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RETURN TO > 1998 > DATELINE
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DignityUSA DATELINE
June 1998 Vol. 7, No. 6
In the Public Eye: Dignity Responds to Catholic U's Action on Candace Gingrich Speech
On April 23rd DignityUSA issued a press release expressing its surprise and distress at the decision of Catholic University's president Brother Patrick Ellis, F.S.C. to cancel a speech by Candace Gingrich.
"The decision to cancel the speech sends a very clear, but disturbing message, not just to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, but to all namely, intolerance is an acceptable form of behavior on the campus of Catholic University. The administration's decision to deny the Organization for Lesbian and Gay Student Rights, as well as other students at Catholic University the opportunity to hear Candace Gingrich indicates an unwillingness to respect the diversity of the university community," commented Executive Director Charles Cox. "President Ellis' decision to cancel the speech stands in stark contrast to that of Georgetown University's decision last December to not intervene in a debate on homosexuality and Catholicism sponsored by New Ways Ministry."
The decision by President Ellis and the administration of Catholic University to cancel the Gingrich speech is not the first time the University has chosen to silence or punish members of the gay community. Last fall Catholic University rescinded an alumni award to Joseph Sicari after learning he had once been a member of ACT-UP.
"The attempt by President Ellis and Catholic University to stifle discussion of homosexuality and homophobia by Candace Gingrich reminds all of us why the Catholic bishop's pastoral letter Always Our Children is so important and needs to be implemented," noted National President Bob Miailovich. "In our letter to President Ellis we ask him to take the pastoral message of the Catholic bishops contained in Always Our Children to heart.' The letter reminds all of us, especially ministers and leaders of Catholic communities, of the need to be welcoming and offer understanding and pastoral care to the Church's homosexual sisters and brothers. Our hope is that President Ellis and the administration of Catholic University will heed the message of the hierarchy and demonstrate greater sensitivity and tolerance."
In addition, DignityUSA and all of our local chapters remain committed helping Catholic University, as well as all Catholic bishops and parishes, find ways of implementing the teachings of Always Our Children.
Below are excerpts from the letter sent to Brother Patrick Ellis, F.S.C., President of Catholic University on April 23, 1998 by Charles Cox, Executive Director and Bob Miailovich, National President of Dignity.
Dear President Ellis,
On behalf of DignityUSA's members and chapters, we want you to know how disappointed we are in your decision to cancel a speech to be delivered by Candace Gingrich. Your decision ... sends a very clear, but disturbing message, not just to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, but to all namely, intolerance is an acceptable form of behavior on the campus of Catholic University. ... We would also like to take this opportunity to encourage you, and the other members of the university community, to take the pastoral message of the Catholic bishops contained in Always Our Children to heart. In it the bishops remind all of us, especially ministers and leaders of Catholic communities, to be welcoming and offer understanding and pastoral care to its homosexual sisters and brothers.
To this end, we have enclosed for you a copy of Always Our Children.
In addition, DignityUSA and our local chapters extend to you and the Catholic University community, our outstretched hand and willingness to help in this educational endeavor. In conclusion, please let us know how we may be of assistance to you and the Catholic University community.
Seattle Gift & Community Clout Program
DignityUSA is grateful for the generosity shown by two large monetary gifts. On the occasion of its 25th Anniversary, DIGNITY/SEATTLE presented DignityUSA President Bob Miailovich with a check for $1,000 at its dinner dance. In addition to the gift from Seattle, DignityUSA was selected by the holders of the Community Clout credit card to be a recipient of its Donor Directed Grants program. For 1998, DignityUSA received a grant of $669.56. And, because of the high number of credit card users who voted for DignityUSA, we will also be included in the next round of balloting in January 1999.
In the Spotlight: Youth Task Force
The Youth Task Force held a conference call in March. After some discussion, the group reached several conclusions, made a few recommendations, and raised more questions.
- Many people in Dignity are already involved in youth ministry.
- It was also noted that while GLBT issues were discussed with youth, spirituality rarely was.
- Age factors must be addressed. The difference between teenage high school students and post high school young adults is vast.
- Today's youth today are far more mobile. It was, however, felt that time and place of Dignity events must be publicized, not just telephone numbers.
- How does Dignity make the youth feel welcome at their services?
After this discussion, the group decided that two questionnaires would be developed by committee members and distributed to obtain information. The first will be sent to Dignity chapters with a second going to outside agencies youth agencies. Please look for them in your mailbox and send us your responses so your voices in your chapter are counted.
Once the answers from the questionnaires are compiled, the Youth Task Force will then determine the need for developing materials on spirituality, Catholic faith and sexuality to be used by DignityUSA, regions, and chapters, as well as other organizations and agencies helping youth deal with issues of homophobia and discrimination.
Happy Anniversary
Greater Columbus 3; Lexington 6; So. Colorado 6; San Jose 14; Long Beach 18; Portland 22; Houston 24; San Diego 27
