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DignityUSA DATELINE

Volume 11, No. 5
May 2002

DignityUSA Addresses Priest Sex Abuse Scandal

Washington, DC, April 8, 2002 — The Board of Directors of DignityUSA, the nation's largest organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) Catholics met here this weekend and devoted much of its meeting to issues raised by the clergy sex abuse scandal unfolding in the Catholic Church. The following statement was issued at the conclusion of the Dignity Board's deliberations.

"As leaders of DignityUSA, we once again express our profound sorrow to all who have been affected by the clergy sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. In particular, we reach out to those who suffered abuse by priests, those whose complaints were disregarded or dismissed by bishops, and all whose faith has been shaken by the ongoing revelations of the abuses of power in our Church. We call on our leaders to respond honestly and fully to this crisis, to ensure that their actions are motivated by care for their people and consistent with Christian compassion, and to commit to comprehensive reforms that will prevent further harm to vulnerable people. We believe that all allegations of sexual abuse by priests or other Church personnel should be referred to the proper legal authorities for investigation in a timely manner and that Church officials should cooperate fully with civil authorities in the resolution of criminal complaints at all times.

"DignityUSA is saddened and angered by continued efforts by some in our Church to deflect concerns about sexual abuse and the decades of cover-up by Church officials by laying blame for these problems with gay priests. We recognize and affirm the dedication and commitment of the many fine gay priests who have served and who, with integrity, continue to serve Roman Catholics around the world. A priest's sexual orientation is irrelevant to his ability to fulfill his responsibilities as a minister of the Gospel. We urge our Church leaders to ensure that their responses to the current crisis are consistent with this fact.

"The Board of Directors of DignityUSA reaffirms our belief that sexuality is a gift from God and to the exercise of sexuality in an ethically responsible manner, consistent with DignityUSA's Statement of Position and Purpose. Further, we commend to our members DignityUSA resolution H-12-0885, affirmed in 1985, that states, in part, ‘[We], the members of Dignity, believe it is imperative to maintain an age of consent in order to exercise one's sexuality in an ethically responsible manner; further, we believe that children, during their formative years, should be free from undue sexual influence of a heterosexual or homosexual nature.'

"Finally, we commit ourselves to providing whatever resources and leadership we as DignityUSA can offer to help resolve this crisis in a way that builds a more just Church. As an organization, we have over 30 years' experience in creating small faith communities that nurture individuals who have been hurt or rejected by the Church. We have assisted tens of thousands of people to develop a healthy sense of sexuality that is based in Catholic values, and have advocated for the development of a more mature and realistic sexual ethic within our Church. DignityUSA is willing to share our experience with others. We extend this offer to victims and survivors of sexual abuse, to their families, and to our Church."

Sign up now for the DignityUSA Regional Conference in Buffalo, New York

"We Shall Not Be Silent"

Conferences for GLBT Catholics, our Families, Friends and Supporters sponsored by DignityUSA

May 24-26, Hyatt Hotel, Buffalo, NY
Keynote Speaker: Edwina Gately

Special Multimedia Presentation
Speaking our Truth: The History of DignityUSA

This conference will offer opportunities for prayer, education, networking, as well as the chance to dialogue with leaders of DignityUSA. For detailed information, call DignityUSA or visit our website at DignityUSA.org/regional2002.html.

Priests testify on our behalf

News item from our Executive Director

In the midst of all the current Church strife, I wanted to share a real sign of hope. The hearing of the Joint Public Service Committee was held at the Massachusetts State House April 10th on the bill to approve the so-called Super-DOMA for placement on the ballot in 2004. It was a very positive experience. EVERY legislator — and there were about 2 dozen — and the Attorney General testified on our side, and are urging a unanimous committee vote against the bill. Only 4 people from the initiative sponsors' side showed up to testify the entire day. Pastors of 3 Catholic Churches from around Massachusetts testified against the initiative — the first time Catholic priests spoke publicly for equality for same-sex couples anywhere in the United States. Look for more information in the summer issue of the Journal.

