Okay. So I never learned how to ride a bike – I’m sure that seems like an impossible concept to may people, but I didn’t. In fact I’m amazed by people who can not only balance on those narrow contraptions but can pedal forwards and backwards. While I know that there is a good chance I could learn to balance and pedal forward, I highly doubt I could master backpedaling.

Backpedaling, however, is way life at the Vatican these days. It seems every month a new faux pas comes out of the Vatican and they have to put out new fires while doing damage control.


On January 21, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI signed a decree lifting the excommunication of four Lefebvrite bishops. These were bishops ordained by the late schismatic French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre in 1988. Lefebvre founded the Society of St. Pius X after he broke with Rome over the liturgical reforms and teachings of the Second Vatican Council.

Reaction to this decree was immediate! One of the Lefebvrites, Bishop Richard Williams has stated over and over that the Holocaust was not as severe as we are led to believe, and that no more than 300,000 Jews died during World War II – none in gas chambers.

The public outcry over the lifting of the excommunications caught the Vatican off-guard, and they have spent several weeks repairing the damage.

Just when they felt they had the January Lefebvrite fire under control, another flame ignited.

In February, The Vatican announced that Benedict had picked the Rev. Gerhard Wagner to be auxiliary bishop in Linz, Austria’s third largest city.

Again public outcry raged. It seems that Wagner had already made quite a name for himself in 2005, when he was quoted as saying that he was convinced that the death and destruction of Hurricane Katrina earlier that year was “divine retribution for New Orleans’ tolerance of homosexuals and laid-back sexual attitudes.

Interestingly, the outcry came from Austrian Catholics and church groups who argued that the decision could motivate people to leave the Catholic Church. (But heck, Benedict is banking on retrieving the 150,000 or so Lefebvrites worldwide, so maybe he sees it as a wash.)

The outcry spurred another Vatican backpedaling sideshow. On Monday, March 3, the Vatican made a brief announcement saying that the pope had “exonerated … Wagner from accepting the office of Linz auxiliary bishop.”

Given these two recent controversial decisions by the Vatican that led to unusually open criticism of Vatican policy, even from top Roman Catholic churchmen, one has to wonder what the heck is going on? Personally, I find it inconceivable that the Pope would be that ill informed to be so clueless as to the beliefs held by these men. And if he is, I’m concerned about his ability to lead the Church.

In an era that seeks to tighten the reins and turn back the clock, it seems the Vatican is willing to take chances and gamble that people “won’t find out” what these men are really about. It is only in the face of public outcry – which seems to be happening more frequently – that Benedict thumps himself on the forehead in a “V8 momen” and utters the Homer Simpson “DOH.”

I’m saddened by this type of leadership. A leadership that invokes scandal rather than demonstrates pastoral actions. A leadership that has to put out fires rather than adhere to loving practices that prevent them.

I have to admit I beginning to agree with conservative columnist George Weigel’s reflection after the Lefebvrite debacle, “The last several weeks of curial chaos, confusion, and incompetence in the wake of the lifting of the excommunications of four Lefebvrite bishops have made clear just how dysfunctional the curia remains in terms of both crisis analysis and crisis management.”

My reflection is that there is definitely no “fun” in this dysfunction.

Well you knew it was coming. This past week I told you about the proposal by an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) task force that suggested that the denomination consider allowing local parishes to decide whether or not they would choose to allow gays and lesbians who are in committed relationships to serve as clergy. The conservatives have now given there response.

Gerald B. Kieschnick, president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, in a letter to his 2.5 million-member denomination expressed “great disappointment and deep sadness” over the proposal. He went on to say that the change “would constitute a radical departure from the 2,000-year-long teaching of the Christian tradition that homosexual activity, whether inside or outside of a committed relationship, is contrary to Holy Scripture.”

A few observations came to mind for me as I read that response.

First, it would be very unlikely that the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod would approve of something the ELCA was considering. The Missouri Synod, in 2001, adopted a resolution saying it does not consider the Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to be “an orthodox Lutheran church body.” It did, however, say that it recognized that many members of the larger denomination “remain faithful” to the Christian Gospel.

Given this stance, it should really be no surprise the more conservative branch of the Lutheran Church would disagree with the more progressive branch. This is not a new struggle and has in fact plagued churches for years. A prime example is the current state of the worldwide Anglican community.

Second, just because we’ve taught something for years doesn’t make it right. For years Christianity taught that it was an abomination (sin) to eat shellfish but it was, however, okay to own slaves. We have since change our teachings on both of those issues. If teachings change once, they can change again.

What I like about the proposal offered by the ELCA task force, it that reflects the “big tent” theme of Jesus’ teaching. Just as Jesus stressed the need for everyone to be included unconditionally, this proposal seems to say that the “tent” is big enough for everyone and that everyone is welcomed - even if we don’t all agree.

Coincidentally, another news item caught my attention this week. Roman Catholic bishop Joseph Martino of Scranton, Pennsylvania, wants Misericordia University to close its multicultural center because it hosted a visit by gay-rights advocate and author Keith Boykin on February 17, saying that viewpoints that contradict Catholic teaching should not be presented “under the guise of ‘diversity.’”

Apparently, His Excellence hasn’t fully grasped what diversity means. Diversity means being able to present many sides of an issue in order to come to a better understanding of each other’s viewpoint. The end result isn’t necessarily to be in agreement with each other but to listen to one another in a respectful manner. Again, the tent is large enough for everyone, and there isn’t a need to limit how God chooses to make things happen. The bottom is line is that we are able to love each other enough to engage in respectful dialogue.

