I have often stated my belief that the care of our souls is far too important to
be left to religious professionals. They have so often demonstrated their unworthiness
of such a trust. Yet, it is heartening to meet an exception, and it is more heartening
to meet many exceptions, which I did at The National Association of Catholic Diocesan
Lesbian & Gay Ministries conference in Rochester last week. NACDLGM, is an organization
working within the Roman Catholic Church, to promote ministry with lesbian and gay
Catholics their family and friends. The good news is this ministry is more widespread
than one would imagine, especially in the Catholic Church.
I had the privilege of meeting several exceptional religious leaders, including two
bishops, who warmly welcome and support the ministry to gays and lesbians in their
respective dioceses. Matthew Clark the bishop of Rochester NY a truly pastoral and
caring man, was moved to tears while celebrating mass for our group. Bishop Gabino
Zavala from San Gabriel CA, moderates the dialogue between this group and the National
Council of Catholic Bishops. He inspired hope when he stated “As bishops we are to
shepherd all of God’s people. I personally support NACDLGM because you preach the
gospel and carry on a ministry of welcome, support, service and love on behalf of
the Church. I believe all bishops should respond this way.”
While the news from this conference was truly “good news”, there are still many lesbian
and gay Catholics who feel that this effort, which seeks to minister within “official”
or “church sanctioned” ministries is too little and too late. Dignity the largest
and oldest organization of gay Catholics, which publicly dissents from the churches
teaching on sexual expression, was not officially present at the conference. There
were however many members of Dignity chapters from around the country in attendance.
The most hopeful sign of the conference to me, was the presence of so many parents
of gay children. These are the folks who can speak most powerfully to the church,
and these are the ones who perhaps most need ministry from the church.
It is the pastoral needs of these families which has brought the discussion of homosexuality
to the US Bishop’s committee on marriage and family, and which most probably resulted
in the issuing of the controversial pastoral letter; Always Our Children. This pastoral
which has brought out the right-wing activists in swarms, is a very positive move
on behalf of the American bishops. In it the bishops assert; “All in all, it is
essential to recall one basic truth: God loves every person as a unique individual.
Sexual identity helps to define the unique persons we are. One component of our
sexual identity is sexual orientation. Thus, our total personhood is more encompassing
than sexual orientation. Human beings see the appearances, but the Lord looks into
the heart (I Samuel 16:7). God does not love anyone less simply because he or she
is homosexual.”
On one level this may not seem like much, but it is a huge move for the bishops given
that fear and earthly politics motivate so many of their actions. For gay Catholics
who love their church and its traditions it is a hopeful sign. For these same gay
and lesbian Catholics it very important to keep in mind what the church says about
how to make a good moral decision, and the place of individual informed conscience.
A point the bishops included in one version of the letter, but not the final draft.
The church teaches that informed conscience is to be ones primary guide taking precedence
over the law. This is especially important, I think when it comes to matters of
love and sexual moral decision. Church leaders have a long way to go in dealing
with their fear of the body, sexuality and intimacy, seriously compromising their
capacity to effectively teach on such matters. We see the signs of the Church’s
sexual dysfunction all around us. So consider the teachings of your tradition, its
truly “good news” for gay Catholics, that your conscience is what must guide you.