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Standing Up for the McCusker Family, Standing Up for Ourselves
Last night was a profound moment in San Diego history. Our community gathered together at The Center – more than 500 strong – to develop our collective response to the actions of Bishop Robert Brom, who had denied John McCusker’s family the opportunity to have a memorial service in any of the Catholic churches in the San Diego Diocese.
As we came together, some
of us were still raw from John’s loss and Bishop Brom’s actions. Yet, we
remained committed to supporting John’s family and taking solid steps
towards helping to ensure this would not happen again in
When the McCusker family arrived at The Center prior to the meeting, they had news to share. Things had changed. In their meeting with the Bishop on Monday, he apologized to the family, said he would preside over a Mass in memory of John and committed to refraining from making any additional public comments on the matter.
The Bishop’s statement is below:
“I deeply regret that denying a Catholic funeral for John McCusker at the Immaculata has resulted in his unjust condemnation and I apologize to the family for the anguish this has caused them. To help rectify this situation, insofar as it can be, I will preside at a Mass for the family, in memory of John, at the Immaculata. In consideration for the family, I will not be available for any further public statements on this matter.”
Most Rev. Robert H. Brom
Bishop of San Diego
John’s family has asked that we accept the Bishop’s apology as a step toward reconciliation and forgiveness. As we have since John’s passing, we will respect and honor the wishes of his family.
On March 25 -- Good Friday -- we will hold a candlelight vigil in remembrance of John and as a show of support for the McCusker family.
We will begin the vigil at Trolley Barn Park (on Adams Avenue, near Alabama Street) at 6pm. We will move to The Center, where at 7pm, John’s family and LGBT and faith community leaders will speak.
The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will conduct its regularly-scheduled Good Friday service at 7:30pm at The Center. All are welcome to attend.
Last night, the McCusker family thanked our community for the tremendous outpouring of support. I remain in awe at the strength and conviction of this family. I also am extremely proud of our community – we stood up for the McCuskers and, in doing so, we stood up for ourselves.
With my deepest thanks,
Richard M. Valdez Board Chair
San Diego LGBT Community
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