|
Dignity, a Church in Exile
By
Pat McArron
Lesbian & Gay Catholic organization, known as Dignity, is evicted from Catholic facilities throughout America. Current Roman Catholic Catechism states that "homosexuality is an intrinsic disorder." Jesuit priest is barred from speaking publicly about certain matters concerning homosexuality. Seattle Archbishop is questioned for allowing Dignity to celebrate Mass in the Cathedral. Imprimatur is withdrawn from scholarly book on homosexuality. Seminar on homosexuality is uninvited to use Catholic Parish Hall in San Diego. Respected Catholic nun & priest, co-founders of New Ways Ministry, are under lengthy Vatican investigation for possible heresy. Dignity, the oldest gay & lesbian Catholic ministry in America, is forced to celebrate Mass in non-denominational & Protestant churches. Catholic gay & lesbian couples are denied the sacrament of the Eucharist because they do not live celibate lives. Bishop cancels a Retreat for parents of Catholic gay & lesbian children. Dignity is shunned by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, the very church of Jesus Christ that is supposed to be the epitome of love and understanding. Tradition is flaunted as if it were dogma.How could this have ever happened? When did it happen? Why did it happen? Will it ever end? Where is the church headed? These are all questions begging for answers. Dignity has become a church in exile, a voice calling in the wilderness. Our founders and leaders are held in contempt by some and treated as heretics by others. Those who would join us in our chorus of unending praise are castigated. Our faith is tested over and over again.And yet, in the face of all this hatred, bigotry and mistrust, we in Dignity stand firm in our convictions and remain steadfast to our Catholic Apostolic Faith. While it is refreshing to know that we are not alone in our efforts to bring change within the Roman Catholic institution we cannot ignore the fact that there is much to do. While it is true that Dignity is but one organization among many that have formed to heal the Church from within, we as a body continue to be treated as rebels.By our own admission, we have chosen to march to a different drummer. We do not and we will not recant our belief that sexual expression of love is just as valid for gay & lesbian couples as it is for married heterosexual couples. It is because of that very conviction that we have been expelled, shunned, and feared. We are a church in exile within a church. Our holy Roman Catholic Church has become fragmented. It is in need of massive doses of humility and compassion. In many instances we have become a Church of the Hierarchy and a Church of the Laity. One bishop reaches out to those entrusted to his care, while another threatens excommunication. Is it any wonder that millions of people view the Roman Catholic Church as irrelevant in this day and age of immense wealth and ever increasing poverty? Is it any wonder that millions have left the Church because the Church left them a long time ago? Does this have to be? Must this continue? Is there no hope for a Church divided? While I have painted a very bleak picture, it is also my belief that there is hope, that there is a light in the darkness. I, with all my heart, believe that Dignity has not only been good for the Church but an essential voice of reason within the Church. Contrary to what the Magisterium may believe to be the case, Church hierarchy does not have a monopoly on the truth. Yes, there are some in high places that recognize the need for dialogue and the wisdom of scholars.It saddens me that fear continues to mold the course of action taken by so many who want to do good. I am troubled by the fact that there are those who will say one thing but do another. It is a wonderful sign of change within our church that ministries to gay & lesbian Catholics are forming throughout the country. It is also distressing that those same ministries shun association with Dignity for fear of being branded as going to far. Is there some form of benign hypocrisy going on here? Is truth spoken in secrecy better than no truth at all?Never for one minute think that Dignity chooses to be ostracized, criticized, and demonized. Dignity has chosen a course that has led to exile within our own church. Recent actions on the part of some church hierarchy have been cause for continued pain and further confusion. Dignity continues to be very clear about its position in the church and no amount of coercion or deception will bring down our ministry to one another.Is the most recent Pastoral Message from the US Bishops to parents of "homosexual" children too little too late? It would seem that their hearts are in the right place. And now, ironically, they need our support to make sure that they don't have to retreat into the ecclesiastical closet where so many conservatives would like them to remain. I long for the day when Dignity will be treated with the respect it deserves. I long for the day when Dignity will be welcomed back into the church. I long for the day when Dignity will be fully recognized for its pioneering contributions to the Church.Dignity , Always Your Children |