Look for a Return of the Rainbow Sashers this Pentecost!

Members of the Rainbow Sash Movement, who describe themselves as Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender/Straight and Catholic, might be coming to your parish this Pentecost, May 15, 2005.  Read their letter to the U.S. Bishops below.

April 27, 2005


Eminences and Excellencies:

Pentecost Sunday, May 15, 2004 is approaching. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the Rainbow Sash Movement will be entering Cathedrals and Parishes across the nation on that date. We come as we always have come in prayerful dignity, to enter into one of the most joyous times in the Church, the birthday of the Church. As is our tradition we will be wearing Rainbow Sashes to designate that we are Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender/Straight and Catholic. We come to offer our talents and support in rebuilding the Church.

I am reminded of what Fr. Mychal Judge once said, 'if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans for tomorrow'. For those of you who don’t know Fr. Mychal Judge he was a New York Fire Department Chaplain, Franciscan priest. The Chaplain had been among the first to reach the scene of carnage on 911. Sudden death smashed upon the kneeling priest when, having removed his helmet, he was administering the last rites to a dying fireman. Here was a real religious 'martyr'. He also ministered to the gay community with same blind love. However his ministry to our community had to be in the shadows for fear of reprisals. Authentic ministry must be based in love.

So we come in joy to celebrate the diversity of the Church. There are those who will say because we publicly identify ourselves, we are engaging in a political protest. Please listen to our intent. We come joyfully as part of the people of God to take part in the Sacred Liturgy. We offer you our support in these difficult times. If you cannot see someone, and are therefore blind to their presence, how can you welcome them, as the Catechism instructs?

We continue to call for open dialogue. It is our hope moving forward that you will open your hearts and minds to our faithfulness, and speak with us. We hope this dialogue process can begin prior to your November meeting in Washington DC. The best way to love your neighbor is to get to know them.

Sincerely Yours Christ,


Joe Murray
US Convener
Rainbow Sash Movement

Comments

[Dorothy]

These people do not enter the church in prayerful dignity.

What they did several years ago in St. Patrick's Cathedral in N.Y.C was shameful and obnoxious. Their antics included rushing upon the Holy Alter, grabbing handfuls of Communion Hosts, throwing the Hosts around, stepping upon them while laughing, shouting and otherwise occupied in their form of jovial behaviour.

People beware if this group is coming again to visit your church.

Dorothy

[Scott W]

The thing is is that wearing the Rainbow Sash is an overtly political act itself and a statement of defiance of Church teaching. The act of conspicuous self-identification is to expressly undercut the act of coming to the *Communion* table. In addition, to pass out rainbow lapel pins before Mass, as also has been done in the past, or to expect a tacit response from congregants in light of disruptive antics during the Mass, is a solicitation for remote cooperation, which seems scandalous to me. Come in prayerful dignity my foot.

[peggy]

What I don't understand is how prayerful can you be when you are openly identifying as a practicing unrepentant homosexual and then you go up with everyone else to communion!

Please tell me that priests have the right to refuse the Eucharist to such people.

[Scott W]

As I've posted (thetroglodyte.com), not all bishops allow priests to refuse Communion.

[OhioWoodsman]

Look north to Calgary, Canada, where Catholic Bishop Fred Henry denounced homosexuality from the pulpit in sermons, based on Bibilical quotes. Now, two Canadians have filed complaints with the Canadian Human Rights Commision (who have adopted the U.N.s International Declaration of Human Rights)that this is prohibited "hate speech." Imagine--free exercise of speech and religion now being criminalized!!! against a Bishop no less. Folks, it is getting out of control. Time to fight back--HARD!

[joe]

It is my hope that through teaching and strong leadership, we can finally begin to get a control on some of the dissent in the church that leads so many Catholics astray. I loved JP II, but often wondered why he did not step in to help more when these people were so open in their false teachings from positons of power in our Catholic Universities and with our Bishops, priests, and nuns. He did not seem to have the energy for this he did in ending the Communist rule in Poland.

[Cindy]

Homosexuals who flaunt their lifestyle and openly disregard Catholic Church teaching should NOT be allowed in any Catholic Church and YET, many Bishops/priests are letting them think it's okay. This is wrong but what do you expect when the enemies of Christ have infiltrated the church:

Who's Been Changing The Inside of Roman Catholic Churches? And Why?

A Pictorial Comparison of the Altar/Sanctuary of pre-Vatican II Catholic churches with table/worship space in Masonic lodges, post Vatican II Novus Ordo "Catholic" churches, Anglican churches and the United Nations mediation room

http://www.realnews247.com/altar_comparison_pictorial.htm

[Valerie]

Hello, I strongly recommend you to read this article:

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_8198.shtml