ I would like to receive Bondings, but visit coincided nicely with the name of the liturgical season in Littleton, Colorado. On the first night, one participant cannot donate at this time. that the Church was entering: ordinary time. Now that the mentioned that she was eager to be part of the weekend, though ___ An extra contribution for those unable pope and his entourage, the media cameras, and the journal- she did not think she had the courage to do any thing in her to donate ists had all gone back to their daily lives, we at New Ways . By the end of the weekend, she had a fully thought Ministry also settled back into the tasks of our regular, ordi- out plan for how to introduce lesbian/gay issues into her Name ______nary program of retreats, workshops, resource development, parish’s RCIA program! She was taking her “next steps” in and consultation. the miraculous way that Christ walked on water! Address ______But just like the name of the liturgical season which We saw Christ in the diversity of charisms represented stretches from the close of the Easter season until the begin- at the joint meeting of the Leadership Conference of Women City ______ning of Advent, our “ordinary time” certainly doesn’t mean Religious and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. State/Province ______Zip______“hum-drum.” The Catholic Church defines “ordinary time” New Ways Ministry had an exhibit booth there and we had as the period of the year that is “devoted to the mystery of the opportunity to discuss our ministry with many of the lead- Home Phone______Christ in all its aspects.” Now THAT is really far from ordi- ers there. More importantly, we had the opportunity to thank nary! so many of them for their continued support of lesbian/gay Work Phone______From our vantage point at New Ways Ministry, we do ministry in the Church. So, yes, the last few months have been Ordinary Time— E-mail______indeed get to see the mystery of Christ in all its aspects. We saw the healing Christ on the retreat we sponsored in Racine, but that doesn’t mean that things have been quiet! We con- Wisconsin, at the end of May 2008, when 25 lesbian/gay tinue to feel privileged to be in a position to witness the power people, parents, and pastoral ministers gathered together to of Christ in our world and in our Church. And, we thank you Please make check payable to “New Ways Ministry.” share in the wisdom of Fr. Anthony Gittins, CSSp, speak about for your support that makes our programs possible. Outside the U.S., please use only checks drawn on a “The Followers of Jesus Today.” U.S. bank in U.S. dollars; no postal money orders. Mail to: New Ways Ministry, 4012 29th Street, Your submissions requested! If your organization, parish or religious com- Mt. Rainier, MD 20712. munity is doing something to promote dialogue about lesbian/gay issues, send us a photo and short article to include in the next issue of Bondings. Summer/Fall 2008 BONDINGS Page 3 LGBT Catholics strive to be more visible by John Lendman Windy City Times – Chicago cal parishes such as St. Clements gay but that I was not June 18, 2008 Church, St. Gertrude Catholic Parish, born a priest,” he Old St. Patrick’s Church and said. “I knew that I LGBT Catholics from various Evanston’s St. Nicholas Catholic Par- could go on being a Chicagoland parishes gathered in prayer and ish. gay Catholic, but be- discussion at Loyola University, 25 E. The discussion opened with ing a priest was no Pearson, June 14 to share testimonies and net- prayer and testimonies from various longer possible.” work on how to become more visible in their gay and lesbians Catholics where Speakers dis- faith-based communities and the Catholic they discussed how they coped with cussed the history of Church. coming out. Parents of gay and les- various doctrines is- “Here In Faith: Creating a Welcoming bian sons and daughters discussed sued by the Vatican Catholic Community Through Prayer and how they were able to accept their over the years critical Story”—sponsored by Call to Action, a na- children’s sexualities before other of the “homosexual tional Catholic social justice organization, speakers discussed how they were condition” as a “dis- with New Ways Ministry and Dignity Chi- able to find gay-friendly Catholic order” incompatible cago—seeks to motivate LGBT Catholics and parishes in and around Chicago. with the Catholic their allies to be more active in the eyes of Linda Wesp, who shared her Here in Faith- back row: Michael Cook, John Rash, Julia Pryce, Church’s teachings. the Church. testimony of realizing she was a Debbie Winarski; Middle left - Maco Cassetta; front row: Jeannine The participants “The church belongs to lesbian and gay lesbian before entering a Catholic Gramick, Michael Herman, Karen Allen were able to choose to people just as much as the church belongs to nunnery, spoke about how her relationship attend one of four small group lectures led by rector of Chicago House, said he knew anyone,” Sister Jeannine Gramick, co- with God helped her “come out.” Dianne Costanzo, Sr. Jeannine Gramick, Terry thatbeing gay was frowned upon as a Catho- founder of New Ways Ministry said. “With the help of the Holy Spirit, I was Nelson-Johnson and Gloria Woods. lic priest so he kept it to himself throughout Gramick, author of Homosexuality and able to come out to my parents and realize Nelson-Johnson, the director of Faith his career. the Catholic Church, has been involved in that God had worked in my life through the Formation at Old St. Patrick’s Church led a “Some people call that denial,” Herman LGBT pastoral outreach programs since gift of an amazing relationship,” she said to small group discussion about celebrating the said to the crowd, “but I called that ‘becom- 1971. She led a small group session on gain- the event’s attendees. gift of sexuality as a religious sacrament. He ing a seminarian’.” ing strength with gay and lesbian allies. Michael Herman, a former priest who said he enjoyed the tone “Here in Faith” was In 2005, after the Vatican released a de- “There needs to be a voice raised on be- helped organize the event, shared his experi- taking by creating more of a dialog and less cree condemning the ordaining of homo- half of lesbian and gay people who have been ence entering the priesthood from his institu- of an opposition. sexual seminaries, Herman stepped down as so silenced in our church,” Sr. Gramick said, tional seminary training to being profiled by “If you are not welcoming to all people, a priest and became outspoken against the “I feel God has asked me to fill this need.” the New York Times in 2005 for coming out you are not living in a fashion that is consis- Church’s doctrines in the media. More than 70 clergy members and pa- against Vatican policies. tent with the Gospel,” Nelson-Johnson said, “It really wasn’t the viewpoints of the rishioners participated in the event from lo- Herman, currently the development di- “I get a sense that this merging is more a com- church that changed; it was pushing it in the mitment of healing and mutual respect.” faces of people that was so insulting,” Herman Pat Sabol of Wheeling, Il. came to “Here said. in Faith” because the subject matter of the He said at that time it was a difficult discussions interested him. He said it is im- struggle to “move on” because he loved his portant for him to find a way to unite his sexual priesthood. and spiritual identity. “It was a hard decision … I told [ my “They are both such intricate parts of my parish ] that I was born Catholic, I was born life,” Sabol said. Catholic parish sponsors dialogue day for parents On Sept. 6, 2008, Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata of Rochester, NY, conducted a workshop at St. Matthew’s Parish, Balti- Gay advocate criticizes cardinal’s more, MD. More than 20 parents, gay per- sons, and pastoral ministers participated in a day of presentations, dialogue, and dis- remarks before Anglicans cussion about pastoral care, moral discern- ment, and how parents can be prophetic By Tom Roberts and in the New Testament, and therefore that voices for justice. National Catholic Reporter faithfulness to the Scriptures and to apostolic Casey and Mary Ellen have worked in August 6, 2008 tradition is at stake.” gay/lesbian ministry for more than 12 years. The worldwide Anglican communion is They are known nationally for their pas- The leader of a group that advocates for torn over the issue of homosexuality and the sionate leadership, innovative workshops, gays and lesbians within the Catholic church ordination of homosexuals. and research and publications about par- took issue this week with Cardinal Walter In the 