DignityUSA Challenges Dominican Cardinal on Anti-Gay Remarks

December 7, 2015

by

DignityUSA

<p>Below is the text of a letter sent in English and Spanish to Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez challenging his slurs against the US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic a married gay man.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p align=right>December 3 2015</p> <p align=right>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>His Eminence Cardinal Nicolas de Jesas Lapez Rodraguez<br /> Archdiocese of Santo Domingo<br /> Arzibispado Apartado 186<br /> Calle Isabel la Catalica 55<br /> Santo Domingo Repablica Dominicana</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Your Eminence</p> <p>On behalf of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Catholics and our allies in the United States I am writing to object in the strongest possible language to your recent remarks calling US Ambassador James Brewster a wife who should stick to housework. These comments are disparaging to a fine public servant insulting on many levels and entirely unworthy of a Church official.</p> <p>We call for an immediate apology to Mr. Brewster to his husband and to the people of the Dominican Republic and the United States. In addition we are deeply concerned that your personal attitudes towards gay and transgender people are contributing to the discrimination and isolation experienced by many LGBT people in the Dominican Republic and causing stress for many families among those you are called to shepherd. We strongly urge you to meet with members of the LGBT community in Santo Domingo and their families. The stories they share with you should demonstrate that these are individuals who deserve respectful accompaniment on their journey support in overcoming social oppression and ministry that honors their dignity.</p> <p>We urge you to use this moment as an opportunity to heal divisions in our Church and our world.</p> <p>Respectfully</p> <p>Marianne Duddy-Burke</p> <p>Executive Director</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>