Rainbow Spirit
Volume 2, Issue 3
Spring 2001

In This Issue:
CPCSM looks at Pastoral Action Priorities
CPCSM hears from its friends and allies
"Coming Out, Coming Home"
GLBT Pride Weekend
Young GLBT Catholics share their experiences and insights
Does the Bible condemn homosexual activity?
Bishops' Visit
Can You Help CPCSM at Pride Event?

CPCSM Prioritizes for Increased Pastoral Action
Susan Hames, CSJ

-How do we maintain our public face and ministry as we move in a prophetic direction?

-How do we continue education efforts that give GLBT identity and issues visibility in the local church/individual Catholic communities?

-How can we put greater emphasis on coalition building?

-How can we find ways to support and honor (publicly, ritually) loving relationships within Catholic communities?

-How can we continue to bring noted people into the luncheon speaker series (and expand it into evening hours)?

-Should we stop giving to collections and invest what we withhold in some other justice-related foundation?

-How are we going to be active and helpful to GLBT people who feel alienated or have withdrawn because they "cannot be loved by God" in the church?

-How pastoral can we be and support committed relationships?

-Who will baptize and confirm the children of GLBT parents?

These are among the questions we ask ourselves as we experience, in the continuing wake of the attempted silencing of Jeannine Grammick and Bob Nugent, a more ambivalent and hostile climate for GLBT pastoral ministry in Catholic communities of faith. Lacking a larger advisory board of volunteers, a structure we have enjoyed in the past, the CPCSM leadership team invited some forty interested persons, to meet Tuesday, February 27, 2001. That night, thirty persons gathered in a garden-level room at Carondelet Center in St. Paul and reflected on CPCSM's mission and current actions in order to suggest strategic goals for our immediate and future ministry in light of our present resources. Since then a small group of volunteers have met twice to prioritize these suggestions. Here are some actions we want to take and some ways you can join us in ministry.

1. Coalition building with community partners. We want to strengthen CPCSM connections with other GLBT groups like Rainbow Families, PFLAG, Outfront Minnesota and with Catholic Social Justice groups such as Dignity, Call to Action, Office for Separated and Divorced Catholics, and GLBT groups in Catholic parishes which have them. As our liaison we will rely on you to communicate CPCSM events and news to them and bring their events and concerns to us in appropriate and timely media. If you would be willing to serve as a CPCSM liaison to one of these organizations please contact Bill Kummer at the CPCSM office.

2. Publish life stories and coming out stories in local presses like the Women's Press, Catholic Spirit, Lavender, The Edge as well as our own Rainbow Spirit. Do you know GLBT persons and/or allies whose stories and voice we need to hear? Would you be willing to write your story or tell your story in parishes/schools/CPCSM programs by joining our CPCSM speaker's bureau? Contact Bill Kummer at the CPCSM office.

3. Renew contacts with local Catholic high schools to hear about ongoing efforts and concerns, and to share speaker, media and literature resources.

4. Strengthen and update the CPCSM website through the voluntary assistance of Libby Frost, a co-worker and colleague of David McCaffrey. David is handing on his work as CPCSM treasurer and budget manager to Roger Urbanski, and limiting his participation in Leadership Team meetings in order to increase his work with developing and managing the CPCSM website. Check out our current website at www.mtn.org/~cpcsm

5. Contact GLBT groups in Catholic parishes and, together, design and host a ritual of recognition and reconciliation in which we can affirm GLBT members of Catholic communities, their families, friends and loved ones, and invoke God's blessing on efforts to open the Catholic Church to relational and loving experiences of GLBT members, their families and friends. Jean Chagnon, a new member of CPCSM, has already begun to work on this initiative. Please call the Office if you would like to join Jean in this effort.

What Inspires and Motivates You in Your Ministry (or Work, or Support) as an Ally to the GLBT Community?

