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NEWS PAGE

This is the NEWS page of this website. In reality, however, it serves not so much as a news page as an announcements page, for it is (at least for now) beyond its scope to act as a newspaper. An-nouncements found on this page will likely be of general interest to chapter members, and likely to others as well. Indeed, in some cases, they will be of interest even after the date of the event or announce-ment (and on the About page, there is a Photo Gallery Index where may be found photos from events of interest, even if the event ap-peared long ago in the News Flashes column on the Home page); and when deemed appropriate to do so, they will be moved to a page that will serve as an archive of such articles retired from this NEWS page: to go there, click here.

 

On Blessing Same-Sex Unions

New here: October 2, 2023

Event: Pope’s Letter; DignityUSA Response

 

Pope Francis’s statement to five cardinals that there might be ways for church officials to bless same-sex unions is a “welcome sign of openness” on LGBTQIA+ issues, says DignityUSA. The group is the world’s oldest Catholic organization working for justice, equality, and full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the church and society.

“While we continue to believe that legal and sacramental marriage equality is the goal, Pope Francis’s statement that there may be ways for the church to bless same-sex couples is an unexpected and wel-come sign of openness,” said Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Di-rector of DignityUSA. “The sacredness and grace in the relationships between people of the same sex, or where one or more partner is transgender, deserve affirmation and support. Hearing the Pope ac-knowledge this will give hope to many Queer people, as well as to their families and friends who are Catholic.

Duddy-Burke continued: “It is notable that this comment was made (by the Pope) in writing, and in a letter to Cardinals who represent very traditional views and seemed to be hoping for support for their position. In his response, the Pope appeared to warn them that the church’s ministers cannot only ‘deny, reject, and exclude.’ Further-more, he has not penalized priests and bishops in Europe who have performed such blessings and has not prevented national bishops’ conferences from considering offering these blessings as part of their pastoral practices. These are all signs that our church’s leaders are beginning to engage with these fundamental questions around sexual orientation, gender, and relationships in new ways. I find that encour-aging.”

Duddy-Burke noted that many Catholics have not waited for the church to extend blessings to their partnered Lesbian, Gay, and Bi-sexual and Transgender family members and friends. “There are Ca-thollcs in same-sex relationships getting married with the full support of their families and faith communities every week,” she said. “Many of these marriages include spiritual elements often modeled on Ca-tholic marriage ceremonies. We understand the power of sacrament, of community support, and of invoking God’s blessing on our commit-ments. We will be happy when more parts of our church acknowledge this reality, too.”

The Pope’s comments were made as bishops, priests, sisters, bro-thers, and lay people from all parts of the world are starting to gather in Rome for the first of two meetings that will cap off the work of a Global Synod on Synodality. Catholics and others from around the globe were invited to be part of Listening Sessions held at the local level and to express their hopes, and concerns, about the church. Throughout much of October 2023, approximately 450 official dele-gates will deliberate what all of these voices are asking of the church and to begin to outline ways that the Catholic Church can move into the future.

“We know that concerns about how LGBTQIA+ people have been treated by the church were among the top issues on every continent.” said Duddyy-Burke. “That the Pope spoke out on this on the eve of the Synd meeting confirms that this must be among the issues Synod delegates must consider. We are praying that delgates will be open to the voices of the people of the church, and to the movement of the Holy Spirit. In the meantime, we will continue working to build com-munities where people of all genders and sexual orientation are truly affirmed.”

 

Interview of Pope on Homosexuality

New here: February 2023

Event: Pope clarifies comments

 

In early January 2023, Pope Francis gave an interview in which he made some comments on homosexuality that were subject to being misinterpreted. Not long later, he wrote (in a hand-written letter to a critic) to clarify his comments; and the Associated Press then issued an article analyzing the comments and the Pope’s clarification about them. On this website (in the left-hand column of the About page), the comments and the clarification are addressed.

 

A fuller treatment of the AP analysis follows:

 

  ROME (AP) – Pope Francis has clarified his recent comments about homosexuality and sin, saying he was merely referring to official Catholic moral teaching that teaches that any sexual act outside of marriage is a sin.

