Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

Victim of Gay Bashing

As I prepare for bed, in the dark and stillness of my room, I hear a voice.  A feeling accompanies this voice.  It begins to boil and work its way to the surface.  I want to scream and rage.  Where is my justice?  How much more prejudice, discrimination and violence must I and my people endure, because of your bishop's hardness of heart?  How many more people must die?  Then the doubt about my vocation drift in and out of my thoughts.  Why do I remain when your Church clearly does not want me?  Lord, where are you? 

Then the words of the psalmist, quietly pass through my lips, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1)  It is the words of Jesus, too.  As he hung dying on the cross.

The cause for my aguish?  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) failed to support the protection of the LGBT community from workplace discrimination.   Instead they issued a letter to the U.S. Senate urging lawmakers to defeat the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).  ENDA would have "extend federal discrimination protections currently provided based on race, religion, gender, national origin, age and disability to sexual orientation and gender identity."

This failure to support ENDA seems to be in direct contrast to the teaching of the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. 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 and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.  (CCC: 2358) 

This did not however stop three of the USCCB Bishops, Archbishop William Lori, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and Bishop Stephen Blaire to issue a letter to the U.S. Senate.  In their letter they insist they "oppose unjust discrimination in the workplace."  "No one should be an object of scorn, hatred, or violence for any reason, including his or her sexual inclinations," they stated.  And yet they found plenty of reason based on stereotypes, fear and prejudice to oppose the protection of the LGBT community in the workplace.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops fear that if the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) passes it will be used in lawsuits in state courts to argue for gay marriage.  That is a possibility.  However, their fear of marriage equality and the harm it could cause children is based on fear and prejudice and not on evidence based research. 

The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association and the National Association of Social Workers along with the nations other major mental and medical organizations have all stated:

"The claim that legal recognition of marriage for same–sex couples undermines the institution of marriage and harms their children is inconsistent with the scientific evidence. That evidence supports the conclusion that homosexuality is a normal expression of human sexuality that is not chosen; that gay and lesbian people form stable, committed relationships that are equivalent to heterosexual relationships in essential respects; and that same-sex couples are no less fit than heterosexual parents to raise children and their children are no less psychologically healthy and well-adjusted than children of opposite sex parents."

Instead the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes of the LGBT community.  Helping to create an environment of discrimination, prejudice and violence.  Beliefs not based on scientfic evidence.

One day our Bishops will be held accountable. They will have to make an account of the harm they have caused the LGBT community.  Let us pray, that on that day, our Lord will show them the compassion and mercy they failed to show the LGBT community. 

It would serve our Bishops well to remember; God is Love.  To deny another to love, is to deny a God of Love.

Peace and All Good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Read the letter sent by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to the U.S. Senate opposing the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever questioned were God was in the midst of your suffering?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Faith and Science

Blessed Pope John Paul II said, "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth."  Now more than ever, we need a spirit of faith, and a spirit of reason, to guide the Church on the issue of homosexuality.  Both faith and reason have a role to play, in helping the People of God, to deepen and develop its understanding of homosexuality. 

The Church has to often relied upon "faith alone" in its understanding of human sexuality. Blessed Pope John Paul II reminds us that "reason" is needed to help contemplate the fullness of truth.  Unfortunately, the relationship between the Church and scientific reason has often been a contentious one. 

The Church has and does contribute to science through its schools, university and hospitals, and both religious and lay, have led to many scientific discoveries.  Alternatively, the Church has also opposed some scientific discoveries that it felt challenged its authority.  Faith and reason balance each other, and together lift the human spirit, to contemplation of truth.  They are not opposing forces.  And the Church is clear on this concept, too.

Pope Francis, in his recent interview with La Civilta Cattolia, the Italian Jesuit magazine, reminded us that science contributes to the Church's understanding of her teaching [Read my blog La Civilta Cattolia interview with Pope Francis for more information on this topic]:

"Exegetes and theologians help the church to mature in her own judgment. Even the other sciences and their development help the church in its growth in understanding..."

Scientific organization like the American Psychological Association are contributing to the knowledge of human sexuality.  Through decades of research and clinical experience they've stated:

“Lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders.  Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology.  Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality.  Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding."

The Catechism of the Catholic Church on the other hand states:

"Homosexuality refers to relations between men or between women who experience an exclusive or predominant sexual attraction toward persons of the same sex. It has taken a great variety of forms through the centuries and in different cultures. Its psychological genesis remains largely unexplained. Basing itself on Sacred Scripture, which presents homosexual acts as acts of grave depravity, tradition has always declared, ‘homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered .’  They are contrary to the natural law. They close the sexual act to the gift of life. They do not proceed from a genuine affective and sexual complementarities. Under no circumstances can they be approved.” 

