Dignity of San Diego Response

to National Conference of Catholic Bishops

"Pastoral Message to Parents of Homosexual Children..."

October, 1997

Dignity of San Diego applauds the courageous stand the National Conference of Catholic Bishops have taken in telling parents they must love their gay children. Indeed the love of Jesus Christ precludes anything but love for our children under any and all circumstances. Further we feel it is long overdue to provide to parents of gay children direction for accepting themselves, and for accepting their children. We are particularly happy that the Bishops have stated "don't break off contact; don't reject your child." Rejection can be one of the most devastating feelings for our gay youth, indeed for all gay people regardless of age.

We further applaud the Bishops' acknowledgment, apparently for the first time that homosexuality is not a choice one makes. This acknowledgment itself will help many to begin to deal with their sexuality in a more positive and healthy manner.

Dignity of San Diego however feels that the expectation that everyone can and should abstain from any sexual conduct except for a married man and woman, puts exceptional pressure on an individual and continues to provoke in the person feelings of guilt and self loathing when the individual is unable to live up to these standards. While with the grace of God we can do many things, we feel that our sexuality is indeed a gift from God and not one that should be denied. We believe that expressions of love, including sexual intimacy between two individuals regardless of gender and orientation is consistent with Christ's teaching and therefore not sinful.

Dignity of San Diego has been ministering to gay and lesbian Catholics in San Diego for 25 years. Founded in 1972 by Patrick McArron, we are one of about 80 chapters of Dignity/USA, around the country. Dignity/USA has its roots here in San Diego and has been in operation since 1969.

For further information about this release or about Dignity, please contact Mike Bekemeier, President Dignity San Diego at (619) 297-3306.