  And in a note Friday, Francis recalled that even black-and-white teaching is subject to circumstances that might eliminate the sin altogether.

  Francis first made the comments in an interview Jan. 24 (2023) with the Associated Press, in which he declared that laws criminalizing homosexuality were “unjust” and “being homosexual is not a crime.”

  As he often does, Francis then imagined a conversation with someone who raised the matter of the church’s official teaching, which states that homosexual acts are sinful, or “intrinsically disordered.”

  “Fine, but first let’s distinguish between a sin and a crime,” Francis said in the pretend conversation. “It’s also a sin to lack charity with one another.”

  His comments calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality were hailed by LGBTQ advocates as a milestone that would help end harassment and violence against LGBTQ persons. But his reference to “sin” raised questions about whether he believed that merely being gay was itself a sin.

  The Rev. James Martin, an American Jesuit who runs the U.S.-based Outreach ministry for LGBTQ Catholics, asked Francis for clarification and printed the pope’s handwritten response on the Outreach website late Friday.

  In his note, Francis reaffirmed that homosexuality “is not a crime,” and said he spoke out “in order to stress that criminalization is neither good nor just.”

  “When I said it is a sin, I was simply referring to Catholic moral teaching, which says that every sexual act outside of marriage is a sin.” Francis wrote in Spanish, underlining the final phrase.

  But in a nod to his case-by-case approach to pastoral ministry, Francis noted that even that teaching is subject to consideration of the circumstances, “which may decrease or eliminate fault.”

  He acknowledged he could have been clearer in his comments to the AP. But he said he was using “natural and conversational language” in the interview that didn’t call for precise definitions.

  “As you can see, I was repeating something in general. I should have said: ‘It is a sin, as is any sexual act outside of marriage.’ This is to speak of ‘the matter’ of sin, but we know well that Catholic morality not only takes into consideration the matter, but also evaluates freedom and intention: and this for every kind of sin.” he said.

  Some 67 countries or jurisdictions worldwide criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, 11 or which can or do impose the death penalty, according to The Human Dignity Trust, which works to end such laws. Experts say even where the laws are not enforced, they contribute to harassment, stigmatization and violence against LGBTQ people.

  Catholic teaching forbids gay marriage, holding that the sacrament of marriage is a lifelong bond between a man and a woman. It reserves intercourse for married couples while forbidding artificial contraception.

  In his decade-long pontificate, Francis has upheld that teaching but has made outreach to LGBTQ people a priority. He has stressed a more merciful approach to applying church doctrine, to accompany people rather than judge them.

 

Benedict XVI Dies

 

 New here: January 2023

 Event: Pope Emeritus died on December 31, 2022

 

 On December 31, 2022, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI (1927-2022)

 died at age 95; and in early January, his successor, Pope Francis I

 presided at his funeral held at an open-air Mass in St. Peter Square

 at St. Peter Basilica in Rome.

  

 He was elected Pope in 2005 after the death of Pope John Paul II.

 He served as Pope until he resigned (the first to do so in several

 hundred years) in 2013, living the rest of his life in relative obscurity.

 His successor is Pope Francis I, the current Pope, who was elected

 shortly after Benedict XVI resigned.

 

 For more about the life of Pope Benedict as Pope (2005-2013) and

 as head of Doctrine of the Faith (as Cardinal Ratzinger (1981-2005))

 visit the website of DignityUSA by clicking on the link (in the center

 column of the Home page or in the narrow left-hand column of the

 Contact page of this website). Then scroll down thru LATEST NEWS

 column that heads the DignityUSA website until you reach its article

 about his impact on the LGBTQ community.  

 

Christmas Liturgy

 

New here: January 2022

Event: Christmas Eve liturgy December 24, 2021

 

The Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley chapters of Dignity celebrated a shared liturgy of the Nativity of the Lord at Mass during the night on Xmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2021. Members of the chapters attending in person gathered at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, North Hollywood, and others attended virtually, via Zoom. Members from both chapters took part in the lectoring and caroling; and festive refreshments were provided by the San Fernando Valley chapter after the liturgy. Meaningful participation in this two-chapter celebration was promoted by the Advent Reflections featured in a series of five weekly Zoom sessions, in advance of Christmas.

