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Dignity is a prophetic voice for reform, in Church and Society. Wonderous how much easier it is to say
so with conviction so many years after our small, first steps back in 1969 (the year of the
Stonewall riots, that gave birth to the modern GLBT movement).
Who can seriously doubt that once the Church admitted that being homosexual was not a
choice for most of us, straights and gays alike would then refuse to deny us our
sexuality? So the only "reason" that was left was how we express our love for
each other; and that is an inadequate reason, one that cannot be credibly
attributed to the Christ we know from the Gospels.
So right now, if you have not already done so, click on
Sexuality
(here or under the banner found up top, on each page) to read our critique of the
teachings of the Church. Read also what those teachings are, in the Church's own
words in the
Catechism
and other documents (from the Vatican and from the American Bishops), as linked in the critique
or found (or linked) on the Resources page of this website; and read Dignity's own
Statement of Position & Purpose (click on
SP&P,
here or under the banner found up top, on each page) and a statement of its position on
Sexual Ethics
and its Guidelines on the
pastoral care
of GLBTs.
Form your own conscience on the issues, in both a careful and prayerful manner. It is your
duty to do so, as well as your inherent DIGNITY as a human being, created and
loved unconditionally by God, who created you. See the Vatican Council II quote found
in the box on our
Home
page.
A final thought: one specific insight of Catholicism is that salvation takes place in community, including
at the Eucharistic table, at Mass. We hope that you will join us in such celebrations, as often as you
are able. Click
Contact Us
here or under the banner that is found up top, on each page of this website, for more information on how to get to Dignity Center
(including a link to a
Map
with a zoom in and out feature, plus a link offering you specific Directions to Dignity Center).
See you at Dignity Center.
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The
President's
Little
Corner
Hello, my name is Saul Farias. I am president of Dignity/LA; and I use this column
to send messages intended for all.
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“What ... person would want to take communion in a
church that considers civil rights
work to be sinful? Who would want to have his funeral
presided over by a church that deems
one’s friends and loved ones less than worthy persons?” –Queertv
My answer is Sacramentum manens, a doctrine with origins
in the 4th Century. Ever since
Christianity began, people have disagreed with priests and leaders, for it is the intent
of a religion that counts, not who presides over its rituals. That this doctrine justifies
dissent is why I can still call myself a Catholic.
Current leaders of the Church contradict the Jesus of the gospels. Read Matthew 23:1-8, but alter
some words (underlined below) so that you see what I see:
“The Popes have sat in the chair of Peter. All things therefore whatsoever
they shall
say to you, observe and do: but according to their works, you shall not do; for they say but
do not. For they bind heavy and insupportable burdens, and lay them on the people; but with
a finger of their own, they will not move them. All their works they do so as to be seen
by others; they make their miters broad and enlarge the fringes. They love first places
at feasts, the first chairs in the cathedrals, the salutations in market places, and
being addressed by other people as your grace, your holiness, your eminence.”
Giving priority to meeting the needs of the marginalized would not serve their self
interest. They want
to be seen in other pursuits: raise money, get media attention, bend the Vatican’s ear, and
hope for a promotion. A leader of the “Yes On 8” campaign was made a new bishop; and so, it seems,
money raisers have priority.
Jesus kept company with tax collectors, dared to treat women with respect, and talked
to women of unclean repute; and His disciples did not follow the ritual rules. He talked
with people with whom He disagreed, addressing their questions, even those posed with bad intent.
He never spoke of sexual orientation, sexual identity, denying love. For Him, the unforgivable
sin was to deny the works and grace of the Holy Spirit. He urged us to to seek
the kingdom of God,
to take care of the least among us, and to love others as we love ourselves. None of the hang ups
of a modern church leader found voice in Him.
Truly He did not much like divorce, or adultery either, lest women be hurt; but His silence on
issues of concern to Dignity must not be overlooked, in contrast to how He addressed other
subjects.
Protecting the innocence of a child was high on His list; but today the Church seems to rank it
as less important than subjects never addressed by Him, like same-sex marriage.
Jesus emphasized: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Thank God,
Dignity has priests who do not forget this commandment.
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