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RETURN TO > 1999 > DATELINE
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DignityUSA DATELINE
JULY 1999 VOL. 8, NO. 7
Reacting to Cardinals, Holy See Speaking Out
In May, Cardinal Aloysius Ambrozic of Toronto spoke out in opposition to the decision by the Canadian Supreme Court recognizing certain legal protections for same-sex couples. His statement, however, calling for protection of the traditional understanding of marriage and family surprised many by including support for legislation which would recognize other domestic relationships. In calling for government action, Ambrozic said, "The time has come for legislation that fully protects the traditional understanding of family and marriage, and that also provides basic legal protections to individuals involved in nontraditional domestic relationships of economic interdependency, whether sexual intimacy is present or not.î
"In other words," said DignityUSA President Bob Miailovich, "the Cardinal is suggesting that, as the support for legal recognition of same-sex couples increases, he is willing to make concessions in the civil realm if he can retain his religious position." The reaction of other North American prelates or the Vatican to the Ambrozic proposal is unknown, but Bob pointed out, "It is likely that many, but not all, Catholic gays and lesbians would find the Ambrozic suggestion to be a step in the right direction but far from a perfect solution."
In Chicago, Cardinal Francis George wrote about ministry to homosexuals in his column in the diocesan newspaper. He compared the work of Dignity, Courage and AGLO, his local official ministry. About Dignity, George said, "Within the church, some Catholics and even a few moral theologians would contest the Church's teaching on the morality of homosexual genital relations. For several decades, a group called ¨Dignity' has rejected the Church's teaching on this issue but also claimed to be fully Catholic. The sticking point is not that some Dignity members might be sexually active. People often sin. The problem is the open rejection of Church teaching and the understanding of the nature of human sexuality behind the teaching. Dignity's status as a Catholic organization was clarified some years back, but in their own intention they remain openly gay and openly Catholic." In reference to the AGLO ministry, George said: "There is nothing immoral in publicly identifying oneself as ¨gay or lesbian,' and it seems to me important for the Church to reach out to her sons and daughters who ask for the pastoral and sacramental help necessary to live chastely even in the gay community."
Finally, Bishop Emeritus of Victoria, BC Remi DeRoo canceled plans to be a major speaker at the upcoming Worldwide Congress sponsored by the International Federation of Married Catholic Priests. The letter to DeRoo from the Vatican charge d'affaires in Canada on behalf of the Congregation for Bishops suggests that DeRoo's appearance at the conference would be a "great source of possible scandal and confusion." The concern seems to arise because several other organizations, which the charge d'affaires says "are in open dissent to the teaching and discipline of the Catholic Church," are participating in the Congress with various meetings and activities. One of the partner groups is Catholic Organizations For Renewal (COR), of which DignityUSA is an active member.
Many Thanks to Our Donors
DignityUSA acknowledges and thanks the following for their special financial contributions. The generosity of these and all of our benefactors is deeply appreciated.
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Dignity/Philadelphia $1,000;
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Dignity/Washington $1,250;
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Chicago members Jim Bussen and Mike Hogan who hosted a home party that raised $1,350;
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Dignity/Suffolk $230,(10% of their treasury and part of the chapter's tithing commitment);
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The Maria Anna Brunner Fund of The Sisters of the Precious Blood, $2,000.
Youth Liaison Position
The Youth Task Force has developed a job description for a Youth Liaison for DignityUSA. Tasks include maintaining a youth web page (which will soon be in place) and acting as a resource person for chapters and outside organizations which work with youth. Application forms have been sent to each chapter. If you are interested in this position, please complete the form and return it to Peggy Burns, Chairperson of the Youth Task Force.
Publications
The supply
of newly printed copies of our brochure Catholicism,
Homosexuality and Dignity by Daniel Helminiak is now available from
the national office. This third printing brings the total print run
to 25,000. Copies of the new multicolor membership brochures are also
available. Both publications are free, but we do ask for a donation
to help defray the cost of postage and printing.
Convention Corner
DeLong Scholarships Awarded
The Sister Eileen DeLong Scholarship Fund Committee is happy to announce the first recipients of the fund: Sr. Kate St. Martin, SNJM; Sr. Sara Kammer, SCL; and Fr. Jim M.. According to DignityUSA Treasurer Joe Sinico, each has demonstrated a strong commitment to the ministry and mission of Dignity.
This fund was established to assist women and men religious interested in attending Dignity's biennial conventions. This year marks the first time scholarships, worth over $1,100, have been awarded since the fund's inception. Congratulations Sr. Kate, Sr. Sara, and Fr. Jim. May your lives and ministry be enriched by the convention experience.
Registration Due!
Be sure to send in your completed Convention registration TODAY! If you can't attend the entire event, consider checking out the special one day registration fees. The Convention Committee is thrilled to offer attendees a wonderful line up of speakers, a bevy of workshops, three spirit filled liturgies, and the comforts of fabulous hotel.
Happy Anniversary:
Willamette
Valley 14
Honolulu 23
Central Penn 24