The thing that inspires and motivates me in my ministry is the firm belief that Jesus came to teach us to love and not to judge. Especially during this Easter time, we should all be reminded of the teaching of love. I find it hard to look at the figure of Christ hanging in pain on the cross and not believe that I am worthy. Why else would Jesus have suffered the agony and death of the cross? GLBT people have gifts and love to share; and when their gifts and their love are overlooked, ignored. or abused, we are overlooking, ignoring, and abusing the basic teachings of Jesus Christ. "What would Jesus do?" should always be a part of our vocabulary. It is certainly part of mine.
-Mary Beckfield, mother, grandmother, hospital chaplain at St. Francis Regional Medical Center

I am inspired by the genuine love and commitment of so many gay couples coping with the trauma of AIDS together. I am inspired by the deep faith of those GLBT people who so love the Church despite the prejudice they have experienced from its members and policies. I am inspired by the Paulist vision -- to reach out in a spirit of reconciliation to all who are margin- alized. Finally, I am inspired by CPCSM, by John Roach, Peter Liuzzi, Jim Schexnayder, the National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries (NACDLGM), and all others who invite GLBT folks to accept the Gospel call to be full, active members of the Body of Christ.
-Fr. Dick Sparks, CSP, a theologian, and the pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Berkeley, California.

As an "out" gay man working in the Minneapolis Police Department, .... I am especially inspired by the opportunity I have to empower GLBT citizens to feel that they do have a say in their police department and in their government so that our society becomes truly democratic for them, .... I am also inspired by my opportunity to serve as a role model for youth....especially those considering a career in law enforcement. I hope that by meeting me and hearing me talk, the GLBT students will [not] limit themselves to the few stereotypical careers they have grown up believing GLBT persons are relegated to...
-Lt. Kevin Stoll, Minneapolis Police Department's GLBT Liaison Team Leader

All people are entitled to be treated equally. Neither the ability to sing on key, the color of one's skin, nor sexual orientation constitutes justification for bias. Most often, my reaction to injustice is anger, which motivates me to action. I think Mrs. Patrick Butler, a New York socialite of the 1800s, had a point when she said, "I really don't care how people engage in sex. I just don't want them doing it in the middle of the road scaring the horses."
-Polly Mann, co-founder of Women Against Military Madness (WAMM), and long-time justice and peace activist

My answer is simple. Bigotry diminishes us all. I support the efforts of all who strive to overcome it through education and peaceful advocacy.
-Chad Boult, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., Professor of Family Practice, University of Minnesota

My inspiration is, and has been, the men and women whom I have met and with whom I have worked as a CPCSM board member. My moti- vation comes from these same women and men. Each of us is searching for meaning and validation as we live together on this planet. Not all people are willing to accept that common bond. I believe in the power of the few speaking together against discrimination and injustice. I am honored to be able to add my voice to all the voices of CPCSM supporters.
-Gina Webb, member, Congregational Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet

I became very tired of contributing to the silence the church generates even at its own grass roots level. Those who are GLBT deserve courage, compassion and integrity from their church leaders.
-Fr. Jim Smith, Pastor, Transfiguration Church, St. Paul MN

"Intolerance." It stems from ignorance. Being "different" causes some to harass us. Being transgendered there's no hiding the "difference." This can be empowering. My presence occasionally causes conflict. Conflict forces those of us who are different to seek a sense of self, making sure we don't accept this type of behavior (harassment) as important to us. Somewhere, someone is going to hassle us. We might just as well be who we are and make it worth OUR while. This causes irritating behavior to become useless. We've all struggled and have come a long way. There is still much more change to look forward to that we are responsible for.
-Jendeen Forberg, male-to-female transgendered person who coordinates the All-Gender Health seminars in the University of Minnesota Program in Human Sexuality

An individual's sexual orientation is an inalienable right and must be protected like all the other freedoms we've struggled to have recognized by society. For as long as I can remember there have been GLBT people who have made precious contributions in every segment of the justice and peace movement. Gay or straight, we all inspired each other.
-Marv Davidov, justice and peace activist and educator

What inspires and motivates me as an ally to the GLBT community is my belief in justice, in the dignity and rights of all persons, in the beauty and richness of diversity, and in the respect due all persons and beings. Secondly, my experience of the GLBT community through those who come to the Catholic Church of which I am a member, is a very good experience of beautiful, gifted, dedicated people who add much to the life and success of the Church community. I am deeply indebted to them, and I want them to receive the respect they deserve. I want to champion their cause to attain that respect and all human rights.
-Dorothy Olinger, SSND, Global Education Associates, Midwest Regional Director

