September 30, 2003

Gay and Lesbian Catholics Oppose Archbishop O'Malley's Speech to Anti-Gay Group

Boston — Leaders of Dignity/Boston, a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics and allies, express disappointment and dismay that the newly arrived Archbishop of Boston, Sean P. O'Malley OFM Cap. will make his first public statement on issues affecting thousands of gay Catholics in the Archdiocese to an anti-gay group. O'Malley is slated to deliver the opening prayer to a conference entitled "SOS, The Summit of October to Save Marriage" sponsored by the Massachusetts Family Institute on Thursday, October 2 in Wayland, MA.

"We're very disappointed that Archbishop O'Malley, who promised healing for the Boston community, would reach out to a group that seeks to deny basic civil protections to thousands of gay Catholics and others who are in committed, loving same-sex relationships," said Chuck Provancher, president, Dignity/Boston. "For some reason, Bishop O'Malley's bridge building apparently does not extend to us. We're shocked that he's chosen this divisive issue at this time; we cannot fathom that he believes we are an imminent threat to family life in the Boston Archdiocese."

"We are well aware that current Catholic doctrine does not recognize same-sex relationships," continued Provancher, "but we also know that this teaching is not based upon any real understanding of how we live our lives. As Catholics, we are taught that God speaks to us through our conscience; and it is our duty to listen to that voice inside of each of us. We need a church leader who will do more than preach doctrine but who will be a true shepherd to all of the people."

O'Malley's speech follows a June 2003 effort by the four Massachusetts bishops, including interim archbishop Richard Lennon, to rally Catholic politicians and voters against same sex marriage.

"It is unfortunate that Archbishop O'Malley has chosen to support this group without the benefit of any information about who we are and how we live," said Marianne Duddy, a long-time Dignity/Boston member who celebrated her marriage to a woman five years ago and is now a parent. "Even Cardinal Law, while no supporter of gay rights, met with members of Dignity/Boston and considered the challenges we face due to Catholic rhetoric about us."

Leaders of Dignity/Boston call on Bishop O'Malley for open and honest dialogue and to re-think his support for this effort of the Massachusetts Family Institute. Dignity/Boston encourages O'Malley to consider the historical social justice stance of the Catholic Church, especially in the area of ensuring civil protections for the marginalized in society. Dignity/Boston offers blessings of same-sex unions for its members in committed relationships. In doing so, the community affirms the resolution of DignityUSA, representing chapters and members across the country, on same sex marriage:

"As Americans, we remind our fellow citizens of a foundational principle of our form of government: all are created equal. Consistent with the pursuit of liberty and justice for all, same-sex couples should have full and equal access to the rights and responsibilities bestowed by civil marriage.

"As Catholics, we remind our Church of a foundational conviction of our faith: God is love and all who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. The love that brings and binds two people of the same, or opposite sex, together has a divine source. It is therefore sacramental in nature and should be celebrated as such by our Church."

Resolution of DignityUSA Board of Directors and membership -- August 9, 2003 (www.dignityusa.org)

Dignity/Boston is a progressive and inclusive community of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Catholics, our families, friends and supporters. The community gathers for liturgy every Sunday at the Church of St. John the Evangelist on Beacon Hill in Boston. Dignity/Boston celebrated its 30th year of service to the community and witness to the Catholic Church in 2002.