We are left with two conflicting understandings of homosexuality.  In its teaching on homosexuality the Catechism of the Catholic Church clearly bases its teaching on scripture.  At one point, the first edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church did include some scientific conclusions.  However, in the second edition, they removed references to that research, namely that homosexuals "do not choose their homosexual condition..." 

Science is clear that homosexuality is not chosen.  The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association along with the nations other major mental and medical organizations have all stated that men and women do not choose to be homosexual:

"That evidence supports the conclusion that homosexuality is a normal expression of human sexuality that is not chosen..."

Why remove this reference from the Catechism of the Catholic Church?  The reference was being used by some bishops to call into question the Church's teaching on homosexuality.  Here lies the problem, to acknowledge the scientific evidence would of called into question the Church's understanding of scripture, and more importantly, its authority to interpret scripture.

It's not that religion and science are incompatible.  The Church has fostered science and scientist throughout its history.  Blessed Pope John Paul II said in Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) that "Truth is the point where faith and reason meet."  When faith is absent of reason we are left without truth.  A mistake the Church has made in the past with other issues. 

We only have to look to the famous Galileo controversy to find an example of relying solely on scripture absent of reason.  In 1981, Blessed Pope John Paul II charged a papal commission with studying the matter. It was determined that the problem came because Galileo had not at the time proved irrefutably the double motion of the earth, a proof that would not come for another 150 years, and that theologians failed to grasp the Bible's profound nonliteral meaning in describing the physical structure of the created universe. In 1992, the pope accepted the commission's finding that the Church had erred in the Galileo matter.

The Church is finding itself at a similar crossroad.  Science has moved us toward a new understanding of homosexuality.  Our Church is now struggling to reconcile its faith belief based on scripture, with the growing scientific evidence. 

There is now considerable scholarly debate about how to interpret scripture passages such as Lev 18:22 and Rom1:26-27 in their cultural context.  Scholars are pointing out that even the word homosexuality is a nonbiblical word that originated in modern times to describe sexual attraction to and sexual activity with a person of one's own gender.  The good news is scripture scholars and theologians are moving the Church forward in its understanding homosexuality.  For instance, the Church now distinguishes between homosexual orientation and homosexual activity-a distinction not made in the Bible.  Slow, but sure progress.

Pope Francis has urged his followers to make the Catholic Church a more merciful and welcoming place for all.  He also warned that its moral foundation will "fall like a house of cards" if it does not find a "new balance" in regards to homosexuality.   Now more than ever, if we are to contemplate the fullness of truth, we need a spirit of faith, and a spirit of reason to guide the Church on the issue of homosexuality.  And what is this truth?  The answer is simple:  We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and we are all GOOD! 

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
How has science and/or reason helped you to grow in your understanding of God and/or homosexuality?  Please share your answer in the comment spaces below.
 

La Civilta Cattolica interview with Pope Francis

In an interview with La Civilta Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit magazine, Pope Francis urged followers to make the Catholic Church a more merciful and welcoming place for all. He continued: “A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’”  “This church with which we should be thinking is the home of all,” he said, “not a small chapel that can hold only a small group of selected people.”

But this isn’t the first time Pope Francis has sent shockwaves through the Catholic Church in regards to his thoughts on homosexuality.  A few months ago, he caused a stir during an inflight news conference when he was asked about gay priests. “Who am I to judge?” he replied. Then he added: “As long as they are searching for God and have good will.”

The great hope I have for Pope Francis appears to be well placed, as I have stated in previous blogs.  Read my blog on Pope Francis - Gay and Hopeful for an overview of my initial hope.  The media, Catholics and the world over have focused on his above statements on homosexuality, but the gem of the story lies hidden further in the article with La Civilta Cattolica:

I ask Pope Francis about the enormous changes occurring in society and the way human beings are reinterpreting themselves. At this point he gets up and goes to get the breviary from his desk. It is in Latin, now worn from use. He opens to the Office of Readings for Friday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time and reads me a passage from the Commonitorium Primum of St. Vincent of Lerins: “Even the dogma of the Christian religion must follow these laws, consolidating over the years, developing over time, deepening with age.”

The view of the church’s teaching as a monolith to defend without nuance or different understandings is wrong.  The pope comments: “St. Vincent of Lerins makes a comparison between the biological development of man and the transmission from one era to another of the deposit of faith, which grows and is strengthened with time. Here, human self-understanding changes with time and so also human consciousness deepens. Let us think of when slavery was accepted [Read my blog on Slavery and Homosexuality] or the death penalty was allowed without any problem.  So we grow in the understanding of the truth.