 

Michael Macchiarella

New here: October 2021
Event: Memorial Service

Long-time chapter member Michael Macchiarella (1947-2020) died in Palm Springs on Nov 10, 2020. On Sat, Nov 13, 2021, a Memorial Service for him was held at Dignity Center, at 5 pm. For more info, including a photo, click here.

Virtual Gathering

New here: September 2021
Event: National substitute Convention

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced DignityUSA to cancel the national Convention scheduled for San Diego in July 2021, it scheduled instead a virtual gathering, which took place in Sept 2021. Click here for the flyer for the event.

Death of Thomas Giancoli

New here: August 2021
Event: Memorial Service

Long-time chapter member and Past President Thomas Giancoli (1945-2021) died on March 28, 2021. Click here for a photo montage (including photos of Tom) prepared for the Memorial Service held at Dignity Center on July 31.

Death of Dirk Farasey

New here: August 2021
Event: Commemorative Service

Long-time chapter member Dirk Farasey (1931-2021) died on July 8, 2021. A Commemorative Service was held on Aug 1 at Dignity Center, followed by the Interment of Ashes on Aug 2 at Forest Lawn in Glendale. Click here for a photo montage (including photos of Dirk) prepared for the Commem-
orative Service.

New Webmaster

New here: June 2021
Event: Appointment of new Webmaster.

On June 18, 2021, the Board appointed long-time chapter member Jason Tveit to become the new Webmaster for the chapter's website, to succeed long-time chapter member John Nangle who has long been the Webmaster for the website but is retiring from that position. For more information, including photos of the new Webmaster and the retiring Webmaster, click here.

ADVISORY Re New Corona Virus

New here: March 12, 2020
Subject: Chapter Policy

With the new CoronaVirus (COVID-19) in mind, the chapter (Dignity Los Angeles) is taking the following steps immediately to help to ensure the health and safety of its members and guests, at all chapter gatherings (including liturgies) during these challenging times:

We invite you to bow to each other, in place of closely approaching or touching each other (such as during the Sign of Peace).

We ask that you refrain from touching each other, such as by holding of hands (such as during the Our Father).

The communion chalice is available ONLY for intinction, which is dipping of the edge of the host into the wine, without touching the wine with the hand and without touching or drinking from the chalice. Even intinction is purely optional; and congregants are reminded that the teaching of the institutional Church is that Christ is wholly present in the host, with or without intinction.

Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted by the virus. As the dynamics surrouding the new virus (COVID-19) continue to change, and as we modify our practices accordingly, let us all work tirelessly to persevere through this together.

To access guidance from the federal Center for Disease Control, click here.

Click here to view a You Tube video by CDC for older adults on the subject.

Death of Frank Miller

New here: March 2020
Event: Funeral

On February 29, 2020, former long-time chapter member, choir member, Past President (2012), and Archangel recipient (2011) Frank Miller died (for more on the Archangel Award at the chapter's 2011 Anniversary Dinner, including a photo, click here). His funeral Mass will be at Mother of Good Counsel parish.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

New here: December 2019
Bi-Lingual Liturgy

On December 12, the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a bi-lingual liturgy was celebrated at Dignity Center. Click here to see handout used at Masses in the lead-up to the event.

DIGNITYUSA'S NEXT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

New here: October 2019 (posted here in 2019 about a future event (in 2021))
Event: National Conference

The next National Conference of DignityUSA will be held in 2021 in San Diego. For a flyer, click here and to access the pre-registration portal of the DignityUSA's website, click here.

DIGNITY LOS ANGELES CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS

New here: October 2019
Event: Anniversary Banquet

Dignity Los Angeles celebrated its 50th Anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at the Hilton Pasadena Hotel, 168 South Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, California 91101.

