Sunday, December 29, 2013
DignityUSA news reposted from December of 2013
Skip to main content
Join | Renew | Donate
Find a Chapter
Username
Password
•Request new password
DignityUSA
DignityUSA
Celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQ Catholics
Main menu
Home
What is Dignity?
»
Position & Purpose
Membership
Starting a Chapter
Our History
Archives
Leadership Team
»
National Board of Directors
Staff
Media Contacts
National Office
Bylaws
News
»
Press Release
News Service
Women's Discussion
Transgendered Discussion
Bisexual Discussion
Yahoo Group
Ministries
»
Couples Ministry
Leather Ministry
National AIDS Project
Worship & Liturgy
Solidarity Sunday
Transgender Issues
Bisexual Issues
Young Adult Caucus
Publications
»
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Videos
Resources
»
Links
Recommended Reading
Couples
Youth
Archives
Sexual Ethics
Chapter Services
Friends and Family
Contact Us
»
DignityUSA Information
Media Contacts
Webministry
Young Adult Caucus
Site Index
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support. -- DignityUSA Mission Statement
Dec
29
2013
The work of DignityUSA on December 29, 2013 is proudly sponsored by Dignity Boston.
"Dignity Boston supports the work that Dignity USA does every day."
A Hopeful Advent
By Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA Executive Director
As our Church begins its new year with the approach of Advent, we stand at that twilight moment, reflecting on what has occurred and dreaming of what may lie before us. The year 2012 has been one of the most momentous in recent Catholic history. We saw the resignation of one Pope, and have experienced the first few months of a Papacy that seems to signal significant new directions for Church governance. Here in the U.S., we’ve seen some of the strongest embrace of LGBT justice issues ever among Catholics, and a rising number of Church workers coming forward after they were fired for who they are, or whom they love. Our Dignity family has lost some of our most beloved leaders, and seen the emerging passion of the rising generation of talent.
In some ways, this time may offer the most powerful window into Advent that many of us have ever experienced. For many members of the Catholic community, LGBT and straight, there is a sense of anticipation and hope, even if cautious, that our Church will be more unified, and more the beacon of light and love we expect it to be. Much of that hope has been sparked by Pope Francis, who has certainly demonstrated a profound commitment to the impoverished and marginalized, and a willingness to address human concerns as a brother.
The challenge of this time is to ensure that our hope is not centered on the Pope, but remains rooted in Christ, and in our own call to be the Good News in our communities. It is Christ’s rebirth in our hearts that we await. “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” we sing.
And as we wait, we continue to work and pray. We look for signs of that great, glorious dawn in the triumph of marriage equality coming to Hawaii and Illinois. We continue to correct the untruths spoken about us by some Church leaders, and to reach into broken lives and offer healing. We hold one another and others in need in our hearts and prayers.
As we walk the days of preparation for Christmas, know that the Board and staff of DignityUSA think of each of you with gratitude for all you give of yourself to the work in which we engage together. In this sacred time, may you know the grace of hope, peace, and joy.
Share
Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
Preregister here
Upcoming QCF Programs
QCF with author and Dignity member, Joe Gentilini
Jan 21, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
Joe recently published a poignant, deeply personal account of what it means to be Catholic and gay. He came into his own and came out in a time when the risks were immense, and he lives to write and tell about it. Beautiful story, beautiful man.
QCF with Nikki Young
Feb 18, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
This woman stole hearts and minds with her presence at our 2013 Dignity Convention in Minneapolis. Join us in this interview where Nikki will tell her stories of justice and transformation, and guide us to do the same.
Search form
Search
Join Our DignityUSA News List
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA 02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email: info@dignityusa.org
Leadership Team
• National Board of Directors
• Staff
• Media Contacts
• National Office
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds for this site are:
Featured Articles
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Everything
Copyright ©1998-2013, DignityUSA. Permission is granted for use and alteration by any DignityUSA affiliated chapter without permission.
For further use contact DignityUSA for permission.
Skip to main content
Join | Renew | Donate
Find a Chapter
Username
Password
•Request new password
DignityUSA
DignityUSA
Celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQ Catholics
Main menu
Home
What is Dignity?