Exegetes and theologians help the church to mature in her own judgment. Even the other sciences and their development help the church in its growth in understanding. There are ecclesiastical rules and precepts that were once effective, but now they have lost value or meaning. The view of the church’s teaching as a monolith to defend without nuance or different understandings is wrong.

Yes, I have great hope.  Our understanding, knowledge and faith of the People of God is deepening.  As is our understanding of homosexuality.  Science is moving us forward, the American Psychological Association, a professional and scientific organization stated:

“Lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders.  Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology.  Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality.  Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding."

The world finds hope in his comments on homosexuality, but the real hope lies in his above statement.  Pope Francis is quietly opening the door for the Church to look upon human sexuality with fresh eyes.  He is giving the Church permission to allow the faith to deepen and develop.  This is were my hope lies. 

I have great hope that one day the Church will proudly proclaim that ALL our fearfully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and ALL are GOOD; both gay and straight.  Until then, let us pray for Pope Francis, that the Spirit will guide the Church into a future full of hope for all.  Otherwise countless homosexual men and women will continue to suffer discrimination, prejudice and violence.  Let us pray Church!

 

Peace and all good,

Brother Sun and Sister Moon

PS:  Read the full interview with Pope Francis in La Civilta Cattolica in American Magazine.
 

Personal Reflection:

To my straight brothers and sisters, how has your views on homosexuality deepened and developed over the years?  To my gay brothers and lesbian sisters, how did you learn to embrace your sexuality as good?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.
 

Evolving Marriage

Fundamentalist often use the story of Creation to argue against homosexuality and gay marriage.  The story of Creation, or I should say stories of Creation can be found in Genesis 1 and 2 of the Bible.  These two chapters actually contain two different accounts of Creation.  The first account has God creating the world in an orderly fashion, in six consecutive days (Gen 1:1-2:3).  The second account is very different, with God acting much more spontaneously.  In this account, God created man and the garden of Eden, and then when the man was lonely, God created the animals and finally, woman (Gen 2:4-25).  Which story is to be believed?

The Genesis Creation stories are mythic; they are not intended to be historical or scientific.  They teach us truths about God: that God exists apart from created things, that God is all-powerful, that God's love is expressed in and through Creation, and that God wants to be in loving relationship with the human beings God created in God's image and likeness.  The stories have nothing to say about homosexuality that fundamentalist would like us to believe.

If the Genesis Creation stories are not meant to portray historical or scientific fact, what does science have to say about homosexuality? Let us turn to the American Psychological Association, a scientific and professional organization for that answer:

“Lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders.  Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology.  Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality.  Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding."

Our understanding of marriage is evolving, too.  In ancient times, women were considered the property of men.  Before a man could marry a women he would have to pay a dowry to her father.  This nuptial present was a sum of money, animals, and so on, offered in trade for the woman.  According to the Law of Moses, men were also free to divorce a woman to whom they were bound, but women were not free to make that decision (Deut 24:1-4).  Marriage is evolving and Jesus was often the cause of this evolution.

Jesus did not accept the common practice that granted men the right to divorce a woman for trivial grounds.  He saw how a divorced woman was sentenced to a life of poverty, shame, and the loss of her children.  He stood against the Laws of Moses in order to protect the vulnerable.  Jesus challenged his followers to protect women and their children by taking marriage as a lifelong, sacramental commitment (Mt 5:31-32, 1:1-9).

Jesus evolved marriage in order to protect the vulnerable; women and children.  Can the Church not do like wise to protect gay men, women and their children?  It would do us well to reflect on the example of Jesus.  It took courage on Jesus' part to question his Judeo faith.  It will take courage on our part, as the Body of Christ, to question our own Christian faith.

Jesus was willing to evolve marriage in order to protect women and children.  Today gay men, women, and their children are vulnerable.  Can we not evolve marriage in order to protect them?  What did Jesus do?  What will we do, as the Body of Christ?

Peace and all good,

Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever felt called to question your faith because of its treatment of others?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share you story in the comment spaces below.

Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America recently voted to end their ban on gay scouts, but will keep in place a prohibition on gay adults serving as troop leaders, staffers or volunteers.  At first glance this seems a good decision by the Boy Scouts of America, but on closer examination the message it sends to gay youth has devastating consequences.  One could argue it would be better for them to be banned, then be exposed to this harmful message.