I am motivated to support the GLBT community because as a young gay man who has recently "come out," I am reaping the benefits of the courage and hard work of my forbearers who have fought for human rights laws, domestic partner benefits, and generally a more safe and humane climate for GLBT persons. I am very grateful for the tireless efforts of these GLBT crusaders and feel an obligation to give back to the community some of the benefits I am enjoying. Also, I would like to help carry on the work of the social justice movement to make sure that my brothers and sisters who follow me will continue to have the same, if not greater, opportunities to experience safe and rewarding lives as contributing members of church and society.
-Michael L. Douglas, MD, an African-American gay man who is a physician and lives in St. Paul

"Coming Out, Coming Home"

The Cast of "Coming Out, Coming Home" (left to right)
Nancy Johnson-Maloney, David Lohman, Marc Markell, Jane Sage, Jane Miller
and Stephen Parker

On the evening of April 2, 2001, members of Spirit of the Lakes United Church of Christ -- a predominantly GLBT Christian community -- performed "COMING OUT, COMING HOME" for CPCSM's spring membership event.

Written by members of the Spirit of the Lakes community, "Coming Out, Coming Home" eloquently relates various experiences of "coming out" through the sharing of a number of powerful stories dealing with self-discovery, family rejection, exile, reconciliation and self-acceptance. Jane Sage, an actor in the production, notes that "a series of letters between a mother and her gay son provides a framework for the play and underscores a universal and very human need for belonging and family."

CPCSM thanks all involved in the performance of "Coming Out, Coming Home" for an incredible evening of truth-telling and theater.

I'm attending GLBT Pride this year because...

it's the exhilaration, the fun of a family reunion and the food from the state fair all rolled into one.
-Craig Barrett

We love and are proud of our gay sons and our hears are warmed by the wonderful reception the parents always receive by marching in the parade.
-Sue and Rich Kramp

it's a great "happening" geared to people of all backgrounds, ages and orientation, and a time for face-to-face dynamics with other GLBT organizations.
-Mary Lynn Murphy

I support the human rights and civil rights of all God's children.
-Fr. Steve LaCanne

I can rejuvenate my spirit and connect with the community.
-JimMaurer

lots of our friends will be there, and we thing it's important for straight allies to be part of the community celebration.
-David and Jeanne Cornish

I like to see the sheer numbers of people who come to celebrate their pride.
-member of Guardian Angels parish, Oakdale

It's a wonderful place to bring your family and show your pride
-Schutz rainbow family, Mpls

I need to let everybody on the outside know that I'm not afraid to be who God created me, and to show my queer dog to everyone.
-Marty Dohmen

I can show support for the ministries in our schools and for GLBT students and their families.
-Lois Voss, Mpls

family is important and it's a supportive community
-Bro.Dennis Galvin, Mpls.

It's a lot of fun!!!
-Ruth Brooker

CPCSM needs for GLBT PRIDE:

1. Persons to join us and march with us in the Pride parade and carry the CPCSM banner.
2. Volunteers to help us set up, take down and/or staff the CPCSM booth in Loring Park.
3. People to visit us at the booth during both days, and to encourage their friends to visit as well.

Pride is a great time for meeting new people and renewing friendships.

The Twin Cities GLBT Pride Celebration takes place in Minneapolis' Loring Park and surrounding public areas. The official hours for the event are as follows:
Saturday, June 23 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday, June 24 Noon - 6:00 pm

The parade kicks off promptly at 11:00 am on Sunday. Persons wishing to march should assemble in their units no later than 10:30 am.

Moving Beyond Fear
Young GLBT Catholics share their experiences and insights
Michael J. Bayly

On October 11, CPCSM launched its Fall Outreach Luncheon Series with a youth panel presentation by three young GLBT Catholics. The focus of the presentation was the question: "How can we better serve the needs of Catholic students in public schools, those who may or may not be involved in their parish community?" The emphasis was on the role of parish youth ministries and how GLBT-related issues are addressed both in the parish and in both Catholic and public high schools.

Brendan, a Catholic high school alum, set a somber tone with his opening comment, noting that his life as a gay youth in a Catholic high school was "really not a good experience." He related that in both school and parish, "whenever any GLBT issue came up, which was very rare, it was always very quickly shut down or framed within the context of 'this is something the Pope condemns,' or, 'this is something we can't talk about right now.'" Brendan also experienced direct harassment by fellow students. His teachers dismissed his plight, advising him that he would "just have to deal with it." With his parents' support, Brendan transferred to a public high school.