»
Position & Purpose
Membership
Starting a Chapter
Our History
Archives
Leadership Team
»
National Board of Directors
Staff
Media Contacts
National Office
Bylaws
News
»
Press Release
News Service
Women's Discussion
Transgendered Discussion
Bisexual Discussion
Yahoo Group
Ministries
»
Couples Ministry
Leather Ministry
National AIDS Project
Worship & Liturgy
Solidarity Sunday
Transgender Issues
Bisexual Issues
Young Adult Caucus
Publications
»
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Videos
Resources
»
Links
Recommended Reading
Couples
Youth
Archives
Sexual Ethics
Chapter Services
Friends and Family
Contact Us
»
DignityUSA Information
Media Contacts
Webministry
Young Adult Caucus
Site Index
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support. -- DignityUSA Mission Statement
Dec
29
2013
The work of DignityUSA on December 29, 2013 is proudly sponsored by Dignity Boston.
"Dignity Boston supports the work that Dignity USA does every day."
A Prayerful Response
By John Freml, DignityUSA member
Cold temperatures and rain did not stop a group of intrepid Catholic marriage equality supporters from gathering outside the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, Illinois, on November 20, for a peaceful vigil in opposition to diocesan bishop Thomas Paprocki's "Prayers of Supplication and Exorcism in Reparation for the Sin of Same-sex Marriage." The bishop held the service to coincide with Governor Pat Quinn’s signing of the Illinois marriage equality bill into law. At the height of the vigil, approximately twenty people could be heard singing a hymn of openness and affirmation as observers of the exorcism exited the cathedral.
While some participants held signs with slogans such as "Jesus had two dads," and "The only thing being exorcised here today are good Catholics," others simply held photographs of gay and lesbian loved ones. One priest who walked by the vigil even asked some of the participants to pray for him. In recent years, the Springfield diocese has been a particularly unfriendly place for LGBT Catholics and their families, so this vigil was especially meaningful to those who attended. It was also a source of empowerment for many in attendance, with new discussions starting on how to work for change in the Church locally.
Share
Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
Preregister here
Upcoming QCF Programs
QCF with author and Dignity member, Joe Gentilini
Jan 21, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
Joe recently published a poignant, deeply personal account of what it means to be Catholic and gay. He came into his own and came out in a time when the risks were immense, and he lives to write and tell about it. Beautiful story, beautiful man.
QCF with Nikki Young
Feb 18, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
This woman stole hearts and minds with her presence at our 2013 Dignity Convention in Minneapolis. Join us in this interview where Nikki will tell her stories of justice and transformation, and guide us to do the same.
Search form
Search
Join Our DignityUSA News List
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA 02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email: info@dignityusa.org
Leadership Team
• National Board of Directors
• Staff
• Media Contacts
• National Office
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds for this site are:
Featured Articles
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Everything
Copyright ©1998-2013, DignityUSA. Permission is granted for use and alteration by any DignityUSA affiliated chapter without permission.
For further use contact DignityUSA for permission.
Skip to main content
Join | Renew | Donate
Find a Chapter
Username
Password
•Request new password
DignityUSA
DignityUSA
Celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQ Catholics
Main menu
Home
What is Dignity?
»
Position & Purpose
Membership
Starting a Chapter
Our History
Archives
Leadership Team
»
National Board of Directors
Staff
Media Contacts
National Office
Bylaws
News
»
Press Release
News Service
Women's Discussion
Transgendered Discussion
Bisexual Discussion
Yahoo Group
Ministries
»
Couples Ministry
Leather Ministry
National AIDS Project
Worship & Liturgy
Solidarity Sunday
Transgender Issues
Bisexual Issues
Young Adult Caucus
Publications
»
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Videos
Resources
»
Links
Recommended Reading
Couples
Youth
Archives
Sexual Ethics
Chapter Services
Friends and Family
Contact Us
»
DignityUSA Information
Media Contacts
Webministry
Young Adult Caucus
Site Index
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support. -- DignityUSA Mission Statement
Dec
29
2013
The work of DignityUSA on December 29, 2013 is proudly sponsored by Dignity Boston.
"Dignity Boston supports the work that Dignity USA does every day."
