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DignityUSA
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RETURN TO > 1998 > DATELINE
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DignityUSA DATELINE
MARCH 1998 VOL. 7 NO. 3
Dignity Urges ABC To Support "Nothing Sacred" AIDS Episode
In a recent press release, DignityUSA urged ABC Entertainment and its parent company, Walt Disney, to support the TV drama Nothing Sacred and resist right wing pressure to censor the show.
"DignityUSA is very disappointed to learn that ABC Entertainment has decided not to run an episode of Nothing Sacred that deals with a priest, Father Jesse, who is gay, has AIDS, and is struggling with the continuation of his vocation." Bob Miailovich, National President commented. "It is unfortunate that the strident voices of right wing pressure groups prevent viewers from seeing this episode. The struggles and challenges faced by the character, Father Jesse, are real. By denying viewers the opportunity to see this episode, ABC Entertainment has let a vocal minority control what the rest of us get to see on television. Nothing Sacred is adult dramatic entertainment, and should be viewed in this light."
"The reality and the sensitivity of the episode is to be commended," added Executive Director Charles Cox. "This episode reminds all of us that the AIDS pandemic has not escaped any segment of society; Catholic priests, like all of us, are not immune. The desire on the part of some to deny this reality is sad and does a great disservice to all of us, especially those among us living with AIDS.
"DignityUSA hopes that ABC Entertainment and the Walt Disney Company will decide to let this and other episodes of Nothing Sacred be aired. It is important to respect the rights of the viewing public and allow them to judge the merits of the show for themselves. Our hope is that Nothing Sacred, which has tackled several controversial topics during its first season, will be allowed to continue. The characters in the show, especially Father Ray and Sister Maureen, remind all of us that questions about faith are hard and sometimes difficult to face, but ultimately need to be answered. While some viewers may feel uncomfortable with the portrayal of Father Ray's character, all of us need to remember that his character is more believable than Bing Crosby's character, Fr. Chuck O'Mally, in The Bells of Saint Mary's or Spencer Tracy's character, Fr. Edward Flanagan, in Boys' Town."
Raisers Edge Ready
This past fall DignityUSA began the transition from the Donor Master software to the Raisers Edge (RE) database and membership management program. With that transition now complete, DignityUSA will now provide chapters with monthly reports utilizing the RE software. The new report format is consistent with the ones which were generated by Donor Master. The difference is in the quality of the reports as well as the ease of understanding them. Please contact the national office with any questions. Charles or Sean will be happy to help you.
Board Meeting
DignityUSA's Board of Directors held a conference call meeting on Saturday January 31, 1998. National Secretary Jerry Deas provided the following highlights.
- The Worship and Liturgy Committee has been developing worship programs. Blake Velde, committee co-chair is also working closely with the Denver '99 National Convention Committee.
- Treasurer Joe Sinico presented the preliminary financial audit of the DignityUSA, Inc.
- Executive Director Charles Cox reported that the Christmas card appeal generated approximately $7300 in gifts. Donations were still arriving as of late January.
- The Winter issue of the Journal had been printed and mailed. Extra copies are available upon request.
- Voices & Visions, a Committee on Womens Concerns publication, will be incorporated into the Journal's Spring issue.
- A request from the Dignity/Central Indiana chapter to change its name to Dignity/Indianapolis was approved by the Board.
- New or renewing members can take advantage of a $5.00 discount through April 30.
- Solidarity Sunday 1998 is scheduled for will be October 4.
- A Spanish translation of Catholicism, Homosexuality, and Dignity, written by Daniel Helminiak, Ph.D. and published by Dignitiy/USA, is now under way. It will be a key part of outreach to our Hispanic sisters and brothers. Donations to assist in production and printing may be sent to the national office.
Grand Rapids to Host Midwest's Convention
Former National Secretary Ben Boerkoel sends news that plans are well underway for the 1998 Midwest Regional Convention, Prophets in the Heartland, will be held on July 16-19, 1998 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attendees will have a variety of opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Focus sessions with major speakers, liturgical activities including a guided meditation and Eucharistic liturgy, small group breakouts, social occasions, a picnic under the stars, and a dinner dance featuring well-known Chicago entertainer Michael James are just a few of the planned highlights.
Major presenters confirmed to date are former U. S. Representative Steve Gunderson of Wisconsin and his partner Rob Morris, and well-known author Chris Glaser, former head of Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. The Midwest House of Delegates will also meet. The convention site is the downtown Grand Rapids' new, centrally located Courtyard by Marriott Hotel . Room rates are $81 per night for single or double accommodations. Convention-goers will also have an opportunity to arrive early or to extend their stay at reduced rates in the resort community of Saugatuck, the Key West of the Midwest.
Registration materials will be mailed on April 1. Plan now to join your fellow Dignity prophets as we once again gather in the Heartland. Sponsorships, individual or chapter, range from major presenters to breakout sessions to donations to reduce the overall registration fee. All donors will be recognized in the convention program.
Welcome Sean, Thank You Stephen!
DignityUSA welcomes Sean Fucci to our family. Sean recently joined the national staff as the new Admi-nistrative Assistant. He will take over the duties of Stephen Getman, Dignity's Operations Director for the past four years.
Sean, a former U.S. Air Force member, comes to us with extensive experience in office management and excellent computer skills. He will be working closely with Charles Cox as well as the officers and the members of the board. Stephen will also be working with Sean during a transition period to learn Dignity's office and membership processing procedures. As Sean joins us, it is also time to bid farewell and thank you to Stephen for his four years of hard work with Dignity.Stephen has demonstrated his commitment to Dignity's mission and goals. His dedication to our organization is widely known and appreciated. It was particularly evident this fall as he helped to oversee the database conversion to Raisers Edge from the Donor Master software. Without Stephen's knowledge and effo ts, the change over would have been quite difficult.
All of us associated with Dignity are grateful for Stephen's presence. We bid him adieu and wish him success as he pursues new career opportunities.
Happy Anniversary
Cincinnati 25
