B NDINGS Vol. 29, No. 2 A Publication of New Ways Ministry Spring 2009 Blair Questions Papal Policy

BBC News cede ground on an issue like this, be- tic things this stands for, but I went to ‘actually, it’s to do with believing April 8, 2009 cause attitudes and thinking evolve over think what is interesting is that if you homosexuality is wrong’ or ‘it’s to do time, where does that end? went into any , particu- with believing this part of the ritual or Tony Blair has questioned the Pope’s His career is interesting in that he’s larly a well-attended one, on any Sun- doctrine should be done in this particular attitude towards homosexuality, arguing attacked in certain quarters for being day here and did a poll of the congrega- way’.” that religious leaders must start gay, and yet, at the same time, I don’t tion, you’d be surprised at how liberal- The Catholic Church opposes gay “rethinking” the issue. believe that has altered in any shape or minded people were.” marriage, teaching that, while homosexu- Some older Catholics form people’s opin- Asked if he meant that the average ality is not sinful, homosexual acts are. had “entrenched attitudes”, ion of him Catholic congregation speaks for the During his interview, Mr. Blair said while most congregations “You’d start having Catholic Church more than the Pope in society had receded since were more “liberal-minded”, to rethink many, does, Mr. Blair replied: “Well, I’m not the early 1990s and that his government’s he added. many things. Now, going to say that! On many issues, I introduction of civil partnerships had Mr. Blair, who con- my view is that re- think the leaders of the Church and the given people a “sense of liberation from verted to Catholicism after thinking is good, so Church will be in complete agreement. prejudice”. resigning as UK prime min- let’s carry on re- “But I think on some of these is- He added that Business Secretary ister in 2007, told the gay thinking. sues, if you went and asked the congre- Lord Mandelson, one of his closest advis- magazine Attitude that views “Actually, we need gation, I think you’d find that their faith ers during his time in British politics, had had to keep “evolving”. an attitude of mind is not to be found in those types of en- suffered from anti-gay prejudice “in some But he added that Pope where rethinking and trenched attitudes. quarters”. Benedict XVI also stood for the concept of evolv- “If you asked ‘what makes you reli- But Mr. Blair also said: “His “many fantastic things”. ing attitudes be- gious?’ and ‘what does your faith mean [Mandelson’s] career is interesting in both Last December the Pope comes part of the to you?’ they would immediately go into senses in that he’s attacked in certain angered gay and discipline with compassion, solidarity, relieving suffer- quarters for being gay, and yet, at the groups by arguing that blur- Tony Blair which you approach ing. ring distinctions between your religious faith. “I would be really surprised if they BLAIR continued on page 4. males and females could lead to the “self- “So some of these things can then destruction” of the human race. result in a very broad area of issues be- In a letter to in 1986, when he ing up for discussion. That’s when I un- was a cardinal, he wrote: “Although the derstand why religious leaders are very Group working to overcome particular inclination of the homosexual reluctant.” person is not a sin, it is a more or less Mr. Blair, who has set up his own strong tendency ordered to an intrinsic faith foundation, was then asked: “Can sexual orientation bias moral evil, and thus the inclination itself you foresee a situation where in your must be seen as an objective disorder.” lifetime or mine, we would have a pro- Staff Report Asked about this comment, Mr. Blair gay Pope, for example?” Rio Grande Catholic—El Paso prejudice against their basic human told Attitude that “there is a huge genera- “I don’t know, is the honest answer. January 30, 2009 rights. They have a right to respect, tional difference here. I don’t know. Look, there are many friendship and justice. They should have “And there’s probably that same fear good and great things the Catholic Two years ago, a group in El Paso an active role in the Christian commu- amongst religious leaders that if you con- Church does, and there are many fantas- organized Luminarias Catholic GLBT to nity." foster respect for the right of homosexu- Similarly, Father Sparks wrote in als to be free of prejudice and discrimi- Catholic Update, "The same moral prin- nation, and to encourage their "active ciples apply to homosexual and hetero- role in the Christian community." sexual persons." Sexual activity is U.S. Catholics Lean Left "Many gays and had left rightly reserved to marriage, and in mar- the Catholic Church because they did riage should both be a unifying factor not feel welcome in the Catholic com- for the partners and be open to the pro- on Social Issues munity," said Angelina Lugo, one of the creation of children. founders of Luminarias. Lugo said, "Many gays and lesbi- 41% of all Americans. And 63% back By Daniel Burke "There were also parents who had ans, although certain of God's love for embryonic stem cell research, compared USA Today raised their sons and daughters as them, at times still encounter an unwel- to 62% overall. March 31, 2009 Catholics, yet they too, could not bring coming and unaccepting environment Catholics who attend church regu- their children back to the Catholic com- within some of our Catholic communi- larly hew more closely to church doctrine, munity." ties.” American Catholics are more liberal but are still more liberal on many issues Father John Stowe, moderator of The group meets once a month at than the general population on social than non-Catholic regular church atten- the curia for the Diocese of El Paso, said All Saints Hall in central El Paso. issues like divorce and homosexuality, dees. of the Luminarias group, “It is admira- Lugo said Luminarias began with despite the Catholic Church’s longstand- Twenty-four percent of Catholics ble that those who are struggling with four people and has grown with the aid ing conservatism on both issues, accord- who attend Mass regularly say abortion is how to live their Catholic faith or per- of parents who were trying to bring their ing to a new survey. morally acceptable, compared to 19% of haps concerned about their connection sons and daughters back to the Catholic Catholics are more likely than non- non-Catholic regular attendees. And more to the Church because of their sexual Church. Catholics to say that homosexual rela- than half of Catholic regular worshippers orientation are gathering prayerfully to Attendance at meetings averages tions, divorce, and heterosexual sex out- say the same about embryonic stem cell reflect on their faith, the church and how around 15 people, she said, but one side wedlock are morally acceptable, research, compared to 45% of non- to live their discipleship faithfully and theological presentation drew close to according to an analysis by Gallup poll- Catholic worshippers. with integrity.” 75 people. sters released on Monday. The Gallup survey was based on in- In Church teaching all persons — The goal is to build a welcoming, In other areas, Catholics are nearly terviews with 3,022 Catholics adults con- heterosexual or homosexual — deserve affirming and worshipping service- identical to the population at large. For ducted in May of 2006, 2007 and 2008. the same respect. In December, 2008 oriented gay, lesbian, bisexual and example, 4 in 10 Catholics say abortion The margin of error is plus or minus 2 the Vatican repeated its condemnation transsexual community "that witnesses is “morally acceptable,” compared to percentage points. of violence and discrimination against to the faith by fostering the reign of God homosexuals. through reconciliation, unity and jus- Moral Acceptability of Issues, Among Catholics and Non-Catholics At the same time, the Vatican's rep- tice," Lugo said. % Morally Acceptable resentative to the United Nations voiced The group is still developing, she said, and is open to persons who want to Catholics Non-Catholics opposition to a U.N. declaration naming help in its development, or who want "to % % "sexual orientation" and "gender iden- obtain information, or enjoy the com- Abortion 40 41 tity" as new categories requiring special pany of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans- Death Penalty 61 68 human rights protection. sexual persons and their families and Sex between unmarried man/woman 67 57 Paulist Father Richard Sparks -- a friends in the Catholic community." Divorce 71 66 collaborator in drafting the U.S. 's Luminarias , she said, is trying "to Embryonic stem cell research 63 62 statement "Human Sexuality” -- wrote help heal the pains caused by prejudice Having a baby outside marriage 61 52 an article in 1999 citing the bishop's and bigotry, to nurture spirituality, and Homosexual Relations 54 45 teaching "that homosexual persons , like everyone else, should not suffer from to grow in our Catholic faith." Source: 2006-2008 Gallup Values and Beliefs polls Page 2 BONDINGS Vol. 29, No. 2 B NDINGS Speech goes on despite Spring 2009 Vol. 29, No. 2 bishop’s disapproval Francis DeBernardo, Editor By Jon Meyer Board of Directors WNEP.com February 17, 2009 "I think he has his job to do and I have my job to Mary Byers do and I'm happy I'm able to be part of a conver- Frank O’Donnell, SM A speech on gay marriage, sation here." Rev. Paul Thomas gay rights and diversity went Martino has spoken out about numerous so- on as planned Tuesday at cial issues recently. The latest was his attack on Board of Advisors , a Misericordia's decision to host Boykin. He said Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX Catholic school in Luzerne the school rejected the essential characteristics of Anna Koop, SL County, despite the disap- a Catholic College. Elizabeth Linehan, RSM proval of Scranton Bishop Jo- The university said it's merely allowing ideas Patricia McDermott, RSM seph Martino. and positions to be explored freely. Rev. Joe Muth Bishop Martino blasted "People who have differing ideas, I think, Misericordia Monday, saying have the right and the responsibility to come to- Staff it was failing to maintain it's gether at a college campus to share their ideas Francis DeBernardo, Executive Director Catholic identity by allowing and have a dialogue in a intelligent way," added speaker Keith Boykin to ap- Boykin. Students who went to hear the speech

Matthew Myers, Staff Associate photo: Duane Cramer pear on campus. agree.