The Special Guest Speaker for the celebration was Mary E. Hunt, Ph.D., a feminist theologian who is a co-founder and co-director of the Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and Ritual (acronym: WATER) in Silver Spring, Maryland. A Catholic active in the women-church movement, Mary lectures and writes on theology and ethics, with particular attention to social justice concerns. Mary also was the Plenary Speaker at DignityUSA's 50th Anniversary Conference in Chicago, July 5-7, 2019.

WATER, in a moving tribute authored by Mary and included in the Program booklet for the Anniversary Dinner of DignityLA, reviewed and praised the legacy of Dignity. To read it, click here; and to read her speech at the Anniversary Dinner, click here.

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ANGELS UNAWARES

New here: September 2019
Event: World Day of Migrants & Refugees

On September 29, 2019, the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis unveiled in St. Peter square at the Vatican a larger-than-life sculpture that shows migrants and refugees walking under stress-filled conditions and that is entitled "Angels Unawares," a title based on Scripture: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for some have thereby entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2.

Death of Julio Spitalier

New here: August 2019
Event: Memorial Service

On July 6, 2019, long-time chapter member and supporter Julio Spitalier died; and on Aug 17, there was a Memorial Service at Dignity Center, followed by a reception there. For more on Julio, click here.

Death of Bill Noble

New here: August 2019
Event: Memorial Service

On August 4, there was a memorial service for long-time friend and former chapter member Bill Noble. For more, click for flyer distributed at the service.

On Transgendered

New here: June 2019
Event: Dignity Speaks Out

   DignityUSA replies to Vatican statement on transgender. Click here to read reply.

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Death of Fred Kraft

New here: March 2020
Event: Memorial Service

On March 11, 2019, Fred Kraft died. He was an active supporter and member of Dignity/L.A. for more than 30 years; and on March 16, 2019, a Memorial Service was held for him at Dignity Center. For more about Fred (including a photo of him) and the Memorial Service, click here.

JUBILEE VISIT JUNE 2018

New here: July 2018
Event: Jubilee to culminate in 2019

DIGNITY USA BOARD MEMBER VISITS DIGNITY LOS ANGELES

The chapter was visited on Sunday, June 10, 2018, by Daniel Barutta, a member of the Board of Directors of Dignity USA. He is a member of that national Board as well as of its Election and Membership Committees. Board members are currently engaged in on-the-road junkets, making direct contact with as many of the chartered chapters and other groups as feasible, as a run-up to the 50th Golden Anniversary of Dignity in 2019.

Daniel is a former resident of the local area (and a former parishioner at St. Dominic's, in Eagle Rock). He gave an informative presentation on Dignity USA's composition, recent activities, current projects, etc. He discussed ongoing Jubilee activities across the country, in preparation for the Golden Anniversary; and he inquired how the chapter was proceeding with its Jubilee process. He concluded with a very lively Q&A session, covering a multitude of topics.

In sharing a current snapshot of Dignity USA, Daniel explained that its expenses fall into three main categories: 79% for programs, 13% for administration costs, and 8% for fundraising. He explained that income sources fall into two main categories: 64% from members and donors, and 36% from grants. In fulfilling its mission, it relies on five dedicated staff members, one full-time and four part-time, all of whom work from remote sites; and it also relies upon the work of dozens of volunteers, including the members of the Board of Directors, who account for a total of over 2,000 hours a year, and other volunteers, who account for a total of over 1,000 hours a year. Currently, Dignity USA includes 33 communities and caucuses, over 1,600 members and donors, and over 5,200 supporters and followers.

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ANNIVERSARY DINNER 2018

New Here: October 2018

Event: In 2018, the chapter celebrated its regular annual Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Taix Restaurant in Los Angeles. To see a webpage on the event, including photos taken at the event, go to the Photo Gallery Index on the About Us page (near its bottom) of this website by clicking on the Photos link in the banner found atop each page of this website.

As part of the event, the chapter invited reflections on significant events during the history of the chapter. Six such Reflections were published in the Program Book for the event. To read any of them, click on the link (in the list below) on the topic of
Reflection that interests you, in the list just below:

The chapter acquired a Building of its very own, the very first chapter of Dignity to do so.

