Press Release

For Immediate Release

The Rainbow Sash Movement Challenges Catholic Homophobia on Pentecost Sunday

Those who enter Cathedrals and parishes across the nation on Pentecost wore the Sash for those who could not. Gay Priests who are fearful of losing their retirement if they speak out, individual GLBT Catholics who are afraid of losing their position with various Catholic Charities offices across the nation and the various Arch/Diocesan chancery offices, Gay Bishops such as Archbishop Weakland who are denied housing by their own religious order for speaking out. We also remember the closeted life that was forced on Father Michael Judge who became one of heroes of the 911 attack on the Twin Towers.

The message being sent by the Rainbow Sash Movement to the Catholic Bishops on Pentecost Sunday was clear do not remain silent on the issue homophobia, Social Justice needs, and pastoral outreach within the Church; as you remained silent on the issue of the clergy sexual abuse scandal. It is the fundamental principal of Catholic Theology that no one must ever be forced to act against his conscience in public or private matters.

Furthermore we believe that Catholic Social Justice is opposed to the state being called upon to impose the Catholic faith on dissident citizens as in the case of Gay Marriage. Unreasonable positions such as GLBT People are “morally disordered” and that Marriage is between a man and woman only, play a part in denying human beings their rights simply because of their sexual orientation that is wrong. Freedom of Religion should not be promoted as being at odds with Social Justice for the GLBT Community.

Most Catholic Bishops promoting such a position hold operate under the motto that “Error has no Rights”. This position was rejected by Vatican IIs “Declaration on Religious Liberty” "Dignitatis Humanae". This document also promotes the idea of “Respectful Dialogue” in the face of intolerance.

Still the Bishops continuous attacks on the rights of GLBT people hold concern for the Rainbow Sash Movement since such attacks can easily be translated into permission for violence. An example of the potential for such violence recently happened with shooting/murder of Dr. George Tiller. These same Bishops loudly spoke out about abortion but refused to address violent nature of extremist camp of the pro life movement.

The Rainbow Sash Movement will continue to engage any Catholic Bishop or Bishops who promotes intolerance of GLBT people over reason. With each passing year our voices will only get more reasonable while the voices of the Bishops who promote homophobia will continue to get more unreasonable.

The current Pastoral position of the Church in relationship to GLBT Catholics that Gay People must be welcomed and treated with respect and their rights respected is an insult and hypocritical in nature. Attempting to defend the human dignity of GLBT people with homophobia and injustice is desecration to any pastoral endeavor.

As to our continuing journey the RSM will begin to prepare for next year Pentecost Presence immediately. If you did not have a Rainbow Sash Movement presence in your Cathedral or parish the best way to insure that does not happen again in 2010 is to get involved. Please contact us at either sashmovement@aol.com or www.rainbowsashmovement.com and join the Rainbow Sash Movement for our 2010 Pentecost Presence. It is important that we not remain silent when our Catholic Faith is being used by some as a tool of bigotry against the GLBT Community, which amounts to spiritual murder.

Contact Person:

Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement
312-266-0182

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