The school allowed the "When I saw that this morning in the paper, I Co-Founders speech and a large crowd Keith Boykin thought that was kind of ridiculous," said student Sr. Jeannine Gramick showed up to hear it Tuesday afternoon. R.J. Tomascik about the Bishop's reaction. Rev. Robert Nugent Boykin is a nationally recognized author and frequent "I understand we're from a Catholic school and contributor to network news programs. At Misericordia, maybe it's not accepted but some of the students here Bondings is a seasonal publication designed he preached acceptance when it comes to sexual orienta- aren't Catholic so their views might be different," added to keep our subscribers informed of issues tion and race and talked about how far we've come as a student Ashely Tassone. "I think having a speaker that that pertain to lesbian and gay people nation. supports diversity is a great thing." and the Catholic Church. There was never a mention of Bishop Joseph Martino Misericordia said it is deeply committed to its Catho- who voiced his absolute disapproval of this speech. lic mission and said it's not advocating any particular is- Founded in 1977, New Ways Ministry "I've never had that experience before but I'm not sue. Keith Boykin also had an 8 p.m. speech planned is an educational and bridge-building terribly concerned about it," said Boykin after the speech. Tuesday at the University. ministry of reconciliation between the Catholic gay and lesbian community and the institutional structures in the Roman Catholic Church. Bishop’s call shocks Misericordia students

New Ways Ministry seeks to eradicate By Erin Moody prevalent myths and stereotypes Times Tribune—Scranton, PA junior George Pierce, who said the diversity and spirit of about homosexuality and supports civil February 25, 2009 tolerance at Misericordia is part of the reason it’s a great rights for lesbian and gay persons in society. Junior Veronica Nelson’s jaw dropped when she school. The university has come a long way in increasing

heard the news Tuesday afternoon in the Banks Student diversity, even since his freshman year, especially in in- New Ways Ministry Center. creasing the racial diversity of the teaching staff, he said. 4012 29th Street “I think that’s crazy,” she said of Bishop Joseph F. Students are going to challenge Bishop Martino’s Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712 Martino’s call for Misericordia University to consider request that Misericordia consider closing the institute, (301) 277-5674 closing the Diversity Institute. “They shouldn’t close it.” he said, and he believes they will fight to keep it open. [email protected] Bishop Martino sent out a press release Tuesday say- “I don’t think that because it’s coming from the www.NewWaysMinistry.org ing he continues to feel “absolute disapproval” that the bishop we’re going to just roll over and accept it,” Mr. Diversity Institute arranged for nationally known gay- Pierce said. rights advocate Keith Boykin to speak at the university Senior Alyson Neely said some of the lessons stu- last week and said the university should discontinue the dents have learned about diversity are actually part of the program. reason students aren’t going to simply accept closure of TO SUBSCRIBE “Frankly, he should be ashamed of himself that be- the Diversity Institute, if that were to happen. cause a gay African-American came and spoke at Miseri- “Part of what diversity stands for is standing up for COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM cordia University, he wants to shut down the Diversity what you think is right,” she said. “The thing they have to Institute,” said sophomore Ebony Amora, president of the understand about diversity is it doesn’t just teach about Diversity Club. homosexuality. They teach about race, culture, all sorts Enclosed is: Many students were shocked at the news, including of things and that’s what diversity is about.”

_____ $25.00 in the US or Canada

_____ $35.00 outside US or Canada Misericordia University response _____ I wish to receive Bondings , but cannot donate at this time. Misericordia.edu/news identity as an academic institution where ideas and posi- February 17, 2009 tions are explored critically and freely. Name ______The Diversity Institute at Misericordia University is Misericordia University and its founders and spon- hosting Mr. Boykin based on his academic credentials, Address ______sors, the Religious Sisters of Mercy, honor the traditions his role as an advisor to former President Clinton, his and core values of the Catholic Church and are committed political commentary on respected news channels such City ______to its teachings. We understand the Bishop’s criticism to- as MSNBC and CNBC, and his ability to provide a day about the Diversity Institute’s decision to host Mr. glimpse into the historical presidency of Barack Obama, State ______Keith Boykin as a guest and lecturer at the institute’s an- the nation’s first African American President. Mr. nual dinner and as part of Black History Month. Boykin and President Obama were classmates at Harvard Telephone ______It must be noted, however, that Mr. Boykin’s appear- University. ance at Misericordia University is not meant to be a forum Misericordia University is an academic institution Email ______for advocacy on any singular issue. that welcomes legitimate scholarly discussion among its Misericordia University is committed deeply to its students, faculty, staff and guests from diverse religious Catholic mission. Inseparable from that mission is our and cultural backgrounds. Please make check payable to “New Ways Ministry”. Outside the US, please use only checks drawn on a US bank in US dollars; no postal money orders. Your submissions requested! If your organization, parish, or Mail to: religious community is doing something to promote dialogue New Ways Ministry 4012 29th Street about lesbian/gay issues, send us a photo and short article to Mount Rainier, MD 20712 include in the next issue of Bondings . Spring 2009 BONDINGS Page 3 Catholic Church fights gay rights globally