God’s tent is far larger than any one denomination or branch of a denomination can imagine. Both Gerald B. Kieschnick and Bishop Martino need to bear that in mind, and learn to approach others from a mentality of unconditional love. After all, as scripture tells us, God is love. Need we say more?

I recently read a review of this year’s Oscars night and the impact it has on people’s thoughts, attitudes and opinions of gays.

The article reflected on the “star impact” of Oscar night, and how even someone in the most remote areas of the country can relate to movies, the stars, and the allure of the evening. When this star impact is used in a constructive and education way the impact can be felt for years to come.

This year’s Oscars had two such moments for our Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community. The first was given to us by Dustin Lance Black in his acceptance speech as he spoke directly to GLBT youth and told them that, regardless of what churches and governments might tell them, they are individuals of value, that God does love them for who they are, and that soon their equality would be federally recognized across this great nation. What out adult, or even more importantly closeted youth, wouldn’t find teary eyed inspiration in those words?

Later in the evening Sean Penn offered another dose of support in inviting those individuals who voted for Proposition 8 to reflect on their shame and the shame in the eyes of their grandchildren if they continued on in this belief. He then went on to echo Black in his plea for equality for everyone.

While the Glitz of the Oscars is indeed a wonderful way get the word out and plant seeds of change on a wider range, there is something happening on a smaller, but no less important level in the Lutheran Church.

The nation’s largest Lutheran denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), in an attempt to avoid what is happening in other major churches, will consider allowing individual congregations to choose whether to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy.

A task force of the ELCA recommended this action in an attempt to avoid the internal fighting that has plagued other churches and threatens to tear apart the worldwide Anglican community.

While there are still a number of points that need to be addressed and worked out, it is planned that this motion will be considered at the biannual convention of the 4.7-million member denomination this August here in Minneapolis.

By allowing local congregations to decide if they wish to allow gays and Lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy, the ELCA would find a common ground “both/and” solution rather than take a more divisive “either/or” stance. This allows individuals to choose to be long to a congregation that fits their beliefs – something many of them are already doing on other issues. It also affirms, and respects the committed love that same sex couples express, sending the message to GLBT Lutheran youth, that they are, echoing the words of Black, individuals of value, and that God does indeed love them for who they are.

When Churches, governments, celebrities, our next door neighbors, and our families begin to accept us for who we are and not for who they perceive us to be in the bedroom, then the seeds of equality for everyone are allowed to grow, bloom and bear abundant fruit.

This week we saw the seeds being planted now it’s up to all of us to help nurture them as they grow.

On Friday, June 29, the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis officially welcomed Archbishop John C. Nienstedt as coadjutor archbishop. A coadjutor works with the current archbishop and succeeds him when he retires. Archbishop Harry Flynn is expected to retire in spring of 2008.

As with all new ecclesial appointments, there are those who are excited, and those who are concerned. Nienstedt’s appointment has, likewise, been received with a mixed reaction by the laity of the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese. For our GLBT community, his appointment is certainly a dark day.

The June 21, issue of The Catholic Spirit, the St. Paul/Minneapolis archdiocesan newspaper, was dedicated to welcoming Archbishop Nienstedt, and introducing him to the archdiocese.

In the midst of biographies and personal adulations from his friends from around the country, was and article drawing from Nienstedt’s writings on a number of issues. This article was quite possibly the most insightful piece about the new archbishop in the entire publication. It certainly shed a glaring light, albeit a black light, on how he perceives the GLBT population of his new Episcopal See.

In regards to marriage and same-sex unions, he has proven himself a “party man” for Rome. In a May 16, 2004, speech Nienstedt states, “I believe that the decision made by the Massachusetts Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, in extending the right of homosexual couples to civil marriage has, in effect, drawn a battle line in the cultural war to preserve the health and well-being of the family as the basic building block of a free and just society. The definition of family rests upon the civil understanding of marriage as a communion of two persons in one flesh. This must be a union between one man and one woman…” Nienstedt, by the way, spearheaded a postcard campaign – that was later supported by all Minnesota bishops - to encourage the Minnesota legislators to support a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage (the campaign wasn’t successful).

When we look at Nienstedt’s statement several things stand out. First, the past four years have demonstrated that the building block of families certainly hasn’t deteriorated in Massachusetts. The state did not burst into flames with the first same-sex marriage, and surprisingly, heterosexual marriages were not suddenly dissolved rendering them null and void. In fact, perhaps even more shocking, heterosexual marriages have continued to take place with no noticeable repercussions. For better or for worse, heterosexual families are still the exact same building block they have been all along. What has changed is that our families and relationships are now recognized and protected. Nothing has changed in the heterosexual world, while everything has changed in our world.

Also if the definition of family rest on a civil understanding, than that understanding is indeed a secular understanding, and temporal authorities need to stay out of it. I suspect the bishops wouldn’t appreciate civil authorities telling them what form they need to use while providing Eucharist, or in what manner their worship services need to be run. Church leaders would be furious! Until church leaders can give concrete evidence as to how civil same-sex marriage breaks down their institutions, there really is no issue. If however, the real threat is to how they grow – or refuse to grow – in a Christ-like manner, ministering with unconditional love and hospitality, then there is a much bigger issue than the threat of same-sex marriage.

But Nienstedt’s homophobia extends beyond marriage to GLBT individuals themselves. When speaking of homosexuals in his March 2007, pastoral letter, he said, “Today’s ‘gay agenda’ advocates, including many persons in the media, want you to believe that homosexuality is as natural as heterosexuality with a slight variation. They have cleverly sought refuge under the umbrella of ‘civil rights.’ Neither Assertion is true and both must be challenged.”