1970s, said DeBernardo in an in- ents and families who have gay sons and Kasper’s speech before Anglican church lead- terview with NCR, the teaching against ho- lesbian daughters. Casey and Mary Ellen ers July 31 in which he reasserted the church’s mosexual activity was based on natural law founded Fortunate Families, a national or- view that homosexual behavior is “disor- theory. “It wasn’t until 1986 that the Vatican ganization for Catholic parents of lesbian, dered.” Casper sought a similar condemna- introduced scriptural arguments to support gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) per- tion from the Anglican church. this teaching. So the idea that upholding this sons. They are founding members of the Francis DeBernardo, director of New teaching is necessary to be faithful to Scrip- National Association of Catholic Diocesan Ways Ministry, a group that describes itself ture does not hold true.” Lesbian and Gay Ministries. as a “gay-positive ministry of advocacy and He added that the Vatican’s view would justice for lesbian and gay Catholics,” said uphold only “a particular interpretation of the cardinal’s remarks ignored certain ele- those texts which supports the Catholic teach- Cuban church protests support for gay rights ments of evolution in church thinking on ho- ing. Many scripture scholars, Catholic and mosexuality and the possibility that the think- Protestant, find that those texts do not refer Associated Press ing might develop further. to our contemporary understanding of homo- June 25, 2008 daughter of President Raul Castro. Kasper, in his remarks to the Anglican sexuality or to the concept of a loving com- The center also announced this month bishops, drew attention to an earlier document mitted relationship. The texts only refer to Cuba’s Roman Catholic Church on Tues- that the health ministry has approved a law that had been a product of dialogue between abusive sexual activity.” day protested the communist government’s authorizing government-paid sex changes for the two denominations “where it was noted As for the claim of apostolic tradition, growing support of gay rights, including a 28 people who have undergone extensive that Anglicans agree with Catholics that ho- he said that tradition “has been evolving con- daylong event raising awareness against ho- study after requesting the surgery. mosexual activity is disordered, but that we stantly over the centuries, even in regard to mophobia and a law allowing sex-change op- Prejudice against homosexuals remains might differ in the moral and pastoral advice homosexuality.” In an earlier era, he said, the erations. deeply rooted in Cuban society, as in much of we would offer to those seeking our coun- church did not claim, as it now does, that ho- “Respect for the homosexual person, . But the government has sel.” mosexual persons “had to be respected be- yes,” said an editorial in Palabra Nueva, the steadily moved away from the intolerance of In his speech to the Lambeth Conference cause of their intrinsic human dignity. That monthly magazine of the Archdiocese of Ha- the 1960s and 1970s, when homosexuals hid in England, the once-a-decade gathering of was an evolution in the tradition.” vana. “Promotion of homosexuality, no.” their sexuality for fear of being fired from Anglican leaders, Kasper, head of the pon- If that sort of evolution can occur, he The editorial signed by magazine direc- work or even imprisoned. tifical council for promoting Christian unity, asks, “why can’t it also change in the area of tor Orlando Marquez referred to activities Cuba’s parliament also is studying pro- also said that the Catholic church’s teaching sexual activity in the context of a committed held May 17 by Cuba’s Sex Education Cen- posals to give gay couples the same benefits on homosexuality “is well founded in the Old relationship?” ter, which is directed by Mariela Castro, as married couples. Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 28, No. 3 California churches plan a big push against same-sex marriage Organizers hope to get 1 million Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, evangelical Christians, Sikhs and Hindus to post lawn signs supporting Prop. 8 in unison next month.

By Jessica Garrison Proposition 22, was on the ballot. He added that many people of faith, re- To demonstrate that there is significant Los Angeles Times Mark Jansson, a Mormon who is a mem- gardless of their religion, believe that “if clergy support for same-sex marriage, the August 24, 2008 ber of the Protect Marriage Coalition, said Proposition 8 fails, there is an inevitable loss group California Faith for Equality has pro- members of his group are also reaching out of religious freedom.” duced a video of priests, reverends and rab- Early on a late September morning, if all to Jews, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus. Other religious leaders vehemently dis- bis talking about why they support gay mar- goes according to plan, 1 million Mormons, Organizers say the groups riage. Catholics, Jews, Muslims, evangelical Chris- turned to each other because of In one, as Pachelbel’s tians, Sikhs and Hindus will open their doors, the California Supreme Court’s Canon plays in the back- march down their front walks and plant “Yes ruling in May allowing same- ground, the Rev. Neil Tho- on Proposition 8” signs in their yards to show sex marriages to be performed mas, a minister at Metro- they support repealing same-sex marriage in in the state. Thousands of gay politan Community California. couples have wed in the state Church in Los Angeles, It is a bold idea, one that may be diffi- since June 17, the first day looks at the camera and de- cult to pull off. But whether or not 1 million same-sex marriages became le- clares: “I absolutely think lawn signs are planted in unison, the plan gal. that Jesus would support underscores what some observers say is one “This is a rising up over a the freedom to marry, and of the most ambitious interfaith political or- 5,000-year-old institution that because of that, as a fol- ganizing efforts ever attempted in the state. is being hammered right now,” lower of Jesus, it is abso- Moreover, political analysts say, the alliances said Jim Garlow, pastor of Sky- lutely incumbent upon me across religious boundaries could herald new line Church, an evangelical to support the freedom to ways of building coalitions around political congregation in La Mesa. marry as well.” issues in California. Garlow said that, while he sup- Adds Rabbi Zach “Pan-religious, faith-based political ac- ported Proposition 22, he was Shapiro of Temple Akiba tion strategies . . . I think we are going to see not nearly as involved as this in Culver City: “My faith a lot more of [this] in the future,” said Gaston time around, when he has supports the freedom to Espinosa, a professor of religious studies at helped organize 3,400-person Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin were the first marry because, as a Jew, I Claremont McKenna College. conference calls across denomina- same-sex couple to wed in California on June 16, 2008. have a responsibility to fight The greatest involvement in the cam- tions to coordinate campaign sup- for what is right . . . and to paign has come from Mormons, Catholics and port for the proposed constitutional amend- agree with Garlow and are working just as help bring goodness into the world.” evangelical Christians, who say they are ment. furiously to defeat Proposition 8. But their There are plans in the works to make working together much more closely than they “What binds us together is one common efforts have not been as carefully orchestrated another video that includes Muslim leaders did eight years ago when a similar measure, obsession: . . . marriage,” Garlow said. as those of the initiative’s religious support- as well as Spanish-speaking religious lead- ers. ers. Susan Russell, a priest at All Saints Kerry Chaplin, interfaith organizing di- Episcopal Church in Pasadena, a liberal rector of California Faith for Equality, also Knights of Columbus Tip the Balance congregation that has long supported the said her group plans to work with churches rights of gays and lesbians to marry, said to encourage parishioners to talk to their with Big Anti-Gay Marriage Donation “fair-minded Californians” should be con- friends and neighbors about why they should cerned about some of the tactics and ar- oppose Proposition 8. By Veronique de Turenne create, which she updates daily. On Aug. guments of faith leaders on the other side. On the other side, Garlow said pastors LA Now – Los Angeles Times 14, when the Knights of Columbus made “I will