The chapter helped those in need to deal with the AIDS epidemic that struck the community.

The chapter helped to defeat at the polls Prop 6 that would have discriminated against GLBTQs in public schools.

The chapter helped GLBTQ Catholics who were new arrivals in the Los Angeles area to adjust and find a new spiritual home.

The chapter welcomed diverse groups of GLBTQ Catholics by adopting family and cultural enhancements to do so, such as the formation of Familia Guadalupana, to help Dignity become their new spiritual home.

The chapter is embracing the Jubilee to celebrate Dignity's 50th year and to help to prepare for its future.

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To Photo Gallery Index (on About Us page)

ANNIVERSARY DINNERS

Event: annually (in October)

To see a page of photos from such an event, click on Photos in banner at the top of any page on this website to go to the Photo Gallery Index listing events for which there is a page on the event, including photos.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY

Event: annually (in November)

To see a page of photos from such an event, click on Photos in banner at the top of any page on this website to go to the Photo Gallery Index listing events for which there is a page on the event, including photos.

CHAPTER DECORATIVE BANNER

New here: October 2016
Event: Indefinite

In October 2016, the chapter posted (see link below) a copy of its updated decorative banner, featuring Our Lady (or in Spanish: Nuestra Senora). It is based on the original name of the chapter's home city (Los Angeles) founded on the banks of a river, the original name of which was the Porciuncula River (named in turn after an area near Assisi, Italy, made famous by St. Francis). The full name of the city (town) was El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles sorbre el Rio de la Porciuncula (or in English: the town of the Queen of the Angels on the River Porciuncula). Click here to see it; and click here to see the commemorative placque posted near the site of the original settlement, in downtown Los Angeles.

50 YEARS A PRIEST

New: June 2016
Event: Indefinite (notes an anniversary)

In June 2016, the chapter held a celebration to mark the 50 years that Fr. Kevin Steen has been a priest. Click for the photo page on the celebration (and more about his 50 years as a priest).


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SUPREME COURT DECISION ON GAY MARRIAGE

New: June 2015
Event: Indefinite

A decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2015 holds that marriage is a Constitutional right under the U.S. Constitution and that no State can deny it on the basis that a given marriage will a same-sex union. Justice Anthony Kennedy concludes his opinion for the majority of the Court with a beautiful summary of the insights that led to the Court's decision, as follows:

      No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say that they disresepct the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in lonliness, excluded from one of civilization's oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution gives them that right.

      The judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed.

                                                                              It is so ordered.

IRS Rules on Charitable Deductions

New: 2017 (and periodic revisions likely)
Event: Indefinite

The IRS has updated its rules as to deductions for cash gifts (including by check or credit-card charges) to charitable organizations, such as Dignity. A gift is deductible only if taxpayer has in hand a receipt (when the tax return claiming a deduction is filed), regardless of the amount; but the taxpayer's cancelled check or credit card statement (if they show the donee name, date, and amount of the contribtion) can serve as such a receipt. For any individual gift of $250 or more, one must also have a written acknowledgement of the gift from the donee and that nothing was given to the donor in return (other than intangible spiritual benefit); but this may be one for each gift of $250 (or more) or an overall one listing all such gifts for the year, showing date and amount of each and the total of gifts for the year. The chapter for each year acknowledges the total of verified gifts made by an individual when the total for the year is $250 (or more), specifying the date and amount of each gift and the total gifts for the year. Gifts given in an unverifiable manner (such as loose cash in a collection basket at a liturgy) cannot be included. Those who want the ability to deduct their donations should consider the annual pledge drive as the way to donate and to then satisfy the pledge by check(s), so that the chapter can easily compute a verifiable total and acknowledge the total and each gift, promptly at the end of the tax year (in time for the tax-return season) and meeting IRS rules.

Click here for the record-keeping rules (see Publication 526, pages 17-20), including for cash gifts and the special rules for non-cash gifts, out-of-pocket expenses, and how to report gifts on your tax return.


