<p><strong>Contacts</strong>: <br>Marianne Duddy-Burke&nbsp;<a href=mailto:execdir@dignityusa.org>execdir@dignityusa.org</a> 617-669-7810<br>Meli Barber&nbsp;<a href=mailto:melib@dignityusa.org title=mailto:melib@dignityusa.org>melib@dignityusa.org</a></p><p><strong>September 23 2019 Boston MA.&nbsp;</strong>DignityUSA the organization of Catholics working for equality justice and full inclusion of LGBTQI Catholics in the church and society is applauding the Vaticans decision to temporarily suspend the Archbishop of Indianapolis order denying Brebeuf Jesuit High School permission to celebrate Masses. The Congregation of Catholic Education announced that it has suspended the order while the school appeals Archbishop Thompsons revocation of its Catholic credentials due to its refusal to fire a gay teacher married to another man.</p><p>We see the Vaticans restoration of access to our churchs sacraments during the appeal process as a hopeful sign said Marianne Duddy-Burke Executive Director of DignityUSA. Depriving people of access to the sacraments is deeply unjust and severely damaging to individuals and communities. The students faculty and staff at Brebeuf deserve to continue to be sustained by the ability to celebrate liturgy together.</p><p>Duddy-Burke noted that her organization understands the impact that being barred from celebrating Eucharist can have. For decades bishops around the country have forbidden priests from celebrating Masses for Dignity communities in their dioceses she said. We dont believe that the churchs sacraments should be withheld from people seeking the grace and community they provide. We sincerely hope that the dialogue between the Vatican and the Archbishop of Indianapolis leads to a resolution that respects the fact that the Catholic Church is broad and diverse in its reach. All should be welcome at the table of Jesus and all who treasure their baptism should be cherished by church leaders. No soul is expendable.</p><p style=text-align: center;>###</p><p><i>DignityUSA is the worlds oldest organization of Catholics working for justice for LGBTQI people. Founded in 1969 it is a founding member of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics and has just marked its 50th&nbsp;anniversary</i></p>