defend to my last breath the are planning a 40-day fast leading up to the August 21, 2008 their contribution, the totals were right of any of those folks to exercise their election. He is also planning several rallies, $7,599,137 for opponents and $7,165,565 religion as they believe they are called to including one that he hopes will include It’s official—opponents of gay mar- for supporters, Maloy said. (Through Aug. do it,” she added. “But I’ll resist to my 300,000 youths. riage have raised more cash in support of 13 it was $7.574,637 to $5,944,790.) As of last breath, vote, e-mail and blog their right Catholics and Mormons, meanwhile, are Proposition 8, the anti-gay marriage initia- 4 p.m. yesterday, supporters passed oppo- to inflict their religious beliefs on the Con- organizing their own congregations to try to tive, than gay marriage supporters, who nents, she said. stitution of the state of California.” sway voters, make contributions and get out have vowed to defeat the Nov. 4 ballot mea- You can look at total contributions Russell said that the idea that the the vote. sure. within the state, broken down by county, court’s decision infringed on religious lib- The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic A contribution by the Connecticut- or you can search the nationwide data base erty was a “red herring.” Divorce is legal group, recently donated $1 million to the Yes based Knights of Columbus of $1.25 mil- (use abbreviations for the states) for an il- in California, she said, but that doesn’t on Proposition 8 campaign. lion on Aug. 14 put Proposition 8 support- luminating look at money flowing to both mean that Roman Catholic priests have to Ned Dolejsi, executive director of the ers within striking distance of opponents. sides of the issue. perform marriages for people who have California Catholic Conference, the public Yesterday, another infusion of cash from We’ll keep you apprised of major been divorced. policy arm of the Catholic Church, said it was groups and individuals who oppose same- changes in the flow of cash. As for the As the campaign intensifies this fall, too early to say whether the coalitions being sex marriage put them ahead in the money photo, that’s George Bush, a fierce gay both sides in the fight over Proposition 8 built around Proposition 8 would carry over race. marriage opponent, speaking to the 122nd say they expect religious leaders and their into other issues. Our own Maloy Moore is following the annual Knights of Columbus convention in congregations to continue to play a big But, he added: “It’s an interesting time money in a pair of data bases she helped Dallas in August 2004. role. to get to know each other in different ways.”

Pope Restates Gay Marriage Ban After California Vote Pope Benedict reasserted the Church’s stance on marriage for gay couples, claiming that “matrimony between a man and a woman...cannot be substituted by, confused with, or compared to other types of unions.”

By Philip Pullella up the family, represents a good for all soci- law proposed by the previous centre-left gov- head of the Italian Bishops Conference, made Reuters ety that can not be substituted by, confused ernment that would have given more rights headlines with comments that critics said May 19, 2008 with, or compared to other types of unions,” to gay and unmarried couples. equated homosexuality with incest and pe- he said. The Roman Catholic Church teaches that dophilia. Pope Benedict, speaking a day after a The pope also spoke of the inalienable homosexuality is not sinful but homosexual After he made the comments—which California court ruled in favor of same-sex rights of the traditional family, “founded on acts are, and is opposed to gays being allowed Bagnasco said were misunderstood—graffiti marriage, firmly restated on Friday the Ro- matrimony between a man and a woman, to to adopt children. reading “Shame” and “Watch Out Bagnasco” man Catholic Church’s position that only be the natural cradle of human life”. The California court found laws limit- appeared on the door of the cathedral in north- unions between a man and a woman are On Thursday, the California Supreme ing marriage to heterosexual couples are at ern , where Bagnasco is archbishop. moral. Court overturned a ban on same-sex mar- odds with rights guaranteed by the state’s The pope, who backed Bagnasco, will Benedict made no mention of the Cali- riages in a major victory for gay rights advo- constitution. U.S. President George W. Bush, visit Genoa his weekend. fornia decision in his speech to family groups cates that will allow homosexual couples to who is opposed to gay marriage, prayed “for Opponents of gay marriage in the United from throughout , but stressed the marry in the most populous U.S. state. the family” with the pope at the White House States vowed to contest the ruling with a state- Church’s position several times. Last year, ’s powerful Catholic last month during the pontiff’s visit there. wide ballot measure for a constitutional “The union of love, based on matrimony Church successfully campaigned against a Last year, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the amendment to ban gay marriages. between a man and a woman, which makes Summer/Fall 2008 BONDINGS Page 5 BOOK REVIEW Are You Guys Brothers? by Brian McNaught

By Grady Harp endured the closet of a hid- friends’ lack of accep- and valued. Friends support you, and affirm August 12, 2008 den personal life. tance of gay people. you, and fight against anything and anyone Are You Guys Broth- We gradually that might threaten you.” ‘...even one as seemingly noble as mak- ers? follows their relation- learn how these two Aside from being a socio/politico/spiri- ing everyone happy.’ This phrase in many ship from the beginning to men lose faith in the tual journey of change and growth, this book ways brings together the messages of this the present, as the develop- church, in their govern- contains some of the most gentle, tender, and well-written, very inspiring book by Brian ment of an ever tighter ment, and in the persis- touching pages of how this universe can once McNaught. It is part memoir about his thirty- bonding accompanies the tence of ‘radical right.’ again be beautiful in the eyes of those whose two year successful same-sex relationship ups and downs that mirror But instead of this lives have been struggles against hypocrisy with his life partner and now spouse, Ray our society’s evolving con- book being a diatribe and prejudice. McNaught becomes a poet in Struble, part considered evaluation of the his- cept of same sex partner- against all the barriers the final chapters. “We have wounds from torical developments during that time frame, ships. Both men are from that challenged the two the hurtful things that have been said and done and part warmly and genuinely mentoring the ‘solid Midwest,’ both men’s rights to happi- to us by people who were horrified by, or jeal- lesson for people of all ages whose lives seem were raised in large fami- ness, it is instead a cel- ous of, our same sex intimacy. But we have at odds with the ‘norm.’ It is a valuable ad- lies, both were strongly de- ebration of the indi- also been helped along the way by family junct to human sexuality studies, and it is also vout Catholics, both sus- vidual spirit in over- members, neighbors, and people of faith, by a keenly interesting book that captures the tained childhood sexual coming odds to find a colleagues, and by friends… It takes a long joys and trials of growing and caring rela- abuse, alcoholism and sub- life of freedom and joy time to make something ‘real’.” tionships that make the content read like a stance abuse, and suicide at- and spiritual bliss. To- Finally we have a book that is so well- novel! tempts — all tied in with gether they discover written and so broad in its analysis of con- McNaught is a gay activist whose writ- their coming to grips with that the loss of church temporary life in this country – from issues ings and speaking engagements are popular their sexuality. The story of these rocks in the support and government promises, and even of youth to issues of aging — that it should with large corporations seeking employee and road is not unlike the changes that have oc- enduring some family intolerance, their defi- become a resource for people of all walks of executive enlightenment. Struble is a retired, curred in the Catholic Church, the White nition of “friends” has changed: life. It is a book about respect. successful Wall Street investment broker who House, and the hardships of family and “Friends...are people with whom you feel safe Visit www.brianmcnaught.com.

