B NDINGS Vol. 30, No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Summer 2010 Children denied Catholic schooling, couple speaks out

By Tom Fox Police have been called in to patrol the long haired dog playfully rolled on the coverage and by the support they have National Catholic Reporter school grounds for the safety of the chil- living room carpet before us. received by friends and family. They said March 15, 2010 dren. Division has emerged within the The couple explained they agreed to they are not political activists and have no parish though many Catholics – and speak with NCR because they wanted to agenda other than providing for the safety Two Boulder women have been at the others – here ask themselves how this clear up misconceptions in the media of their children. For this reason they center of a firestorm of media attention could possibly have occurred in their and specifically wanted Catholics to asked not to be identified by name. here for the past ten days since news progressive, welcoming community. better understand their situation. Following is their story, as they told broke that their daughters would no longer Referred to as "the mothers" by The women, members of the Sacred it together. For the sake of the report I be welcome at the Sacred Heart of Jesus those who do not know the couple and Heart parish, describe themselves as distinguish between them, when neces- parish school because their mothers are by those who do and want to protect practicing Catholics eager to raise their sary, using the names Mary and Martha. . their identities, the women have avoided children in the faith of their parents and "People are making assumptions Local media have been covering the all media contacts and interviews – until grandparents. They say they attend Mass about us that are flat wrong, completely story seemingly around the clock. Televi- now. They also asked that they not be weekly at the parish with their children wrong, and we felt it was time to clear up sion crews have come to the school. Arti- photographed. and continue to believe Sacred Heart of some of these misconceptions," Mary said cles, letters to the editors, and opinion I sat down with the women, both Jesus school, which includes a pre- as we began the interview. pieces, including one by Denver professional physicians, in the living school and kindergarten through eighth From the time they first enrolled at Archbishop Charles Chaput in support of room of their home here, walls covered grade, excels in education and Catholic Sacred Heart three years back they never the expulsion, have appeared. Protesters with framed photographs of their five- formation. hid the fact that they are a lesbian couple, have shown up outside the church with year-old and three-year-old daughters. The women, meanwhile, said they banners calling shame on parishioners. As we spoke for more than an hour, a have been overwhelmed by the media Continued on page 6

Robert Carter, Priest and Activist, Dies at 82

By Dennis Hevesi University of , he read James Times Joyce’s semiautobiographical “Portrait of March 16, 2010 the Artist as a Young Man.” It introduced him, he wrote, to “the centrality of Ca- The Rev. Robert Carter, who in the tholicism in the history of Western civili- early 1970s was one of the first Roman zation.” Catholic priests in the country to declare He graduated in June 1946 and the publicly that he was gay and who helped next day was received into the Catholic found the National Gay and Lesbian Task Church. Three years later, he completed a Force, died on Feb. 22 in . He master’s degree in Greek studies at his was 82. alma mater, and in 1953 he received his His death, at a Jesuit health care facil- doctorate there. He entered the Society of ity, was confirmed by the Rev. Thomas R. Jesus in 1954 and was ordained in 1963. Slon, executive assistant to the provincial Father Carter went on to earn a mas- of the New York Province of the Society ter’s degree in social work from Columbia of Jesus. in 1981. By 1985 he was counseling Father Carter’s coming out was a AIDS patients at Lincoln Hospital in the very public one. In October 1973, Dr. Bronx; he later became a supervisor of the Howard J. Brown, a former New York outpatient AIDS program at the Bellevue City health services administrator, an- Hospital Center in Manhattan. nounced that he was gay and that he was (L to R) Fathers Dan McCarthy, Bernard Lynch, John McNeill, and Robert Carter lead For him, there was no contradiction forming a civil rights organization for Dignity in New York’s gay pride march in the early 1980s. (Courtesy: Brendan Fay) between homosexuality and Christianity. homosexual men and women. Then called In his memoir, Father Carter wrote: the National Gay Task Force, it later be- “Since Jesus had table fellowship with came the National Gay and Lesbian Task Rev. John McNeill, he hosted the first Robert Earl Carter was born in Chi- social outcasts and sinners, those rejected Force. meeting of the chapter at the Jesuit cago on July 27, 1927, the son of Earl by the religious establishment of his time, An article about the group in The chapel on West 98th Street in Manhat- and Ila Grace Smith Carter. His father I consider myself to have been most fully New York Times said: “A number of ho- tan. managed several music stores. He is a Jesuit, a ‘companion of Jesus,’ when I mosexual and lesbian organizations were “I refer to him as the heart of Dig- survived by his sister, Nancy Glader of came out publicly as a gay man, one of represented on the board. One member nity,” Father McNeill, the author of Prospect Heights, Ill. the social rejects of my time. It was only was the Rev. Robert Carter, a Jesuit priest “The Church and the Homosex- Father Carter’s parents were Protes- by our coming out that society’s negative and professor of historical theology.” ual” (Beacon, 1976), said in an inter- tants who worshiped in a series of de- stereotypes would be overcome and we Soon afterward he was visited by a view. “I was doing all the writing, but nominations as he grew up. Then, at the would gain social acceptance.”  sub-provincial of the Jesuit order. “It he was on the front line, meeting with seems that they were afraid I had had a people, counseling people.” psychotic break or something,” Father When the Catholic authorities said Carter wrote in an unpublished memoir. Dignity could not meet on church prop- Newark Archbishop questions plan for Although there were calls for his ex- erty, Father Carter celebrated Mass in pulsion by irate “Jesuits, parents and apartments all around Manhattan. He led Seton Hall University gay marriage class alumni of our schools,” Father Carter con- blessing ceremonies for gay couples. He tinued, he was not disciplined. In those testified in support of the gay rights law By Kelly Heyboer Myers said news that Seton Hall stu- days, the church and the Jesuit order were proposed by Mayor Edward I. Koch New Jersey Star-Ledger dents will be studying gay marriage somewhat more accepting of gay people. before it was passed by the City Council May 3, 2010 “troubles me greatly.” The church continues to hold that in 1986. He urged Dignity to march in In a statement, the archbishop said while homosexual attraction is gay pride parades and marched himself, Seton Hall University’s governing the church teaches that marriage should “disordered,” gay people who are celibate in his clerical collar. board is debating whether to cancel a only be between a man and a woman. are not inherently sinful. In 2005, how- Although he was a classics scholar, course on gay marriage after Newark “This proposed course seeks to pro- ever, the Vatican issued a document say- he was also a trained social worker who Archbishop John J. Myers said the class mote as legitimate a train of thought that ing the church would not admit to a semi- counseled gay priests and hundreds of conflicts with the teachings of the is contrary to what the Church teaches. As nary or ordain “those who practice homo- lay Catholics. “As I sought to reconcile . a result, the course is not in synch with sexuality, present deep-seated homosexual being gay and Catholic,” Brendan Fay, a The course is scheduled to begin Catholic teaching,” Myers said. tendencies or support the so-called ‘gay longtime gay rights activist, said in an next fall for upperclassmen in any major “Consequently, the board of trustees of culture.’ ” interview, “Bob Carter helped me move on the South Orange campus, university Seton Hall have asked the board of re- Father Carter helped found the New from self-hate to self-acceptance and officials said. It is designed to explore gents to investigate the matter of this pro- York chapter of DignityUSA, a support then to a place of gay activism. He was the controversial issue without advocat- group for gay Catholics. In 1972, with the like a Catholic Harvey Milk.” ing for either side. Continued on page 3 Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 30, No. 2 B NDINGS Catholic gay rights groups purchase ads Pages protest student ejections from Sacread Heart of Jesus school Summer 2010 Vol. 30, No. 2