On April 25, the St. Paul Pioneer Press ran an article following the announcement of Nienstedt’s appointment. It, too, related a number of Nienstedt’s views from his writings. According to the article, Nienstedt has used his column in the New Ulm, MN diocesan newspaper, to air his views on homosexuality saying “people become gay or lesbian as a ‘result of psychological trauma’ when a child…between 18 months and age 3.” He went on to say that homosexuality “must be understood in the context of other human disorders: envy, malice, greed, etc.”

WOW! Where to begin on that one! First let’s take a look at what the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us. The Catechism states, “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. They do not choose their homosexual condition…They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives.”

Accepting homosexuals with respect, compassion, and sensitivity, and avoiding every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard, sounds very much like a civil rights and human rights issue – even though the Church has tried, rather lamely, to say that this isn’t a rights issue, hinting that this is a just discrimination.

The Catechism also says that homosexuality’s “ psychological genesis remains largely unexplained.” I suspect the authors of the Catechism are relieved and grateful that Nienstedt has been able to definitively pinpoint the “psychological trauma” that causes homosexuality – something that has escaped the Holy Mother Church for two millennia.

In an open letter to the archdiocesan laity in the May 17, issue of The Catholic Spirit, Nienstedt said, “As you may know, the local newspapers have assumed a ‘tabloid-like sensational” posture to my nomination, seeking to discredit me in your minds before we meet. Personally, I find this very inhospitable and not at all in keeping with the classic Minnesota attitude of ‘fair play.’ I ask you to keep an open mind at least until we meet, which I hope will be soon.”

I find this statement ironic. Here is a man who has built his ecclesial career denouncing and discrediting our community with close-minded 18th century assumptions on homosexuality, chastising us for being a little suspect and apprehensive of him. Personally Archbishop, I find this “very inhospitable and not at all in keeping with the classic Minnesota attitude of ‘fair play.”

In The Catholic Spirit article, Nienstedt invites us to “Keep an open mind at least until we meet.” In essence asking us to meet him, get to know him and to give him a chance before we pass judgment. I would like to to extend that same invitation to the Archbishop in return.

Archbishop Nienstedt, keep an unbiased open mind towards the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of your new Archdiocese - at least until you meet us. Get to know us, learn our stories and above all give us a chance as well. Follow in the footsteps of the living Christ who ministered to and entering into the stories of those marginalized by the religious authorities, rather than following in the footsteps of the religious authorities responsible for the marginalizing. Set aside your personal agenda, follow the example of Jesus, and truly be the loving, embracing shepherd he calls you to be to all of your flock in the St. Paul/Minneapolis Archdiocese.

Well it’s officially summer, and with that comes my favorite festival of the year – Gay Pride. That time of year when the park turns into a massive festival ground filled, with individuals, families and friends - gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and straight - all celebrating the wonderful gifts our community offers to the wider the community.

One of the most important parts of the festival for me is the music, and when I think of Pride music, and performers, no one epitomizes Pride for me more than Cindi Lauper. From “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” to “True Colors” to “Time After Time”, she has enlivened, encouraged and supported our issues and concerns for over two decades.

As I gear up for Pride each year I find myself listen to Cindi’s music, and as fun as her music is, I’m always impressed that so often it carries a very real and relative message as well. This year I’ve been finding myself centering on her song, “Change Of Heart.”

As I listen to all the slanted misinterpretations of scripture, and out and out lies, used by churches, religion centered groups, and politicians, to promote their homophobic and hate filled agendas, the refrain from “Change Of Heart” resounds like an anthem in my ears.

“Waiting for your change of heart
It just takes a beat
To turn it around
Yes I’m waiting for your change of heart
At the edge of my seat
Please turn it around”

Many of my friends have been asking if we really have so much to be proud of this year as we listen to the Republican presidential candidates vie for the title of “Most Conservative,” while the Religious Right continues to spread lies and messages of hate about our community. Given that environment, it certainly is a valid question. However, if we take a step back, I think that we can see that we really do have a lot to be proud of.

Last week, defying demands made by leaders of the world wide Anglican Church, the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church – the U.S. branch of the Anglican Church – said their leadership should not cede authority to over seas leaders who want the church to stop moving forward in it’s work towards full inclusion and acceptance of gays.

Following its meeting in Parsippany, NJ, the council issued a statement saying, "We question the authority of the primates to impose deadlines and demands upon any of the churches of the Anglican Communion."

Last February, fueled by conservative leaders who have been angry since the 2003 consecration of openly gay bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, Anglican leaders demanded that Episcopalians allow a panel - that would include Anglican conservatives from other countries - to oversee conservative Episcopal parishes in the U.S. The leaders also gave Episcopalians until Sept. 30 to unequivocally pledge not to consecrate another openly gay bishop or authorize official prayers for same-sex couples

The statement approved by the 38-member panel of clergy and lay people, says that these demands are unacceptable, but this panel is not the final word from the U.S. church. Episcopal bishops will give the denomination's official response during a meeting Sept. 20-25 in New Orleans.

Earlier this month, Massachusetts gave us another reason to be proud. In what was an excellent example of doing the “right thing,” Massachusetts’ legislators voted down an attempt to get a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage before voters next year. By keeping this legislation off the 2008 ballot, members of the Massachusetts’ congress could focus their attention on more serious issues facing their state.

