<p class=rtecenter><strong>An Open Letter to the Members of St. Leo the Great Parish Lewistown Montana</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; September 19 2014</p> <p>Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Body of Christ in your parish has suffered a great wound. The removal of Paul Huff and Tom Wojtowick from their parish ministry roles because they got married has torn your community and put you on the front lines of the struggles for justice in our Church.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As an organization of Catholics who have worked for justice and equality for LGBT people for 45 years we are writing to express our hopes for a just resolution to this conflict and to thank you for your witness in standing with Paul and Tom. You are representing the best of our Church and living out the call of Jesus who always stood with those who were marginalized. Jesus frequently challenged the religious leaders of his day for laying undue burdens upon their people. We are called to do the same.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As you meet with Bishop Warfel this weekend we are reminded that the Gospel and Catholic Social Justice teaching call us to uphold the values of love respect justice and inclusion. What happened in your parish violates all of these.</p> <ul> <li>It is unjust for Church leaders to ban people from the Eucharist because of who they are or whom they love.</li> <li>It is unjust for Church leaders to single out LGBT people for dismissal from ministry and leadership roles when others who disagree with Church teaching do not suffer the same penalties.</li> <li>It is unjust for Church leaders to bar LGBT people from exercising their civil rights.</li> <li>It is unjust for Church leaders to demand that a couple separate and divorce.</li> </ul> <p>We thank you for your courageous witness on behalf of your brothers and other LGBT members of our Church. We will be praying for a successful meeting that builds rather than further harms our Church.</p> <p>In hope and solidarity</p> <p><img src=/sites/default/files/88/mdb%20signature.jpg style=height:70px; width:296px /></p> <p>Marianne Duddy-Burke</p> <p>Executive Director DignityUSA</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>