Have Your Voice Heard
By Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA Executive Director
DignityUSA and 14 other progressive Catholic organizations have joined forces to develop a way for Catholics to speak out on important issues that will be considered during the Extraordinary Synod on the Family in October 2014. The Vatican has asked Catholics to provide input on issues such as same-sex marriage and the use of contraception. While bishops in many countries have made the survey available to their flocks, most U.S. bishops have not done so. The survey we’ve developed follows the Vatican questions, but the wording has been changed to make it more accessible in the U.S..
The on-line survey is available in English and Spanish, and responses are being accepted through December 15. After that point, responses will be compiled and sent to a number of Catholic officials, including Archbishop Baldiserri, who is coordinating the Synod, and Cardinal Sean O’Malley, one of Pope Francis’ key advisors.
Please take some time to complete the survey, and to share the links with family and friends!
English: https://surveymonkey.com/s/SynodOnFamilyUS
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sinodoESP
Share
Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
Preregister here
Upcoming QCF Programs
QCF with author and Dignity member, Joe Gentilini
Jan 21, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
Joe recently published a poignant, deeply personal account of what it means to be Catholic and gay. He came into his own and came out in a time when the risks were immense, and he lives to write and tell about it. Beautiful story, beautiful man.
QCF with Nikki Young
Feb 18, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
This woman stole hearts and minds with her presence at our 2013 Dignity Convention in Minneapolis. Join us in this interview where Nikki will tell her stories of justice and transformation, and guide us to do the same.
Search form
Search
Join Our DignityUSA News List
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA 02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email: info@dignityusa.org
Leadership Team
• National Board of Directors
• Staff
• Media Contacts
• National Office
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds for this site are:
Featured Articles
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Everything
Copyright ©1998-2013, DignityUSA. Permission is granted for use and alteration by any DignityUSA affiliated chapter without permission.
For further use contact DignityUSA for permission.
Skip to main content
Join | Renew | Donate
Find a Chapter
Username
Password
•Request new password
DignityUSA
DignityUSA
Celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQ Catholics
Main menu
Home
What is Dignity?
»
Position & Purpose
Membership
Starting a Chapter
Our History
Archives
Leadership Team
»
National Board of Directors
Staff
Media Contacts
National Office
Bylaws
News
»
Press Release
News Service
Women's Discussion
Transgendered Discussion
Bisexual Discussion
Yahoo Group
Ministries
»
Couples Ministry
Leather Ministry
National AIDS Project
Worship & Liturgy
Solidarity Sunday
Transgender Issues
Bisexual Issues
Young Adult Caucus
Publications
»
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Videos
Resources
»
Links
Recommended Reading
Couples
Youth
Archives
Sexual Ethics
Chapter Services
Friends and Family
Contact Us
»
DignityUSA Information
Media Contacts
Webministry
Young Adult Caucus
Site Index
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support. -- DignityUSA Mission Statement
Dec
29
2013
The work of DignityUSA on December 29, 2013 is proudly sponsored by Dignity Boston.
"Dignity Boston supports the work that Dignity USA does every day."
Dignity/Washington News
Russian LGBT Activists Visit Dignity/Washington
By Robert Miailovich, Dignity/Washington member
On November 6, 2013, a delegation of LGBT activists from Russia met at the Dignity Center with five members of Dignity/Washington. The five visitors and two interpreters were on a multi-city U.S. tour to discuss the status of LGBT rights protections in this country. Their objective was to examine methods of effective public advocacy and peaceful activism in support of LGBT rights, and to establish contacts and networking with U.S. LGBT rights organizations. The visitors were in the U.S. under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program, and the Institute of International Education in Washington set up the program.
Dignity/Washington is proud of the unexpected honor of being asked to discuss our work with the Russian group, and hopes that the email and web site addresses that were exchanged can be put to good use in the future.
AIDS Walk 2013
By Allen Rose, Dignity/Washington member
Dignity/Washington and Dignity/Northern Virginia again joined forces this year to represent their respective communities in the 27th Annual Washington, D.C. AIDS Walk held on October 26. We use this occasion each year to support the Whitman Walker Clinic in its efforts to educate about, as well as to treat and eradicate, HIV/AIDS. We also remember Jimmy DePersis who coordinated this event for our communities for many years until the last year of his life in 2009. Congratulations to Dignity member Eddie Weingart who raised over $1,000 for this effort, and to Rodrigo Lozada and Francisco Carvalho who participated in the AIDS Walk for the first time. It was also a pleasure to have Ruthie Shipps and her parents Anne and Karl joins us once again.