This week, leading up to Pride, I had the opportunity to attend a Diversity luncheon. The facilitator shared a reading from the Native American tradition. It told the story of a grandfather who spent many long hours teaching his grandson how to hunt and fish - all in a very sacred and reverent way. One day, the grandfather said to the young boy, “Today we are going to change the course of the Great River.” The boy’s heart leapt with excitement as he thought, “Change the course of the Great River? What an incredible thing to do.” As they neared the river, the boy’s mind filled with thoughts of what the river might look like with its course changed. When they arrived at the bank of the river, the old man reached down and pull a stone from the river bottom. As the boy watched the water fill in the hole where the stone had been, he realized that in some small way, they had indeed changed the course of the river. The old man looked at the boy and said, ”The river’s course is changed one stone at a time. We must remember this and live our lives accordingly.”

The wisdom of this story is very much reflected in what is happening in the Episcopal Church and in the events in Massachusetts. The leaders of the Episcopal church are not backing down to the demands of the Worldwide Anglican Community. They are following their hearts, sticking to their convictions, and doing what they know is right. They are in a small but very visible and significant way, working to change the course of the great Anglican river.

Likewise, the legislators in Massachusetts, in voting to not approve a ballot item banning same-sex marriage via a constitutional amendment, have stood firm in their conviction to ensure equality for all the citizens in their state. Their bravery has also caused the issue to be raised in several other states. They are, in a small but significant way, helping to change the course of the great political river in this country so that equality will be the norm for all of our citizens.

By raising the issues, asking the questions, and creating awareness, people’s minds, attitudes and hearts can be changed, and in doing so, our lives lives and families are recognized and honored, and our rights are acknowledged and respected.

The course of the Great River is changed one stone at a time. People attitudes and prejudices are changed one heart at a time.

“Waiting for your change of heart
It just takes a beat
To turn it around.”

In this season of Pride, let’s all work to together to be the positive agents of change in in our communities.

Homily Given On April 22, 2007.
Readings For The Day.
Acts 5:26a, 27-32, 40-41; Revelations 5:11-14; John 21:1-19


Last Saturday, as a prelude to Earth day which we celebrate this weekend, hundreds of people gathered on the capitol lawn in St. Paul to attend a Global Warming Action Day. The day, designed to create continued awareness of the issue and to educate on possible steps that can be taken to address the crisis, had it’s beginnings with a small group of students at Middlebury College in Vermont. The group, which had virtually no budget to work with, relied on word of mouth and blogsites, to spread their message. Their hard work paid off, as the “Step It Up 2007” event materialized in over 1,300 gatherings that were held throughout all 50 states.

As they celebrated this event, I was reminded of a quote by Catholic, social activist Dorothy Day. Dorothy was never comfortable with all of the adulation people heaped on her, and her standard retort to people praising her was, “Don’t make me a Saint. I won’t be dismissed that easily.” The success of the Global Warming Action Day was due to the persistence of a small group of individuals who were willing to step out of their safety zone and to speak their truth to political leaders, no matter how inconvenient it might be. They were a group that would not be dismissed easily.

In our first reading today, we find the disciples once again called before the Sanhedrin. The High Priest interrogates them, reminding them they were given strict orders not to preach about Jesus, and yet here they are again, facing the religious leaders for doing that very thing. The High Priest wants an explanation. In reply, Peter says, “We must obey God rather than you!” But Peter doesn’t stop there. He uses this encounter as an opportunity to teach about Jesus and the resurrection. In the end the disciples are whipped and ordered to never speak in the name of Jesus again. A silencing they ignore. The disciples were indeed a group that showed the religious leaders they wouldn’t be dismissed easily.

In March 1996, a group of Catholics in Lincoln, Nebraska, wrote a letter to Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, informing him of their intent to form a local chapter of Call To Action. Bruskewitz replied with an ultimatum - rescind your membership in that organization or face automatic excommunication within a month. This response was printed in the diocesan newspaper rather than in a communication to the CTA members themselves. In fact, every request to meet with the Bishop to discuss the subject was met with a deafening silence, as Bruskewitz refused to acknowledge them until they had severed relations with CTA, had their names removed from all mailing lists associated with the organization, and had made a thorough confession with their priest to atone for their errant ways.

Ironically, Call To Action grew out of an initiative of the Bishops, themselves. A visit to CTA’s website, show’s its roots in a 1971 statement by Paul VI who said that it was the Laity who had received the primary “call to action” to create a more just world. Later that year, the international synod of the bishops declared that "action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world appears to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the gospel." It went on to say, "The church recognizes that anyone who ventures to speak to people about justice must first be just in their eyes; hence, we must undertake an examination of the modes of action, of the possessions, and of the lifestyle found within the church itself."

Following this synod, and several years of creative consultations, the US Bishop’s Call To Action Conference was held in Detroit in 1976. The three-day event, which coincided with the American Bicentennial, acknowledged that for the Church to be just in the eyes of those it preaches to, it would need to turn a self-reflective lens on itself. The Church was being asked to stand up to racism, sexism, militarism and poverty in modern society, and to do so in a credible way it would need to reevaluate its positions on issues like celibacy for priests, the male-only clergy, homosexuality, birth control, and the involvement of every level of the church in important decisions. This was not a place many bishops were willing to go, and from that time on the Bishops began distancing themselves from the organization which has now become primarily lay lead.

Last November, Rome sent a letter to Bruskewitz upholding the excommunications that took place ten years earlier. The letter read, “The judgment of the Holy See is that the activities of Call to Action in the course of these years are in contrast with the Catholic faith due to views and positions held which are unacceptable from a doctrinal and disciplinary standpoint.” Rome has never communicated directly with the members of Lincoln CTA, and none of the group’s appeals over the past ten years have even been acknowledged. In spite of this, the group continues to move forward, advocating for justice and refusing to be easily dismissed.

