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DignityUSA
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tel: 800.877.8797
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RETURN TO > DATELINES > HOME
DignityUSA
Volume 14, No. 12 |
Download
in PDF format…DATELINE Editor: Bill Welch, EditorDateline@dignityusa.org
Keeping you informed TABLE OF CONTENTS DignityUSA Adds Nearly 100 New Members at CTA Conference An Advent Message from the Board of Directors |
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DignityUSA works for respect and justice for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support.
DignityUSA Adds Nearly 100 New Members at CTA Conference
DignityUSA had a formidable presence at the annual Call to Action (CTA) National Conference, held November 4 to 6, 2005, in Milwaukee, WI. The national conference, attracting more than 3,000 participants, is the nation’s largest annual meeting of progressive Catholics.
A team of energetic volunteers from around the country staffed DignityUSA’s busy information booth in the exhibit hall. They signed up nearly 100 new DignityUSA members and processed many membership renewals. The volunteers included Bill Diederich, Jim Green, Al Joranlien and Joe Farrenkopf of Madison (WI), Blane Roberts and Steve Forst of Chicago (IL), Ed Smith of San Francisco (CA), Ben Speaks of Washington (DC), and DignityUSA national board members Marty Grochala, J. Montoya, and Lewis Tanner. Sam Sinnett, National President, and Debbie Weill, Executive Director, also lent their assistance.
DignityUSA’s traditional reception on the opening night of the CTA conference is a popular annual event. This year, Debbie Weill briefly addressed the reception audience of about 200 LGBT people and friends, including approximately 50 members of DignityUSA.
At various times during the conference:
- DignityUSA member Daniel Helminiak gave well-attended workshops on “What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality.” Daniel is the author of the book with the same title.
- Longtime DignityUSA friends Casey and Mary Ellen Lopata, founders of Fortunate Families, presented workshops for Catholic parents of LGBT people.
- The concerns of LGBT people, especially the expected Vatican document on gay seminarians, were mentioned prominently in the remarks of many speakers, including Richard McBrien, Matthew Fox, CTA co-director Dan Daley, and CTA board co-chair Paul Scarbrough, also a member of DignityUSA.
As in years past, DignityUSA members found their annual weekend with CTA friends and allies to be an inspiring and energizing experience.
Immediately prior to the CTA conference, President Sam Sinnett and Executive Director Debbie Weill represented DignityUSA at a meeting of the Catholic Organizations for Renewal (COR). As described in its mission statement, “COR is a coalition of Catholic groups, inspired by Vatican II, to further the reform and renewal of the Catholic Church, and to bring about a world of justice and peace, reflecting the sacredness of all creation.”
DignityUSA was one of the organizations which helped found this umbrella coalition in November, 1991. Since then, over 30 national and regional organizations in the U.S. and Canada have chosen to become part of COR. The coalition is not an organization, but a forum for table discussions and potential shared initiatives. Meetings typically occur three times a year.
An Advent Message from the Board of Directors
The weeks of Advent are upon us. We are reminded to set aside some time to reflect on this holy season and God taking on our humanity in the person of Jesus, The Christ.
Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. While we pray and wait in anticipation of the coming of Emmanuel, we ask God to send much light and healing to those in exile as in the Church of the Catacombs. We call upon the institutional Catholic Church to emulate Jesus Christ, who welcomed and welcomes all people, especially those baptized into His life, death and resurrection.
The national Board of Directors of DignityUSA prays with our sister and brother members for peace and love within our Dignity Family — to be Christ for one another. We encourage our DignityUSA Family to join in prayer with other Catholics and Christians, and all other people, as we collectively search for peace, love, justice, compassion, acceptance and living in harmony.
Your Board of Directors encourages you to help spread the hope, joy and happiness of this season to all you encounter. This is a special time of rebirth for internal rejuvenation and outward sharing of our blessings.
We of DignityUSA are the Voice for others. Let us Empower that Voice with our renewed support through a much appreciated end-of-year donation. Be light for those who need us. If we won't, who will?
As Holy Christmastide draws near, may you be blessed in abundance. May you experience happy and joyful holidays.
World AIDS Day
Dec 1, 2005
World AIDS Day invites us to pray in faith and hope for increased solidarity in the human family to address all of the limitations and circumstances which can increase people’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.
A Director’s Profile: Theresa (Teri) Myers
Periodically, we present snapshot profiles of members of DignityUSA’s National Board of Directors. We are pleased to present Theresa (Teri) Myers, from Grove City, OH.
Teri says, “I'm a happily married mom of two, and bisexual. The latter discovery is what brought me to DignityUSA. For too long, I repressed who I was, and it affected my personal growth. I wanted to be in an affirming, nurturing spiritual group where I could grow, as well as reach out to others who needed a hand. I felt being on the national board of directors could help me achieve both.”
In addition to her activities within DignityUSA, Teri is also involved in Spirituality Network, Inc.1, an inclusive spiritual group which offers outreach programs and religious retreats. She has volunteered with Stonewall Columbus2 and Shepherd Initiative3 since 2004; and serves at her local church and library.
In Teri’s spare time, she enjoys reading, computers, going places and doing things with her children and seeing friends. Her hobby is writing. She feels she can parlay her writing talents in Amplifying the Voice of DignityUSA.
Editors Note: The following three organizations have their headquarters in Columbus, Ohio:
- The Spirituality Network is a non-profit 501(c)3 ecumenical organization rooted in the contemplative Judeo-Christian tradition and is dedicated to fostering and awakening spiritual growth.
- Stonewall Columbus is a human rights organization serving Central Ohio through advocacy, community building and education, in pursuit of equality, fairness and safety for the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community.
- The Shepherd Initiative (named in memory and honor of Mathew Shepherd) works for the unconditional inclusion of GLBT people within the Christian community, following the example of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd through:
- Fostering the development of GLBT welcoming and affirming churches
- Supporting and encouraging inclusive congregations
- Building bridges of understanding
- Promoting healing relationships
- Advocating for change
Happy Anniversary & Congratulations to:
- Boston (MA) - 33 years
- *Mid-Hudson (NY) - 18 years
- *Tulsa (OK) - 22 years
*Dignity/Integrity Chapters
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tax deductible contributions to the mission of DignityUSA may be made by check, credit card or on-line at www.dignityusa.org.
Please send your gift to DignityUSA, 1500 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 8, Washington, DC 2005-1894
DignityUSA Pre-Christmas Clearance Sale
- DignityUSA polo shirts L and XL only.
- Wristbands and convention posters also available.
- All at a great price and free shipping.
Check our website www.dignityusa.org/sale for pictures, details and how to order.
Or call our national office 1-800-877-8797 for further info and arrangements.
Dignity/Chicago Quilt Bids
Dignity/Chicago is accepting offers for a hand made, queen size, quilt donated to the chapter for their fall/winter fund raising campaign. A picture of the quilt and more details are available at www.dignitychicago.org/Current.htm.
You may also call 1-312-458-9438 or write dignitychicago@aol.com for further details.
Wishing you and yours blessings of peace, joy, love and happiness at this Holy Christmastide and throughout the New Year
DignityUSA 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.