Catholic Loses Appeal Over Union Dues Continued from page 1 Supporting Gay Marriage Cardinal Newman is set to become Britain’s By Janice Tibbetts newest saint Vancouver Sun – Canada does not force her to act in a way contrary to May 30, 2008 same-sex marriage is a “fundamental human her beliefs or her conscience.” right.” Members who disagree do not have In hopes of strengthening her argument, of 69-year-old Jack Sullivan, a married Dea- The Federal Court of Appeal has rejected to sign union cards, but that does not absolve Comstock had argued she should be able to con from Boston in the U.S., who claims that the legal challenge of a longtime public ser- them from paying dues, which are mainly divert her dues as a result of a collective he was cured from crippling back pain after vant who wanted her $800 annual union dues used for collective bargaining, he said. agreement provision allowing union mem- praying to Newman. diverted to her church to protest the union’s “The fact that we disagree on an issue bers to give their union dues to charity when But the Pope would need to attribute a support for gay marriage and its zero toler- does not do away that responsibility, which they are members of a religious organization second miracle to Newman’s name for him ance against “homophobia” and every person benefits from whether they sign “whose doctrine prevents him or her as a to be canonised, and thereby finally become “heterosexism.” a union card or they don’t,” said Gordon. matter of conscience from making financial a saint - although the suspicion remains in Susan Comstock, a devout Catholic who The Federal Court of Appeal provided contributions to an employee organization.” church circles that Newman’s sexuality may worked for the federal government for 35 no details on its decision, which effectively The Federal Court, however, said that yet count against him when it comes to this years until her retirement last September, means the three-judge panel agreed with the the Catholic Church does not oppose unions final hurdle. unsuccessfully argued that forcing her to pay Federal Court’s March 2007 ruling against as a matter of practice and that, in fact, it has One thing is sure, the intensely shy, dues to the Public Service Alliance of Canada Comstock. recognized the value of collectivities. humble and bookish Newman would almost violated her Charter of Rights guarantee to “The evidence does not show how her The Catholic Civil Rights League, which certainly have preferred to remain buried in freedom of religion and freedom of con- freedom of religion and conscience was com- took up Comstock’s cause and supplied her that humble grave alongside his friend rather science. promised by this policy,” Justice Frederick lawyer, has denounced Canadian courts and than be transferred, alone for the first time in “The union would be best to try and rep- Gibson wrote at the time. “The fact that she tribunals for being “generally favourable to decades, to a splendid marble sarcophagus resent all its members and stick to workplace opposes the union’s political or social causes homosexual activists.” many miles away - no matter how great the issues and stay out of contentious social is- honour it meant was being bestowed upon sues,” Comstock said in an interview.It was him. the third strike for the Toronto woman, who Exhuming Newman Some religious commentators have sug- also was defeated in the Canadian Human gested a compromise - that Father St John’s body should be moved along with Newman’s Rights Commission and the Federal Court. By Andrew Sullivan feminate, delicate intellectual who had almost to its new resting place - but perhaps She has 60 days to decide if she will ask the Daily Dish - andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com no real interaction with women at all and unsurprisingly, this idea has not been accepted Supreme Court of Canada to consider the August 4, 2008 bonded mainly with younger men. St John case. by the Catholic Church. was one such man, and Newman’s and St That has dismayed those who believe that The dispute between Comstock and the For any English Catholic, the figure of John’s deepest wishes were to be buried to- perhaps the ultimate truth was that Newman union began almost four years ago, when she Cardinal Newman looms large. An intellec- gether forever. may have had gay tendencies, but never broke found out about her union’s support for gay tual giant, a convert from Anglicanism, he is Now, the Vatican, nervous that this joint his Holy vows - thereby proving the depth marriage in a memo distributed during the one of the greats - and now on his way to burial might raise questions about Newman, and sincerity of his faith. 2004 federal election campaign. canonization. But Newman also had one and always eager to insist that gay men, even Martin Prendergast, a homosexual cam- The Public Service Alliance of Canada great love in his life, Ambrose St John. When celibate ones, cannot be saints any more than paigner in the Catholic Church, says. ‘I don’t vowed “zero tolerance” for homophobia and St John died in 1875, Newman wrote: “I have they can now be seminarians, is actually ex- think they can just pretend the relationship “heterosexism,” which it defined as “the pre- ever thought no bereavement was equal to huming Newman’s body and reburying it sans [with Father St John] didn’t exist. sumption that everyone is heterosexual and that of a husband’s or a wife’s, but I feel it St John. Reburying saints is not unknown, ‘We shouldn’t be afraid of acknowledg- that heterosexuality is superior to other forms difficult to believe that any can be greater, or but violating such a core last wish of this great ing that Cardinal Newman had his trials and of loving.” any one’s sorrow greater, than mine.” man is definitely suspicious. They could ex- torments, yet he was able to deal with these “I saw my $800 in union dues going in Newman and St John lived together, loved hume St John too and re-bury both together, in a positive manner, without compromising part to support activities around this policy,” one another and even left express wishes that respecting their clear wishes, but that would his commitment to celibacy.’ said Comstock. they be buried together. And so they were, be off-message for the now pathologically Whatever the truth, it seems a terrible The federal Liberal government of the with the tombstone etched with these immor- homophobic Vatican. sadness that 118 years after his death, this time had promised to legalize gay marriage, tal and elliptical words: “Out of shadows Benedict does, however, have the wit of most devout man can no longer rest in peace. following a string of court rulings that de- and phantasms into the Truth” a gay man of the old school. When pressed a clared the federal ban unconstitutional. Whether this shared burial was a func- year ago by Cherie Blair to hurry up Comstock’s opposition to gay marriage tion of a deep intimacy or of a homosexual Newman’s canonization, Benedict apparently Visit the New Ways Ministry prompted her to quit the Anglican Church relationship in the late nineteenth century lamented that the church needed one more website for information about over its “ambiguous” position and to convert sense we do not know. But we do know that miracle to be attributed to Newman for it to upcoming programs! to Catholicism in 2004. the Oxford Movement was, to put mildly, proceed. “It is taking some time” his Holi- John Gordon, national president of the high camp as well as high church, and that ness told Blair. “Miracles are hard to come www.NewWaysMinistry.org 165,000-member union, said its support of Newman, like the current Pontiff, was an ef- by in Britain.” Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 28, No. 3 Catholic adoption agency agrees to comply with the law A Roman Catholic-run adoption agency has decided to consider gay couples

By Tony Grew cessing goods, fa- “And that is why there can be no exemp- “I suspect if a same-sex couple arrives Pinknews.co.uk cilities and services. tions for faith-based adoption agencies offer- at any of the agencies just to test out the sys- July 30, 2008 The govern- ing publicly-funded services from regulations tem, they will not get very far,” he said. ment briefly con- which prevent discrimination.” “There are bishops who are taking the England’s largest Roman sidered an opt out The Roman Catholic agencies were legal route about this, but ours are not. It re- Catholic-run adoption agency for Roman Catholic given an opt-out until the end of this year to mains to be seen whether that would result in has decided to consider same- adoption agencies. comply with the law. more difficulties for their agencies.” sex couples as potential par- After meeting Some of them have closed rather than Some agencies are attempting to get ents. with MPs and the deal with same-sex couples as potential par- round the SORs, with Westminster Catholic However, the Catholic Cabinet in January ents, despite the fact that over the last 20 Children’s Society claiming it only places Children’s Society of Arundel 2007, former Prime years, 13 of the 720 adopted children placed children with married couples and it is ready and Brighton, Portsmouth and Minister Tony Blair by Catholic charities have been with single to go to court over the issue. Southwark’s chief executive bowed to strong gay or lesbian people. In Scotland, where the Roman Catholic claimed that gay and lesbian criticism from his Catholic Children’s Society of Arundel Church regularly tries to interfere in the po- couples “will not get very far” if they apply. own party over the exemption. and Brighton, Portsmouth and Southwark’s litical process, First Minister Alex Salmond “We offer our services to all, irrespec- “I start from a very firm foundation: there chief executive Terry Connor told Catholic has said he wants Church adoption agencies tive of religious or ethnic origin,” the group is no place in our society for discrimination,” newspaper The Universe that local bishops to remain open. claims on its website. Mr Blair said. had backed the plans to allow same-sex However, the SNP leader has not pro- The Sexual Orientation Regulations, “That is why I support the right of gay couples to apply for adoption, but made clear posed any concrete solutions. The Scottish passed last year, protect gay, lesbian and bi- couples to apply to adopt like any other that prejudice remains. Parliament has legal powers over adoption, sexual people from discrimination when ac- couple. but not equality legislation.

Arizona’s Catholic Bishops Urge Voters to Ban Gay Marriage

By Howard Fischer “The church has always and Thursday’s Christians,” he said. And he noted it took the East Valley Tribune - Arizona will continue to address issues es- pastoral statement Catholic Church nearly 400 years to admit September 5, 2008 pecially that are related to moral reinforces the that Galileo was right and that the Earth is and ethical principles,” he said. church’s view, with not the center of the universe. Arizona’s two Catholic bishops are urg- “We believe that marriage is a sa- Kincanas saying Kincanas said he sees the issue before ing the faithful to vote to constitutionally ban cred relationship, that it is at the these kinds of docu- voters in absolute terms. gays from marrying in the state. heart and core of society.” ments “reflect on “The purpose of this proposition is to In a pastoral letter, Thomas Olmstead of And Kincanas said it’s not the church’s under- assure the fact that in the state of Arizona, Phoenix and Gerald Kincanas of Tucson said just an issue for Catholics: He standing of a par- the institution of marriage as, from time im- Proposition 102 “is in alignment with our pointed out the Union for Ortho- ticular issue” for memorial, is a relationship between one man deeply held moral beliefs regarding mar- dox Jewish Congregations of followers. and one woman,” he said. riage.” And without a constitutional provision, America also issued a statement The bishops’ And what of the mention in the Old Tes- the pair say current laws which define mar- saying Judaism “affirms marriage comments drew tament of men with multiple wives? riage in Arizona as solely between one man only between a man and woman.” criticism from “The reality is there have always been and one woman could be overturned. The Catholic Church has David Felten, min- people who have lived in common-law rela- Olmstead was out of the state on personal ister of Fountains tionships or perhaps have polygamous rela- taken a particularly active role on Bishop Gerald Kicanas business. But Kincanas told Capitol Media the issue: The bishops directed United Methodist tionships,” Kincanas said. “But that doesn’t Services he sees nothing improper about urg- Ron Johnson, their lobbyist, to convince leg- Church in Fountain Hills. necessarily change the understanding of the ing people to put the church’s view on mar- islators to put the issue on the November bal- “People have got this idea that they can institution of marriage because there are other riage into the state constitution. lot. speak for God and speak universally for all possibilities.”

Gay-Friendly Catholic Colleges

Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic colleges 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 us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a club, support services, participation in gay community events, or simply the friendliness of faculty and staff.