By John Borst cese, the article reported. spected, taken very seriously.” duce the idea of Sex Positive, and that’s EDGE—Boston, MA Archbishop Pagotto declared that, A fellow political figure also spoke really about acceptance of a wide range March 5, 2009 “As the head of the Archdiocese of Pa- up for Couto, the site noted, with the of desires and sexual expressions as a raiba,” he was compelled to suspend the Labor Party’s leader hailing Couto as a way of understanding one another,” the The Catholic church has acted to sup- priest “from the use his orders in our “tireless defender of the rights of hu- article quoted Olivia Chitayat, who serves press legal, organizational, and personal ecclesiastical jurisdiction, because of manity, of citizenship, and of social jus- as the political chair of student organiza- support for equality across the globe in his summary statements, which provoke tice.” tion GU Pride. recent days. confusion among the Christian faithful Meantime, at Jesuit school George- Continued Chitayat, “People have A Brazilian bishop placed a priest as long as they are not retracted explic- town University, voices were raised in sex, and if they don’t, it still impacts under suspension for speaking out against itly,” adding that Fr. Couto’s comments anger that student groups were allowed them. religious discrimination and questioning contradict “the doctrinal, ethical, and to make discussions about human sexu- “This is encouraging a dialogue in a church doctrines regarding clerical celi- moral orientations held by the Catholic ality available during “Sex Positive way that people don’t feel ashamed about bacy and a requirement that practicing Church.” Week,” which took place from Feb. 23 engaging in it or not engaging in it.” Catholics avoid the use of contraceptives, The site’s article noted that the to Feb. 28, according to a Mar. 1 article For the Editor-in-Chief of The reported the conservative religious site church has called homosexuality posted at the Global Catholic Network. Georgetown Academy, David Gregory, LifeSiteNews.com on Feb. 27. “intrinsically disordered,” though not The Global Catholic Network re- however, the program was enough to The priest in question, Fr. Luiz sinful in and of themselves, while any ferred to the events as promoting make him “absolutely furious” because, Couto, told an online news resource, Con- contraceptive measures other than the “sexual ideologies,” including transves- he said, the talks did “not promote a gress in Focus, “I defend the use of the so-called “rhythm method” are held by tism and “homosexual ideologies.” healthy view toward human relationships. condom as a matter of public health,” the the church to be “intrinsically evil,” the The timing of the discussions fur- “I’m so upset there was no one to site reported. site said. ther inflamed those who were incensed counter this anything-goes point of view,” Couto is also a member of the Brazil- However, another church by their taking place at the school; added Gregory. ian National Congress, the site reported, came to Fr. Couto’s defense the site re- “Torn About Porn?,” a discussion on A GU professor also accused the and spoke on a bill that would outlaw dis- ported. erotic material and exploitation, was school of not teaching students about hu- crimination of gays and lesbians, saying, Congress in Focus quoted Bishop scheduled for Ash Wednesday, the arti- man sexuality from a Catholic enough “We must struggle day by day against Emeritus Tomas Balduino as saying of cle said, while a Feb. 28 talk on perspective, the article reported, quoting prejudice and intolerance,” said Couto. Couto, “He is not an isolated voice and “Relationships Beyond Monogamy” comments by Patrick Deneen that ap- Fr. Couto’s remarks were judged to has the sincerity to say what he thinks.” was delivered, the article said, by “a peared at the blog Crunchy Conservative. be “intolerable” by the Archbishop, Aldo The Bishop Emeritus also referred pornographic filmmaker.” Declared Deneen, who is a professor Pagotto, who presides over Couto’s dio- to Fr. Couto as “a man of merit, re- “The focus of this week is to intro- of political science, “The university fee- bly attempts to pretend to be concerned about matters of sexuality, but addresses them in terms of ‘health.’ “Students who are required to take two courses in Theology are rarely, if Remembering Fr. Paul Murray ever, introduced to something like Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body,” Gay religious figure, author explored intersection of sexuality and spirituality Deneen continued. “The only orthodoxy on campus is sexual liberation.” Deneen also slammed the school for By Stephen Martz to have Paul Murray as my first guide along the way — and come out publicly allowing a Resource Center for GLBT on that journey. About the same time I as a gay man. Our last conversation students, without providing a similar re- February 13, 2009 was undergoing my conversion, Paul came last summer when he called to tell source center to promote “an expressly had been assigned as an associate pastor me of the publication of his fine mem- Catholic teaching on human sexuality.” at the Cathedral. For several years, he oir, “Life in Paradox: The Story of a When I learned the sad news that Fa- The message, Deneen said, is that, and another associate, John Gigrich, Gay Catholic Priest.” ther Paul Murray had died, my mind wan- “Sex, like everything else, is a matter of provided a solid, if under-the-radar (and I was so impressed by Paul’s book dered back to our first meeting 30 years preference, choice, personal liberty and in the closet) gay presence at the Cathe- that I included it as part of a workshop I ago. In October 1979, I was working for utilitarian pleasure. dral. taught a couple of times last Fall — the Washington “It is largely consequence-free rec- Paul and I began to “Those Sexy Episcopalians: Hetero-Sex, Blade and not giving reation.” meet early in 1980 Homo-Sex, and the Spiritual Life.” I had a lot of thought to Added Deneen, “We should recog- and he helped me been meaning to call him and tell him of religion. But one nize that the same moral climate that con- understand not only how well received his book was at my Saturday morning, tributed to the devastation of the world- my out-of-the-blue workshops. after exercising at wide economy is the same moral climate conversion, but also Participants were especially in- the YMCA, I that informs ‘Sex Positive Week.’” an ongoing series of spired by a mystical experience Paul stopped outside St. Meantime, another Jesuit school, mystical experi- related that took place inside the old Matthew’s Cathe- Loyola University of Chicago, came in ences. He patiently Court Jester bar. In his book, Paul de- dral and listened as for criticism when its Student Diversity introduced me to the scribes being “surrounded by light” and the new pope, John and Cultural Affairs Office showed a film basics of theology “being filled with a sensation of love.” Paul II, celebrated in which a gay black man time-travels and on Aug. 15, He says, this was “the keenest, most Mass. into the past and meets up with black 1980, received me powerful experience that I have ever As I tried to American writer Langston Hughes; a into the Roman known.” He knew he was “in the pres- follow the then- third Jesuit school, Seattle University was Catholic Church. ence of God” and “knew, in the totality unfamiliar liturgy slammed for hosting “ Most of all, when I of my being, body and mind, heart and over the loudspeak- Awareness Week,” the site reported, cit- finally blurted out to soul, that God lives in and is exquisite, ers that had been set ing the Cardinal Newman Society, which him that I thought I intense love for each person there.” up for the small publicized those events. was being called to That vision seems to me at the heart crowd gathered out- The site quoted the president of the become a priest, he of the legacy Paul leaves. It was a per- side, I was aston- Cardinal Newman Society, Patrick J. did not bristle at my sonal vision that fueled his self- ished at the emotion Reilly, as saying, “These obscene abuses audacity or dismiss it acceptance as a gay man. Yet it also was that began to sweep of Catholic values come just as Christians Rev. Paul Murray as the over- a glimpse of God’s radical and uncondi- over me, which was begin a holy season of penance, fasting enthusiasm of a convert. Instead, he lis- tional love for all people, including gay followed by an absolute certainty that God and almsgiving.” tened carefully and encouraged me to people. In that sense, it was a rebuke to was calling me to become Roman Catho- Added Reilly, “Faithful Catholics pursue the sense of call. the leaders of his church. Paul lived at lic. It was one of the most intense experi- have good reason to be outraged and Not every vocational director I con- the intersection of sexuality and spiritu- ences of my life, and intensely unsettling. heartbroken.” tacted was enthralled by the prospect of ality, holding together these two ele- Although the Catholic hierarchy’s Reilly went on, “That Catholic uni- welcoming the editor of a gay newspa- mental forces that institutional religion theological assault on gay people was still versities would permit these events on per into theological studies, but eventu- and its leaders would at best fearfully a few years away, as a young gay man the their campuses at any time of the year is ally I found one that was and I left for regulate and at worst sunder. split between sexuality and spirituality unthinkable, but to do so during the holy Chicago at the beginning of 1984. Dur- The vision gave him the courage to that Christianity has bequeathed to West- season of Lent is unconscionable,” the ing the next 25 years, Paul and I talked be himself in an institution that mistrusts ern civilization was already familiar to article reported. and e-mailed occasionally. My life self and individuality and it was increas- me. So, too, was the justifiable hostility of The quotation of Reilly continued: moved in unexpected directions, includ- ingly incarnated in his subsequent min- many in the gay community toward or- “Parents and potential students might be- ing becoming an Episcopal priest and istry, especially in the organization, ganized religion. I knew I was in for a dif- gin to wonder how these universities can later a Jungian analyst. Among Friends, which he founded and ficult journey. in good conscience consider themselves I was impressed whenever we ran in the 1990s. Eventually I would come to under- Catholic when they allow such perverse talked about the movement in Paul’s May Paul’s soul, and the souls of stand that sexuality and spirituality are distortions of Catholic values to take life, as he managed to continue his min- all the departed, dwell eternally in twins separated at the birth of institutional place.” Christianity. But back then it was new, istry in the Roman Church — although God’s exquisite, intense love. confusing and a bit scary. I was fortunate incurring the ire of a couple of cardinals Page 4 BONDINGS Vol. 29, No. 2 At Loyola University, advocates of same-sex marriage find a voice By Mary Schmich Chicago Tribune "They value education and discourse. If cate. Litchfield anticipates students who symposium will be held. The ceilings March 27, 2009 you're pro-choice or you're gay, you're will come to argue. It's all part of the soared, and Chicago rose across the someone who can add to the discus- education. walls of windows. When John Litchfield, who's 26, en- sion." Litchfield himself isn't ready to be Out in the changing, growing city, rolled at Loyola University's Chicago And so on Friday there will be a married. old buildings crowded next to new ones, School of Law three years ago, he went to discussion. "But when I am," he said, "I want and next to buildings so freshly under the student activities fair looking for the Greg Harris, the Chicago state rep- my devotion to this person to be recog- construction that you couldn't know ex- gay and lesbian support group. There was- resentative who is shepherding a civil- nized the same way my parents' devo- actly what they'd look like, only that one n't one. unions bill through the Illinois legisla- tion to each other is recognized. I want day soon they'd be there, and that once The lack of an official gay group at a ture, will be on the panel. So will law- my kids to be able to say, 'Yeah, my they were there, we'd take them for Catholic school might not surprise you yers pressing for same-sex marriage in parents are married.' " granted. since the Roman Catholic church deems Iowa and California. After a while, we walked over to Just like, I'm betting, same-sex mar- homosexual behavior a sin. But Litchfield The panelists will be there to advo- the ceremonial courtroom where the riage. was surprised. He had come to Loyola convinced that he'd be as accepted there as he was by his Catholic grandmother in Flossmoor, the south suburb where he Gay-friendly Catholic grew up. "I thought, OK, I know I'm not the only one here," he said when we met on Colleges and Universities Thursday. "Where are they?" Below is a list of known gay-friendly Catholic colleges and universities, that is, those Catholic He found them. That year, he and a institutions that have some type of gay/lesbian student group, support group, ally group, etc. If you few other gay students formed a group, are aware of such a college that is known as welcoming to gay/lesbian people, please let us know! called OUTlaw. One of the deans signed on as an adviser. California Missouri Oregon And on Thursday, the flat-screen TVs Belmont : Notre Dame de Namur University Kansas City: Avila University, Marylhurst : Marylhurst University all over the law school were advertising Goleta : St. Mark’s University Rockhurst University Portland : University of Portland the group's latest venture: a big sympo- Los Angeles : Loyola Marymount University, St. Louis : Fontbonne University, sium on same-sex marriage. Mount Saint Mary’s College St. Louis University