By Samantha Abernethy Associated Press Francis DeBernardo, Editor Melo. There have been other issues with parents and indi- March 12, 2010 viduals in "discord with Catholic teaching" that did not Board of Directors involve homosexuality, she said. .Gay rights groups said they have purchased full-page Mary Byers The Rev. William Breslin, pastor at Sacred Heart of advertisements opposing a Boulder Catholic school`s deci- Frank O’Donnell, SM Jesus School, wrote in a blog that the church teachings are sion to eject two children because their parents are a les- more important than the cultural interpretation of toler- Rev. Paul Thomas bian couple. DignityUSA, a gay rights group of Roman Catholics, ance. Allowing the students to attend the school would put Board of Advisors and other groups are advertising in Sunday`s Camera them in a tough position, he wrote. "If a child of gay parents comes to our school, and we Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX newspaper in Boulder and The Denver Post, saying the teach that gay marriage is against the will of God, then the Anna Koop, SL school`s decision is hurtful and damages the fabric of the child will think that we are saying their parents are bad," Elizabeth Linehan, RSM community. Breslin wrote. Patricia McDermott, RSM The Sacred Heart of Jesus school in Boulder told the The Sacred Heart school policy states it expects stu- Rev. Joe Muth parents that one of the children could complete kindergar- ten and the other could finish preschool, but neither could dents and their parents to agree with church beliefs, in- cluding those forbidding sex between anyone other than stay at the school after that. Staff married, heterosexual couples. "As Catholics, it is deeply hurtful to see the Archdio- Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director "As a private school, that is their right under the law. cese of Denver forcibly remove children from their educa- But that doesn`t make it the right thing to do," the adver- Co-Founders tional programs to send a message of rejection and exclu- sion to those children`s parents," the advertisement reads. tisement reads. Sr. Jeannine Gramick Archbishop Charles J. Chaput supports the school`s Jeff Stone, spokesman for DignityUSA, said he wants to know if children are being taught about same-sex rela- Rev. Robert Nugent decision. In a column posted on a church Web site tionships at that age. The Sacred Heart school teaches Wednesday, Chaput said it`s a "painful situation" but the students from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. Bondings is a seasonal publication designed decision is in line with church beliefs. A March 5 state- to keep our subscribers informed of issues ment from the diocese said that by living in discord with "Is that what he`s saying? Is that what`s going to go that pertain to lesbian and gay people Catholic teaching, the parents choose by their actions to on after they leave? I think that`s something that many Catholics would disagree with," he said. and the Catholic Church. disqualify their children from enrollment. Other organizations sponsoring the advertisements The policy is not limited to or directed at homosexu- include Call To Action, New Ways Ministry and Fortu- Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry als, said Denver archdiocese spokeswoman Jeanette De- nate Families.  is an educational and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between the Catholic gay and lesbian community and the institutional structures in the Roman Catholic Church. From the gay and lesbian alumni/ae of Notre Dame What Father Jenkins’ refusal means New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate prevalent myths and stereotypes By Liam Dacey on campus with current students. about homosexuality and supports civil May 7, 2010 This past year, we made yet another attempt to meet rights for lesbian and gay persons in society. Father Jenkins. While we let him know that we could As another academic year comes to a close for stu- work around his schedule, he still turned down our re- New Ways Ministry dents, it is always interesting to look back at how GLBT quest. This time his reasoning was that the “did not di- 4012 29th Street issues on campus have progressed. This year in particular rectly meet with alumni groups.” He again referred us to Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 was a turbulent time, with a homophobic comic strip pub- Dolly Duffy, however we felt that another meeting with (301) 277-5674 lished in The Observer , 200 student and faculty member her was not warranted. [email protected] marching for GLBT rights, and another failed attempt by While I highly doubt that Father Jenkins does not www.NewWaysMinistry.org students at gaining approval for a GLBT club. meet with other alumni groups, that is besides the One other small incident occurred that I feel should not point. What matters is this: by not meeting with us, Fa- go untold. In the past, GALA-ND/SMC officers have had ther Jenkins is sending a similar message to GALA-ND/ the opportunity to meet with the current university president SMC as his administration does to the campus commu- to discuss GLBT issues on campus. During the 90s, for nity - we don’t see you as equal. When there is not an instance, GALA-ND/SMC officers met with then-president approved student group or equal protection from dis- TO SUBSCRIBE Monk Malloy. I personally met with Monk Malloy in 2004 crimination and harassment, then students are not being after the first Queer Film Festival. legitimized as full members of Notre Dame. Similarly, COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM However, Father Jenkins has yet to meet with GALA- when the officers of GALA-ND/SMC are not viewed as ND/SMC. After he became president in 2005, I immedi- “important” enough to get 30 minutes of Father Jenkin’s ately reached out to Father Jenkins to discuss the Queer time, we are also not being treated as equals. Enclosed is: Film Festival. At the time, he said he was “too busy” and Many at Notre Dame have suggested that perhaps directed me to meet with his advisors (which I did). Flash Father Jenkins is just too “tired” from all the heat he has _____ $25.00 in the US or Canada forward to 2008 and 2009, where GALA-ND/SMC again taken over President Obama’s visit a year ago. They say reached out to Father Jenkins for a meeting to no he needs a break from controversy. Imagine if this was _____ $35.00 outside US or Canada avail. This time he referred us to Dolly Duffy, the Associ- the same approach that Obama himself took when it ate Executive Director of the Alumni Association. While came to difficult issues. If Father Jenkins is afraid to _____ I wish to receive Bondings , our meeting with Dolly was productive in terms of alumni stand up for what is right and just, then what exactly is but cannot donate at this time. interaction, she was not at liberty to discuss GLBT issues his job? 

Name ______

Address ______

City ______A Lesbian Religious Reflects on Her Experience State ______By Janet Rozzano, RSM

Telephone ______Out of Silence God Has Called Me is a must read for all women religious, Email ______leaders of congregations of women religious and their vocation and forma- tion personnel.

Never before in such a comprehensive yet succinct manner has a writer Please make check payable to “New Ways told her story of the journey and self discovery as a lesbian within a reli- Ministry”. Outside the US, please use only gious life commitment. The book is a small but powerful and moving read. checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars or go to www.newwaysministry.org. This booklet can be used to break open conversation on important issues such as sexual orientation, respect for diversity and honoring the journey of Mail to: each member of religious communities. New Ways Ministry 4012 29th Street Booklet is available through New Ways Ministry Mount Rainier, MD 20712 $3.00 per copy (includes shipping) Summer 2010 BONDINGS Page 3 Archdiocese distances self from school ruling