Minnesota Arizona Indiana Oregon Collegeville: Saint John’s University Tempe: All Saints Catholic Newman Center Notre Dame: Holy Cross College, Saint Mary’s Marylhurst: Marylhurst University Saint Joseph: College of Saint Benedict College, University of Notre Dame Portland: University of Portland California St. Paul: St Thomas University Winona: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota Belmont: Notre Dame de Namur University Iowa Pennsylvania Goleta: St. Mark’s University Dubuque: Loras College Cresson: Mount Aloysius Los Angeles: Loyola Marymount University Montana Erie: Mercyhurst College Helena: Carroll College Moraga: Saint Mary’s College Kentucky Philadelphia: Chestnut Hill College, LaSalle Ranchos Palos Verde: Marymount College Louisville: Spalding University University, Saint Joseph’s University San Diego: University of San Diego Nebraska Villanova: Villanova University Omaha: Creighton University San Francisco: University of San Francisco Louisiana Santa Clara: Santa Clara University New Orleans: Loyola University New Orleans Rhode Island New Hampshire Newport: Salve Regina University Nashua: Rivier College Colorado Maryland Denver: Regis University Baltimore: College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Texas New Jersey Loyola College of Maryland Austin: Saint Edward’s University, University Connecticut Jersey City: St. Peter’s College of Texas South Orange: Seton Hall Fairfield: Fairfield University, Sacred Heart Massachusetts San Antonio: University of the Incarnate Word University Boston: Emmanuel College, Boston College New York New Haven: Albertus Magnus College Chestnut Hill: Boston College Vermont Albany: College of Saint Rose West Hartford: Saint Joseph College Easton: Stonehill College Colchester: Saint Michael’s College Bronx: Fordham University, Manhattan College North Andover: Merrimack College Buffalo: Canisius College District of Columbia Weston: Regis College Washington New Rochelle: College of New Rochelle, Iona College Georgetown University Worcester: Assumption College, Holy Cross Lacey: Saint Martin’s College Poughkeepsie: Marist College College Seattle: Seattle University Florida Riverdale: College of Mount Saint Vincent Spokane: Gonzaga University Rochester: Nazareth College of Rochester Miami Gardens: Saint Thomas University Michigan Syracuse: LeMoyne College Miami Shores: Barry University Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Wisconsin De Pere: Saint Norbert College Ohio Illinois Missouri Madison: Edgewood College Cincinnati: Xavier University, University of Chicago: DePaul University, Loyola Univer- St. Louis: Saint Louis University Milwaukee: Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch sity, Saint Xavier College Cincinnati University, Marquette University Columbus: Ohio State University Dayton: University of Dayton Summer/Fall 2008 BONDINGS Page 7 Gay-Friendly Parishes

Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic parishes and faith communities. Thank you for helping us add to this growing list! If you are aware of such a parish that is known as welcoming to lesbian and gay Catholics as members and active parishioners, please let us know. Tell us if this welcome is because of a support program, spirituality group, mission statement, participation in gay community events, or involvement with parents.

Alabama Country Club Hills: St. Emeric Rochester: Blessed Sacrament, St. John the Montgomery: St. Bede Evanston: St. Nicholas Evangelist (Humboldt St.), St. Mary, St. Monica Morton Grove: St. Martha Syracuse: St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Lucy Arizona Oak Park: Ascension, Utica: St. Francis DeSales Mesa: Christ the King St. Catherine of Sienna-St. Lucy Wantaugh: St. Frances de Chantal Scottsdale: Franciscan Renewal Center Schaumburg: St. Marcelline Westbury: St. Brigid Tuscon: St. Cyril of Alexandria, SS. Peter and Tennessee Paul, St. Pius X, Our Mother of Sorrows, Indiana North Carolina Memphis: Cathedral of the Immaculate St. Odilia Evansville: St. Mary Charlotte: St. Peter Conception Indianapolis: St. Thomas Aquinas Durham: Immaculate Conception California Fayetteville: St. Patrick Texas Berkeley: Holy Spirit Parish Iowa Raleigh: St. Francis of Assisi Colleyville: Good Shepherd Burney: St Francis of Assisi Iowa City: St. Thomas More Dallas: Holy Trinity Carlesbad: St. Patrick Ohio Plano: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Claremont: Our Lady of the Assumption Kentucky Akron: St. Bernard El Cajon: St. Luke Louisville: Epiphany, St. William, Cincinnati: St. George-St. Monica Virginia Escondido: St. Timothy Cathedral of the Assumption Cleveland: Ascension of Our Lord, St. Malachi, Arlington: Our Lady Queen of Peace Fremont: St. Joseph - Mission San Jose St. Martha Richmond: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Hawthorne: St. Joseph (Spanish) Maine Columbus: St. Thomas More Newman Center Sacred Heart Parish Hayward: All Saints Portland: Sacred Heart-St. Dominic Mentor: St. John Vianney Roanoke: St. Gerard LaPuente: St. Martha Saco: Most Holy Trinity University Heights: Church of the Gesu Virginia Beach: St. Nicholas Lemon Grove: St. John of the Cross Westlake: St. Ladislas Long Beach: St. Matthew Maryland Wooster: St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Washington Los Angeles: Blessed Sacrament, Christ the Baltimore: Corpus Christi, St. Francis of Assisi, Pullman: Sacred Heart King, Mother of Good Counsel, St. Camillus St. Matthew, St. Philip and James, Oregon Seattle: St. Benedict Center-LA USC Medical Center (Spanish), St. Vincent dePaul Central Point: Shepherd of the Valley Tacoma: St. Leo St. Paul the Apostle Columbia: St. John the Evangelist Portland: Journey and Koinonia Catholic North Hollywood: Blessed Sacrament, St. Jane Gaithersburg: St. Rose of Lima Community, St. Andrew, St. Phillip Neri, Wisconsin Frances de Chantal, St. Patrick Hagerstown: St. Ann St. Vincent dePaul Madison: Our Lady Queen of Peace, Oakland: Our Lady of Lourdes Severn: St. Bernadette St. Benedict Center Sunday Assembly Oceanside: St. Thomas More Pennsylvania Menomonee Falls: Good Shepherd Orange: Holy Family Cathedral, Koinoia Massachusetts Philadelphia: Old St. Joseph, Old St. Mary, Milwaukee: Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Pleasanton: Catholic Community of Boston: Paulist Center, St. Anthony’s Shrine, St. John the Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul Trinity-Guadalupe Pleasanton St. Cecelia York: St. Joseph Sacramento: St. Francis of Assisi Newton: St. Ignatius Canada San Carlos: St. Charles Springfield: Sacred Heart Rhode Island Toronto: Our Lady of Lourdes San Diego: Ascension, Christ the King, Worcester: Holy Cross College Providence: St. Francis Chapel San Rafael, St. Jude Shrine Wickford: St. Bernard San Francisco: Most Holy Redeemer, Michigan Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, St. Agnes, Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish To add your faith community to our list, please contact the New Ways Detroit: St. Leo, Christ the King St. Dominic Ministry office via [email protected] or at 301-277-5674. Thanks! San Jose: St. Julie Billiart, St. Martin of Tours Kalamazoo: Lambda Catholics (Emmaus Community) St. Ignace: St. Ignatius Loyola San Luis Obispo: Old Mission of San Luis Obispo Minnesota San Rafael: Church of San Rafael Minneapolis: St. Frances Cabrini, St. Joan of Arc, & Mission San Rafael Archangel