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News Archive (2008)

One Year and Counting

mark's picture
Submitted by mark on Mon, 11/17/2008 - 06:40

As many of you probably recall, when I was first approached about taking on the role of DignityUSA President, I had many concerns. The organization was facing enormous financial and leadership challenges, membership was declining, and it was unclear what Dignity’s role should be. I questioned whether I was the person best suited to lead our organization’s response to these challenges, and was unsure about the level of commitment remaining among our members.

DignityUSA Responds to Passage of Anti-Marriage Equality Ballot Initiatives

marianne's picture
Submitted by marianne on Tue, 11/11/2008 - 12:10

Last week's passage of Arizona's Proposition 102, Proposition 8 in California, and Proposition 2 in Florida amending these states' constitutions to prevent same-gender marriage was profoundly disappointing to all who believe in fairness and equality. However, I firmly believe that this represents a temporary setback in the ongoing work to ensure justice for all families, and want to point to some of the signs of hope which can serve as building blocks for future successes.

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Catholics Support Marriage Rights and Responsibilities for Same-Gender Couples during the Meeting of the U.S. Bishops

Submitted by dignityusa on Tue, 11/11/2008 - 12:03

Today, as the U.S. bishops begin their meeting in Baltimore, we express our dismay regarding the bishops' use of significant resources - including $200,000 toward Proposition 8 in California - to block same-gender couples from access to the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage. We are opposed to ballot initiatives against same-gender marriage because this takes the dangerous path of putting the fundamental civil rights of a class of U.S. citizens up for a vote.

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Reflections from a Call To Action Next Gen Retreat

Submitted by dignityusa on Sun, 10/19/2008 - 12:17

By Monica, a member of DignityUSA in Dallas/Ft. Worth area, winner of DignityUSA’s Retreat Scholarship

On July 24, 2008, a group of young adults from Call To Action (CTA) landed in New Orleans to spend three days reflecting and rediscovering “home.” This CTA Next Generation retreat entitled, “FINDING HOME IN A BROKEN WORLD: A Retreat on Environmental Racism for Seekers of Spirituality and Justice,” gave each of us a bit of rope to hold onto in the blizzard of apathy, neglect and injustice we find swirling around us today.

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DignityUSA’s Couples Ministry

Submitted by dignityusa on Sun, 10/19/2008 - 08:13

By Deb Myers and Nickie Valdez, Co-Chairs, Couples Ministry Committee

Marriage, same-sex unions, domestic partnerships, civil unions have all been part of the national and local political landscape for at least the last decade in this country. In reality, gay men and lesbians have been creating loving, physically and spiritually committed relationships as long as our heterosexual bothers and sisters.

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DignityUSA Board of Directors Meeting Summary

Submitted by Lewis on Sun, 09/28/2008 - 08:40

DignityUSA’s Board of Directors met July 25-27, 2008, in Denver at the Hampton Inn & Suites Denver-Downtown.

The weekend started early for most of the board who traveled to Rocky Mountain National Park on Friday, July 25th. DignityUSA President Mark Matson wanted board members to see some of what makes his home state a natural wonder. Those who went into the mountains did see God’s majesty — rock formations, varying weather, unique flora and brave bicyclists who made it up those peaks.

Talking with Friends, Families, and Colleagues about Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples

Submitted by dignityusa on Wed, 09/17/2008 - 10:12

Developed by DignityUSA with the assistance of Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD).

There is no question that marriage and other forms of recognition for gay and lesbian couples are tough issues for many Catholics. Happily, most Catholics want to do the right thing, both from a faith perspective and in recognition of the gay people in their lives whom they love and respect. They’re just not sure what the right thing is.

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Minneapolis church takes gay pride service outside

External Link: 
From StarTribune.com:Minneapolis church takes gay pride service outside

The archdiocese told St. Joan of Arc that it couldn't hold its annual prayer service inside the church. So it didn't.

Talking with your Legislator about Same-Gender Marriage: Catholics for Marriage Equality

Submitted by dignityusa on Mon, 06/23/2008 - 16:03
  1. It is very important to identify yourself as a Catholic who supports marriage equality.
    • Talk a little about the role faith plays in your life.
    • If official Church teachings on homosexuality have influenced your beliefs at any time, be honest about that.
  2. Talk about why this issue is important to you.
    • Be honest and specific about your relationship to marriage equality.
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DignityUSA Stands in Solidarity with Woman Priests Ordered Excommunicated by Vatican

Submitted by dignityusa on Mon, 06/16/2008 - 08:44

Boston, MA —Leaders of DignityUSA, the organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics, as well as their families and allies, expressed outrage at the Vatican’s order of immediate excommunication of women ordained to the priesthood, as well as the bishops who ordained them.

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