By Lisa Wangsness ethos, they also accept students of any But that does not mean St. Paul’s One of the boy’s mothers, who was Boston.com religious background, as well as chil- made the right decision, said Eliza granted anonymity because of their con- May 13, 2010 dren whose parents are divorced, even Byard, executive director of the group. cerns that publicity would harm their though the church for- “There’s one fam- child, told the AP they knew of the The Archdiocese of Boston said yes- bids divorce and re- ily being singled church’s opposition to homosexual rela- terday that administrators of a small marriage. out when I would tionships but wrote both their names on Catholic elementary school in Hingham In Boulder, Colo., venture to guess the admission forms. were not following archdiocesan policy in March, a Catholic that there are other “We weren’t hiding,’’ she said. when they rescinded admission of a pro- school refused to allow families [in the Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive spective student after learning that his a student in prekinder- school] living in director of DignityUSA, a Boston-based parents are lesbians. garten to reenroll after discord of the advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, Spokesman Terry Donilon said the discovering the child’s [teachings of the] and Catholics, said that the St. archdiocese has no prohibition against parents were lesbians. Catholic Church,’’ Paul case was not isolated and that she same-sex couples sending their children to Denver Archbishop Byard said. receives three to four calls a year from Catholic schools. Charles J. Chaput de- The Boston Arch- parents across the country in similar situa- “We want kids to come to Catholic fended the decision, diocese has been tions. schools,’’ he said. writing in the Denver aggressively re- Duddy-Burke said she was pleased to St. Paul Elementary School admitted Catholic Register cruiting students as hear the archdiocese has no official policy an 8-year-old boy earlier this year but newspaper that the it seeks to excluding children of same-sex couples recently withdrew the acceptance after church does not condemn gays and les- strengthen the struggling network of from Catholic schools, but she would like learning that his parents are lesbians, the bians or their children, but does define Catholic schools. On Tuesday, leaders to see church officials go further and in- archdiocese confirmed yesterday. Donilon marriage as a heterosexual union. He of the Campaign for Catholic Schools clude a nondiscrimination statement that said the archdiocese would have no fur- said families with other views “have trumpeted a pair of $1 million corporate covers sexual orientation in each school’s ther comment until it had finished review- other, excellent options for education.’’ donations, which brought them closer to handbook. ing the matter and speaking with all par- Attorney Shawn Gaylord, public their $85 million goal for consolidating In any case, she said, gay and lesbian ties involved. policy director for the New York-based and rebuilding schools in Brockton, parents considering Catholic schools for The Rev. James Rafferty, pastor of Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Gloucester, Dorchester, Mattapan, and their children often face a dilemma over St. Paul parish, and Cynthia Duggan, the Network, an advocacy group for gay South Boston. whether the merits of the school outweigh school’s principal, did not respond to re- students, said the Massachusetts law The Associated Press, which first the possibility their child may hear mes- quests for an interview yesterday after- barring discrimination in schools based reported the story yesterday, said the sages about the church’s teachings on noon. Lisa Lipsett, an adviser to the on sexual orientation applies only to Hingham student’s parents had planned homosexuality and gay marriage that school’s PTO Executive Committee, re- public schools. to send him to third grade in the fall. could be painful.  ferred all questions to the archdiocese. The decision incensed state Repre- sentative Garrett J. Bradley, a Democrat from Hingham who grew up in St. Paul parish. “These parents thought enough of St. Gay-friendly Catholic Paul’s to want to send their child there; St. Paul’s thought enough of their child to Colleges and Universities admit him. For the school to then dis- criminate against him and withdraw his Below is a list of known gay-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic acceptance because of his parents’ sexual institutions that have some type of gay/lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc. If you orientation is not only inappropriate, but are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay/lesbian people, please let us know! mind-blowing,’’ he said in a phone inter- view last night. “Shame on St. Paul’s, and California Chestnut Hill : Boston College Ohio shame on us as a community if we allow Belmont : Notre Dame de Namur University Easton : Stonehill College Cincinnati : Xavier University it.’’ Goleta : St. Mark’s University North Andover : Merrimack College Cleveland Heights: John Carroll University Christine Smith, chairwoman of the Los Angeles : Loyola Marymount University, Weston : Regis College Dayton : University of Dayton Hingham School Committee and a St. Mount Saint Mary’s College Worcester : Assumption College, Pepper Pike : Ursuline College Paul’s parishioner, said last night that she Moraga : St. Mary’s College College of the Holy Cross South Euclid : Notre Dame College Ranchos Palos Verde : Marymount College Sylvania : Lourdes College would have no immediate comment be- San Diego : University of San Diego Michigan cause she did not know enough about the San Francisco : University of San Francisco Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy Oregon school’s decision. Santa Clara : Santa Clara University Grand Rapids : Aquinas College Marylhurst : Marylhurst University Although Catholic schools integrate Portland : University of Portland church teachings into their curriculum and Colorado Minnesota Denver : Regis University Collegeville : St. John’s University Pennsylvania Duluth : College of St. Scholastica Cresson : Mount Aloysius College Connecticut Minneapolis : College of St. Catherine Dallas : Misericordia University Fairfield : Fairfield University, St. Joseph : College of Saint Benedict Erie : Mercyhurst College Sacred Heart University St. Paul : St. Thomas University Greensburg : Seton Hill University New Haven : Albertus Magnus College Winona : St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Philadelphia : Chestnut Hill College, LaSalle West Hartford : Saint Joseph College University, St. Joseph’s University Missouri Pittsburgh : Carlow University, Developing Catholic District of Columbia Kansas City: Avila University, Duquesne University Georgetown University, Trinity University Rockhurst University Radnor : Cabrini College Lesbian/Gay Ministry St. Louis : Fontbonne University, Reading : Alvernia University Florida St. Louis University Scranton : Marywood University Miami Gardens : St. Thomas University Villanova : Villanova University A weekend workshop/retreat Miami Shores : Barry University Montana for all interested Helena : Carroll College Rhode Island Hawaii Newport : Salve Regina University in lesbian/gay ministry Honolulu : Chaminade University Nebraska Providence : Providence College Omaha : Creighton University Texas October 29-31, 2010 Chicago : DePaul University, New Hampshire Austin : Saint Edward’s University Loyola University, St. Xavier University Nashua : Rivier College San Antonio : University of the Incarnate Word, La Salette Retreat Center Romeoville : Lewis University Our Lady of the Lake University New Jersey Attleboro, Massachussetts Indiana Caldwell: Caldwell College Vermont Notre Dame : Holy Cross College, St. Mary’s Jersey City: St. Peter’s College Colchester : Saint Michael’s College (near Providence, RI ) College, University of Notre Dame South Orange : Seton Hall Washington Iowa New York Lacey : St. Martin’s College This weekend of prayer, Dubuque : Loras College Albany : College of Saint Rose Seattle : Seattle University presentations, dialogue, and Bronx : , Manhattan College Spokane : Gonzaga University planning is designed to assist Kentucky Buffalo : Canisius College those seeking ways to include Louisville : Spalding University, Loudonville : Sienna College West Virginia lesbian/gay people and issues Bellarmine University New Rochelle : College of New Rochelle, Wheeling : Wheeling Jesuit University in their home parishes, schools, Iona College Louisiana Poughkeepsie : Marist College Wisconsin or other ministerial settings. New Orleans : Loyola University Riverdale : College of Mount St. Vincent De Pere : St. Norbert College Rochester : Nazareth College of Rochester, Madison : Edgewood College Maryland St. John Fisher College Milwaukee : Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch Sponsored by Baltimore : College of Notre Dame of St. Bonaventure : St. Bonaventure University University, Marquette University New Ways Ministry Maryland, Loyola College of Maryland Sparkill : St. Thomas Aquinas College www.NewWaysMinistry.org Syracuse : LeMoyne College Canada Massachusetts Queens : St. John’s University Toronto : Regis College, St. Michael’s College Boston : Emmanuel College, Boston College Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 30, No. 2

United Kingdom A welcoming Church Paul Donovan speaks to Martin Pendergast and Maria Exall about what is means to be a gay or lesbian Catholic, and why the Church’s teachings on social justice and Catholic inclusivity are attracting more Christians to join