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"We are not on Earth to guard
a museum, but to cultivate
  a flourishing garden of life."

                        Pope John XXIII













"We must beware of those who
   burn with zeal but are not en-
 dowed with much sense."

                        Pope John XXIII






In 1958, Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli (see picture above) was, at age 78, elected Pope John XXIII (after what was widely rumored to be a near miss by Giovanni Batista Montini, who at the time was not yet a Cardinal but would later be elected Pope Paul VI). Pope John was expected to be a caretaker; but he was not. He spoke out for an "updating" of the Church, admitted it needed "some fresh air," and summoned the Second Vatican Council to help supply it. The Council enacted many reforms, of which many still remain not fully implemented, partly because Pope John died in 1963 (and was succeeded by a cautious, almost fearful, Pope Paul), while the Council was just starting its deliberations.

Pope John was canonized in 2014.

After six months as pope, Pope Francis I urged that a more pastoral approach be taken by the Church. In doing so, he cited Pope John's example and quoted a motto used by Pope John:

"See everthing; turn a blind
      eye to much; correct a little."

                        Pope John XXIII

                

 

Pastoral Care

Event of enduring significance for sure:

At a biennial national convention in July 2007 in Austin, Texas, DignityUSA issued its Guidelines on the Pastoral Care of GLBT People; click here to read them.


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Fr. Roy Bougeois
   Hear the School of the Americas founder on May 31 (5-8 pm) & June 1 (2-4:30 pm).

Anniversary Dinner
   This event was held Oct 12; click here for photos & here for the Keynote Speech.

Reformer Priest
   An Austrian priest leads a reform effort; and in Pasadena on Aug 2, he spoke. Click here for flyer for more info on his tour of the U.S., click here for the tour's website (scroll under "Tour Dates" to events, including the L.A. event in Pasadena) and here for photos of local speech.

Convention 2013
   Dignity Convention 2013 was in Minneapolis on July 4-7. Click to see our ad in program.

Open Letter
   DignityUSA wrote an Open Letter in the NY Times to respond to a recent statement by Cardinal Dolan about LGBT persons.

Report in Dateline    Read the report on the visit to our area by a DignityUSA rep.

Vatican Spring
   Swiss Theologican Hans Kung is speaking out for Church reform as a conclave to elect a new Pope started.

Anniversary Dinner: 2012
   Annual Anniversary Dinner was on Oct. 13. Click for photos and for Pax Nidorf speech.

Hans Kung
   In 2010, the renowned Swiss theologian (and former collegue of the Pope) wrote an Open Letter to all bishops, to call for an Ecumenical Council. More recently (in 2012), he has called for a revolution from below to force radical reform at the Vatican, particularly its crushing of dissent by use of "rigid ... rules for choosing bishops." The "only way for reform is from the bottom up," he says. "The priests and others in positions of responsiblity need to stop being so subservient, to organize themselves and say that there are certain things that they simply will not put up with anymore."

Pastor on a Vatican Mandate To LCWR
   Cleveland pastor has written on the Vatican mandate to U.S. nuns; click here to read.

Priests Speak Out
   400 Austrian priests issue broad appeal for a reform movement in the Catholic Church.

Women's Meeting
   Dignity's women will meet May 4-6, 2012, in Illinois; click for more info.

Contraception
   Dignity/USA has endorsed an open letter on public policy on contraception.

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Parish Closings
   Vatican has reversed Cleveland's bishop on closing of 13 parishes. Click here for more.

Church Workers
   Click here to read an Open Letter from CTA to Lay Church Workers.

Open Ltr to Bishops
   DignityUSA issued an Open Letter to U.S. bishops to demand they consult us before commenting on public policy affecting GLBTs.

Picking Bishops
   The VOTF petitions to reform the process of picking bishops.

Catholic or RC?
   Dilemma that Rome poses for Catholics is analyzed by a priest in DignityUSA QV article.

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Firing Protested
   CTA is spotlighting a campaign to hold back donations, to protest firing of church worker.