One of the hallmarks of the Boy Scouts of America is character development.  How can you let a gay scout work for a decade on developing these values and then tell him by virtue of becoming an adult, you are unfit and a danger to children?  Our children are simply judge to be unfit because of their sexuality and not on the content of their character they have developed with the Boy Scouts of America.  What message does this send to our LGBTQ children and parents?

As a nation, can we not hope that one day our LGBTQ children will be judge on the content of their character and not on their sexuality?  Instead we expose our children to a message that slowly murders their souls.  "No matter what you do, how you treat others, or how you live your life, there is something about you that is disgusting, aberrant, and essentially unlovable.  You are unacceptably flawed. This belief becomes internalized and can cause a debilitating and emotional disability.

This disability is caused by exposure to overwhelming shame at an age when you aren't psychologically equipped to cope with it.  An emotional wound caused by toxic shame is a very serious and persistent disability that has the potential to literally destroy one's life.  It is much more than just a poor self-image.  It is the internalized and deeply held belief that you are somehow unacceptable, unlovable, shameful, and in short, flawed.  It can cripple your sense of self and prevented you from following the normal, healthy stages of adolescent development. 

Unlike children of other minority groups who have their parents, families, and community to help them cope and combat these false beliefs.  Our LGBTQ children often do not have the support or understanding of their parents or families.  Instead of support are often met with hostility and violence.  As stated in previous blogs up to 40% of homeless teenagers in the nation are LGBTQ. [Read my blog Leprosy and Homosexuality for more information on homeless LGBTQ youth.]

The Boy Scouts of America in their policy against gay men further the myth that gay men are child molesters.  The American Psychological Association has stated, "A perception that most perpetrators are gay men is a myth and harmful stereotype."  The BSA's acknowledge their awareness of this fact in the evaluation of their new policy, but still chose to reinforce this bigoted notion that gay men are dangerous to children.

This stereotype is harmful to gay youth.  I know this first hand.  I was in middle school practicing the piano for my upcoming lesson when my mom placed her hand on my shoulder and said, "We just found out your cousin is a homosexual.  Did he ever sexually touch you?"  I felt the blood rush from my head and I started to feel woozy.  I was ready to pass out.  The answer was NO!  But in that moment I knew what my mother thought of homosexuals.  What she thought of me. [Read my blog Splitting to Avoid Shame for more information on this topic.]

I lived in fear from that moment forward that my parents would one day discover my secret, that I too was gay.  So much pain and anguish came from that moment that was based on a myth and stereotype that my own mother had acquired from society.  I know my mother regret that moment and now makes a point to challenge this false belief with her friends, family and co-workers. 

I have spent time in therapy to combat the beliefs I had internalized about myself, that somehow I was unacceptable, unlovable, shameful, and in short, flawed.  I was robed of the divine nature I was created in and through.  I am a child of God.  I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and I am Good!  A message all children, regardless of their sexuality need to hear. 

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
Did you ever live in fear of your parents discovering your sexuality?  What was that like growing up?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Splitting to Avoid Shame

"Stop, I need you to learn to accept a compliment," she said to me.  All I could think of was, "If you really knew me, you would not compliment me."  As a gay child I learned to live my life in two parts.  One part was the acceptable, public self.  The other part was the secretive, darker self.  This process is called splitting.  One learns at an early age to split to protect oneself from the ravages of shame and the harm from potential physical and emotional abuse. 

Although splitting allows you to avoid shame, it also eventually undermines your relationships with others.  You are never what you appear to be, and over time, others begin to sense this.  Trust erodes from your relationships with lovers, friends, and family.  True pain lies not in being marginalized, but from the pain of the loneliness splitting causes.

Currently in the news is the Boy Scouts of America's struggle over allowing openly gay scouts to participate in its programs.  This is a prime example of how splitting begins.  You are a young boy who becomes aware of your differentness.  Soon you become aware that your differentness is being debated in society and within the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Little do they know, they are also talking about you.  You read in the news that the Family Research Council opposes lifting the ban on gay youth, saying such a change "will dramatically alter the culture and moral landscape of America." 

There you sit, a young boy afraid and scared because of who you are is despised by so many.  So much so that its dividing the nation.  And one very small boy internalizes the message, "Who you are is unlovable."  Then this message gets reinforced by churches and other youth serving organizations. 

Is it no wonder that a gay man learns to live his life in two parts?   