By Paul Donovan of young people,” said Martin, sexuality.” Justice Magazine—United Kingdom who has noticed the role that He suggested that the hierarchy in March/April 2010 girls often play in bullying. “It England and Wales had been enlight- is a sign of something else go- ened over the years with the way in Martin Pendergast has been a repeat ing on, of young people’s disen- which it had dealt with the issues. victim of homophobic attacks. In 1986 he franchisement resulting in ag- It was 10 years ago that lesbian and was stabbed in the back with a pen knife, gression against anyone thought gay Catholics started up a monthly escaping when surrounded by a group of to be different.” Mass which was initially held at a youths aged 12-18. “It just missed my They both referred to re- Catholic convent and then at St kidney,” Martin said. “It was only later search finding an increase in Anne’s Anglican Church in Soho, that the police suggested it might have homophobic bullying going on London. had a homophobic intent. Then when he in schools, although Martin said The numbers grew from an initial 30 moved house with his partner, stickers he had seen some excellent to 40 and the Masses started to be from a fascist group appeared on the rail- work going on in Catholic celebrated twice a month. ings opposite declaring “Kill a Queer”. schools to promote inclusive- Then, three years ago, after a consul- A couple of years ago, he was at- ness amongst staff and pupils. tation process, the Masses moved to tacked in the doorway of his house. “I was A national trade union offi- the Church of the Assumption in karate-kicked, resulting in a broken jaw, cial, Maria said it had taken 20 Warwick Street, Soho. four broken ribs and damage to my eye years of work to get homopho- “Now 100 to 120 people come on a and mouth, needing surgery.” bic bullying in the workplace regular basis with new people attend- He learned from police that DNA recognised and taken seriously ing every time,” said Martin. from the assailant matched with other in the union movement. In He estimated that 250 to 300 differ- attacks on gay men. terms of the Church, Martin and ent people were among regular at- The threat of violence is something Maria said they saw the ques- tenders. which gay and lesbian people have had to tion of how gay and lesbian “People of different ethnic minori- live with on a daily basis. Maria Exall has people are treated as an issue of ties, ages, backgrounds and sexuali- not suffered any physical attack, but has social justice as much as one of ties all come along,” said Martin, endured name calling in the street from personal sexual ethics. Martin Pendergast (Photo: Bernie Keating) who believes the Vatican is looking at time to time. They are frustrated that, in the model as one that could be poten- She recalled how gay and lesbian many instances, it is often reduced to Martin recalled that when he stud- tially used in other parts of the world people can become targets, once it is discussions about personal sexual prac- ied theology in Rome in the late 1960s, where there is a more aggressive attitude known that they are living in an area. tices. the topic was hardly covered. toward the lesbian and gay community. Research shows an under-reporting of Sexual orientation has only come “Our own bishops in 1979 put out Martin is also pleased that some of homophobic crime, though the police now up for detailed discussion in the Church pastoral care guidelines saying that like the protests outside the Church appear to take such attacks very seriously. in the last 30 years, largely because of heterosexuality, homosexual orientation have tailed off over recent months. “There have been increases in homo- the 1976 Declaration on Human Ethics, was morally neutral and it was a ques- The organisers of the Masses have phobic violence, especially from groups authorised by Pope Paul VI. tion of how people lived it out,” said received plaudits from many people, with Martin. one senior priest in Westminster telling Maria said she did not agree with Martin that he would have walked away the view of some Christians who portray from the Church years ago if he had been Scotland homosexuality as some kind of ‘secular subjected to the type of abuse the lesbian disease’. and gay community had. The question for Martin and Maria “The mature way though, is to en- Catholic bishops urge followers not is working out ethics with integrity and gage, not just walk away,” said Martin. they believe that the rich tradition of the Both Martin and Maria are keen that to vote for gay-friendly candidates Catholic Church in relation to diversity people from non-faith backgrounds come issues make it a place where such issues to see the inclusive and tolerant nature of can best be worked out reasonably. the Catholic Church. By Staff Writer Martin said that within the Lesbian It is all too easy for those outside the PinkNews.co.uk dates who rejoiced in same sex unions. and Gay Christian Movement (LGCM), Church to pick on some of the more reac- April 22, 2010 They would never have voted for candi- people have been drawn to join the tionary, ill-informed comments and ac- dates who would stop the church offer- Catholic Church after being struck by its cuse all people of faith of being homopho- Catholic bishops in Scotland are urg- ing adoption services. They would never teachings, its main attraction being its bic. ing followers not to vote for candidates have voted for candidates who were inclusive nature. But the need to build bridges is vital, who support gay equality, abortion rights clearly hostile to the values they held “People are responding to the big- and the sight of lesbian and gay people and assisted suicide. dear. ger message that the Catholic Church being more at ease in the Church should A message which will be circulated "As Catholics we know the impor- offers about integral human develop- be a cause for celebration. to all Catholic parishes in Scotland urges tance of protecting every human life and ment,” he added. It is a sign of confidence in what the voters to "vote with your faith to protect of the value that married family life “It is about being part of commu- Church believes, and its ability to operate human life; to support marriage and the gives to society. These values were once nity and does not all come down to in a genuinely diverse way across human- family; to protect religious freedom; to widely shared but times have changed. ity.  protect Catholic education". Many of those standing for election, of The message, titled "Make Your whatever party, do not share our basic Peru Faith Count!" calls on voters to reject principles and values. candidates who supported civil partner- "That is why we say to you: when ships or the ban on Catholic adoption you vote, make your faith count. Vote agencies being allowed to reject gay cou- with your faith to protect human life; to Gay organizations protest the Catho- ples. support marriage and the family; to pro- It says the church cannot tell voters tect religious freedom; to protect Catho- lic church in Lima, Peru who to vote for but urges them to vote for lic education. Vote with your faith, and the candidate who "best represents the uphold the right of conscience and reli- By Isabel Guerra ciature's building, located in the Limenian values we, like our parents and grandpar- gious freedom." LivinginPeru.com district of Jesus Maria. ents before us, hold dear". Cardinal Keith O'Brien, president of April 26, 2010 The protestors were carrying signs The message said: "The political the Bishops' Conference said: "It is cru- and shouting mottos against child abuse choices we face today are not the choices cially important that apathy is not al- Several Peruvian gay and lesbian and against Vatican Secretary Tarcisio your parents and grandparents faced. They lowed to win in this election, I hope organizations protested in front of the Bertone' recent declarations, linking ped- would never have voted for any candidate Catholic voters will make the cross Apostolic Nunciature to Peru, express- erasty and child abuse to homosexuality. who refused to protect unborn human life, count by quizzing their candidates on ing their disagreement with the recent “Pedophilia is a crime, homosexuality who supported experimentation on human the important moral matters which af- declarations of some Vatican spokesper- is not,” they yelled. embryos, or planned to assist unfortunate fect us and that they use the resources sons, who related pederasty with homo- Some Catholic organizations were people to commit suicide. which the Bishops' Conference." sexuality. also present, rejecting this protest, saying "They would never have voted for a The church has also sent a question- The sit-in was organized by the prayers and shouting their own mottos. candidate who would undermine marriage naire to all candidates asking them their Peruvian Network of Transgender, Les- They feared the protestors might attack and family in the way that has happened views on religious freedom, the family bians, Gays and Bisexuals, and reunited the building, like during similar previous in recent years with cross-party support. and whether "alternative relationships" some 100 activists in front of the Nun- protests in Argentina and Chile.  They would never have voted for candi- can be considered equal to marriage.  Summer 2010 BONDINGS Page 5 Vatican enmeshed in gay sex allegations

By Rachel Donadio After his arrest, Mr. Balducci was organizing parties for Mr. Bertolaso, who just arrived from Germany,” “two New York Times removed from his Vatican post in The complete with beautiful young women black guys,” “the soccer player” and “the March 3, 2010 Gentlemen of His Holiness, an elite believed to be to his liking. Mr. Berto- dancer for the RAI” state broadcaster. group of ushers who serve at the Apos- laso is under investigation but has not It was not immediately possible to A singer in an elite Vatican choir and tolic Palace when visiting dignitaries been charged with a crime. reach Mr. Ehiem’s lawyer. Mr. Ehiem, a jailed Italian public works executive meet the pope, the ANSA news agency But nothing quite compares to the who the Vatican said was not a member of who served as a papal usher were let go reported Thursday, citing Vatican reports of a gay prostitution ring that any religious order, told Panorama maga- by the Vatican this week amid allegations sources. emerged this week. Citing a police zine that he had met Mr. Balducci through that they were involved in what prosecu- The reports emerged as part of a document drawing on intercepted phone an Italian friend who had worked as an tors believe was an organized network of sweeping investigation into corruption conversations, La Repubblica reported escort, ANSA reported Thursday. Mr. gay prostitution, Italian news media re- in the awarding of public works con- Wednesday that Mr. Ehiem procured Ehiem accused magistrates of “ruining his ported. tracts by Italy’s Civil Protection men for Mr. Balducci. In one conversa- life,” it added. Ghinedu Ehiem, a Nigerian who sang Agency. Mr. Balducci, a consultant to tion, the paper quotes Mr. Balducci as Mr. Balducci, who is married, has in a choir that performs at St. Peter’s Ba- the Vatican on major construction pro- asking Mr. Ehiem, “At what time does said he is innocent of the corruption silica, was dismissed after the center-left jects, is one of four people to be jailed in he have to return to the seminary?” charges. His lawyer, Franco Coppi, who daily newspaper La Repubblica reported the inquiry, which has dealt a serious Over more than a year of taped con- successfully defended a former prime Wednesday that he had procured men, blow to the well-respected director of versations, Mr. Ehiem described the minister, Giulio Andreotti, against charges including seminarians, for Angelo the Civil Protection Agency, Guido Ber- physiques of various men to Mr. of Mafia dealings, told the news agency Balducci, a former member of the board tolaso. Balducci. “I have a situation from that it was “shameful” for newspapers to of Italy’s public works department who In wiretapped phone conversations Naples,” Mr. Ehiem says in one conver- publish conversations unrelated to the was arrested and jailed last month on cor- leaked to the news media, people with sation, according to La Repubblica. “I investigation. He added that he and Mr. ruption charges. business before the agency are heard have a situation from Cuba,” he says in Balducci had “laughed” when they another, continuing with “a German learned of the sex allegations. 