If Loyola were a public school, I Moraga : St. Mary’s College Cresson : Mount Aloysius College Ranchos Palos Verde : Marymount College Montana Dallas : Misericordia University might have deleted Litchfield's e-mail San Diego : University of San Diego Helena : Carroll College Erie : Mercyhurst College about the symposium. Life is heavy with San Francisco : University of San Francisco Greensburg : Seton Hill University press releases. But the fact that one of Santa Clara : Santa Clara University Nebraska : , LaSalle Chicago's Catholic institutions was open- Omaha : Creighton University University, St. Joseph’s University ing its grand "ceremonial courtroom" to Colorado Pittsburgh : Carlow University, : Regis University New Hampshire same-sex marriage advocates seemed Duquesne University Nashua : Rivier College Radnor : Cabrini College worth some consideration. Connecticut Reading : Alvernia University "I think this reflects young Catholics Fairfield : Fairfield University, New Jersey Scranton : in Chicago," said Litchfield, a slender guy Sacred Heart University Caldwell: Caldwell College Villanova : with short auburn hair, neatly dressed in New Haven : Albertus Magnus College Jersey City: St. Peter’s College slacks, a white shirt and a navy pullover West Hartford : Saint Joseph College South Orange : Seton Hall Rhode Island sweater. When I arrived, he'd been read- Newport : Salve Regina University District of Columbia New York Providence : Providence College ing a news article—new rules for hedge Georgetown University, Trinity University Albany : College of Saint Rose funds—on his iPod. Bronx : Fordham University, Manhattan College Texas "People in this age group, 22 to 30," Florida Buffalo : Canisius College Austin : Saint Edward’s University he went on, "are mature, able to think Miami Gardens : St. Thomas University Loudonville : Sienna College San Antonio : University of the Incarnate Word, things through." Miami Shores : Barry University New Rochelle : College of New Rochelle, Our Lady of the Lake University Iona College He doesn't mean that all young Hawaii Poughkeepsie : Marist College Vermont Catholics think gays should be allowed to Honolulu : Chaminade University Riverdale : College of Mount St. Vincent Colchester : Saint Michael’s College marry. But except for a single instance in Rochester : Nazareth College of Rochester, his first year—someone ripped the group's Illinois St. John Fisher College Washington posters off a wall in a locker room—he's Chicago : DePaul University, St. Bonaventure : St. Bonaventure University Lacey : St. Martin’s College felt entirely supported at this school where Loyola University, St. Xavier University Sparkill : St. Thomas Aquinas College Seattle : Seattle University Romeoville : Lewis University Syracuse : LeMoyne College Spokane : Gonzaga University crucifixes hang in the classrooms. Queens : St. John’s University Litchfield wasn't raised Catholic, Indiana West Virginia but—"I know it sounds really Notre Dame : Holy Cross College, St. Mary’s Ohio Wheeling : Wheeling Jesuit University schmaltzy"—Loyola feels like family. He College, University of Notre Dame Cincinnati : Xavier University points out that it's not just Catholic, it's Cleveland Heights: John Carroll University Wisconsin run by Jesuit priests. Iowa Dayton : University of Dayton De Pere : St. Norbert College Dubuque : Loras College Pepper Pike : Ursuline College Madison : Edgewood College "The Jesuits value diversity," he said. Sylvania : Lourdes College Milwaukee : Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch Kentucky University, Marquette University Louisville : Spalding University, Bellarmine University Continued from page 1 New Ways Ministry Louisiana Blair questions New Orleans : Loyola University 2009 Bridge Building Award

Maryland Honoring John J. McNeill papal gay policy Baltimore : College of Notre Dame of Maryland, Loyola College of Maryland same time, also, I don’t believe that has The Board and Staff of New Ways Ministry Massachusetts altered in any shape or form people’s honor John J. McNeill for his lifetime opinion of him. Boston : Emmanuel College, Boston College Chestnut Hill : Boston College of theological and pastoral contributions “What those comments indicate is Easton : Stonehill College which build bridges between lesbian/gay that the prejudice is still there, but what North Andover : Merrimack College people and the Catholic Church. they also indicate is that its force is very Weston : Regis College weak, really. Because people like him or Worcester : Assumption College, College of the Holy Cross Awards Luncheon don’t like him, but it’s not based on his sexuality.” Michigan October 4, 2009 Mr. Blair, who was prime minister Detroit: University of Detroit Mercy 1:00 to 5:00 pm from 1997 to 2007, usually refused to dis- Grand Rapids : Aquinas College cuss his religious views while in office. He converted to Catholicism, a faith he Minnesota Desmond Tutu Center shares with his wife Cherie, in December Collegeville : St. John’s University 180 Tenth Avenue 2007. Duluth : College of St. Scholastica Minneapolis : College of St. Catherine New York, New York The BBC has contacted the Catholic St. Joseph : College of Saint Benedict Church in England and Wales but it has St. Paul : St. Thomas University Contact New Ways Ministry for additional information. not so far been able to comment on Mr. Winona : St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (301) 277-5674 or [email protected] Blair’s remarks. Spring 2009 BONDINGS Page 5 Rebel Australian priest defies sacking

By Daniel Burke strong and I don't think he can do any- mass and women to begin the liturgy," Mary's, where the congregation includes USA Today thing about that," Kennedy told AFP. he said, describing the Catholic Church poor and homeless people. March 31, 2009 "I don't know what will happen but as "the biggest boys' club in the world". "I think we will stay here as long as we will just continue with our liturgy as Kennedy said he had blessed about it takes and in the end the archbishop A rebel Catholic priest sacked for we normally have it," he said in a tele- 10 gay and lesbian unions during his would be smart for his own sake to let blessing gay couples and allowing phone interview from the inner-city time at St Mary's. us be here," he said. women to preach has vowed to defy his church where he has preached for 28 "We haven't married them but "He can say 'you're outside the archbishop and lead mass on Sunday. years. we've conducted a ceremony of bless- Catholic church,' but we don't believe Father Peter Kennedy of St Mary's Kennedy, 71, agreed he had ing," he said. "That's been inclusive of that for a moment." parish in the east coast city of Brisbane breached church rules, but strongly de- gay and lesbian people but the church is Kennedy said the community had said he expected a "packed church" to fended his actions as in line with the exclusive of gay and lesbian people." shown strong support for his position, show support against his dismissal this Vatican's call for people to take full and Kennedy said he had been a priest with the weekly collection having shot week by Archbishop John Bathersby. active participation in the liturgy. for 44 years and "pretty serious about up from a normal 2,100 dollars (1,365 "I think he's sacked me unjustly and "We've taken that seriously and it," serving as chaplain in hospitals, the US dollars) to 5,400 dollars last week. the community agrees so I'm standing we've welcomed women to preach at our navy and prisons before settling at St