St. Stephen Next Steps: Santa Clara: GALA Santa Cruz: Holy Cross Missouri Developing Catholic Lesbian/Gay Ministry Santa Monica: St. Monica Kansas City: Guardian Angels, St. Francis Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Xavier, St. James Walnut Creek: St. John Vianney St. Louis: St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Scotland, West Hollywood: St. Ambrose, St. Victor St. Pius V Whittier: St. Mary of the Assumption Weekend Workshops for Pastoral Ministers, Montana Leaders of Catholic Institutions, Colorado Billings: Holy Rosary and all interested in lesbian/gay ministry Arvada: Spirit of Christ Avon: St. Edward Nebraska Colorado Springs: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Omaha: Holy Family, Sacred Heart November 14-16, 2008 Sacred Heart Denver: St. Dominic, Christ the King, Nevada St. Paul’s Monastery Mount Carmel Las Vegas: Christ the King, Guardian St. Paul, Minnesota Fort Collins: Blessed John XXIII Angel Cathedral Genessee: St. Francis Cabrini Shrine Highlands Ranch: Pax Christi New Hampshire Manchester: Parish of the Transfiguration January 23-25, 2009 Littleton: St. Francis Cabrini Merrimack: St. John Neumann St. Leo Abbey Retreat Center Connecticut New Jersey St. Leo, Florida (near Tampa) Hartford: St. Patrick-St. Anthony Clifton: St. Brendan Lawrenceville: St. Ann District of Columbia Long Beach Island: St. Francis of Assisi February 20-22, 2009 Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, Trenton Falls: St. Anselm St. Matthew Cathedral Tolomei Retreat Center New Mexico Florida St. David, Arizona (near Tucson) Albuquerque: Holy Family, Ft. Lauderdale: St. Anthony, St. Maurice Shrine of St. Bernadette Melbourne: Ascension Parish Espanola: Sacred Heart of Jesus Naples: St. John the Evangelist May 1-3, 2009 St. Petersburg: Holy Cross New York St. Francis Spirituality Center Winter Haven: St. Matthew Baldwinsville: St. Augustine Tiffin, Ohio (near Toledo) Bellmore: St. Barnabas the Apostle Georgia Brooklyn: St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Boniface, Atlanta: Shrine of the Immaculate Conception St. Athanasius Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius August 7-9, 2009 Illinois East Islip: St. Mary Berwyn: St. Mary of the Celle Bishop Robert E. Tracy Center Elmira: St. Mary Chicago: Immaculate Conception, Fairport: Church of the Assumption Baton Rouge, Louisiana St. Clement, St. Gertrude, St. Gregory, Henrietta: Good Shepherd St. Peter, St. Sylvester, St. Teresa of Avila, Manhattan: Holy Name of Jesus, St. Francis St. Thomas the Apostle Sponsored by New Ways Ministry. Xavier, St. Paul the Apostle Clarendon Hills: Notre Dame Melville: St. Elizabeth For more info, call 301-277-5674 or email [email protected]. Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 28, No. 3 Beyond Courage to Authenticity A Position Paper on the Courage Apostolate

By the Catholic Pastoral Committee plain its origin using debunked psychoana- JONAH, People Can Change, Parents and of ancient ignorance.” (NCR, January 2006.) on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM) lytic theories of dominant mothers, distant Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays (PFOX), and · The editors of the 1994 anthology, Sexu- www.cpcsm.org fathers, and abusive family relations. Straightway. Furthermore, Courage is yet to ality and the Sacred: Sources of Theological · NARTH, itself, is a sham organization refute the pseudo-science of reparative Reflection, suggest that this ignorance stems, 1. Courage’s Mission and Philosophy of “therapists” that teaches that homosexual- therapy these “ex-gay” groups advocate. in part, from the fact that “throughout most · The Courage apostolate purports to help ity is a disorder that is not only chosen, but From the perspective of all mainstream medi- of Christian history the vast majority of theo- people move beyond “same-sex attraction” can be changed cal and mental health logians who wrote about sexuality tried to ap- by encouraging a life of “interior chastity in through effort. Not professional associa- proach the subject from one direction only: union with Christ.” The movement labels it- surprisingly, tions, homosexuality is they began with affirmations and assertions self a “pro-chastity ministry” and equates NARTH’s findings not a disorder requiring of the faith (from scriptures, from doctrines, chastity with celibacy. and methodology are either curing or repair- from churchly teachings, and so on) and then · Although Courage acknowledges that seldom, if ever, offered ing. Furthermore, many applied those to human sexuality. Now, theo- the “inclination” of “homosexual attractions” to peer-reviewed jour- of these professional as- logians are assuming that the other direction is “psychologically understandable,” such nals for critical analy- sociations even hold that of inquiry is important as well: What does attractions are nevertheless considered “ob- sis. In short, the group to attempt such “cures” our sexual experience reveal about God? jectively disordered” – a view that, though lacks any respect from is unethical and verges About the ways we understand the Gospel? promulgated by the Vatican as church teach- the wider scientific on malpractice. About the ways we read scripture=2 0and tra- ing, is widely questioned throughout the community. · Yet Courage does dition and attempt to live out the faith?” Church as the people of God. · Despite this, the not dissuade its members · Such questions, we admit, can be un- · Courage insists that it “does not pro- founder of Courage, Fr. from pursuing such settling. But we think that it is not the Catho- vide professional therapy” while, at the same John Harvey, fre- “therapy,” and links to lic way to shy away from them and to retreat time, maintaining the discredited belief that quently invited to his NARTH’s and other ex- instead into some fantasy world where, de- “some people, especially young people, are workshops, as a major presenter, the late Pe- gay groups’ websites from its own website. spite both scientific and experiential evidence able to further their psychosexual develop- ter Rudegeair, a member of NARTH and a We consider this to be not only unethical, but to the contrary, we insist that we have all the ment [i.e., “move beyond homosexual attrac- clinical psychologist who was a major pro- morally reprehensible. Courage is basically possible answers (and thus knowledge) avail- tions”] with spiritual and psychological aid.” ponent of discredited (by all mainstream saying to its members that the unhealthy and able to us about what it means to be sexual, · Courage shares with Protestant ex-gay/ medical and mental health professional asso- damaging practice of reparative therapy is what it means to be human. transformational ministries the belief that ciations) theories advocating reparative, or okay, but, under no circumstances are its homosexuality is pathological, and not a natu- change, therapy for gay men and lesbians. members to consider pursuing and maintain- 4. Church teaching on homosexuality ral, normal sexual orientation. However, un- · Since last November the Archdiocese ing a loving committed same-sex relationship · In his November 1 column in The like many of the other ministries, the Cour- of St. Paul-Minneapolis has attempted to pro- – relationships which, as a number of recent Catholic Spirit, editor Joe Towalski notes that age apostolate recognizes