Dress for Dignity

DignityUSA is happy to announce the selling of DignityUSA polo shirts. They are 50/50 Jersey sport shirts, with fashion knit collar, ribbed cuffs and hemmed bottom. The DignityUSA logo will be embroidered on the left side of the shirt. Shirts will be available in light blue, white and sport gray. Sizes come in M, L, XL, XXL and XXXL. The cost will be $20.00 plus shipping.

We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to purchase your shirt and wear it proudly as a member or friend of DignityUSA.

Order forms may be obtained by calling the National Office at 1-800-877-8797. Order Forms are also available on the DignityUSA website.

Spread the word and be the first in your chapter to order your shirt.

Solidarity Sunday

New email address: solidaritysunday@dignityusa.org

Consider promoting Solidarity Sunday during Pride Month. For details and further information contact solidaritysunday@dignityusa.org

Dignity/Columbus in the news

Dignity Columbus co-sponsors community forum on the GLBT community

Dignity USA – Columbus Chapter is co-sponsoring a series of presentations on the GLBT community to the influential Columbus Metropolitan Club. CMC is a forum of prominent community leaders who gather bi-monthly to debate and discuss important issues facing the community.

The series began March 27 with a panel of prominent GLBT citizens. The title was "Being Gay in Columbus." The next presentation will address GLBT justice issues including domestic partner benefits, civil protections and legislation currently in the Ohio Senate that would ban extension of marriage rights to GLBT couples. The third and final forum in the fall of 2002 will feature a speaker of national reputation — yet to be chosen.

The Columbus Chapter is partnering with Outlook News, the local GLBT newspaper, The Greer Foundation, Stonewall Democrats and the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus. Dignity USA will be associated with all promotional materials including mention in Outlook News with 60,000 circulations. Chapter representatives will be present at each forum to inform those in attendance of the Dignity mission and presence as a GLBT faith community.

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Dignity Joins Gay Days at Disney!

Join your Dignity Family and Friends for Gay Days at Disney May 28th - June 2nd in Orlando Florida. For all of the details visit our website at www.dignityusa.org/disney.html

Direct any questions or comments to: info@dignityusa.org

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Giving is so easy…

Are you an on-line shopper? Now, your on-line purchases at many of the most-frequently shopped sites can benefit DignityUSA! Simply start your shopping at www.iGive.com, and indicate that you want DignityUSA to be the beneficiary. You can shop at places like Barnes & Noble, Lands End, Eddie Bauer, Stonewall Kitchen and dozens more, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to DignityUSA. There's no fee to enroll. Please check out www.igive.com!

Convention News

At the recent Board of Directors’ meeting in DC it was announced that the 2003 convention will be held Aug 7–10 at the beautiful Alexis Park (all suites) Hotel in Las Vegas NV. It was also announced that we have been able to negotiate yet a lower room rate than the one already promised. Rooms will now start at a mere $89.00 and that is for a suite! The city of Philadelphia has been selected for the 2005 convention. The selection was a difficult one following 2 excellent presentations at the April BOD meeting by Washington DC and Philadelphia, PA.

Membership Issues?

If you need to make changes to anything related to your DignityUSA membership — address, join date, coupled status, spelling of your name, email, or any other item — please send an email to info@dignityusa.org, or call the office at 1-800-877-8797 and leave a message in mailbox #9. We will correct the issue as soon as possible. Thank you.

Communicating with the E.D.

Please note that we have established a new email address for our Executive Director. The new address is DignityExecDir@aol.com

Please use this address for all of your DignityUSA related business that requires the attention of our Executive Director. Thank you.

Calendar for May

Liturgical Calendar

A Very Big Month for Anniversaries

As you can see from the list of anniversaries this month we have much to celebrate in our service to the glbt Catholic community and beyond.

And you might have noticed that we are celebrating 4 milestones on the very same weekend in May.

On Pentecost Weekend DignityUSA chapters in Chicago and in San Diego are celebrating 30 years of service in their cities. And in Madison they will be celebrating their Silver Anniversary, while NOVA marks 10 years.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Be an Angel…

Curious? Then see what’s appearing at the DignityUSA Conferences.

Dignity Vision Statement

DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality and, as beloved persons of God, participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.

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