Reflecting on his experience, Brendan insisted on the need for acknowledgement of the harassment directed at GLBT youth. This problem is just as valid and in need of attention as the problem of racism. He recommended that GLBT perspectives be integrated into the Catholic educational system. "We need to work at helping schools develop a more rounded curriculum," he said. The only reference to GLBT people he heard in school was in relation to AIDS: "I thought that only people who were gay were dying of AIDS...If I had been taught in an inclusive way, if I had had access to basic infor-mation and been treated fairly, my experience of Catholic education would have probably been very different."

Rachel is currently a student at a Twin Cities public high school. She related a different experience of coming out: "I had a wonderful experience, and I hope to present it as an ideal model." At Rachel's school there are currently forty students who are part of a GLBT support group. The support group provided by Rachel's high school played an important role in her positive experience. "The support group helped me come out not only to my friends, but to my parents and family. It helped me eliminate a lot of the fear..."

Rachel suggested that one basic way of cultivating a safe and supportive atmosphere for GLBT students is by confronting hate speech. "At my school, when the word 'gay' is used as an insult, a teacher steps up and says that this is not okay. The teachers at my school have a tremendous influence on [us] and what [our] tolerance level will be." Positive visibility is another key factor in creating a welcoming environment for GLBT youth: "Rainbow stickers, posters explaining to our students that we welcome diversity; that we're accepting...People who are questioning take all of this in."

Tony spoke from his perspective as a parish youth minister. He notes that although every event in his parish includes a publicity line that reads "All are welcome," GLBT issues are still not talked about -- they are a "non-subject." Tony believes that this is a problem typical of suburban parishes. He noted that the hardest aspect of his work as a parish youth minister is building a program that openly acknowledges and welcomes both gay and straight youth. To date he has been unable to include such an explicit welcome on any official invitation or announcement -- to do so "would cause too much of a ruckus...yet it's something that needs to happen, but it takes time. Hopefully it's something we can work towards..." In relation to catechesis, Tony encourages everyone to look for different contexts within which to discuss homosexuality: "It seems that the only time we hear about homosexuality is when we're talking about sexual morality. Yet Church teachings cover much more -- social justice, non-violence, compassion...So let's talk about homosexuality when we're talking about justice, compassion, community..."

Mary Lynn Murphy, CPCSM member, moderated the discussion and reminded all those who interact with young peple that many youth are not aware of the range of sexual orientations. They do not necessarily know whether they're gay of straight. It's a confusing time. "Does the doctrinal position of the official Church encourage GLBT youth to seek pastoral help and support?" Mary asked. "My perspective, as the mother of a young gay man, is that, rather than encourage our kids to labelthemselves, we should encourage them simply to be open to their own questions and to value diversity in all its forms."

CPCSM reaches out pastorally to encourage compassionate, critical and constructive understandings of Church teaching, its spirit and informed conscience. Its Safe Staff Training Program and manual remind teachers that all teens are called to celibacy at this stage of their lives.

Does the Bible Condemn Homosexual Activity?
Bill Hunt
Click here to go to full text of presentation given on March 14, 2001.

Bishops Visit

At an April 18 CPCSM presentation, "How the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) Collective Experience Can Help Us Grow as Church" both Bishop Raymond A Lucker, of the New Ulm Diocese (left, front) and Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton of the Archdiocese of Detroit (right, front) delivered remarks. Seated with the bishops are CPCSM members Beverly Barrett (center, front), and (back, left to right) Deacon Roger Urbanski, Bill Kummer, Susan Hames, CSJ, David McCaffrey, and Mary McDonough.

A video of this presentation is available for $13.65 (incl. S&H) for MN residents ($13.00 for non-MN residents). For further information, click here.

CPCSM Needs Your Help at GLBT Pride
March with us!
Meet and assemble for marching on Sunday at 10:30 am SHARP!!
Look for the CPCSM banner!Volunteer to staff our booth!
Sign up for a one-hour shift on Saturday and/or Sunday
We need help setting up, taking down and staffing the booth

CALL THE OFFICE OR SIGN UP ON SATURDAY AT THE PARK

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