Then begins the parade of lies.  You lie to your friends when they ask you if you are queer.  You lie to your girlfriends; whom you date to prove to yourself you are straight.  You lie to your parents about who you are dating and what your life is really like.  You lie to your employers and fellow co-workers when they ask you what you did this weekend.  You lie to your doctors, your priests, your neighbors.  Slowly you loose your innocence and your ability to trust another person.  After all, if you aren't what you seem, is anyone else? 

The gay community knows all to well where this path leads; depression, anxiety, and loneliness.  The only way to lessen the violence of splitting, is to stop hiding your sexuality.  In order to this we must face our negative core belief we might have internalized.  We must acknowledge that we might have long held a belief in our own reprehension, and this belief has directed our life, and not for the better.  We must have the courage to stand before it and allow its power over us to diminish.  The path to redemption is honesty.

To my heterosexual brothers and sisters be aware that your children and friend's children are listening to your words in this debate.  And one very scared boy who is just begin to realize his differentness is internalizing a message about himself based on your words.

This is why some of the most courage's men and women you will ever meet are LGBT.  They call forth courage most people will never know, and step into the light of who they are, for all to see.  They live in integrity and do it for the next generation of LGBTQ youth, so they will know they are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and they are Good!  An example of outstanding courage and character that the Boy Scouts of America should strive to build in all its youth.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
Did you ever hide your sexuality from others (co-workers, parents, friends, etc...)?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

The Roman Hypocrites

The former most senior Catholic cleric in Great Britain, Cardinal Keith O’Brien is a hypocrite.  A hypocrite is an actor; a person who wears a mask and portrays a character that may or may not connect to the person's internal life. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus used the word hypocrite to refer to the Pharisees (Mt 23:13).
 
Cardinal Keith O'Brien and others in the Catholic hierarchy are today's modern day Pharisees.  Cardinal Keith O’Brien was named "Bigot of the Year" for his fight against same-sex marriage at the annual Stonewall Awards in the UK.  However, in late March he resigned after a group of Scottish priests accused him of inappropriate homosexual behavior 30 years ago.   Cardinal Keith O'Brien was even in a 'longstanding physical relationship' with one of the priest despite his outspoken views on homosexuality, which he had called a 'moral degradation'.

Jesus warned his followers against all kinds of hypocrisy for effect and social approval, including giving alms, praying, and fasting (Mt 6:1-18).  He warned against the hypocrisy of judging others while ignoring one's own faults (Mt 7:1-5).  A lesson Cardinal Keith O'Brien clearly missed in his priestly formation. 

The Pharisee were rabbis, scribes, and doctors of the Law of Moses who worked among the people to teach the fullness of the Torah, the prophets, and the traditions of the Jewish faith.  During the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes (167 BC) when Antiochus forbade the practice of their religion, it would be the Pharisee that would preserve the Law for future generations. 

Jesus himself was a Pharisee and there were Pharisees whom Jesus considered honorable.  Jesus called Bartholomew (Also called Nathanael) --who was a Pharisee and doctor of the Law--to be an Apostle (Mt 10:3).  Jesus was often found debating the Pharisees because he knew they could create hardship for the people of Israel or lighten their burdens.

Like the Pharisees, there are member of the Roman Catholic hierarchy who are honorable and posses the potential to lighten the burdens of today's society.  However, they need our prayers and support if they are to rise up and challenge the status quo, as Jesus challenged his fellow Pharisees.  We need to let them know that we support them and will stand with them in the fight for gay equality.

In spite of the church's hypocrites, I hold out hope for it's potential to transform society, as Jesus held out hope for the Pharisees.  One day the LGBT community will truly be welcomed.  Let us pray for that day.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever found yourself being a hypocrite when it came to sexuality with yourself or with others?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Questions and Answers

Do you have a question regarding your faith, spirituality or religion in regards to homosexuality?  Are you a parent, family or friend of the LGBTQ community and have questions, too?  Then I encourage you to ask your question or suggest a topic you would like discussed.  If your question or topic is chosen for the next blog I'll send you a $15 iTunes gift card.

All you have to do is email me your topic or question.  Visit the "About Me" section and click on "Email."  If your topic or question is chosen I'll mail or email you your gift card code. 

Peace and all good.
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
What have you always wanted to ask or have discussed regarding your faith or your sexuality?  Feel free to share your questions or topic suggestions in the comment spaces below or email them to me in the "About Me" Section.

Honor and Shame

In the world in which Jesus lived, the possession of honor and the avoidance of shame were essential core values that drove private and public interaction.  To possess honor was of the highest value.  Without honor, a person had no dignity. 