Catholic Church must rediscover a tolerant God

By Juliette Hughes cil that began so hopefully in the 1960s. such as a Buddhist group and a gay tling on another front: the public rela- Sydney Morning Herald Now an entire parish of decent, choir use the church when it wasn't in tions disaster he incurred when he re- February 21, 2009 spiritual people can be threatened with use for Catholic celebrations. According scinded the excommunication of four expulsion from the faith because some to the letter, this was enough to put them dissident hyper-conservative bishops. The banner outside St Mary's Catho- bigot has protested to that they outside the Catholic Church. These chaps, so much more acceptable lic Church, South Brisbane, reads: are, horror of horrors, too tolerant and "The question for me," the to the Vatican than the gentle people of "Everyone has a place in the church. accepting of diversity... In August last archbishop wrote, "is not so much St Mary's, belong to the Society of St Every person without exception should be year, the Archbishop of Brisbane, John whether St Mary's should be closed Pius X. The SSPX adheres to a form of able to feel at home and never rejected." Bathersby, wrote a letter to Peter Ken- down, but whether St Mary's will close liturgy that was rejected by the Second These are the words of Pope Benedict nedy, St Mary's parish priest. In it he itself down by practices that separate it Vatican Council as anti-Semitic: it in- XVI himself. But it seems they don't ap- objected to the kind of prayers said at from communion with the Roman cludes a disgraceful Good Friday prayer ply to the community of St Mary's. the parish's liturgies and to the of Catholic Church." for the conversion of "the perfidious God is good. Organised religion is clothing worn by Father Kennedy at Now Kennedy has been sacked and Jews". often not. To some in the Catholic hierar- Mass (Kennedy wears ordinary clothes yesterday a new, Vatican-approved par- Unfortunately, Richard Williamson, chy, it doesn't matter how much godly much of the time). ish priest was shoehorned into the place. one of the four bishops, went further, good you do if you don't toe the line. The It wasn't only about clothes. The Kennedy has said that he intends to of- stating on Swedish television that no past 40 years have seen a determined fun- parish was adapting some prayers, al- fer the 9am Mass today, and many are more than 300,000 Jews perished under damentalist backlash against the openness lowing divorced and gay people to re- expected to attend. the Nazis, and that he did not believe and reforms of the Second Vatican Coun- ceive the Eucharist and letting groups In the meantime, the Pope is bat- there were gas chambers in Auschwitz. It is baffling that the Vatican ma- chinery that can sniff out a recalcitrant liberal in Queensland did not pick this up. For those who adhere to notions of papal infallibility, it wasn't a good look: Proudly gay and proudly Catholic either the Pope didn't know and blun- dered into this, or he knew and didn't care until the international fuss. In dam- By Martin Pendergast ity for centuries. In fact, it only began to sexually. Whereas the Vatican would go age control, the Pope stated that Holo- guardian.co.uk—London detail this teaching in a 1976 Declara- no further in the discussion, the local caust denial was "intolerable". And then April 10, 2009 tion on Sexual Ethics, through the Vati- Pastoral Care guidelines encouraged he had to go and threaten to excommu- can’s Congregation for the Doctrine of clergy to adopt a more nuanced ap- nicate Williamson again. Two days after the 1999 Soho pub the Faith, then headed by the present proach when faced with two people in a Now that puts the excommunicated bomb, monthly Masses were launched at a Pope. This coined an untraditional permanent, faithful relationship who Kennedy and the St Mary's folk in some Catholic convent in London, welcoming Catholic term, “intrinsic disorder” to choose to exercise their rights of con- unpleasant company. But we have to lesbian and gay Catholics, their parents describe homosexuality, applying an science. The Vatican was not pleased realise that to the mindset of fundamen- and families. Unable to find a central Lon- intricate philosophical term to a com- with this liberal interpretation. talists, all deviation from the party line don Catholic church, after the convent’s plex human and theological reality. Recognising that LGBT Catholics is intolerable, so Holocaust denial is closure, LGBT Catholics found hospital- Successive Roman documents have have the same rights to the sacraments only as bad to them as some other things ity at Soho’s Anglican parish church. In- embroidered this offensive and confus- as straight Catholics and should not be that wouldn't bother you or me. creasing numbers resulted in the Masses ing vocabulary to the present day. The automatically excluded, the guidelines Let's see: allowing women to pre- being held twice a month. While the Dio- Vatican becomes more and more iso- also strongly denounced prejudice and side at the Eucharist and preach homi- cese of Westminster might have believed lated from other parts of the Church in discrimination: “As a group that has suf- lies; that'll get you into heaps of strife. that the group would fade away, it recog- theological reflection and pastoral prac- fered more than its share of oppression Bless the loving union of gay or di- nised that real pastoral needs were being tise. It has ratcheted up its rhetoric, forc- and contempt, the homosexual commu- vorced couples? Ouch. Wear ordinary met, converts to Catholicism were being ing Bishops to defend the indefensible, nity has a particular claim upon the con- clothes to celebrate Mass? That's it, made, and a vibrant community could of- whether with regard to admission of cern of the Church.” The late Cardinal you've done it now: the vestment police fer something to the local Church. In candidates to seminaries or religious Hume went further, trying to interpret in are at your door. March 2007, Cardinal Cormac Murphy communities, same-sex marriage and acceptable language the Vatican’s dis- Fundamentalists are so afraid of O’Connor invited the Soho Masses LGBT civil unions, or same-sex couples ability cordant tones: “Homophobia should freedom. The deity they believe in is community, in contact with around 300 to foster or adopt children. have no place among Catholics. Catho- one whose morals are like any so- people overall, to transfer its services to Roman Catholic teaching on homo- lic teaching on homosexuality is not ciopathic despot's: toe its line, obey, one of Soho’s Catholic parishes. sexuality highlights some of Catholi- founded on, and can never be used to don't commit a thought-crime or it will A positive grass-roots story, but the cism?s best kept secrets: the primacy of justify homophobic attitudes.” chuck you into a lake of fire for all eter- Church worldwide still fails to dialogue a fully informed personal conscience, The Vatican has made it clear that nity. Do these worshippers ever think formally with its LGBT members. Official the hierarchy of truths, and the develop- its tenets on homosexuality are not first how they would judge a human who statements reflect harsh judgments, unin- ment of doctrine. The Catholic Bishops level in the order of Catholic teachings. was such a sadistic tyrant as this night- formed either by increasing knowledge of England & Wales rose to these chal- As such, Catholics hear what the marish torturer-god? about human sexual diversity, or Catholic lenges when they authorised the publi- Church’s teaching authority has to say, But for the majority of Catholics theological pluralism. The pastoral prac- cation of “An Introduction to the Pas- but neither the Vatican nor the Pope is (only 13 per cent of us even bother to go tice on the ground varies enormously. toral Care of Homosexual People” in an oracle, in the presence of which to church these days), their God does LGBT pastoral ministries operate with 1979. Catholics cast aside human capacity, not sit there devising horrible punish- differing degrees of hierarchical support. These guidelines stayed faithful to and fall to their knees in irrational sub- ments and scourging the unbeliever, but The Catholic Church reflects the kind of Catholic teaching that sexual activity is mission. Third level Catholic teachings, is infinitely, unconditionally loving and divisions seen in the Anglican Commun- only admissible within marriage, but such as those dealing with human sexu- kind. That's the God I can believe in. ion over the issue of homosexuality, with stated that both homosexual orientation ality, have to be discerned in the light of The one who understands failure, suffer- some Bishops formally recognising only and heterosexual orientations are mor- faith-filled experience and human ing and frailty. I hope the hierarchy of those groups which advocate celibacy. ally neutral. This underscores the Vati- knowledge, reflected upon in that deep my church can rediscover the God of all Those viewing Catholicism from afar can position that the orientation in itself place of conscience, where the believer creation, with the gentle son of a humble can be forgiven for assuming that the is not sinful, but moral decisions relate can know God, and then received as Jewish woman as our guide. Church has held its views on homosexual- to how that orientation is expressed good and true. Page 6 BONDINGS Vol. 29, No. 2 Push is on for same-sex celibacy Raleigh diocese directs ministry to gays, lesbians