Dignity/Washington Young Adults Claim Their Church Citizenship
By Kenneth Dowling, Dignity/Washington member
On October 24, Catholics in their 20s and 30s packed St Augustine's Church in central D.C. to celebrate the Eucharist and hear Cardinal Donald Wuerl preach on the New Evangelization. Organized by the Young Adult Ministry of the Archdiocese of Washington, and with young adult groups of various parishes represented, a half-dozen Dignity/Washington young adults also attended. In a city where same-sex marriage has been legal for four years, the young Dignitarians were relieved that, perhaps taking a cue from Pope Francis, the sermon, intentions, and announcements steered clear of “pelvic issues,” with the Cardinal only making a vague reference to an outside world that did not embrace Church teaching.
After Mass, Dignity/Washington Board member Kenneth Dowling, 24, led the delegation in greeting Cardinal Wuerl at the church exit. “We are the young adults of Dignity/Washington, and we are happy to be here with you.” Smiling, His Eminence replied, “I’m happy to be here with you too.” Wondering if the Cardinal had heard them correctly, the Dignity/ Washington members headed to the St. Augustine school gym to mingle with other young Catholics at a party that resembled a cross between an annual parish festival and a Catholic middle school dance. Expecting glares and arguments after revealing which “parish” they were from, they were pleasantly surprised to receive reactions ranging from polite curiosity to uninhibited enthusiasm.
Declining to make acts of protest or even to wear rainbow pins, the Dignity/Washington young adults felt it was important to be peacefully present, to count themselves among the young Catholics of the archdiocese, and to claim their Church citizenship, by attending the Mass seemingly “in the lion’s den.” Gathered around the Eucharistic table of unity, they prayed that some of those young “lions” in the congregation will grow to see them as fully Catholic.
Second Lecture in Dignity/Washington’s Series
By Henry Huot, Dignity/Washington Board member
On November 17, Dignity/Washington hosted a special presentation by Dr. Renato Lings, internationally renowned linguist, theologian, and author of Love Lost in Translation: Homosexuality and the Bible. Using ample examples from ten years of research for his book, he posited that early mistranslations of key passages, generally assumed to deal with or comment on homoerotic relationships, continue to fuel homophobia and intolerance to the present day. He advocated for correcting the translations of these Biblical texts to assure that they are as faithful to the original languages as possible. In doing so, many of these texts reveal the beauty of homoerotic love, each in their own historical, cultural contexts. He demonstrated that this is painstaking scholarly work that can uncover surprising new insights, if approached with a commitment to abstain from one’s biases, as much as this is ever possible. Dr. Lings spoke passionately and masterfully about his topic in a way that was refreshing and engaging. These lectures are free and open to the public, and another will be announced in the near future. Dr. Lings’ book is available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and all media outlets.
Congratulations Eddie!
It was announced on October 24 that Dignity/Washington Board member Eddie Weingart was voted 2013 Best Massage by readers of the Washington Blade that sponsored the 11th Annual Best of Gay D.C Contest. For Deep Knead Massage Therapy and Body Work.
Wrote the Blade: “For Eddie Weingart, ‘making people feel whole is the number one thing,’ in his massage work. Having survived a serious car accident in 2001, he knows first-hand about pain management. He says his work, which incorporates both ancient and modern techniques, is tailored to ‘bring a wellness of body, mind and spirit.’ Based in Silver Spring [Maryland], though he has many clients in D.C., he guesses about 95 percent of his clients are LGBT. He’s been in the area three years and averages 50-60 massages per week.”
Share
Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
Preregister here
Upcoming QCF Programs
QCF with author and Dignity member, Joe Gentilini
Jan 21, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
Joe recently published a poignant, deeply personal account of what it means to be Catholic and gay. He came into his own and came out in a time when the risks were immense, and he lives to write and tell about it. Beautiful story, beautiful man.
QCF with Nikki Young
Feb 18, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
This woman stole hearts and minds with her presence at our 2013 Dignity Convention in Minneapolis. Join us in this interview where Nikki will tell her stories of justice and transformation, and guide us to do the same.