Mediterranean cultures developed strategies to preserve the insider as honorable and outsider as shamed.  One shaming strategy was to ask an opponent a question he could not answer. This explains why the Scribes and Pharisees were always trying to ask Jesus questions he couldn't easily answer.  If they could take away his honor, they would also take away his popularity.  However, they actually allowed Jesus to gain more honor, since he often answered their questions with clever replies--something that increased a person's honor in other people's eyes.

The Catholic hierarchy still engages in similar strategies to preserve the insider as honorable (Hierarchy) and the outsider (LGBT) as shamed.  Instead of asking questions, they make statements and allow no room for dialogue.   If you dare to questions their beliefs you are called a heretic or immoral.  If you work or volunteer with the Church you are removed from your ministry.

In the current struggle for marriage equality Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Chair of the subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) argues that allowing gay marriage will harm society; especially our children.  

People of faith and goodwill are no longer willing to remain silent on this issues.  Like Jesus they are answering their questioners.   The nation’s largest pediatricians’ group recently came out in support of gay marriage, noting that, to a child, the parents’ sexual orientation is not as important as other elements related to family well-being.

"The AAP supports marriage equality for all capable and consenting adults, including those who are of the same gender, as a means of guaranteeing all federal and state rights and benefits and long-term security for their children."  

"If a child has two loving and capable parents who want to marry, it is in the best interests of the child that legal and social institutions allow and support the parents to do so, irrespective of their sexual orientation."

The academy also added,

"Adoption placements and foster parenting also should be conducted without regard to sexual orientation of the parents."

The AAP policy was developed by its committee on psychosocial aspects of child and family health, led by Dr. Benjamin S. Siegel, a pediatrics professor at Boston University School of Medicine.  “On the basis of a review of extensive scientific literature,” AAP affirms that “children’s well-being is affected much more by their relationships with their parents, their parents’ sense of competence and security, and the presence of social and economic support for the family than by the gender or the sexual orientation of their parents.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics is not the only one speaking out, the American Psychological Association and the American Medical Association with the nations other major mental and medical organizations have filed a amici curiae brief in the DOMA Suit in contrast to the US Bishop's statements.  In their brief they stated:

The claim that legal recognition of marriage for same–sex couples undermines the institution of marriage and harms their children is inconsistent with the scientific evidence. That evidence supports the conclusion that homosexuality is a normal expression of human sexuality that is not chosen; that gay and lesbian people form stable, committed relationships that are equivalent to heterosexual relationships in essential respects; and that same-sex couples are no less fit than heterosexual parents to raise children and their children are no less psychologically healthy and well-adjusted than children of opposite sex parents.

No longer are people willing to remain silent for fear of being labeled unfaithful or immoral by the Church's hierarchy.  People of faith and goodwill are speaking out through evidence based research and a lived experience of the gay community and like Jesus gaining honor in answering the Pharisees questions. 

The Church's hierarchy continues to lose creditability in their fight against marriage equality  They have turned a deaf ear to the gay community and their children.  Instead of strengthening families, they have weakened it through their beliefs about the gay community.  Beliefs based on fear, stereotypes, and prejudice instead of evidence based research. 

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Download the amici curiae brief supporting Karen Golinski's discrimination case against the government, Golinski v. Office of Personnel Management for more information on evidence based research on marriage equality.

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever been afraid to speak out on behalf of yourself or your gay child, sibling or friend?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Marriage Equality

The Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8 are currently being reviewed by the United States Supreme Court and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's have wade in on both issues filing a friend of the court brief.  The USCCB said in the DOMA case there is "no fundamental right to marry a person of the same sex. ...Specifically, civil recognition of same-sex relationships is not deeply rooted in the nation's history or tradition..."  So let's take the next few minutes to reflect on the nature of marriage and the Church's struggle to defend it.

The Prophets used the symbol of the marriage union as an allegory for God's relationship with humanity (Isa 54:5; Hos 2:20).  Jesus offered the wedding feast as a model for the Kingdom of Heaven, as a family affair (Mt 22:1-14).  A New Testament allegory described Jesus as the wedding groom, heaven as the wedding banquet, and the Church as the bride of the Lamb (Eph 5:25-27; Rev 19:7-9).  The mythic story of Creation also provides us with the image of God's gift of marriage.  God created the woman Eve and the man Adam as partners for the journey of life (Gen 2:18-24).  Without each other, they would have been lonely and unfulfilled. 

Now take a moment and reflect on the above statements.   Did you notice a common theme?  Did you notice the word "allegory?"  An allegory is a symbolic work:  a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral, or a political meaning.  Marriage is an allegory or symbol of God's relationship towards humanity. 