Vatican slammed for blaming gay priests in pedophile scandal By Staff Writer Agence France-Press A retreat for lesbian/gay April 14, 2010 Catholics, parents, The child sex abuse scandal pastoral ministers, and scorching the Catholic Church all interested persons worsened Tuesday with lawmak- ers, doctors and gay activists slamming an attempt by the Vati- can to shift the blame for the pe- October 8-10, 2010 dophilia to homosexual priests. Comments by Cardinal Tar- cisio Bertone, the Vatican’s sec- Franciscan retary of state, during a visit to Spiritual Center Chile on Monday triggered the indignation by saying homosexu- ality, not celibacy among the Aston, Pennsylvania clergy, was at fault. (near Philadelphia) “Many psychologists, many psychiatrists have demonstrated Facilitated by: Sponsored by there exists no relationship be- New Ways Ministry tween celibacy and pedophilia,” Edwina Gateley Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone www.NewWaysMinistry.org Bertone told a Santiago news con- ference. “But many others have demonstrated, supports this allegation.” and have told me recently, that there is a In Rome, the head of Italian gay link between homosexuality and pedo- rights group Gaylib, Enrico Oliari, Newark Archbishop questions plan for philia. This is true, this is the problem,” called it “worrying that the foreign min- he said. ister of a state that occupies the heart of Seton Hall University gay marriage class The comments immediately threw the Italian capital would use arguments Continued from page 1 fuel on the scandal that is threatening to that are considered passe even in the engulf Pope Benedict XVI, by prompting Third World.” posed course and to take whatever ac- “The best schools offer controversial outrage Tuesday in Chile and in Italy. Aurelio Mancuso, former president tion is required under the law to protect classes,” Mott told the Setonian in a story “I would like to see the scientific of a larger Italian gay rights association the Catholicity of this university.” published earlier this week. “The class is studies he said he has, because I don’t Arcigay, said: “The truth is that Bertone As archbishop, Myers does not not about advocacy, but about studying share this evaluation… I have the impres- is clumsily trying to shift attention to have the authority to cancel a class. But the issue from an academic perspective. sion that he is wrong on this point,” said a homosexuality and away from the focus the conservative archbishop serves as It’s about awareness.” Chilean senator who helped draft anti- on new crimes against children that chairman of Seton Hall’s board of trus- Mott, who is gay, has clashed with pedophile laws, Patricio Walker. emerge every day.” tees and president of the school’s board the church and university officials before. “This linking is wrong. Celibacy does ...Bertone’s controversial statement of regents, the governing body that In 2005, he was demoted from his post as more damage to a human being than ho- came as the Vatican tried to step up its oversees academic issues. associate dean of Seton Hall’s College of mosexuality, which is a freely made damage control on the scandal. Larry Robinson, Seton Hall’s vice Arts and Sciences after his letter challeng- choice,” a communist deputy, Hugo The leadership of the Catholic provost, said the course was approved ing the church’s view on homosexuality Gutierrez, told AFP. “I’m shocked by Church has repeatedly tried to dismiss by both the political science department was published in The Star-Ledger . these words from a senior dignitary of the as media exaggerations the tide of recent and the dean’s office. School officials objected to Mott Church.” claims in Austria, Germany, Ireland and “The initial review at the depart- signing the letter with his Seton Hall title, A medical specialist at the University the that predator priests mental level and at the dean’s level sug- causing confusion about whether he was of Chile, Tamara Galleguillos, added that were given protection from prosecution gests that the course is not an advocacy speaking on behalf of the university. The “it’s not possible to think there’s a direct by their hierarchy. course ... but a ‘special topics’ course to letter said the church unfairly scapegoats link between homosexuality and pedo- Pope Benedict himself has faced objectively examine a significant current gay men for the clergy sex abuse scandal. philia.” allegations that he failed to take action public policy issue,” Robinson said. Faculty members protested Mott’s She explained that her work in against pedophile priests, both as head “Thus, we fully anticipate that the demotion, arguing school officials vio- Chile’s forensic service showed homosex- of the Vatican’s top doctrinal and mor- Catholic position on same-sex marriage lated his academic freedom when they ual pedophiles were no more likely to als enforcer and earlier as the Munich will be explored.” punished him for writing a letter. But commit their crimes than heterosexual archbishop. W. King Mott, the Seton Hall asso- Seton Hall’s provost upheld the demotion pedophiles. The Holy See this week used its ciate professor of political science and Mott, who has tenure, remained on Rolando Jimenez, head of Chile’s mouthpiece newspaper to praise its han- scheduled to teach the course, told The campus as a prominent professor. Movement for Homosexual Integration dling of past pedophile cases as Setonian , the campus newspaper, he He currently serves as the chairman and Liberation, called on Bertone “to “exemplary,” and on Monday it posted didn’t think it was unusual for a Catho- of the faculty senate and as one of 12 show us any scientific, rigorous, serious guidelines on handling new cases on its lic university to offer a class on an issue members of the search committee looking and religiously independent study that official website.  the church does not support. for Seton Hall’s next president.  Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 30, No. 2 Children denied Catholic schooling, lesbian couple speaks out Continued from page 1 they said. "We decided for a number of been thoroughly discussed by the parish quickly received from parents at Sacred children in the Catholic faith and we said reasons to send our children to Sacred administrators. Yet the women said they Heart school. "We have been around for we would and we have really tried to live Heart School," Mary said. "We have never heard of any complaints about years but just didn't think much about it up to that commitment," Martha said. "We loved it there. Our children were thriving their children being in the school from and didn't think that it would be such an take them to church every week. We there. When we first enrolled our daughter teachers or parents. issue for so many," Mary said. "It meant switched to the Sacred Heart parish when in pre-school we told the school adminis- "At first we were conflicted about a lot coming from this group of people." our kids starting going to the school. We trators our daughter had two moms. We what the right response would be," Mary Was this somehow about making a signed up and our money goes into the asked if this was going to be a problem. said. "We knew there was potential for point on gay issues? basket every week. Our kids go to Sunday We said that if it was going to be a prob- this to become a big deal. But we felt it "People have suggested that we put school. We are making the effort." lem we could go else where. We were would be in our children's' best interest our children in the school to make a Part of the disappointment for the very open and they said it would not be a to simply focus on finding other educa- political point or that we are fighting women is that they feel the Catholic problem." church is now not fulfilling its part of the The women said they never made a promise to provide all the support it can in "big issue" of their family situation. "We the raising of the children as Catholics. have never flaunted it or pushed any po- Said Mary: "We are trying to live up litical agenda at the school at all," Mary to the promises we make to raise our kids continued. "The parents know; the teach- as Catholics and now the church we made ers know. We've sat with the kindergarten the promise to is sort of undermining our teachers