In January of this year, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton was asked to resign as pastor of St. Leo’s parish in Detroit. The Archdiocese has stated his resignation was due to the fact that he is past the mandatory retirement age of 75. Gumbleton, a retired Auxiliary Bishop from Detroit, is 77 but he feels there is another layer to this story.

For years he has been an outspoken champion of woman serving in the church, has supported greater acceptance of gay and lesbian members of the church, and has been a very vocal critic of the sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church for several years now. He testified in Ohio a year ago in favor of a bill that would extend the statute of limitations from two years past the victim’s 18th birthday to 20 years – a move that was VERY unpopular with bishops throughout the country. It seems these many years of advocacy and of calling the Church to accountability may have led to his forced resignation. Regardless of this, he still writes for the National Catholic Reporter and continues to work for issues of justice. He, too, is someone who will not be easily dismissed.

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the New Ways Ministry National Symposium here in Minneapolis. I suspect a number of you may have heard about the conference through the extensive media coverage it received, due largely to the fact that Archbishop Flynn chose to deny us the opportunity to celebrate Mass and Eucharist.

New Ways Ministry was founded in 1977 by Fr. Robert Nugent and Sr. Jeannine Gramick, in an effort to provide a positive ministry of advocacy and justice for gay and lesbian Catholics, and defines itself as “An educational and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between the Catholic gay and lesbian community and the wider church.”

As a result of this ministry, the Archbishop of Washington D.C. forced Nugent to resign from New Ways Ministry in 1984, and in 2003 the Vatican silenced both Nugent and Gramick, because of their continued work with gay and lesbian Catholics. Gramick’s silencing came by way of her order, and she, in response, chose to switch orders so that she could continue this important ministry.

The conference addressed a number of issues concerning gay and lesbian people in the church, and while we were denied the opportunity to celebrate Mass and Eucharist, an alternative prayer experience was held. Once again, an example of a group advocating for justice and refusing to be easily dismissed.

Our Gospel today opens with the disciples fishing. Following the resurrection, they have returned to the familiar surroundings of Galilee, and to their old profession. They have been casting their nets in the usual waters all evening to no avail. Jesus appears and tells them to cast their nets in a different place, and when they do the catch is abundant and overflowing. As they come ashore, Jesus invites them to join him in sharing a meal.

After they have eaten, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me more than these others do?” Peter responds that he does. But Jesus doesn’t ask him just once, he asks him three times, and with each response Peter gives, Jesus invites him, to feed and tend his lambs and sheep. This threefold questioning allows Peter to be reconciled for his threefold denial following Jesus’ arrest. The three denials Jesus predicted would come before the cock crowed.

Our Gospel ends with Jesus inviting Peter to follow him, but telling him that, in doing so, he will be led to places he doesn’t want to go. That invitation is the same invitation that Jesus extends to us today. “Follow me.” But in answering that invitation to follow Jesus, we too, will be led to places we may not want to go.

The threefold denial of Lincoln Call To Action, Bishop Gumbleton, and New Ways Ministry, echoes the denials of Peter in the courtyard, with one important difference. The cock has not yet crowed, and there is still time for our church to love, feed, and tend Jesus’ lambs and sheep. But how is this to happen. Our Gospel provides some insights.

First we must be willing to do things in a different way. The disciples were only successful, when they stopped fishing in the same way and location, and were open to casting their nets in newer, deeper and broader waters – when they did, they couldn’t pull their nets back in because they had caught so many fish. Secondly we have to be open to seeing the face of Jesus in even the most unexpected and uncomfortable places. I’m intrigued that when Jesus appeared to the disciples in our reading today, it took them awhile to recognize him – to see his face. And finally, we have to understand that following Jesus will take us to places, people and groups that we may not want to go to.

To follow Jesus, we must be willing to see his face in celibate, married or partnered, men and women answering the Spirit’s call to ordained ministry. We must see his face in those individuals who advocate for wider participation by all levels of our church in the decision making process. We must see his face in those brave members of the clergy who are willing to take a stand urging the Church to take appropriate responsibility for any forms of abuse it may have participated in. We must see his face in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and straight members of our church. And, equally important, we must also see the face of Jesus in those members of the hierarchy with whom we may not see eye-to-eye. Yes, following Jesus means that we will most likely be led to those groups and individuals who we may not agree with, but in whom we must find the face of Jesus.

The final piece that stands out for me in today’s Gospel is the abundance of fish caught by the disciples. 153. This number is not arbitrarily thrown out, and is actually quite significant. At the time John’s Gospel was written, 153 was the known number of species of fish. Every possible type and diversity of fish was caught that day. Not one was shunned, alienated or dismissed.

To truly follow Jesus, we must be willing to be led to places we may not want to go, we must be open to seeing his face even in those we don’t want to, and we must refuse to be easily dismissed, until everyone, without exception, is welcomed unconditionally.

153 fish. Every possible type and diversity of fish was brought in that day. None were shunned, alienated or dismissed.

Like many Catholics, I was saddened by the forced resignation of retired Bishop Thomas Gumbleton at the end of January. Since his retirement as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Detroit Archdiocese, Gumbleton has been serving as pastor of St. Leo’s Parish in Detroit.

The Archdiocese has stated his resignation was due to the fact that he is past the mandatory retirement age of 75. Gumbleton is 77. Now I know for a fact that diocese after diocese, in response to the supposed “priest shortage” have asked - no begged - priests to stay on after retirement age to help fill vacant pastor spots in parishes. So why was Gumbleton forced to resign so quickly?