By Yonat Shimron House and Senate and has stalled in this thorny thicket, his successor, national director of Courage, will lead a The News & Observer—Raleigh, NC committee. With Democrats still in Bishop Michael Burbidge, is more eager workshop in Raleigh for priests and lay February 15, 2009 command, the bill is unlikely to gain to conform to the Vatican line. leaders. A priest in the Diocese of much support this time. The late Pope John Paul II endorsed Bridgeport, Conn., Check has written The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ra- Of course, homosexuality is a the work of Courage. More recently, widely on homosexuality, including one leigh is starting a new ministry to gays hugely divisive issue in many Christian Pope Benedict XVI reiterated the impla- article in which he suggests that gay and lesbians. Yet those who have em- denominations. The cable opposition of the men come from broken homes or grew braced that identity may not like it. ordination of a gay “For example, church to homosexual- up alienated from their fathers and over- The ministry is called Courage, and bishop by the Episco- ity. The Vatican re- protected by their mothers. its aim, in the words of its executive di- pal Church six years many men with same sex fused to back a United "For example, many men with same rector, is to "assist men and women who ago led several attraction lack hand-eye Nations resolution urg- sex attraction lack hand-eye coordina- are afflicted with the thorn of same-sex churches and dio- coordination and as a ing the banning of tion and as a result were spurned or the attraction." A 29-year-old international ceses to bolt from the result were spurned or the criminal penalties subject of jokes by their fathers or the ministry with about 90 U.S. chapters, the denomination. Pres- against homosexuality. neighborhood boys because they could Courage Apostolate will serve as a kind of byterians, Lutherans subject of jokes by their Last year the Vatican not play certain sports easily," Check support group -- like Alcoholics Anony- and Methodists are fathers or the neighbor- urged seminaries to wrote in the St. Austin Review's No- mous -- for men and women who want to also battling how hood boys because they enlist the aid of psy- vember-December 2008 edition. remain celibate. much standing to chologists in screening The move is part of a more aggres- give gays and lesbi- could not play certain candidates for homo- sive push by the dioceses of Raleigh and ans. sports easily.” sexuality and other

Charlotte to march in step with the Vati- The Catholic -Rev. Paul Check, "psychic disturbances." can on the issue of homosexuality. On Church maintains National Director, Courage The Rev. James Fukes, Church, SF Feb. 24, the bishops of both dioceses will that same-sex attrac- pastor of St. Julia hold a news conference at the legislature tion is not sinful but Catholic Church in to announce their support for an amend- that homosexual sex is. That has given Siler City, who will serve as the spiritual Archbishop ment to the state's constitution defining gays and lesbians wide latitude in find- director for Courage, said the new min- marriage as a union of a man and a ing their place within the Roman Catho- istry was added at the request of parish- at odds over woman. The effort is intended to quash lic Church. Nationally, there are several ioners. the possibility of same-sex marriage, gay and lesbian ministries -- some that "There have been some people who should a court find North Carolina's law accept gays and lesbians as they are, asked for some ministry by the Catholic gay play prohibiting gay unions unconstitutional. others like Courage that view homo- Church to help them deal with the chal- Such a bill has been introduced be- sexuality as a problem to be overcome. lenges and difficulties they have and fore, but has not drawn support from the Though retired Raleigh Bishop F. remain close to God," he said. By Rhiza Dizon leading Democrats who control the state Joseph Gossman chose not to wade into Next month, the Rev. Paul Check, The Advocate March 10, 2009

Book Review A local Catholic school’s production of Be Still and Know , a play that details the adolescent struggles of teenagers in conflict with their sexual identity and McNeill on Sex as God Intended Christian faith, was stopped by San Fran- cisco archbishop George Niederauer be- By Rev. Paul K. Thomas to the destruction of Sodom as an issue of LGBT people must guide the Church fore its scheduled premiere at the Most of gross inhospitality rather than as a in its pastoral approach to homosexual- Holy Redeemer Church in the city’s Cas- John McNeill, gay priest and psycho- matter of deviant sexuality. He also ity. In fact, by including a final provi- tro district. therapist, has been a marvelous spokes- briefly describes the dential chapter on The production by Sacred Heart Pre- person on religious LGBT issues for many same-gender orienta- Sex as God Intended: marriage, he rightly paratory high school, based on the 2007 posits that lesbian fruitful years. In the 1970’s he published tion of such biblical A Reflection novel The God Box, was personally his first groundbreaking work, The figures as David/ and gay conjugal adapted by the school's drama director, Church and the Homosexual , advocating Jonathan, Ruth/ on Human Sexuality as Play unions, based pri- John Loschman. new approaches to the morality of same- Naomi, John “the be- By John J. McNeill marily on the equal- Niederauer was a staunch supporter gender relationships. His latest controver- loved,” Lazarus “the Lethe Press, 268 pp, $20 ity of committed of Prop. 8 -- his website released a state- sial book, Sex As God Intended , reflects friend,” the Roman partners, should ment defending his diocese's role in pass- upon human sexuality, whether homo or centurion, and the Ethiopian eunuch. serve as an ideal model for the renewal ing the ballot initiative, stating, “Religious hetero, “as a form of play” purposed thus Throughout his rather brief text, of wedded heterosexual relationships! leaders in America have the constitutional by the Creator from the beginning. In from the Introduction (pp. 19-22) to McNeill adds an Epilogue dispar- right to speak out on issues of public pol- other words, God the Conclusion aging the Vatican’s use of the term icy. Catholic bishops, specifically, also envisioned genital (pp. 131-139), the “objective disorder” and an Appendix have a responsibility to teach the faith, relations not just in writer stresses with his letter to U.S. bishops in 2000 and our beliefs about marriage and family procreative terms over and again and a speech to Dignity/Chicago in are part of this faith." but “as a source of our need “to re- 2005. The volume concludes with a However, Most Holy Redeemer, pleasure, joy, and cover and affirm nearly 100-page Festschrift , a collec- where the play was to be performed, is an love,” radically the feminine,” so tion of congratulatory essays by thirteen inclusive Catholic church, stating on its distinct from the as to regain “the scholars, including Sr. Jeannine website that the church welcomes Church’s own sex-positive mes- Gramick, who celebrate his life and "Catholics, as well as those people inter- mostly negative sage revealed by work. ested in learning about the Catholic ex- views of sex God” in the bible, The book has no footnotes, bibliog- perience -- regardless of their background, throughout history. through “the bal- raphy, or index, although throughout gender, race, social status, gender identity, The author, as ancing of the McNeill’s text there are many notable or sexual orientation." in previous publi- masculine and quotations (used therein without helpful The church’s pastor, Fr. Steve Meri- cations, shines new feminine” within page citations). Some may criticize his wether, also includes his support in his light on God’s sex- ourselves. Unfor- arguments as rather simplistic at times, opening welcome letter, stating, “You will ual intent as subtly tunately, how- also often weakly organized, and even find the good people of our parish old, revealed within ever, he some- generally lacking in originality. But, young, married, gay, lesbian, transgender, both the Hebrew what undermines regardless of any such observations, affluent, homeless, blue-collar, converts, every reader can benefit from his won- and Christian Tes- John J. McNeill his thesis by re- cradle Catholics, radical, traditional, ques- taments (which peatedly employ- derful insights with reference to many tioning, fervent.” McNeill still refers to as “Old” and ing the term “gay” in its generic sense current controversial issues. Moreover, The church complied with the “New”). Through careful scholarly exe- subsuming the female (like the sexist despite some poor editing and a few archbishop’s order without protest, though gesis he brings out sex-positive aspects in word “men” when used to include egregious errors, he expresses his views the production was rumored to have been the book of Genesis and especially in the women), and he expresses strong dis- succinctly and thoughtfully, even hu- moved to the University of San Francisco enchanting Song of Songs . He tentatively agreement on one issue with Catholic morously. All of us are certainly in- later that day. yet convincingly reclaims the latter “as lesbian theologian Mary Hunt in her debted to his supportive reflections and originally a gay love song” whose true feminist concordance with Rosemary his courageous stance on our behalf! meaning was suppressed in a later un- Ruether. Fr. Paul Thomas is board chair of enlightened age. Perhaps most importantly New Ways Ministry and archivist emeri- McNeill recaps his earlier approach McNeill insists that the lived experience tus of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Spring 2009 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.