and have talked with them. Never attempts to do so." They said they were over a three year period we never had any shocked when a local priest suggested indication that it would be a problem at they raise their children as Episcopalians. all. We found it to be a very accepting After being told their children could environment for our child." not continue into the elementary school, All seemed quite natural until a it the women said they spoke with Sacred came time for next year's enrollment a Heart pastor, Fr. Breslin, and were told couple weeks back, Martha recalled. they could continue to come to church and "I went in to turn in our daughter's that the their children could come to CCD kindergarten application and was called classes. They then asked what was the into the principal's office. That's when, difference between CCD education and she said, she got "blind sided." school education. "Isn't the doctrine the "She sat me down and told me we same?" they asked. They felt Breslin was were no longer accepted here any more. not able to provide an understandable She said it was not going to be a good fit answer. for our child and that she would encour- They say they are also troubled be- age us to look elsewhere," Martha went cause behind the decision to forbid their on, explaining the principal said she was children from going to the elementary worried there could be confusion when tional opportunities for them." this battle and making our children po- school is a presumption about their per- the teachers teach about the family unit. "We did not feel then and we still litical footballs. This is not the case," sonal lives and that no one ever asked "Her main point was she was con- don't feel now that pushing the church to Martha insisted. "You are the first per- them about what it means for them to live cerned about our child, about her well- change its mind would be in our chil- son we have talked to. We haven't spo- as a couple. being. She never came out and said we dren's best interests. We don't want our ken to any of the reporters who have "No one has every asked us if we are were not welcomed to stay. But she pretty children to become targets in a place wanted to speak with us. We value our celibates. How do they know we are not much told us it was time for us to move where they were not welcome. So we privacy." upholding official church teachings?" on." decided to meet with Father Bill and Both of the moms were born and Mary asked. Meanwhile, other parish par- That evening the women discussed send a letter to the archbishop and we raised Catholics. Mary went to Catholic ents, they say, have been coming to them what was said adding they were upset and would leave it at that." schools from pre-school through 12th saying they are not upholding church so they decided they wanted clarification They women said they were grade. Martha went to Notre Dame. teachings. Some have noted they are di- because the principal had stopped short of "personally hurt, personally upset," but Mary's mother taught in a Catholic vorced and remarried without a church saying their daughter could not enroll, just decided it was time "to move on." school system for 25 years. Martha's blessing. Others say they are practicing that it would not be wise to do so. But that was not the end. It turned aunt was a Catholic school teacher for birth control methods contrary to church Mary said she called the principal and out to be only the beginning. Following decades. "We have a lot of history with teachings. asked for clarification. She recalls asking: the decision the parish administrators the Catholic school system. It is what Said Martha: "The frustrating argu- "Are you just worried about how this is told the school teachers and as best the we are familiar with. It is what we are ment for me is that our priest and going to be for my child because of the women can reconstruct one of the teach- comfortable with. We value what a archbishop are saying we are openly liv- church's stance on homosexuality?" She ers contacted a local television news Catholic education can do for our kids," ing in disagreement with the doctrine of said she told the principal that if that was channel. Word of the decision was soon Martha said. the church. They are saying people who the case the women could handle it. I told flashed on local television and the story As for Sacred Heart, the women say are divorced are not as open, but everyone her we did not expect any accommoda- appeared the next morning in the Daily it has been good place for their chil- knows they are divorced. They imply that tions for our children based on our family Camera. dren's education. They say they appreci- we are flaunting our relationship. That is situation. She then asked directly: "Are "Within hours it was out to the en- ate the moral foundation the teachers the last thing we do. We go to church as you telling us we are not allowed?" tire community," Martha said. "The par- have provided. They say they support family. We never show any affection for At that point, Mary said, the principal ents knew; it was the talk of the parking the character of Catholic education. each other in church. We are very private. replied that she needed to call the archdio- lot. This started on a Monday and by They say it is very important to them But that's how the archdiocese is seeing cese. The next day, with the principal and Thursday when I went to drop off our that their children be provided with reli- it." . . . the pastor of Sacred Heart parish, Fr. Wil- children I had people I didn't even know gious education. "We want our kids to One point that the women wanted me liam Breslin, on the line, the women were coming up to me and hugging me with learn about religion. We feel religion is to know and report is that they are not part told that their daughters could stay one tears in their eyes. We hadn't told any of really important. And they love it. They of any gay movement. They are not activ- more year in school and after that they them. It was spreading like wildfire. love God. They love their school. They ists. "You have never seen us at protests would be out. And it didn't come from us." love their friends. They love their teach- or marching in parades. We never in- What changed? The women said there have been ers," Mary said... tended to pave the way for gays in the The women say they don't know. surprises along the way. One of the big- ...Mary and Martha each gave birth Catholic church. We just wanted to be a They said they were told that the issue had gest was the amount of support they to one of the children. Legally each has normal family.". . . joint custody of both children. The "All through this we have decided women are not legally married. They that we are not going to let our hearts be have lived in Colorado for nearly a dec- filled with anger and disgust and hatred. Spiritual Treasures of Northern Italy ade and Colorado does not allow gay We decided we are just going to move on, marriages. take care of our family and we are going A gay-friendly pilgrimage with Each of the children was baptized to be fine. The family is going to be fine Sr. Jeannine Gramick, SL by local priests, one who is in a and maybe bringing this out to the fore- neighboring parish and another who has front of people's minds is going to have March 20-27, 2011 been reassigned outside the area. The some positive effect. You can't let it drag baptisms followed by months the publi- you down." Pilgrimage includes visits to: cation of a 2006 statement issued by the Later, the women said they were U.S. bishops offering guidelines to min- working on a press statement and wanted Pisa, Florence, Bologna, isters and parents of gay and lesbian to be sure I knew its last sentence so that I Ravenna, Padua, Venice, children. The outlines suggest baptism could report it. The sentence reads: "We Bergamo, Milan for children of gays and lesbians, the will continue to raise our children with women say, as long as there is a reason- strong Catholic values and hold faith that For more info, contact Sr. Jeannine: able assumption that the children will be through our actions, we are doing our part 301-864-3604 or [email protected] raised as Catholics. to create a more loving, inclusive world." "They asked if we would raise our  Summer 2010 BONDINGS Page 7