To answer that we must first look at who Gumbleton is. He is a man with a long record of advocacy in social justice areas. An article in the National Catholic Reporter states he “Has been active in movements against war, militarism and nuclear weapons going back to the Vietnam era. He helped write the U.S. bishops pastoral letter on peace and nuclear weapons in the 1980s and served as president of Catholic peace group Pax Christi USA from 1972 to 1991. He has made numerous trips to conflict areas around the world, including multiple trips to Iraq and Haiti.” So why, you might ask, would the church force this man out?

Well, Gumbleton has also been an outspoken champion of woman serving in the church, has supported greater acceptance of gay and lesbian members of the church, and has been a very vocal critic of the sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church for several years now. He testified in Ohio a year ago in favor of a bill that would extend the statute of limitations from two years past the victim’s 18th birthday to 20 years – a move that was VERY unpopular with bishops in Ohio and elsewhere in the country. It seems these many years of advocacy and of calling the Church to accountability led to his forced resignation. A sad day for the church as a whole, but just another in a long line of examples of how out of touch the hierarchy is with the lived experience of the people.

Contrasting this, that same week I had the opportunity to attended a workshop given by Frank DeBernardo, the Executive Director of New Ways Ministry, which defines itself as “An educational and bridge-building ministry of reconciliation between the Catholic gay and lesbian community and the wider church.”

New Ways Ministry was founded in 1977 by Fr. Robert Nugent and Sr. Jeannine Gramick, in an effort to provide a positive ministry of advocacy and justice for gay and lesbian Catholics. As a result of this ministry, the Archbishop of Washington D.C. forced Nugent to resign from New Ways Ministry in 1984, and in 2003 the Vatican silenced both Nugent and Gramick, because of their continued work with Gay and lesbian Catholics.

Debernardo’s presentation was an incredible blend of educational pieces, and both small and large group dialogs, and the audience was a wonderful mix of gay, lesbian, and straight allies. The evening began with a video on the experience of lesbian and gay Latinos. In a culture that places all emphasis on the family it illustrated the struggles encounter by both the individuals coming out and their parents and loved ones. One young woman talked about her nervousness in coming out to her sister who she was very close to. The encounter went far better than she had expected. After asking a number of questions, her sister simply asked, “Are you happy?” The woman relied that she was, to which her sister replied, “Okay, the rest doesn’t matter.”

What wisdom that simple statement holds. GLBT individuals are still the same people they were before they came out, they are just coming to know and accept another part of who they are. Their families still want them to be happy, and if they are, nothing else matters. As one woman put it, “I’m still the same person. I am who I am.”

That phrase, “I am who I am,” jumped out at me that night. When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and told him to head off to Egypt, Moses asked God whom he should say sent him - he asked what God’s name was. God replied, “I am who am.” “I am” has long been revere as the name of God, and that woman’s comment reminded me that we are all created by God and in God’s image, and that God is a part of and in all of us. We are all God’s children, and in God’s eyes we are all so much more than our sexuality.

One parent in the video commented, that to accept your gay or lesbian child is the ultimate test of unconditional love, and will challenge you at your very core. I totally agree with this. I also feel that that is what Thomas Gumbleton, Robert Nugent and Jeannine Gramick did for the Catholic Church. They challenged the Church at the very core of its teachings, to love unconditionally. They challenged the church to love as Jesus loved. A challenge the Church has not always answered well.

Ah yes! The season of love is upon us once again and everywhere I look I see stores awash with splashes of red, white and pink, while cherubs with arrows take aim at frilly hearts. Valentines Day is here once again.

Yes, arrows of love are certainly flying everywhere, except, that is, within the leadership halls of a number of major religions. The arrows of these institutions are meant to maim, wound, and outright attack their LGBT members. They are about anything but love!

In January, Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Atlanta, began his clerical trial. His crime? Entering into a committed relationship with the man who was the love of his. Schmeling, who has always been very open about his sexuality, initially worried that it might be a problem when he was called as pastor at the 350 member church, but instead, the parish held a party for him and his partner, Darin Easler. Unfortunately, there was no such party when he told his bishop.

Bishop Ronald Warren of the E.L.C.A.'s Southeastern Synod, on hearing the news that Schmeling had found a partner, immediately asked the young pastor to resign. When he refused, Warren began disciplinary proceedings against him citing violations of church rules barring sex outside of marriage. I suspect that Schmeling and Easler would have eagerly tied the knot if same sex marriage were allowed, but that of course wasn’t an option or taken into consideration. On February 8, the Evangelical Lutheran Church ecclesiastic court ruled that Schmeling should be removed from the roster of ordained E.L.C.A. clergy, but in doing so said the policy barring clergy in gay relationships was discriminatory and possibly a violation of the church's own constitution.

The same week as Schmeling’s trial, the Catholic Church in Britain threatened to abruptly end all adoptions if they were not given exempt status from a from a bill in process to become law. The bill will add sexuality to the country’s existing nondiscrimination laws. This measure covers employment and rendering of services, and means that companies and institutions can’t refuse employment or refuse to render services based on someone’s known or perceived sexuality. The Catholic Church has already ended adoptions in Boston and San Francisco so they wouldn’t have to include same sex families.

The next day the Anglican Church joined the Catholic Church in this opposition. We already know the struggle the Anglican community is have with homosexuality, lead primarily by Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola. Nigeria by the way is considering a law that would make it illegal for anyone to meet with or know a homosexual, or to even give them information on HIV/AIDS – punishable by five years in prison and hard labor.