The struggle for gay marriage isn't just about the right to marry, but our understanding of God.  To change the image of marriage, calls into question the Church's understanding of God.  A struggle that has been going on since the time of the Old Testament.

Marriage is and has always been evolving.  For example, in most biblical cultures, the wife was considered the property of her husband and subject to his will.  At the time of the patriarchs and kings, a man of a large clan was legally free to have several wives, as well as concubines.  A woman was permitted only one husband.  The husband could divorce his wife, but she could not divorce him (Deut 22: 13-21; Mt 19:3-9).  Marriage is evolving and with it our understanding of God.

The LGBT struggle for marriage equality is calling the Church into a deeper understanding of God and into a new set of questions.  Questions that need to be reflected on, not only by the Church, but by the LGBT community.  What new image, new understanding of God is being called forth through the LGBT struggle for marriage equality?  What does marriage equality for the LGBT community reveal about the nature of God's relationship towards humanity? 

In the Bible, a wedding feast was the celebration that honored the binding together of two families, or houses.  Jesus also offers the image of the wedding feast as a metaphor to understanding the Kingdom of Heaven.  In heaven, two houses will come together and celebrate one another and God.  I can't help but think that the Spirit is at work in our struggle for marriage equality. Reminding us we are all Children of God and called to celebrate the goodness of each other, as in the wedding feast of heaven and earth.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Subscribed to the YouTube Channel: American Foundation for Equal Rights to follow the latest information on Marriage Equality in the United States of America.

Personal Reflection:
What new image, new understanding of God is being called forth through the LGBT struggle for marriage equality?  What does marriage equality for the LGBT community reveal about the nature of God's relationship towards humanity?  Feel free to share your reflections in the comment spaces below.

Pope Francis - Gay and Hopeful

As I stated in a previous blog, [St. Francis and the Leper] in Jesus’ time, many thought that leprosy was a punishment from God. A leper was forced to live separate from the community for fear of the spread of the disease (Num 5:1-4).They were forced to wear identifiable dress, leave their heads uncovered, and identify themselves as unclean.They became outcast; cut off from their families, friends and community.

In Mark’s Gospel (Mark 1:40-42), Jesus cures a leper in the gesture of touching him. At first glance this story seems to be one of the many cures Jesus performed in his public ministry. But on a deeper level, it deals with social exclusion. Jesus’ culture would have thought Jesus leprous as well after he touched the man who had leprosy. The Gospel writer is clear, “Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him.” Jesus was willing to suffer the social consequences of the touch. He was willing to stand against the beliefs of his own faith and touch the leper.

St. Francis of Assisi, like his contemporary peers, also held these same distorted beliefs about leprosy. Not much had changed from Jesus’ time, even though Jesus stood against these beliefs. But it was the leper that transformed St. Francis of Assisi. In his Testament he says, “And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was turned into sweetness of soul and body.”

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio after being elected Pope took the name "Francis" after St. Francis of Assisi. This is where my hope lies. Lepers were those that St. Francis of Assisi despised the most. His cultural expectation was to shun the leper, yet he was moved by Love – The Holy Spirit – which called him out of his cultural expectation and moved him into a new way of life. A life defined by compassion, mercy and love towards the leper and others.

The Spirit that moved St. Francis of Assisi, can also move Pope Francis ,to embrace homosexuals with the same compassion, mercy and love. And like St. Francis of Assisi, "And when I left them, what had seemed bitter to me was turned into sweetness of soul and body," can happen for Pope Francis.

We now know as 21st century Christians, that leprosy is not a punishment from God. We would be hard press to find a Christian who would make such a claim.  Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.  It is believed that 95% of the population is naturally immune to leprosy.

We now know as 21st century people, that homosexuality is not a disorder. The American Psychological Association, a scientific and professional organization states:

“Lesbian, gay, and bisexual orientations are not disorders. Research has found no inherent association between any of these sexual orientations and psychopathology. Both heterosexual behavior and homosexual behavior are normal aspects of human sexuality. Both have been documented in many different cultures and historical eras. Despite the persistence of stereotypes that portray lesbian, gay, and bisexual people as disturbed, several decades of research and clinical experience have led all mainstream medical and mental health organizations in this country to conclude that these orientations represent normal forms of human experience. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships are normal forms of human bonding."

Science has moved us away from the distorted view of leprosy and is now moving us away from the distorted view of homosexuality. Pope Francis must have the courage to confront the tough cultural issues of our time, the biased treatment of homosexuals.  And like St. Francis of Assisi, be moved by love to embrace the other as himself.

