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RETURN TO > NEWS > HOME
March 21, 2005
Dignity/San Diego and DignityUSA Express Gratitude for Bishop Brom's Apology
By
Pat McArron
Dignity/San Diego
More than 600 people from all walks of life met on the evening of March 21 at the LGBT Center in San Diego to lend support to the McCusker family in light of the recent tragic decision of Bishop Robert Brom to deny a funeral Mass for John McCusker in a Catholic Church (see original press release…). A number of television networks were in attendance for the special meeting.
Everyone present gave the McCuskers a lengthy standing ovation. Following the ovation came a gracious thank you to everyone present. John's mother read a statement from Bishop Brom following a meeting the family had with him earlier on Monday. Bishop Brom apologized to the family of John McCusker for his regrettable decision of last week, and will be presiding at a Memorial Service for John McCusker to be held at the Immaculata at the University of San Diego.
In the statement released by McCusker's family, Brom said:
I deeply regret that denying a Catholic funeral for John McCusker at the Immaculata has resulted in his unjust condemnation, and I apologize to the family for the anguish this has caused them. To help rectify this situation, insofar as it can be, I will preside at a Mass for the family, in memory of John, at the Immaculata. In consideration for the family, I will not be available for any further public statements on this matter.
The following statement was issued from the San Diego Chapter of DignityUSA:
The Dignity of San Diego Faith Community is grateful that Robert Brom, Bishop of San Diego, met with the family of John McCusker and apologized for not allowing John to have a Funeral Mass in a Catholic Church. We are also pleased that Bishop Brom will celebrate a Memorial Mass at the Immaculata Church on the Campus of the University of San Diego for John’s family and for the LGBT Community.
This Good Friday, there will be a memorial walk from Trolley Barn Park to the LGBT Center at 6 pm followed by an interfaith service at the Center with MCC & Dignity San Diego.
Please visit www.dignitysandiego.org for a complete list of Union-Tribune articles on this subject, the sequence of events, and information on how you can let Bishop Brom know how you feel about his apology to the McCuskers.
Many thanks to those who lent their support: Catholic Worker, Call to Action, MCC, and Dignity in particular, and everyone else who took the time to be with us at this very important occasion.
