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DignityUSA
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RETURN TO > 1997 > DATELINE
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DignityUSA DATELINE
July & August, 1997 VOL. 6, NO. 7 & 8
Contents of Double Summer Issue:
- 1. Boston Archdiocesan Order Draws Attention
- 2. Boston Globe Covers Ban
- 3. Spirit of Pentecost Moves Through Ohio Celebration
- 4. New Ways Ministry 1998 Tour
- 5. Lifetime Service Award Presented to McNeill
- 6. Quick Takes:
- 7. Anniversaries
1. Boston Archdiocesan Order Draws Attention
In a letter sent to approximately 750 priests, bishops and deacons of the Archdiocese of Boston, Bishop William Murphy forbids Diocesan personnel to participate in DignityUSA¹s national convention held in Boston July 10-13. The letter advised priests that Dignity should receive no support because "they espoused a position contrary to Catholic moral teaching supporting that (sic) moral correctness of sexual relations between two persons of the same sex in a "faithful and loving relationship.""
DignityUSA President Marianne Duddy, a Boston resident, commented, "We certainly did not expect the support of the Archdiocese " I think it"s safe to acknowledge that we disagree on certain questions of sexual morality. However, this prohibition goes far beyond a lack of support. It"s a clear statement that the Church in Boston refuses to even have dialogue with us. I would have hoped, in these days of the late Cardinal Bernadin"s Common Ground initiative, we would be beyond this kind of pettiness.
"This letter also prevents local priests from exercising their own best pastoral judgment. The Convention offers significant resources for priests seeking to better understand gay and lesbian Catholics in their parishes, for parents and family members of gay and lesbian Catholics, and, importantly, for gay and lesbian people who are struggling to remain connected to the Church. Bishop Murphy has effectively obliterated access to this resource."
Lourdes Rodriguez, another Boston resident and cochair of Dignity"s Convention Planning Committee, responded, "This letter shows precisely why Dignity has to exist. The Church hierarchy has refused to accept gay and lesbian people. The Dignity Convention is a place where people will feel embraced by a loving God, instead of rejected by Church officials. It makes the Convention even more important. Where else will the children of God get what they need?" Chapter President Michael J. Leclerc expressed dismay about the letter from the Archdiocese, noting, "This is another example of how the hierarchy is out of touch with the people who are the Church. What a shame they felt the need to do this."
Internationally known speakers such as Dr. Elizabeth Stuart, Chris Glaser, and Dr. Mary Hunt were featured; Comedienne Kate Clinton also performed. Convention goers came from throughout the US and Canada to also take part in nearly two dozen workshops on topics such as Pastoral Care for People with AIDS and the Role of Straight People in the Gay Movement.
2. Boston Globe Covers Ban
Ed: Issues brought to the public"s attention by Archbishop Murphy"s letter were covered in the Boston Globe, Washington Post, and the National Catholic Reporter. The full text of the Globe article, titled "Clergy Urged to Avoid 2 Groups" (By Diego Ribadeneira, Boston Globe Staff, 05/21/97, page b1; Copyright 1997 Globe Newspaper Company) follows:
The Archdiocese of Boston has sent its clergy a letter admonishing them not to support or attend upcoming area meetings of two controversial groups - Corpus, an association of married priests, and Dignity, an organization of gay and lesbian Catholics. The letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Globe, has angered many Catholics, including clergy, who bristle at attempts by the archdiocese to tell its priests what they can and cannot attend.
"Two groups are meeting in the Boston area in the next few months, neither of which should receive any support or participation from us,"" Auxiliary Bishop William Murphy, the vicar general of the archdiocese, wrote, referring to Corpus and Dignity.
In the letter, sent out this month, Murphy said Corpus supports "positions contrary to church discipline," while Dignity promotes ideas opposed to "Catholic moral teachings." The Catholic Church requires a celibate priesthood because it mirrors the example of Jesus Christ. The church, while deploring prejudice against gays and lesbians, says that based on biblical strictures the only acceptable sexual relations are between a married man and woman. An estimated 20,000 men have left active Catholic ministry in the past three decades to get married. Once ordained, priests remain ordained for life, although they can be stripped of their right to serve as active clerics.
Corpus officials expect about 300 people to attend its national convention next month in Framingham. Dignity leaders say they anticipate 500 attendees when they meet in Boston in July. Several Boston area priests, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they did not want to anger archdiocesan officials, said they were irritated by Murphy"s letter. "Certainly we are all aware of the church"s official position, but I find it paternalistic,"" said one priest in a South Shore parish. "I mean what do they think will happen if we go? That we"ll be brainwashed? Attendance doesn"t equal support.""
Peggy Hayes, a member of Dignity"s board of directors, said she wasn"t surprised by Murphy"s letter, but said it was "overkill. We certainly didn"t expect the archdiocese to endorse our meeting but it is disturbing that they"re telling their priests what to do."" Anthony Padovano, an ordained Roman Catholic priest who is married and is president of Corpus, said he was "disappointed" by Murphy"s letter. "One of our main points has always been to dialogue with the American bishops. We"ve invited all the bishops in the Boston area to attend our meeting and, of course, we would deal with them in a respectful manner.""
But archdiocesan officials accused Dignity and Corpus of being "disingenuous" in criticizing Murphy"s letter, saying they should know the archdiocese could never approve of either group.
"No one should be shocked that the Catholic Church continues to stand by its teaching on matters of church discipline, especially on issues of sexual morality,"" said John Walsh, a spokesman for the archdiocese. "On the other hand, to try and present a picture of bishops and archbishops issuing thundering edicts is wrong. We"re just telling people what they should know.""