Art Show
   The Chapter's Third Annual Art Exhibit will be held May 16. Click here for details.

Picking Bishops
   Popes appointing all the world's bishops is not the traditional way.

New McNeill Letter
   Read the new Open Letter to the Pope, by Jesuit Fr. John McNeill (Quarterly Voice, pg 5).

UN Declaration

Event: December 2008

The UN has amended the Declaration of Human Rights to include gays and lesbians.

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Prop 8 Opposition

Event: Nov. 4, 2008, Election

California voters rejected Prop 8 to limit marriage to one between a man and a woman. A gay Fresno priest had opposed Prop 8 from the pulpit. click here re a press conference at Dignity/LA on him. Click here for the chapter Press Release on Prop 8.
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Anniversary Dinner 2008

Event: Oct. 11, 2008

The chapter's 39th Anniversary Dinner was held on Sat, Oct 11, 2008. The Guest Speaker was Tony Sweet, a musician-gospel singer; and the annual Archangel award was given to long-time member Pedro; and the annual community charity award (in the amount of $1,000) was given to the Serra Project (with its Executive Director Terry Goddard II accepting the award for the Serra Project). Watch the About Us page for the posting of photos of the event.
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Summer Party
   Chapter's Summer Party was held on Sat. Aug 16 at the Vargas home.

Wedding of J&R
  Jim & Raoul wed at Mass on July 20. Click for photos.

Hollywood Bowl
   The chapter's annual excursion to Hollywood Bowl for a picnic and concert was on July 12. Click here for photos.
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Abuse of Power
Event: June 2008

A retired bishop from Australia spoke in San Diego and L.A. in June on abuse of power by the hierarchy. Click for more info. Click here for his own reflections on his U.S. tour.
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Art Exhibit 2008

Event: June 21-22, 2008

The chapter's second annual Art Exhibit was held at the Center on June 21-22.
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Petition to Pope

Event: April 25-20, 2008

Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) sponsored a petition to the Pope for his April 15-20 visit to U.S.
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Lay Convocation of southern California

Event: March 29, 2008

A Lay Convocation was held for southern California on March 29, 2008, at the St. Joseph Center in Orange, California. It was a Calling Together of the Laity. Its purpose was to focus our attention on the participation and responsibilities of the laity in the Catholic Church, reflecting on the gifts received, the hurts endured, and the desire to respond to the needs of the Church. The objectives were to inspire hope for the future of the Church and a commitment to action. The oligations and rights of the laity, as articulated in the documents of the Second Vatican Council (1963-65) and in Canon Law, were addressed. All were welcome.
   To read more about this Lay Convocation (as planned), click here to visit its website.
   A report on the Convocation is to be issued in due time.
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Results of Officers Election (2008)

Event: February 2008

Each year in February, the chapter conducts its annual Election of officers. In the February 2008 election, the results are: Jason Craig, President; Saul Farias, Vice-President; Steve Leffler, secretary; and Michael Rademacher, treasurer. The President will now nominate (for membership approval at the General Meeting held in March) the chairpersons who will be the remaining members of the Board in the new Administration.
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Evolution

There is a good article on Pope John Paul II and evoluation in the Jesuit America magazine. Click here to read it.
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New IRS Regulation on Charitable Deductions

New: 2006 Event: Indefinite

See the entry re the newer regulation in 2007.
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Meeting of U.S. Bishops On GLBT Issues

Events: November 2006 & July 2007 The Catholic Bishops of the United States met in mid-November 2006, in Washington, D.C. An item on the agenda was approval of a major statement on the pastoral care of GLBT persons. Since it was largely unfavorable, Dignity/USA issued a critical press release (that got good press coverage in the general media) and organized a protest for the time of the meeting. Unfortunately, the statement was approved anyway; and subsequently, in July 2007, Dignity/USA issued its own Guidelines on the pastoral care of GLBTs.

VOTF Calls for Bishops to be Accountable

Up: 2010 Read VOTF demand that Catholic bishops be more accountable.
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