Dignity’s First Biennial Convention is held in Los Angeles

Theme

"The Spirit is Calling Us"

Dates

August 31 to September 3, 1973

Major Speaker

Father John J. McNeill, S.J.

Special Guest

Father Patrick Nidorf O.S.A.

Registration Fee

$7.50

Site

Holiday Inn, 1755 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, California

Registrations

300

Membership

449

Chapters

12

Charters in Formation

12

National Officers Elected

The first election is held and the following slate from Dignity/Boston is elected:

• Paul A. Diederich (President)
• Rev. Thomas C. Oddo, C.S.C. (Secretary)
• John E. Hart (Treasurer)

Highlights

A provisional Constitution is drafted to be sent to members for ratification. The document includes our Statement of Position and Purpose.

During the convention, Father McNeill and Father Jim Fleck, one of the founders of Dignity/Cincinnati, rewrite the second paragraph of Bob Fournier’s originalStatement of Position and Purpose to state:

"We believe that gays can express their sexuality in a manner that is consonant with Christ’s teaching. We believe that all sexuality should be exercised in an ethically responsible and unselfish way."

The Constitution also calls for the formation of a Board of Governors comprised of two representatives (a man and a woman) from each chapter and mission and states that the three national officers (all from one chapter to facilitate their work for Dignity) should be elected by convention delegates.

Delegates also vote to send letters to:

• Bishops of the United States
• Superiors of Religious Orders
• Clergy and Members of Metropolitan Community Church