Yes as we celebrate the season of love, we find only arrows of hate, discrimination and homophobia flying through the halls of these major religions. These “Christian” institutions are showing no examples of Jesus’ all-inclusive love for everyone, and certainly no signs that they even care about – much less love – the LGBT members of their faith communities and their families. But in the midst of this lack of love and compassion from these institutional churches, we are able to find a more loving response elsewhere.

Members of St. John’s church held prayer vigils throughout Schmeling’s trial, and some have said that if he is removed from the clergy roster they might defy the Bishop and keep him on as pastor. If that happened, Warren could bring charges against the church.

The government of Tony Blair has agreed to give the opposing churches a grace period to adjust to the changes. This would allow the Catholic Church to transfer adoption services and close those offices without harm to the children in their care. Blair’s government didn’t back down to the church but instead, is seeking to do the right, and loving thing, and move forward in a way that promotes respect and dignity for everyone.

Likewise, retired Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, attacked the controversy in the Anglican Church saying, "I am deeply disturbed that in the face of some of the most horrendous problems facing Africa, we concentrate on 'what do I do in bed with whom',"

Tutu has long been a supporter of LGBT inclusion and feels the Church should concentrate more on poverty and HIV/AIDS. "For one to penalize someone for their sexual orientation is the same as penalizing someone for something they can do nothing about, like ethnicity or race. I cannot imagine persecuting a minority group which is already being persecuted," Tutu said while attending a World Social Forum in Kenya, "The God I worship would not consider that [gay priests] to be a priority concern."

I am grateful for people like Tony Blair, Archbishop Tutu, and the members of St. John’s, who are able to set aside petty fears and homophobia, and speak and minister from a place of justice, fairness and above all love. These Christian churches could learn a lesson from these people and from their own scriptures. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

SHADOW DANCING

Let me be the first to say I am not as fond of winter as I was as a child. While I love the Christmas and New Year holiday season and relish the snow during that time, I now find any snow or cold temperatures past January 15 to be just plain annoying. In short I don’t like the dreariness that comes with winter. There is, however, one exception.

Right smack in the middle of Christmas and spring there is a wonderful, albeit little celebrated, holiday that brings fun and festivity to the forefront for me. A holiday that doesn’t rely on consumerism or even require gift giving. Rather than depending on a jolly rotund elf from the North Pole, this holiday depends heavily on a very small, obscure New England resident. Of course that resident is none other than the world-renowned Punxsutawney Phil, and that wonderful holiday is Ground Hog Day.

Now before you start to groan, shake your head and point fingers at me, let’s first take a look at what this holiday entails. People gather from all over the country – in person and via the media – to wait as Phil, meteorologist extraordinaire, emerges from his snug burrow to check out the weather. The routine goes that if Phil doesn’t see his shadow spring is just around the corner. However, should he see his shadow he will react, run and hide, and there will be six more weeks of status quo – winter.

Okay, so I know many of you are wondering what this has to do with anything, and certainly what this has to do with spirituality and the LGBT community, but if you’ll indulge me for just a moment longer I think you’ll see the connection.

I’ve been working in Spirituality for most of my adult life and have seen a number of changes, both promising and discouraging, but I am always left with a spirit of hope. Several changes have happened in the last few weeks alone, as we transitioned into the new year. The first I want to mention takes place in my own Catholic faith tradition. Yes it’s possible to be a gay Catholic and stay faithful to the church, although I must admit that the powers that be and I don’t always see eye to eye.

On January 11, the media carried a story on Pope Benedict XVI condemning Italy’s decision to pursue civil partnerships like those in most of Europe. The Pontiff stated that he would use all of his influence to stop the measure. This both caught me by surprise and yet didn’t surprise me. As the world becomes ever more broad and inclusive, and as we as Christians begin to look more at the message and example of Jesus, rather than official rules, dogma and doctrine, it seems the Pope’s “influence” continues to be sharply diminished as he proves yet again how out of touch he is with the world, and the calling of the Spirit to change. If he were truly following the teachings and example of Jesus, he would be fighting for the basic rights and unconditional inclusivity of all people, not fighting to deny and oppress.

A week earlier, Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in his Sunday homily, announced that it may be too late to prevent a schism in the world wide Anglican Church. The threats of schism were first brought up in 2003 with election and eventual consecration of openly gay and partnered, Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire. These threats were championed by Archbishop Peter Akinola, of Nigeria, who blatantly chose to ignore Anglican teaching about one bishop not interfering in another bishop’s diocese, by encouraging conservative US Episcopal dioceses and parishes to break away and join him. His fight was fueled further when Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori – a woman – was elected as head of the Episcopal Church.

As both of these institutions experienced the sunlight of the Spirit, they came face to face with their homophobic shadow side and, rather than accept the Spirit’s call to new and ongoing conversion, chose to run in fear and maintain the old status quo of hate and discrimination.

Contrasting this, Conservative Judaism, last December, voted to allow LGBT individuals to be ordained, and even okayed the blessing of same-sex unions - it did, however, maintain that it felt homosexuality was wrong. This reaffirms the Jewish tradition of looking at all sides of law and discussing and exploring all interpretations. This decision doesn’t mandate that all congregations offer this, but it does allow that opportunity to those congregations that want to be more LGBT friendly. It’s certainly a step in the right directions. This action gives me continued hope.

Conservative Judaism, when confronted with the sunlight of the Spirit, heeded the Spirit’s call for change and opened the dialogue – a move that will continue to bear fruit for years to come. As for these other churches, it’s not to late for them to face their own homophobic shadow sides and address it in a loving and inclusive way so that all members of the community, regardless of sexual orientation will be able to bask in the sunlight of the Spirit together. And when you think about it, wasn’t that the real message Jesus was trying to preach?