Search form
Search
Join Our DignityUSA News List
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA 02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email: info@dignityusa.org
Leadership Team
• National Board of Directors
• Staff
• Media Contacts
• National Office
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds for this site are:
Featured Articles
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Everything
Copyright ©1998-2013, DignityUSA. Permission is granted for use and alteration by any DignityUSA affiliated chapter without permission.
For further use contact DignityUSA for permission.
Skip to main content
Join | Renew | Donate
Find a Chapter
Username
Password
•Request new password
DignityUSA
DignityUSA
Celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQ Catholics
Main menu
Home
What is Dignity?
»
Position & Purpose
Membership
Starting a Chapter
Our History
Archives
Leadership Team
»
National Board of Directors
Staff
Media Contacts
National Office
Bylaws
News
»
Press Release
News Service
Women's Discussion
Transgendered Discussion
Bisexual Discussion
Yahoo Group
Ministries
»
Couples Ministry
Leather Ministry
National AIDS Project
Worship & Liturgy
Solidarity Sunday
Transgender Issues
Bisexual Issues
Young Adult Caucus
Publications
»
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Videos
Resources
»
Links
Recommended Reading
Couples
Youth
Archives
Sexual Ethics
Chapter Services
Friends and Family
Contact Us
»
DignityUSA Information
Media Contacts
Webministry
Young Adult Caucus
Site Index
DignityUSA works for respect and justice for people of all sexual orientations, genders, and gender identities—especially gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons—in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy, and support. -- DignityUSA Mission Statement
Dec
29
2013
The work of DignityUSA on December 29, 2013 is proudly sponsored by Dignity Boston.
"Dignity Boston supports the work that Dignity USA does every day."
Remembering Ken Garber
By M.A. Ladd and Peggy Burns, Dignity/Boston members
Ken and Marcia GarverDuring the week of Trans Remembrance, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) presented their “Ally Advocacy Award.” This award recognizes the vital, non-professional advocacy work of our community’s cherished allies: our friends, families, spouses, and colleagues who go above and beyond in their support for transgender rights. This year’s recipient was Ken Garber.
Ken Garber and his wife Marcia have both been tireless advocates over the years; speaking with legislators and constituents, volunteering their time, and supporting community members with unending kindness and compassion.
Ken died on October 27, 2013. To honor his memory, MTPC renamed the award, The Ken Garber Ally Advocacy Award and presented it to him in a private ceremony before his death. It will be presented annually during Transgender Awareness Week and stands as a testimony to, and a reminder of, his enormous commitment and contribution to the growth of respect for, and protection for the rights of, the transgender community.
Ken served for four years on the MA Commission for GLBT Youth and worked tirelessly for the passage of the state Transgender Equal Rights Law. He and Marcia were the recipients of the MTPC Youth Committee Award in 2009, the NAGLY Spirit Award in 2010, and the Pride Interfaith Award in 2011. Ken participated in Trans People Speak and here is his video.
Share
Vision Statement
DignityUSA envisions and works for a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society.
Preregister here
Upcoming QCF Programs
QCF with author and Dignity member, Joe Gentilini
Jan 21, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
Joe recently published a poignant, deeply personal account of what it means to be Catholic and gay. He came into his own and came out in a time when the risks were immense, and he lives to write and tell about it. Beautiful story, beautiful man.
QCF with Nikki Young
Feb 18, 2014 9:00 PM Eastern
This woman stole hearts and minds with her presence at our 2013 Dignity Convention in Minneapolis. Join us in this interview where Nikki will tell her stories of justice and transformation, and guide us to do the same.
Search form
Search
Join Our DignityUSA News List
DignityUSA
PO Box 376
Medford, MA 02155
tel: 800.877.8797
202.861.0017
fax: 781.397.0584
email: info@dignityusa.org
Leadership Team
• National Board of Directors
• Staff
• Media Contacts
• National Office
RSS Feeds
RSS Feeds for this site are:
Featured Articles
Breath of the Spirit
Dateline
Quarterly Voice
Everything
Copyright ©1998-2013, DignityUSA. Permission is granted for use and alteration by any DignityUSA affiliated chapter without permission.
For further use contact DignityUSA for permission.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment