 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA
02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email:
info@dignityusa.org
Comments to
Web manager
RETURN TO > 1998 > DATELINE
HOMEPAGE > HOME
DignityUSA DATELINE
AUGUST 1998 VOL. 7, NO. 8
Disappointment, Sadness Greet Bishops' Dilution of Always Our Children
DignityUSA has expressed its concern over the recent steps taken by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops (N.C.C.B.) and its Committee on Marriage and Family Life to dilute the message and spirit of Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers.
On October 1, 1997, the Bishops' Committee released Always Our Children. DignityUSA welcomed the pastoral letter as a positive step and commended the bishops for their improved sensitivity to the issues which confront parents and their lesbian and gay children. Now, however, the hope has been replaced with concern and fear that the pastoral sensitivity that once marked Always Our Children may have been replaced with a dogmatic, legalistic approach in the Church's ministry to homosexual persons. The original version was not perfect; the latest revision makes it even more imperfect. Each of the changes represents a capitulation to conservative voices in the Church.
When Always Our Children was first released, DignityUSA expressed its disappointment with portions of the document, notably "the bishops' continued distinction between homosexual orientation and activity." Now it seems that the bishops have decided that a pastoral message which encourages sensitivity and open dialogue is too risky for our Church. They have, instead, retreated by inserting unfortunate language like "objectively disordered."
Always Our Children, now in its third printing, has been well received by the faithful and viewed positively by many Catholic families with homosexual children. Last November, the Bishops' office said they had over 500 letters in support of the statement and hardly continued on back any against. For years families have struggled with the reality of their love for their homosexual children and the teachings of the Catholic Church toward their children. It seems that the hand that had once been "outstretched" to the families of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons has become less loving and more threatening.
It is regrettable that the American bishops felt compelled to consult with the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (C.D.F.). Only last October the bishops felt free to release Always Our Children on their own; they also said it was well received and not in need of any changes. These recent changes reveal the philosophical and pastoral tensions within the Catholic hierarchy. The document's revised tone has the potential to dissuade some persons who are in need of the Church's ministry from seeking it. On the other hand, the document may still be viewed by some as not strict enough to enjoy conservative support. Conservative voices have shown their power through the C.D.F.'s pressure upon the bishops to make certain changes. Let us see now if they will make good on their revised commitment to ministry.
DignityUSA believes that it is only through honest dialogue and mutual respect that real change can be achieved. To that end DignityUSA invites the U.S. Catholic Bishops to recall their offer of an "outstretched hand" and meet with us to discuss how to proceed with implementation of Always Our Children.
Solidarity Sunday '98
Solidarity Sunday is only three months away! Now is the time to plan events, produce and prepare to distribute cards and ribbons, and invite friends, family, the general public and our Church to join with us in ending verbal and physical gay bashing.
This year cards and templates will be available in English, Spanish, and French. An attractive advertising brochure with an order form and a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) sheet will also be sent to chapters shortly.
In addition, advertisements will be placed in Second Stone and National Catholic Reporter (NCR) during the late summer months. Needless to say, these ads are expensive but vital to the outreach effort. Our total cost for the ads is almost $1,700. Donations to help defray advertising expenses can be directed to the National Office.
Last year almost 100,000 people from around the United States participated
in Solidarity Sunday, including President Bill Clinton and Vice-President
Al Gore. This year we hope to increase that number to at least 150,000.
We invite all of Dignity to help meet this goal. If we succeed, we will
have touched 350,000 with Solidarity Sunday. Let us work together to
end verbal and physical gay bashing!
New Worship Web Page
The DignityUSA National Committee for Worship and Liturgy has its very own web page under the "Committee" link on the DignityUSA web site: www.dignityusa.org. The page includes:
- Dignity-sponsored liturgies throughout the country;
- information about hymnals and lectionaries;
- a link to altar bread recipes.
More material will be posted soon. Please let the committee know if your chapter's liturgies are not yet listed, or if you have suggestions for other information that might be posted. The Worship Committee co-chairs Linda Redier and Blake Velde, can be contacted through the DignityUSA office or via e-mail: Linda's address is rieder@cts.com and Blake's is exultata@aol.com.
Call to Action Offers Dignity Discount
The Call to Action (CTA) national conference is set for October 30 throught
November 1 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As in past years, a discounted group
registration fee of $115 is available for Dignity members. Our registrations
will be processed as a group so forms MUST be received at the DignityUSA
office by September 26. Checks should be made payable to CTA. Dignity
members are encouraged to participate in this important and inspiring
annual conference. Registration materials may be obtained by calling CTA
at 773-604-0400 or visiting their web site: http://call-to-action.org
You may also request a registration form from the DignityUSA office.
Happy Anniversary!
Las Vegas-4 Nassau-19 San Antonio-23 Metro NJ-24 Denver-24
Plan Ahead!
- Equality Begins at Home, a nationwide series of actions in all 50 states, March 21-27, 1999.
- National March on Washington on April 30, 2000
- Celebrate in Denver! DignityUSA's Biennial Convention August 5-8, 1999
