Recently I had a conversation with a fellow Passionist who questioned the necessity for the Passionists of Holy Cross Province in particular to discuss the “gay” issue because according to him, only 2% of the population identify as gay. [I questioned his data, but that’s a blog for another day] My sense of Passionist vocation tells me that is exactly why we should address the issue. The GLBT community being such a small minority, is very likely to be marginalized. In the spirit of full disclosure, I must remind my readers that I identify as a gay man.
Since that discussion, I attended the Chicago Pride Parade and I’m no longer convinced that the GLBT community is marginalized. In fact, I believe they are now mainstream, in civil society, that is. I’m not so sure about the Official Catholic Church’s position. So I think the discussion should continue. In defense of the Official Catholic Church however, the Chicago Tribune’s reporting of Chicago’s Bishop Blasé Cupich’s response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in Obergefell vs. Hodges.
“Blase Cupich urged Roman Catholics to ‘extend support to all families, no matter their circumstances, recognizing that we are all relatives, journeying through life under the careful watch of a loving God.’” (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-archbishop-cupich-supreme-court-met-20150628-story.html)
While that’s not exactly putting a gay flag on the Church Bulletin, it’s a compassionate, inclusive statement that I can fully stand behind. Further in the article Bishop Cupich clearly states that the ruling of course has no bearing on the Church’s sacrament of matrimony.
As Passionists, I hope we will be as compassionate and inclusive as Bishop Cupich. I think LZ Granderson’s TED Talk clearly separates the civil from the church in his humorous yet very serious inclusive discussion. Enjoy!
We are a community of laymen and laywomen who, with vowed Passionists, seek to share in the charism of St. Paul of the Cross through prayer, ongoing spiritual formation, and proclamation of the message of Christ Crucified.
Thanks. I am beginning to like some of these Episcopal appointments. As my imam said last Friday, of the good Archbishop of Chicago, “Peace be upon him.”
Thanks for your post Dan. I think too much is being made over what needed to be done and the Supreme Court did it! Now the discrimination in taxation, and other benefits will cease.
God, I hope you’re right Evan.