Gay-friendly Catholic Parishes Below is a partial list of known “gay-friendly” Catholic parishes. 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/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.

Highlands Ranch : Pax Christi St. Ignace : St. Ignatius Loyola Westlake : St. Ladislas Littleton : Light of the World, Wooster : St. Mary of the Immaculate St. Frances Cabrini Minnesota Conception Minneapolis : St. Frances Cabrini, Connecticut St. Joan of Arc Oregon Alabama Hartford : St. Patrick-St. Anthony Beaverton: Mission of the Atonement Montgomery : St. Bede Missouri Portland : Journey and Koinonia District of Columbia Kansas City : Guardian Angels, Catholic Community, St. Andrew, Arizona Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, St. Francis Xavier, St. James St. Phillip Neri, Downtown Chapel Scottsdale : Franciscan Renewal St. Matthew Cathedral St. Joseph: St. Francis Xavier (St. Vincent de Paul) Center St. Louis : St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Tucson : St. Cyril of Alexandria, Florida Scotland, St. Pius V Pennsylvania SS. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Philadelphia : Old St. Joseph, Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia Ft. Lauderdale : St. Anthony, Montana Old St. Mary, St. John the St. Maurice Billings : Holy Rosary Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul California Naples : St. John the Evangelist York : St. Joseph Berkeley : Holy Spirit Parish St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Nebraska Burney : St Francis of Assisi Tampa : Franciscan Center, Omaha : Holy Family, Sacred Heart Rhode Island Carlesbad : St. Patrick Sacred Heart, Christ the King Providence : St. Francis Chapel Claremont : Our Lady of the Nevada Wickford : St. Bernard Assumption Georgia Las Vegas : Christ the King, El Cajon : St. Luke Atlanta : Shrine of the Immaculate Guardian Angel Cathedral Tennessee Encino : Our Lady of Grace Conception Memphis : Cathedral of the Escondido : St. Timothy New Hampshire Immaculate Conception Fremont : St. Joseph - Mission San Illinois Merrimack : St. John Neumann Jose Berwyn : St. Mary of the Celle Pelham : St. Patrick Texas Goleta : St. Mark Univ. Parish Chicago : Immaculate Conception, Colleyville: Good Shepherd Hawthorne : St. Joseph (Spanish) St. Clement, St. Gertrude, New Jersey Dallas : Holy Trinity Hayward : All Saints St. Gregory, St. Peter, St. Sylvester, Clifton : St. Brendan Houston : St. Anne LaPuente : St. Martha St. Teresa of Avila, St. Thomas the Lawrenceville : St. Ann Plano : St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Lemon Grove : St. John of the Cross Apostle, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Long Beach Island : St. Francis of Long Beach : St. Matthew Old St. Patrick Assisi Virginia Los Angeles : Blessed Sacrament, Clarendon Hills : Notre Dame Maplewood : St. Joseph Arlington : Our Lady Queen of Peace Christ the King, Mother of Good Country Club Hills : St. Emeric Tinton Falls : St. Anselm Richmond : Cathedral of the Sacred Counsel, St. Camillus Center-LA Evanston : St. Nicholas Heart, Sacred Heart Parish USC Medical Center (Spanish), Morton Grove : St. Martha New Mexico Roanoke : St. Gerard St. Paul the Apostle Oak Park : Ascension, St. Catherine of Albuquerque: Holy Family, Triangle : St. Francis North Hollywood : Blessed Sacrament, Sienna-St. Lucy Shrine of St. Bernadette Virginia Beach : St. Nicholas St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Schaumburg : St. Marcelline Espanola : Sacred Heart of Jesus St. Patrick Washington Oakland : Our Lady of Lourdes Indiana New York Pullman: Sacred Heart Oceanside : St. Thomas More Evansville : St. Mary Baldwinsville : St. Augustine Seattle : St. Benedict, Prince of Peace Orange : Holy Family Cathedral, Indianapolis : St. Thomas Aquinas Bellmore : St. Barnabas the Apostle Newman Center Koinoia Bellport : Mary Immaculate Tacoma : St. Leo Pleasanton : Catholic Community of Iowa Brooklyn : St. Andrew the Apostle, Pleasanton Iowa City : St. Thomas More St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, Wisconsin Sacramento : St. Francis of Assisi St. Augustine Madison : Our Lady Queen of Peace San Carlos : St. Charles Kentucky Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Menomonee Falls : Good Shepherd San Diego : San Rafael, St. Jude Louisville : Epiphany, Cathedral of the East Islip : St. Mary Milwaukee : Good Shepherd, Shrine Assumption, St. William Elmira : St. Mary Prince of Peace, Trinity-Guadalupe San Francisco : Most Holy Redeemer, Fairport : Church of the Assumption Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Louisiana Henrietta: Good Shepherd Canada St. Dominic New Orleans : St. Augustine Manhattan : Holy Name of Jesus, Montreal: Holy Cross San Jose : St. Julie Billiart, St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul the Ottawa : St. Joseph St. Martin of Tours (Emmaus Maine Apostle, Church of the Ascension, Toronto : Our Lady of Lourdes Community) Portland : Sacred Heart-St. Dominic St. Francis of Assisi San Luis Obispo : Old Mission of Saco : Most Holy Trinity Melville : St. Elizabeth England San Luis Obispo Pittsford : Church of the London : Our Lady of the San Rafael : Church of San Rafael & Maryland Transfiguration Assumption & St. Gregory Mission San Rafael Archangel Baltimore : Corpus Christi, St. Francis Rochester : Blessed Sacrament, Santa Barbara : OL of Guadalupe of Assisi, St. Matthew, St. Philip St. Mary (Downtown), St. Monica To add your faith community to our Santa Clara : GALA and James, St. Vincent dePaul Syracuse : St. Lucy, All Saints list, please contact New Ways Minis- Santa Cruz : Holy Cross Columbia : St. John the Evangelist Utica : St. Francis DeSales try at [email protected] or Santa Monica : St. Monica Gaithersburg : St. Rose of Lima Wantaugh : St. Frances de Chantal call 301-277-5674. Simi Valley : St. Rose of Lima Greenbelt : Catholic Community of Westbury : St. Brigid Spring Valley : Santa Sophia Greenbelt Valinda : St. Martha Hagerstown : St. Ann North Carolina Vernon : Holy Angels Church of Severn : St. Bernadette Charlotte: St. Peter the Deaf Durham : Immaculate Conception Walnut Creek : St. John Vianney Massachusetts Fayetteville : St. Patrick West Hollywood : St. Ambrose, Boston : Paulist Center, St. Anthony Raleigh : St. Francis of Assisi St. Victor Shrine, St. Cecilia Whittier : St. Mary of the Assumption East Longmeadow : St. Michael Ohio Newton : St. Ignatius Akron : St. Bernard Colorado Sharon : Our Lady of Sorrows Cincinnati : St. George-St. Monica, Arvada : Spirit of Christ Springfield : Sacred Heart St. Robert Bellarmine Avon : St. Edward Worcester : Holy Cross College Cleveland : Ascension of Our Lord, Colorado Springs : Our Lady of St. Malachi, St. Martha Guadalupe, Sacred Heart Michigan Columbus : St. Thomas More Denver : St. Dominic, Christ the King, Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish Newman Center Mount Carmel Detroit : St. Leo, Christ the King Mentor : St. John Vianney Fort Collins : Blessed John XXIII Kalamazoo : Lambda Catholics University Heights : Church of the Gesu Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 30, No. 2 Hingham, Same-Sex Marriage, and Life Issues