South Africa is well on its way to becoming the fifth nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. That’s right! South Africa. The former land of apartheid.

Last December, the Constitutional Court (the highest court in South Africa) ruled that it was unconstitutional not allow same-sex marriage. It seems that following the end of apartheid, South Africa’s new constitution outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation, which basically gives gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals the same rights as everyone else. The former land of apartheid now sees the value in equality for everyone.

Sadly, I can’t say the same thing about our own country. Following the very brave and courageous decision by the Massachusetts Supreme Court three years ago, the Christian Right – in an effort to stop the "homosexual agenda" – has been in a fury and flurry to pass state constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage, claiming that marriage is reserved solely for heterosexual couples. Of course, time has shown that that is not their true agenda. Their efforts have not only been to ban same sex marriage, but to also ban civil unions, partner benefits, reproductive assistance, and adoption by same-sex couples. In fact if anyone has a "homosexual agenda" it’s clearly the Christian Right.

Armed with a half-a-dozen scripture passages (taken out of context), this group has embarked on a very organized, and well funded, attack on gay rights issues throughout the country. Supporting not only proposed anti-gay laws and amendments, but also attacking what it refers to as "activist judges."

"Activist judges." My how the Republican and Christian Right spin-doctors have twisted and perverted that phrase. In June, as the U.S. Senate once again took up the issue of the Federal Marriage Amendment, President Bush held a nationally televised news conference in which he peppered almost every sentence with references to "activist judges". Fortunately, Lady Wisdom prevailed and the Senate voted the amendment down. A month later, the Republican controlled House, also voted the amendment down.

On the state level, the high courts in both New York and Washington ruled to continue to discriminate against same-sex couples by denying them marriage. The Washington decision was by the by far one of the most blatant acts of cowardliness we’ve seen in a long time. The high court of Washington waited almost a year and a half before giving it’s decision, and only did so at that time because of the New York decision. That way it could rule against same-sex couples and not be "out there" alone. Imagine what could have happened if that court had instead taken a more courageous route. So much for those "activist judges". Oh wait! I forgot! "Activist judges" are only those judges who don’t vote the way the Republicans and Christian Right want them to. Sorry, my bad.

But let’s talk about the role "activists" have played in our country. First off if it hadn’t been for "activists," we wouldn’t even have a country. If our brave forefathers hadn’t taken a stand outside of the norm and stood up for basic human rights, we would all be singing resounding choruses of "God save the Queen" at the beginning of all sports events. If it hadn’t been for "activists," women would not be able to vote in our elections, much less hold political office. Thank God for those brave individuals on the front lines of the suffrage movement. If it hadn’t been for "activists," slavery would still be our way of life, and segregation the law of the land. In fact, if hadn’t been for "activists," the very religion that the Christian Right uses to back its hateful, bigoted, "homosexual agenda" would never have even come to be. Jesus was indeed an "activist." He challenged the religious structures, authorities and teachings of his day, condemning them for marginalizing groups of people. Rather than hanging out with the religious leaders of his day, this "activist" Jesus ministered instead to those marginalized people, welcoming them into an all-inclusive Kingdom of God.

As I look back over history to the roles that "activists" have played in our world, I commend and praise the work of our so called "activist judges" who, following the example of Jesus, are choosing to rule in ways that protect, and uphold the rights of all people, which, when you think about it, is truly the Christian right thing to do.

The brave "activists" in South Africa brought about the end of apartheid, and that country now experiences equality few would have dreamed possible 40 years ago. Imagine what could be possible here, if everyone – regardless of religious or political affiliation – followed the example of that great "activist" from Nazareth. Imagine if we meant it when we pledge "With liberty and justice for all." Imagine if we really saw the value in equality for everyone. Imagine if we truly lived the Kingdom of God.

Hey there!!

Welcome to my blog. Okay, I admit I’m new at this, and this is my first attempt at a blog, so please be patient as I grow into it.

Guess I should start out by introducing myself and telling you a little bit about me. First, my name is Joe. I’m a gay, Catholic who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota - no it’s not nearly as cold here as everyone thinks. I work in spirituality and have over 16 years of experience with that, including eight years as a Spiritual Director. I’m also in recovery and will celebrate seven years sober in October. Often, all of these areas of my life come together and intertwine in my work as a Spiritual Director, as I work with individuals, both straight and gay, who are and are not in recovery.

As I mentioned I’m Catholic, but would describe myself as far more spiritual than religious. My spirituality is broad, eclectic and inclusive, but is also very grounded in my tradition of origin. These broader understandings help to break open my experience of my own tradition in a new and deeper way, giving me a greater appreciation of it, and also a broader understanding of it than the sometimes narrow vision we are presented with.

Although I am part of a faith tradition, I don’t promote one tradition over another. I believe that everyone is exactly where they are supposed to be on their spiritual journey at this moment in time.

Okay, back to my blog. I hope to use this space to reflect, through a spiritual lens, on events and situations that relate to and affect the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community as a whole. I have been doing some freelance writing on a limited scale, and it’s my hope that this will help me reach a larger audience. I am also available to write articles and columns for publications, journals, papers, newsletters, etc. Just contact me jwhitemps@aol.com and we can talk about that.

I’m also available for Spiritual Direction sessions - in person or by phone. Again, please contact me jwhitemps@aol.com and we can discuss this further.

Anyway, that’s a quick introduction to me and to this site. I hope you enjoy it and tell all of your friends to visit.


PEACE!
Joe