Media Advisory

Gay Catholics Call on Bishops to “Stop Blaming Gay Priests” at US Catholic Bishops Conference

For Immediate Release
November 7, 2002

DignityUSA, the nation's oldest and foremost organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered Catholics and our families will kick off our "STOP BLAMING GAY PRIESTS" campaign during the meeting of the US Catholic Bishops Conference, November 10 - 13, 2002 in Washington, DC. Events include:

November 11, 2002	DignityUSA cosponsors candlelight vigil in support of victims and survivors of sexual abuse by priests.	Holiday Inn, 415 New Jersey Avenue, Washington, DC, 5:30 PM
November 12, 2002	Liturgy of Healing and Celebration of Ministries. Cosponsored by DignityUSA, Dignity/Northern Virginia and Dignity/Washington, DC. A Catholic Mass that will include a healing ceremony for survivors of sexual abuse and an affirmation of ministerial gifts. Presider will be Rev. Stephen McDonnell.	St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, 1820 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 7:30 PM.

DigntyUSA is calling on the U.S. Catholic bishops to stop blaming gay priests for the clergy sexual abuse scandal.  All credible evidence discounts any link between the molestation of children and homosexuality.