By James Martin, SJ children of same sex parents from at- that a parishioner complaining about a ters? How many even know what the America Magazine blog tending Catholic schools. We will work serious liturgical abuse move to another church teaches on important mat- May 17, 2010 in the coming weeks to develop a policy parish. Rather, the archdiocese would ters? Likewise, how many funerals of less to eliminate any misunderstandings in have most likely exercised the authority -than-devout Catholics are cele- Hingham is an affluent town on Bos- the future. that it has over any of its parishes. brated? How many couples with little ton’s monied "South Shore," whose Main Since the issue involving St. Paul Overall, though, the archdiocese interest in the faith are married in Catholic Street, dotted with handsome white- School in Hingham was brought to our has taken a wise and pastoral approach churches? clapboard houses, was called by Eleanor attention on Tuesday of this week, we to a question that will increasingly face Singling out children of same-sex Roosevelt the prettiest street in the coun- have met with the pastor and principal Catholic schools where children come couples smacks of targeting one particular try. How do I know this? Because my to learn more about group. first spiritual director, a Bostonian "by their decision. Ear- The Boston decision also stands in birth and by choice," when driving the lier today I contacted contrast to the increasingly heated lan- novices to a vacation house owned by the student’s parent “Why has same-sex marriage been equated guage coming from church leaders on the Boston College Jesuit Community in and expressed my with abortion? Are they really equivalent topic of same-sex marriage. Pope Bene- nearby Cohasset, always used to retell this concern for the wel- dict XVI's comments last week in tidbit--every time we drove through the fare of her child. I "threats" to life? If you’re looking for a life Fatima, Portugal, in which he stated that town. “Did I ever tell you what Eleanor offered to help enroll issue with stakes as high as abortion, why abortion and same-sex marriage were Roosevelt said about this street?” Yes, we her child in another not something that actually threatens "some of today's most insidious and dan- would say wearily, but we would enjoy Catholic school in life? Like war? Or the death penalty? gerous threats" to the common good hearing him retell it with pride, nonethe- the Archdio- Or the kind of poverty and destitution that seemed oddly discordant. The equation of less. At Christmastime, he would then cese. She was gra- abortion, something that clearly is about a invariably say, all the houses, by mutual cious and apprecia- lead to death? …The great danger is that this threat to life, with same-sex marriage, agreement, set out white Christmas lights tive of the suggestion increasingly popular equation will seem to which no matter how you look at it, does in their windows—rather than the and indicated that she many as having less to do with moral equiva- not mean that anyone is going to die, is (apparently) tackier multicolored would look forward lency and more to do with a simple dislike, or unhelpful at best. A good friend of mine, ones. Hingham is an attractive town. to considering some even a hatred, of gays and lesbians.” who is gay, recently resigned from a posi- Recently, however, Hingham has other Catholic tion at the U.S. Conference of Catholic been the focus of some not-so-attractive schools that would Bishops, where he said, with great dis- goings-on. welcome her child may, that “abortionsamesexmarriage” had In the Catholic parish of St. Paul, the for the next academic year. from all sorts of marriages and un- become one polysyllabic word among Rev. James Rafferty, the pastor, decided The Boston Globe has quoted Car- ions. Does one punish a child for what some of his bosses. that an eight-year-old boy could not attend dinal O’Malley, in a letter on behalf of the child’s parents have done? Jesus Why has same-sex marriage been St. Paul's parochial school because his the Catholic Schools Foundation, as seemed to have answered that question a equated with abortion? Are they really parents are lesbians. David Gibson at saying, “We believe a policy that denies long time ago, when he was asked, equivalent "threats" to life? If you’re Politics Daily, provided a helpful over- admission to students in such a manner . “Lord, who sinned, this man or his par- looking for a life issue with stakes as high view of what quickly became a controver- . . is at odds with our values as a Foun- ents, the he was born blind?" (John 9). as abortion, why not something that actu- sial decision. The case echoed the one in dation . . . and ultimately with Gospel The archdiocese's decision is not ally threatens life? Like war? Or the Boulder, Colorado, in which Archbishop teaching.” (The letter came from the only pastoral, but sensible--even practi- death penalty? Or the kind of poverty and Charles Chaput upheld the decision of a Foundation, which O'Malley cal. For how can one adequately deter- destitution that lead to death? Why aren't local parish to similarly reject a young girl chairs.) The quote was highlighted in a mine if the parents of a child agree with “abortion and war” the most "insidious whose parents were lesbians. "If parents column entitled "Good call by the arch- all of Catholic teaching? Or even and dangerous" threats to the common don't respect the beliefs of the Church, or diocese." (When was the last time you "respect the beliefs" of the good? Or “war and the death pen- live in a manner that openly rejects those saw that in the Boston Globe?) church? Many of the parents in paro- alty”? Or “war and poverty?” The great beliefs, then partnering with those parents Full disclosure: I greatly admire chial schools in the U.S. aren’t even danger is that this increasingly popular becomes very difficult, if not impossi- Cardinal O’Malley. To me, he is a wise, Catholic. How many of them are di- equation will seem to many as having less ble," Chaput said. In Hingham, the cou- generous and pastoral priest and vorced and remarried? How to do with moral equivalency and more to ple was told that their union was "in dis- bishop. So you’ll have to take my com- many believe in everything that do with a simple dislike, or even a ha- cord with the teachings of the Catholic ments with that in mind. Nonetheless, the church teaches on important mat- tred, of gays and lesbians.  church." "I'm accustomed to discrimina- even if I weren’t an admirer, I would tion, I suppose, at my age and my experi- admire the archdiocese’s decision here. ence as a gay woman," the mother told the One oddity, though: the archdiocese AP. "But I didn't expect it against my seems to be saying that it doesn’t have child." any power to influence the parish, or the Fight poverty and homelessness, But the Archdiocese of Boston is pastor, in Hingham. That's odd, to say handling this matter quite differently— the least. Why couldn't they have sim- that is, more wisely—than Denver ply asked the pastor to accept the child not gay marriage did. Dr. Mary Grassa O’Neill, the super- into the parish school? If this had been By Michael A. Jones It's Maine's homeless population and peo- intendent of Catholic schools, issued a something regarding a liturgical abuse-- GayRights.Change.org ple struggling with economic hardship statement in which she declared (with the say, something against the rubrics of the March 24, 2010 that are being punished. approval of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, I am Mass--I doubt there would have been This is not the first time that the insti- told by a good source) the following: such leniency. That is, I doubt that the Looking to fight poverty and home- tutional Catholic Church has thrown a The Archdiocese does not prohibit archdiocese would have recommended lessness in Maine? Don't expect any population under the proverbial bus be- funding from the Catholic Diocese, cause of marriage equality. Exhibit A unless you can pass their litmus test. It's comes from Washington, D.C. where ear- a pretty simple test, really, though it has lier this year Catholic Charities ended nothing to do with your ability, passion their foster care and adoption work, be- Statement of Dr. Mary Grassa O’Neill or commitment to fighting homelessness cause they didn't want to place children Secretary for Education & Superintendent of Catholic Schools or ending poverty. Nope, instead it has with gay and lesbian families. Now it to do with whether you or your organi- looks like those struggling most in the Archdiocese of Boston zation supports same-sex marriage. If country -- people dealing with homeless- May 13, 2010 you do, goodbye funding. ness or poverty -- are joining children and Since the issue involving St. Paul That's what one anti-poverty or- families under that bus. “The Archdiocese of Boston is com- School in Hingham was brought to our ganization is finding out the hard way Thankfully, there's an authentic mitted to providing quality Catholic edu- attention on Tuesday of this week, we this week. Preble Street is the name of Catholic voice fighting back. Catholics for cation, grounded in academic excellence have met with the pastor and principal the group, and the program that's being Marriage Equality, has begun a campaign and the teachings of the Catholic Church, to learn more about their decision. Ear- stripped of its funding from the Catholic to try and raise money to support Preble to the students at all of our schools. We lier today I contacted the student’s par- Church is its Homeless Voices for Jus- Street and the Homeless Voices for Jus- believe that every parent who wishes to ent and expressed my concern for the tice program. Why? One reason: Preble tice program, in order to replace the send their child to a Catholic school welfare of her child. I offered to help Street decided to take sides last year money that the institutional Catholic should have the opportunity to pursue that enroll her child in another Catholic when Maine was debating a ballot meas- Church is taking away from the organiza- dream. Our schools welcome children school in the Archdiocese. She was ure over whether to support marriage tion. As one of their co-founders, Anne based on their parent’s understanding that gracious and appreciative of the sugges- equality. They chose equality for gays Underwood, told Maine Today, her group the teachings of the Church are an impor- tion and indicated that she would look and lesbians, and well, we all know wants to fall back on Catholic principles tant component of the curriculum and are forward to considering some other where the Catholic Church (and its mil- of taking care of your neighbor, not aban- part of the students’ educational experi- Catholic schools that would welcome lions of dollars) sided. doning them because of political disagree- ence. The Archdiocese does not prohibit her child for the next academic year. Now, as Maine Today reports, ments. children of same sex parents from attend- Academic rigor, faith formation, Preble Street will lose grant money that "This is petty vindictiveness," Under- ing Catholic schools. We will work in the Gospel values, strong character develop- it received from the Catholic Church's wood said. "After the election is over, coming weeks to develop a policy to ment, respect, and support are hallmarks Campaign for Human Development as suddenly the money is revoked from poor eliminate any misunderstandings in the of our schools.”  punishment. But really, it's not necessar- people because of a political opinion held future. ily Preble Street that's being punished. by the bishop."