Clarendon Hills : Notre Dame Syracuse : St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Lucy Wickford : St. Bernard Country Club Hills : St. Emeric Utica : St. Francis DeSales Evanston : St. Nicholas Wantaugh : St. Frances de Chantal Tennessee Morton Grove : St. Martha Westbury : St. Brigid Memphis : Cathedral of the Immaculate Oak Park : Ascension, St. Catherine of Conception Sienna-St. Lucy North Carolina Alabama Schaumburg : St. Marcelline Charlotte: St. Peter Texas Montgomery : St. Bede Durham : Immaculate Conception Colleyville: Good Shepherd

Indiana Fayetteville : St. Patrick Dallas : Holy Trinity Arizona Evansville : St. Mary Raleigh : St. Francis of Assisi Plano : St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Mesa : Christ the King Indianapolis : St. Thomas Aquinas Scottsdale : Franciscan Renewal Center Ohio Virginia Tuscon : St. Cyril of Alexandria, Iowa Akron : St. Bernard Arlington : Our Lady Queen of Peace SS. Peter and Paul, St. Pius X, Iowa City : St. Thomas More Cincinnati : St. George-St. Monica, Richmond : Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Our Mother of Sorrows, St. Odilia St. Robert Bellarmine Sacred Heart Parish

Kentucky Cleveland : Ascension of Our Lord, Roanoke : St. Gerard California Louisville : Epiphany, Cathedral of the St. Malachi, St. Martha Virginia Beach : St. Nicholas Berkeley : Holy Spirit Parish Assumption, St. William Columbus : St. Thomas More Newman Burney : St Francis of Assisi Center Washington Carlesbad : St. Patrick Maine Mentor : St. John Vianney Pullman: Sacred Heart Claremont : Our Lady of the Assumption Portland : Sacred Heart-St. Dominic University Heights : Church of the Gesu Seattle : St. Benedict, Prince of Peace El Cajon : St. Luke Saco : Most Holy Trinity Westlake : St. Ladislas Newman Center Escondido : St. Timothy Wooster : St. Mary of the Immaculate Tacoma : St. Leo Fremont : St. Joseph - Mission San Jose Maryland Conception Hawthorne : St. Joseph (Spanish) Baltimore : Corpus Christi, St. Francis Wisconsin Hayward : All Saints of Assisi, St. Matthew, St. Philip and Oregon Madison : Our Lady Queen of Peace, St. LaPuente : St. Martha James, St. Vincent dePaul Central Point : Shepherd of the Valley Benedict Center Sunday Assembly Lemon Grove : St. John of the Cross Columbia : St. John the Evangelist Portland : Journey and Koinonia Catholic Menomonee Falls : Good Shepherd Long Beach : St. Matthew Gaithersburg : St. Rose of Lima Community, St. Andrew, St. Phillip Neri, Milwaukee : Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Los Angeles : Blessed Sacrament, Hagerstown : St. Ann St. Vincent dePaul Trinity-Guadalupe Christ the King, Mother of Good Counsel, Severn : St. Bernadette St. Camillus Center-LA USC Medical Pennsylvania Canada Center (Spanish), St. Paul the Apostle Massachusetts Huntingdon: Most Holy Trinity Montreal: Holy Cross North Hollywood : Blessed Sacrament, Boston : Paulist Center, St. Anthony Shrine, Philadelphia : Old St. Joseph, Old St. Mary, Ottawa: St. Joseph St. Jane Frances de Chantal, St. Patrick St. Cecilia St. John the Evangelist, St. Vincent DePaul Toronto : Our Lady of Lourdes Oakland : Our Lady of Lourdes Newton : St. Ignatius York : St. Joseph Oceanside : St. Thomas More Springfield : Sacred Heart England Orange : Holy Family Cathedral, Koinoia Worcester : Holy Cross College Rhode Island London : Our Lady of the Pleasanton : Catholic Community of Providence : St. Francis Chapel Assumption & St. Gregory Pleasanton Michigan Sacramento : St. Francis of Assisi Ann Arbor: St. Mary Student Parish San Carlos : St. Charles Detroit : St. Leo, Christ the King San Diego : Ascension, San Rafael, Kalamazoo : Lambda Catholics St. Jude Shrine New Ways Ministry St. Ignace : St. Ignatius Loyola San Francisco : Most Holy Redeemer, Old St. Mary Cathedral, St. Agnes, Minnesota Upcoming Programs St. Dominic Minneapolis : St. Frances Cabrini, San Jose : St. Julie Billiart, St. Joan of Arc St. Martin of Tours (Emmaus Community) June 22-24, 2009—Philadelphia area San Luis Obispo : Old Mission of Missouri San Luis Obispo Kansas City : Guardian Angels, “Understanding Jesus: The Challenge of Christology Today” San Rafael : Church of San Rafael & St. Francis Xavier, St. James Mission San Rafael Archangel St. Louis : St. Cronan, St. Margaret of Facilitated by Rev. Diarmuid O’Murchu Santa Clara : GALA Scotland, St. Pius V Santa Cruz : Holy Cross Santa Monica : St. Monica Montana July 26-31, 2009—Baltimore area Spring Valley: Santa Sophia Billings : Holy Rosary Walnut Creek : St. John Vianney “Word/Flesh/Spirit: An Exploration of Sexuality, West Hollywood : St. Ambrose, St. Victor Nebraska Whittier : St. Mary of the Assumption Omaha : Holy Family, Sacred Heart Intimacy, and Celibacy”

Facilitated by Cornelius Hubbuch, CFX, and John Perito, MD Colorado Nevada Arvada : Spirit of Christ Las Vegas : Christ the King, Avon : St. Edward Guardian Angel Cathedral Colorado Springs : Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart August 7-9, 2009—Southern Louisiana area New Hampshire Denver : St. Dominic, Christ the King, Merrimack : St. “Next Steps: Developing Catholic Lesbian/Gay Ministry” Mount Carmel Pelham : St. Patrick Fort Collins : Blessed John XXIII Facilitated by Francis DeBernardo Genessee : St. Frances Cabrini Shrine New Jersey Highlands Ranch : Pax Christi Clifton : St. Brendan Littleton : Light of the World Lawrenceville : St. Ann

Long Beach Island : St. Francis of Assisi September 11-13, 2009—Baltimore area Connecticut Trenton Falls : St. Anselm Hartford : St. Patrick-St. Anthony “War and the Soul”

New Mexico Facilitated by Richard Rohr, OFM District of Columbia Albuquerque: Holy Family, Shrine of St. Holy Trinity, St. Aloysius, Bernadette St. Matthew Cathedral Espanola : Sacred Heart of Jesus October 4, 2009—New York, New York Florida New York Cocoa Beach: Our Savior Baldwinsville : St. Augustine Bridge Building Award Luncheon Ft. Lauderdale : St. Anthony, St. Maurice Bellmore : St. Barnabas the Apostle Honoring John J. McNeill Naples : St. John the Evangelist Bellport : Mary Immaculate St. Petersburg: Holy Cross Brooklyn : St. Andrew the Apostle, Tampa : Franciscan Center St. Boniface, St. Athanasius, St. Augustine Winter Haven : St. Matthew Deer Park: Ss. Cyril and Methodius October 9-11, 2009– Syracuse, NY area

East Islip : St. Mary “Transformed into the Compassion of Christ” Georgia Elmira : St. Mary Atlanta : Shrine of the Immaculate Fairport : Church of the Assumption Conception Facilitated by Michael Crosby, OFM Cap Henrietta: Good Shepherd Illinois Manhattan : Holy Name of Jesus, Berwyn : St. Mary of the Celle St. Francis Xavier, St. Paul the Apostle Chicago : Immaculate Conception, Melville : St. Elizabeth For more information, visit www.NewWaysMinistry.org, St. Clement, St. Gertrude, St. Gregory, Rochester : Blessed Sacrament, email [email protected], St. John the Evangelist (Humboldt St.), St. Peter, St. Sylvester, St. Teresa of Avila, or call the NWM office at 301-277-5674. St. Thomas the Apostle St. Mary, St. Monica Page 8 BONDINGS Vol. 29, No. 2 Our journey to holy union

