In wake of the terrible tragedy in Orlando, I wanted to share with you a positive experience I had on the weekend at church. Like many Liberal-minded progressive Catholics, I struggle with many of the church’s teachings. So I was pleasantly surprised by the priest’s homily last Sunday.
He started talking about Orlando and I admit I started to shift uncomfortably in my seat. I had no doubt he would condemn the shootings, but I wondered whether there might be an undertone of “Oh, but homosexuality is still wrong” to his message. He is new to our church and I know nothing about him so I didn’t know what to expect. I have always been an LGBT ally and a Savage Love fan so I thought about your words that allies need to stand up for the community, and sometimes that means leaving churches in the middle of services.
Thankfully I didn’t have to do that.
Not only did he condemn the shootings, not only did he speak of tolerance and acceptance of the LGBT community, he urged the congregation to actively love and support the community. He spoke of how members of the LGBT community are our brothers and sisters and how we all came into this world the same way and how we are all essentially the same. He urged the congregation not to engage in hate-filled homophobic conversations and behaviors and to call out those who do. Finally, he asked his parishioners to spread the message to their friends, family, fellow churchgoers, and community members.
I teared up. I was touched and a little surprised that this white-haired elderly priest would stand up at the front of a Catholic church and show that he isn’t just tolerant—he’s an ally—and encourage his congregation to be allies too. And I was touched when I looked around and saw many people nodding their heads in agreement and again when I heard a woman tell him how much she enjoyed his homily as she was leaving the church. I wish I had done that too.
I know this is the way it should be, Dan. I also know the church has an incredibly long way to go and some serious changes need to be made. One homily from one priest certainly doesn’t make everything better. But it’s also reassuring to know that some Catholic priests aren’t afraid to publicly disagree with the church’s teachings and to take a stand at Mass. It was reassuring for me, anyway, and I thought it might be for you too.
Sent From Outlook
Thanks for the letter, SFO, and you can tell your priest I enjoyed his homily too (or your recounting of his homily). But I’m not ready to slap the ally label on him. Where does he stand on civil marriage rights for same-sex couples? Adoption rights for same-sex couples? Anti-discrimination protections—and restroom access—for lesbians, gays, bisexual, and transgender people? And what is he willing to say to his congregation about those issues? It’s fine to espouse tolerance for those people but it’s not worth much—and it doesn’t get you off the bigot hook—if you simultaneously oppose equality under the law for those people. I’m glad he isn’t, like some Christian pastors, celebrating the deaths of LGBT people. But where does he stand on our lives?
Please note: I’m not talking about theology or who gets into heaven, SFO. I’m not asking about imaginary people or imaginary places. I’m not asking whether your priest is willing to marry same-sex couples. But you can’t claim to be an ally to queer people—or claim to be loving and tolerant—while opposing civil equality for queer people. Not liturgical equality, not theological equality, civil equality. That I would ask him about.
The pope makes tolerant noises about LGBT people once in a while (“Who am I to judge?”), SFO, before circling back to, “Oh, but homosexuality is still wrong.” Lord knows the pope enjoys palling around with rabid anti-gay bigots and issuing anti-gay pronouncements. And don’t get me started on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
But Lord also knows there are decent priests out there:
Some priests are cool and loving… but none of those priests ever get to be bishops, much less popes. (This process is rigged, too, apparently.) It sounds like your priest might be one of the good ones, like Father Tom. Let’s hope he’s an ally too.
I share your thoughts on our faith, and hope Father Tom gets to read this.
Not trying to get into a semantics quiz like Why won’t Barack or Hillary use the term ISLAMIC terrorists? Not telling you your job either Dan…(I’ll bet you’re really relieved about that). I believe there’s people who aren’t 100% allies in all aspects however their heart is in the right place. Is, “It’s a step in the right direction” too cliche? Maybe. Is a person who’s tolerant yet not quite a hard charger for us, okay or just a lip service only patronizer like Hillary Clinton saying how sad she was for the poor victims and families of the Benghazi raid, yet now that she is somewhat cleared, in guilt (not ineptness) of it, saying “time to move on” God I’m repulsed with that remark. It’s used by public figures all the time. I think the first time I heard that was ol’ Bopping Bill, her better half after he won his not to impeach vote. Time to forget about an almost 50 yr old man inviting a girl his daughters age to kneel under his desk for awhile and get on with the serious job of being president. Blah Blah Blah. Sorry Dan I know I rambled off topic, but in my labyrinthic thought processes I do believe we’re on the same page. I hope that doesn’t scare you.
I’m very sorry but the long drawn out comment about Hillary and Bill and relating (or off topic unrelating) about this kind hearted (on the surface) priest’s homily was sent by Medicated Marine……not SeentoMuch……..oopps. Sorry again and I’m in the dog house with Seentomuch now.