Celibacy and rights of homosexuals are among two of the most contentious issues in the Catholic Church. While the institutional church"s positions on both issues are clear, there is no uniformity of opinion among US Catholic Church leaders.
Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton, the auxiliary bishop of Detroit, and one of the nation"s progressive church leaders, has been outspoken in accusing the church of homophobia. "There is no Biblical evidence of which I am aware that Jesus had a problem with gays and lesbians,"" Gumbleton said in March at a meeting of gay and lesbian Catholics in Pittsburgh.
On the issue of celibacy, Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, the president of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, has begun discussions with Corpus in an effort to promote closer ties between the bishops and married priests. And Cardinal Bernard Law has held several dinners with local married priests and has scheduled another dinner during Corpus"s meeting next month. Catholic priests were allowed to be married until the 12th century. In recent years, celibacy has become a major issue as the number of priests has declined. "All we are doing is asking for something that was part of the church for 1,200 years,"" Padovano said.
By Diego Ribadeneira, Boston Globe Staff, 05/21/97, page b1; Copyright 1997 Globe Newspaper Company
3. Spirit of Pentecost Moves Through Ohio Celebration
Ed: The following was posted on the Dignity List Serve by Jim Letourneau, President of the Dignity/Greater Columbus chapter.
I want to share with you what was one of the most powerful experiences of liturgy I"ve ever experienced. Last evening, at the Pentecost vigil, DIGNITY/Greater Columbus sponsored a Eucharistic celebration. We sent letters of invitation to local members of Call to Action, CORPUS, and the mailing list of the National Catholic Reporter. We wanted to gather with other Roman Catholics who were longing for reform in several areas of concern, whether that be regarding women"s ordination, married priests, including the laity in the decision-making process of the church, etc.
While I realize not everyone on this list serve, nor everyone in our local chapter, may necessarily agree on these issues, we all have something in common: we"re striving for change. We continue to identify ourselves as "Roman Catholic" within an institution which at times can be very condemning, with rituals which can be seen as exclusive and empty of meaning at times. The reaction of two local bishops caused serious concern for some of us, and caused us to pause and discern a plan of action. We"ve communicated our intentions to them, and have offered to further our dialogue to explain our mission.
The turnout was beyond my imagination, with numbers around 80 or 100 (counting children). It was truly heartwarming to see. Only a couple people seemed uncomfortable, perhaps they didn"t realize the nature of the liturgy. Our worship attempted to address the justice issues which brought us all together. Nearly everyone who gathered enthusiastically asked that we gather again, and not to wait until next Pentecost!
Something is happening in Central Ohio. I trust it"s the work of the Spirit. While we await reaction from our local bishop, I ask for your prayers. Peace, Jim
4. New Ways Ministry 1998 Tour
New Ways Ministry cofounders Sr. Jeannine Gramick and Fr. Robert Nugent will lead a ten day prayer centered and Scripture based travel program from January 19 to 28, 1998. The itinerary, which will follow the footsteps of St. Paul, is the third annual trip led by New Ways.
The trip begins with eight days in Greece from January 19 to 26 with an optional extension to Turkey from January 26 to 28. Pilgrims are scheduled to visit Athens, Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonika. Pilgrims will see the sites of early Christian communities and get a flavor for the history and culture of the people and places of the New Testament. They will also learn more about the architecture, art, and geography of St. Paul"s times. Daily mass and scripture reflections will bring visits to many sites alive in vibrant and fulfilling ways. The cost for the eight day trip to Greece is $1,399. The two day extension to Turkey is $299. TO obtain a complete brochure and full itinerary, call Sister Jeannine at (301)864-3604 or write to Father Bob at 637 Dover Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 or call (301) 927-8766.
5. Lifetime Service Award presented to McNeill
John McNeill was scheduled to be honored with a Lifetime Service Award recognizing his thirty years of extraordinary service to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. Marianne Duddy, DignityUSA President noted, "John has been a truly prophetic figure in our movement and we feel that recognizing his contributions in the context of our 1997 gathering is particularly appropriate." The presentation was planned for the President"s Luncheon during the Convention.
John, a former Jesuit and current author and psychotherapist based in New York, was a major speaker at the first Biennial Convention in 1973 in Los Angeles. His 1976 book The Church and the Homosexual, had its imprimi potest (permission to publish) revoked by the Vatican two years after its publication. In addition, the Vatican forbid Fr. McNeill to speak publicly on homosexuality or sexual ethics at the 1977 Chicago Convention. McNeill remained silent during that convention but spoke again during the 1979, 1981, and 1985 biennial gatherings. He was forced out of the Society of Jesus in 1986 after refusing to give up all public ministry to gay people. "Taking a Chance on God: Liberating Theology for Gays, Lesbians, Their Lovers, Families, and Friends," his next book, was embraced by many in 1988 as was his 1993 volume "Freedom, Glorious Freedom: The Spiritual Journey to the Fullness of Life for Gays and Lesbians and Everybody Else."
6. Quick Takes:
Bernie Berns is the new National Chair of the Defenders, DignityUSA"s outreach to the leather/levi community.
Look for the July 8 issue of the "Advocate" with the article on gay Catholics which featured interviews with several Dignity members.
7. Happy Anniversary
July: Fort Wayne 10; Willamette Valley 12; Honolulu 21; Central PA 22 August: Las Vegas 3; Nassau 18; San Antonio 22; Denver 23; Metro New Jersey 23;
Apologies:
San Fernando Valley marked its first year on May 31. Big Apple had
its ninth anniversary on Pentecost.
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