June 14, 2019

DignityUSA Statement on Vatican Document "Male and Female, He Created Them"

On June 10, the Vatican released a document regarding gender identity, intended to help Catholics and Catholic school staff teach and talk about sexuality. The document is being widely criticized by LGBTQI Catholics, faith leaders, and others worldwide. The critical reception points out the document's failure to reflect emerging science on gender, a lack of sound theological arguments, ignorance of the lived experience of LGBTQI individuals and clear polling that shows a majority of American Catholics stand in support of the LGBTQI community.

DignityUSA Executive Director, Marianne Duddy-Burke, made the following statement in response to the document. New Ways Ministry also responded.

Additional commentary can be found through The Washington Post, NBC, UPI, The Daily Caller, The Boston Globe, The Windy City Times and in radio outlets PRI and Radio.com.

Though Pope Francis did not sign his name to this document, the timing of its release during Pride Month is a somewhat suspect. We encourage you to follow DignityUSA’s website and Facebook page for further information on the Vatican document. Your support keeps DignityUSA's voice strong as we continue our mission of equality.

All Are Welcome to Participate with Dignity/New York at Stonewall 50!

Saturday, June 29, 6:30 PM - WorldPride Liturgy:
Join us in a joyful celebration of Stonewall 50, WorldPride 2019, and the 50th anniversary of DignityUSA at Dignity/New York’s WorldPride Liturgy! Liturgy will be held at St. John's in the Village Church, 218 West 11th Street, in the heart of Greenwich Village, followed by a free picnic supper in the beautiful church courtyard. We ask you to register for this free event so we know how many seats to set up and how much food to prepare.

Sunday, June 30, 3 PM - NYC Pride March:
Dignity/New York invites you (with your Dignity banner if you wish) to join our contingent in the NYC Pride March! We will line up at 3 PM on East 28th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue (Section 6, order number 27). To enter the line-up area, you must stay east of Fifth Avenue from 42nd Street to 8th Street. You will not be allowed to cross Fifth Avenue from the west side.

2019 Jubilee Conference Updates

Forward from Fifty: Visioning Together - A Dynamic Dialogue

During the two-year Jubilee period, a series of three discussions were conducted by Dignity chapters and caucuses. These sessions focused on the past, present state and future direction of DignityUSA.

A thematic summary of four aspirational, future-forward statements which came to be named the “Great Ideas” was developed from these discussions by our Board of Directors and leadership, which will be presented and discussed in this session.

To review the documents arising from our community discussions, please visit the DignityUSA website.

Attend the Global Forum

Miguel Diaz, who will speak at the July 4 Forum on the State of the Global LGBTI Catholic Justice Movement, has recently shared an essay on Pride month. Plan to attend the July 4 Joint Forum to hear more from Miguel Diaz, along with Mary Hunt and Reverand Bryan Massingale.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join with LGBTQI Catholics from around the world. Meals and registration are included in the $50 fee to attend thanks to sponsorship from the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation and Dignity/Washington.

Make a Joyful Noise

Vocalists and instrumentalists are welcome to join the Jubilee Conference Choir. If you would like to enrich the conference liturgies with your musical talent, please contact Conference Music Director Mario Sengco at srm0971@gmail.com as soon as possible, even if you have already signed up to help, so that music and other information can be forwarded to you.

Attend Chicago Pride Events

A host of activities are available to commemorate Pride Month in Chicago. Some highlights close to the confernece weekend include:

June 29 - Pride Mass: Saturday, June 29 at 5:00pm at United Methodist Church, 3344 N Broadway in Chicago

June 30 - Pride Parade - Chicago 50th Annual Pride Parade coordinated by PRIDEChicago group - 12 Noon.

To participate in the parade with Dignity/Chicago, send your name and e-mail address to DignityChicago@gmail.com with the subject line: “GNRC at the Pride Parade”. You will be sent Dignity’s line up number and location by June 27.

With Gratitude

We would like to thank everyone from individuals to large corporate sponsors who have donated your time, talent and treasure in support of the Jubilee Conference.

Every detail, every thought, every experience at the conference will happen in part due to your generosity.

Thank you!

10 Days Left to Cast Your Vote!

Elections for the 2019 Board of Directors continue through June 24. All members in good standing were sent a ballot and instructions by postal mail or email. Don't let your opportunity to vote pass you by!

Happy 24th Anniversary Dignity/Columbus!