that adult sexual mote NARTH as a credible scientific organi- and reputable studies have shown, are “not homosexuality is a “hot button issue for the orientation is fixed and does not claim that zation. For instance, in the November 8 issue atypical, psychologically immature, or ma- church,” yet he does not say why this is the adult gays and lesbians’ sexual orientation can of The Catholic Spirit, the official newspa- levolent contexts of development.” (Glenn I. case. We’d like to suggest that one reason why be changed. Nevertheless, it still teaches that per of the archdiocese, Fr. Jim Livingston Roisman, PhD, American Psychological As- many issues related to human sexuality re- the only valid path for homosexuals is to seek (lead chaplain to the local chapter of Cour- sociation media release, January 22, 2008.) main controversial is because the majority of celibacy. age) endorsed NARTH by citing the organi- Catholics intuitively sense that the teachings zation as a useful resource and by encourag- 3. Alternative Catholic perspectives on ho- of the church about these issues lack cred- 2. Courage and NARTH (National Asso- ing people to visit its website so as “to learn . mosexuality ibility. The reason for this is simple: the laity ciation for Research and Therapy of Ho- . . about the emotional root causes of homo- · CPCSM has always supported those has had no part in shaping these teachings. mosexuality) sexuality.” Fr. Livingston also recommended who feel called by God to live a celibate life. · The belief that the laity should be con- · Courage discourages the use of the an audio CD of a talk given by NARTH co- Yet we have serious concerns when Courage sulted in matters of doctrine, especially when terms “gay” and “lesbian,” believing such founder Joseph Nicolosi, an individual whom and the hierarchical Church insist that all gay teachings concern their lives intimately, is pa labels reduce individuals to their “sexual at- Archbishop Nienstedt, when he was a bishop and lesbian people are called to lifelong celi- rt of Catholicism’s rich heritage. For instance, tractions.” Given this rationale, it seems odd in Detroit, invited to speak to the priests of bacy as a result of their God-given sexual ori- the great English theologian, Cardinal John that Courage uses the term “same-sex at- the archdiocese as an “expert” on homosexu- entation. We believe that this reflects an ex- Henry Newman (1801-90) wrote that: “The tracted” when talking about the homosexual ality. Many Catholics are concerned by the tremely limited and ultimately unhealthy un- body of the faithful is one of the witnesses to orientation. It’s important to know that the archdiocese’s increasing reliance on the dis- derstanding of human sexuality and of God’s the fact of the tradition of revealed doctrine, phrase “same-sex attracted” was coined by credited perspective and “findings” of presence and call in the lives and relation- and . . . their consensus through Christendom the largely discredited U.S.-based National NARTH to support and validate Church ships of LGBT people. is the voice of the Infallible Church.” Association for Research and Therapy of teaching on homosexuality. · With the vast majority of LGBT Catho- · With regards to the issue of homosexu- Homosexuality (NARTH). It’s a term that is · Although Courage itself does not at- lics, their parents, loved ones, and allies we ality, the “body of the faithful” is still very unrecognized by any professional health as- tempt to change adult homosexual orien recognize and celebrate human sexuality – much engaged in the journey towards “con- sociation. Following NARTH’s lead, Cour- tation, its website has a link to NARTH’s gay and straight – as a God-given gift that we sensus.” (As noted above, recent data pub- age likens homosexuality to alcoholism, and website and to the websites of many non- are called to holistically integrate into our lished by the Pew Forum shows that 58 per- conducts its “support group” using the 12- Catholic so-called “ex-gay”conservative re- lives. For the majority of people – gay or cent of U.S. Catholics favor acceptance of Step format developed by Alcoholics Anony- ligious groups—such as, Exodus Interna- straight – such wholeness and authenticity gay people and relationships.) And in other mous. Some members of Courage even con- tional, Homosexuals Anonymous, Hope Min- means seeking and cultivating an intimate areas, what can reasonably be viewed as con- sider their “disorder” to be curable, and ex- istry, International Healing Foundation, relationship with another – a relationship sensus is actually20at odds with the teaching which by its love and commitment is pure in of the hierarchical church. For instance, the thought and conduct, i.e., chaste. Being au- US Conference of Catholic Bishops concedes thentic in this way – as many LGBT people that 96 percent of married Catholics use birth El Salvador: Land of Martyrs will attest – requires great dedication and control. Clearly, the church’s teachings on a courage. range of sexual issues are not set in stone. A GLBT-friendly pilgrimage · LGBT people, along with heterosexual This shouldn’t be surprising, for as Jesuit with Sr. Jeannine Gramick people, can and do experience sexual rela- Philip Endean reminds us: “Dogmas of tradi- tionships marked by justice, wholeness, and tion exist not as truths complete in themselves, FFFebruary 27 - March 6, 2009 life-giving love. We believe that such experi- but rather as resources for helping us discover ences, along with current scientific under- the ever greater glory . . . of the God whose standing of homosexuality, can and should gift of self pervades all possible experience.” inform church teaching on human sexuality. And “all possible experience” includes gay · Recent data (2007) published by the people’s experiences of love, intimacy, and Pew Forum in its study of Religion in America relationship. Itinerary highlights: show that a majority of U.S. Catholics (58 · All of this should serve to remind us - Visit the Wall of Truth and the martyrdom site of the four percent) currently favor acceptance of gay that truth is discovered through time and that US Churchwomen. people and relationships and that such ap- tradition evolves. The Church is currently - Liturgy at site of Oscar Romero’s martyrdom. proval is proportionately greater in the Catho- teaching in Section 2358 of the Catechism, - Discussion with a liberation theologian at the Jesuit lic Church than in other Christian churches that homosexuals should be treated with com- or in the nation as a whole. It would seem passion and sensitivity. That, in itself, repre- Central American University. that many Catholics concur with National sents an evolution of the tradition. There is - Meet members of a local LGBT organization and Catholic Reporter editor, Tom Roberts, when no reason why the moral teaching should not leaders in the Archdiocesan Human Rights Office. he states: “[Some insist] that current thinking evolve beyond the “intrinsic disorder” of “ho- that is tolerant of homosexuality [is] ignor- mosexual acts,” and there is plenty of scien- For more information, contact Sr. Jeannine Gramick ing ancient wisdom. I happen to think that tific evidence and moral/pastoral reasoning at 301-864-3604 or [email protected] current wisdom that welcomes homosexuals that it should evolve quickly. is, more correctly, finally dropping centuries