By Kate Childs Graham was from the Book of Ruth, while her have had the opportunity to marry one National Catholic Reporter choice was Alice Walker’s “While Love another surrounded by those closest to December 4, 2008 Is Unfashionable.” The songs -- us. “Morning Has Broken,” “Water Is In the days following our holy un- About a month before Proposition 8 Wide” and “Swimming to the Other ion, fully sated by our love and the love passed in California Nov. 4, taking away Side” -- each signified an important as- of our community, we did not necessar- an array of human rights, and the U.S. pect of our relationship. With Diann’s ily feel any change in our relationship. bishops decided to team up with the expertise, we even managed to create a For us, our marriage was and is about Knights of Columbus to make the beautiful eucharistic prayer that was in- the journey, and the ceremony was one “preservation of marriage” one of its key clusive of our faiths and the faiths of all marker along the path. However, our focuses for the next five years, my part- who celebrated with us. story is just one of many. And surely, ner, Ariana, and I made our commitment In the end, we had a ceremony that other stories will vary greatly, as what it to one another. was truly us . means to be family comes in a multitude Our marriage was not "legal" by The year of preparation flew by and of shapes and sizes. Still, common terms of the District of Columbia or the before we knew it our friends and fam- themes will certainly arise — love, com- institutional Catholic church. Yet, in our ily were arriving from all over the world mitment, passion, devotion and so on. eyes and in the eyes of our friends and for the affair. The ceremony, held at a Indeed, this past month has offered family, our union is indeed holy. local Swedenborgian church, was every- many challenges to the LGBTQ com- As society has not yet defined the thing we had imagined it would be from munity and society at large. The institu- norms for our relationship the way it has the moment our families lit the candles tional Catholic church and the state can- for heterosexual couples, we had the free- to our tear-filled exchange of vows to not take away our commitment to each dom to be the architects of our own jour- the closing prayer when our family and other. However, as my legal right to ney. And so, when Ariana and I initially friends raised their hands to bless us. marriage and family has been called into realized that we were building a lifelong never be finished, we turned our focus And, of course, no wedding would question, I have felt that attack on my partnership, we had the opportunity to to our ceremony. Diann helped us un- be complete without a party to follow. life and the lives of my friends deeply. choose whether or not we needed or derstand that we were the priests of our We led the parade of guests to a small My only hope is that these stum- wanted a ceremony to mark our commit- wedding. With great care, we crafted restaurant around the corner for dinner. bling blocks on the road to justice will ment. every moment of the ceremony to reflect At the reception, folks shared songs and help open the dialogue, compel more After many discussions, we decided a delicate balance of Ariana’s Unitarian poetry, laughter and tears. From the people to tell their stories of love, and that not only did we want to have a wed- Universalist tradition and my Catholic deep holiness of the ceremony to the bring our church and our world closer to ding ceremony in order to express our faith tradition. lighthearted humor and love of the re- a discipleship of equals. love and commitment to each other in the We each chose a reading -- my pick ception, Ariana and I both felt blessed to presence of the Creator, our friends and our family, but we also wanted to take the year before the ritual to traverse through our version of a Pre-Cana marriage prepa- ration program. Catholics argue for right to Our Pre-Cana was quite different from the Pre-Cana courses that many het- erosexual couples go through kicking and screaming. Diann Neu, co-founder and refuse goods, services co-director of the Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Religion By Daniela Altimari (WATER), walked with us through the Hartford Courant People such as florists, wedding "I understand the feelings of the journey. March 7, 2009 photographers and justices of the peace. church, they don't like this decision," said She challenged us with questions we "Same-sex couples have their liber- Kissel, a ranking member of the commit- had not thought to ask or were afraid to No one is arguing that a Catholic ties protected fully. Religious people are tee. The battle against gay marriage was ask. We discussed everything: finances, priest should have to perform a gay mar- wondering, 'How is this going to affect "a good fight, fought to the end. But that's children, fair fighting, spirituality and so riage. me?'" said David Reynolds, lobbyist for the end of the road. The Supreme Court is on. We tackled the last-name debacle and But the church says that doesn't go the Catholic Church. the highest court in the land. They've settled on a combination of our mothers’ far enough. Reynolds raised his concerns Friday made a determination; now we have to maiden names. We came to new levels of The Connecticut Catholic Confer- as the legislature's judiciary committee sort of live with that." understanding -- and, sometimes, new lev- ence is asking lawmakers to expand the considered a bill to ensure that existing The state's civil union law, ruled un- els of misunderstanding. category of those who don't have to statutes comport with the landmark state constitutional by the court, is set to expire After we had journeyed through sev- comply with the state's new same-sex Supreme Court ruling legalizing same- in October 2010. At that time, all civil eral months of our Pre-Cana, realizing marriage law if their religion holds that sex marriage. unions will be automatically converted to that the work of communication would such unions are wrong. "A situation has been created ... marriages. where state policy seriously conflicts Peter Wolfgang, executive director of with the religious beliefs of a large num- the Family Institute of Connecticut, dis- ber of the citizens of the state," Rey- missed the idea that lawmakers are merely nolds said. He cited examples in other conducting a bit of legislative housekeep- states where businesspeople have faced ing. "The negative effect of same-sex Florists can’t discriminate legal action because they declined, on marriage on religious liberty and rights of religious grounds, to provide goods or conscience involve far more than the services to same-sex couples. question of whether clergy will be forced against gay couples The judiciary committee hearing is to perform same-sex weddings," Wolf- Editorial likely the final chance opponents will gang said in testimony submitted to the Hartford Courant sworn to uphold earthly laws. have to put up obstacles to gay mar- committee. March 16, 2009 Wedding vendors must also comply riage. But several lawmakers oppose But for supporters of gay marriage, with the law of the land — just as the extending the religious exemption. Sen. who have pressed their case at the legisla- The Connecticut Catholic Conference restaurants and hotels that refused ser- John Kissel is Catholic and has long ture for more than a decade, the hearing is overreacting to a bill that would update vice to blacks had to comply when the shared his church's opposition to gay had a celebratory flavor... statutes to conform with the state Supreme Civil Rights Act was made law in 1964. marriage. At one point, committee co-Chairman Court's landmark 2008 decision legalizing It's doubtful that Connecticut would "I've been with you guys all along," Rep. Michael Lawlor congratulated Stan- same-sex marriage. become a battleground over the right of said Kissel, a Republican from Enfield. back on her wedding — she and longtime The conference, the lobbying arm of florists and photographers and wedding But, "we're at a fork in the road and I partner Charlotte Kinlock recently Catholic bishops, wants an exemption for halls to boycott same-sex marriage busi- have to let go of your hand." eloped — and the audience burst into ap- florists, justices of the peace, photogra- ness. It's the rare florist and photogra- A law preventing a Catholic caterer plause. phers and others who do weddings but pher who turns away a client these days. from serving guests at a same-sex mar- "Marriage equality is the law in Con- object to same-sex marriage on religious And gay couples are unlikely to take riage could also be used by a Protestant necticut and this bill won't make it any grounds. their business to hostile vendors any- baker who doesn't want to sell a cake to more legal," Stanback said. But in addi- This proposal has no place in a plu- way. a Catholic father for his son's first com- tion to making sure that the statutes line ralistic society. Imagine Jewish businesses If they do, however, and the parties munion, Kissel said. "It could just as up with the court's decision, the bill would refusing to serve Arabs or Muslims or can't work out a mutually respectful ac- easily turn against each and every eliminate language in the state's 1991 gay conservatives blacklisting liberal custom- commodation, the law is on the couples' Catholic in the state of Connecticut." rights act that many gays and lesbians ers. side. In October, the state Supreme Court consider archaic and demeaning... Under the law, clergy can't be forced In a battle between the First ruled that gay and lesbian couples had Said Stanback: "That language was to perform gay marriages. They can offi- Amendment's guarantee of religious the right to marry and, the following insulting to many of us when it was added ciate if they want to, but the law gives freedom and the 14th Amendment's month, Connecticut became the second 18 years ago and today it is simply unac- them a pass in a nod to the principle of guarantee of civil rights, the latter, with state to legally recognize same-sex mar- ceptable. ... Words matter, and the only separation of church and state. Justices of its stirring pledge of "equal protection of riage. The legislature is now codifying thing [those] words ... do is demean gay the peace, however, are secular the laws," must prevail. the court's decision. people and our families."