Let us pray that the Spirit will guide Pope Francis with wisdom, understanding and courage. The conversion of St. Francis of Assisi transformed his era and brought renewal to the Church.  The conversion of Pope Francis can bring renewal to the Church.  We must pray.

Finally, to my heterosexual brothers and sisters what can seem bitter about our children and friends, their homosexuality, can become sweetness of soul and body if we move beyond our fears and embrace the other; as Francis embraced the leper.  To my gay brothers and sisters what can seem bitter about ourselves, can become sweetness of soul and body if we move beyond the negative messages we’ve internalized about ourselves and embrace our sexuality with compassion and love.

Let us pray, that the Spirit that moved St. Francis of Assisi will move his name sake Pope Francis, to embrace gay men and women with the same compassion, mercy and love, as Francis embraced the leper. Otherwise continued generation will continue to suffer from prejudice, discrimination, and violence.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
Has your views on certain groups of people ever changed (for instance the homeless, mentally ill, disabled, etc...)  What happened to change your view?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Gay Men and the Holocaust

Pope Benedict XVI, in 2009 was criticized by the Jewish and International Community for lifting the excommunication of a Holocaust-denying Bishop Richard Williamson. Bishop Williamson was among four ultraconservative Bishops - all members of the traditionalist Society of St Pius X - whose excommunications were lifted, in a bid by the Pope to end a schism that began in 1988. Williamson in a Swedish interview disputed that six million Jews had died at the hands of the Nazis, and said that none had died in gas chambers. 

Pope Benedict XVI later apologized to the Jewish community and stated that any denial of the Holocaust is "intolerable," especially if it comes from a clergyman. He went on to say to American Jewish leaders...

"The hatred and contempt for men, women and children that was manifested in the Shoah [Holocaust] was a crime against humanity," he said. "This should be clear to everyone, especially to those standing in the tradition of the Holy Scriptures..."

Apparently, it was not clear to Bishop Mark Davies from the United Kingdom who used his 2012 Christmas homily to compare equal-marriage efforts in Britain to the Nazis movement. These remarks by Bishop Mark Davies are highly offensive and shows he needs to be educated on the history of the Holocaust. 

 

Upon the rise of Adolf Hitler, gay men and, to a lesser extent, lesbians, were two of the numerous groups targeted by the Nazi Party and were ultimately among Holocaust victims. Between 1935 and 1945, an estimated 100,000 men were arrested as homosexuals, of whom some 50,000 were officially sentenced. Most of these men served time in regular prisons, and up to 15,000 of those sentenced were incarcerated in Nazi concentration camps; were an estimated 60% were exterminated. The story doesn't end with the allied forces entering the concentration camps and liberating the prisoners.

As the Allies swept through Europe to victory over the Nazi regime in early 1945, hundreds of thousands of concentration camp prisoners were liberated. However, some homosexuals were forced to serve out their terms of imprisonment regardless of time served in the concentration camps. Homosexual concentration camp survivors were not even publicly acknowledged as victims of Nazi persecution by Germany until 1984.

Reparations and state pensions available to other groups were refused to gay men, who were still classified as criminals. The Nazi anti-gay law wasn't repealed until 1994. In May of 2002, the German parliament finally completed legislation to pardon all homosexuals convicted under Nazi anti-gay law. Until then homosexual concentration camp survivors were still registered on sex offender lists.

Unlike the Jewish community that received an apology from Pope Benedict XVI for Bishop Richard Williamson remarks; homosexuals received no such apology for Bishop Mark Davies remarks.  It's important that we know our history or as they say, "We are doomed to repeat it."  You might be tempted to think that a holocaust could never happen in today's world.  Don't!

The country of Uganda has put forth a legislative proposal called Anti-Homosexuality Bill (often called the "Kill the Gays Bill") that would broaden the criminalization of same-sex relations in Uganda from the current 14 years in prison to the possibility of the death penalty. Is this starting to sound familiar? To add injury to insult Pope Benedict XVI even greeted the Uganda Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga during a Wenesday general audience mass; who promised to pass the bill as a "Christmas Present" to her people. 

Pope Benedict XVI greets Uganda
Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga.

We live in the United States, why should I be concerned?  Because a gay child will listen to a news report, read a paper, hear a sermon about the hatred of homosexuals.  And one very cruel lesson will be ingrained in that child:  There is something about me that is essentially unlovable; that others would rather see me dead.  Exposure to this overwhelming shame at an age when you are not psychologically capable of handling it is disabling!  If you have been reading my blog you've seen it played out in my own life.  In the upcoming blogs, I will continue to share my journey and my personal struggles with coming to terms with my sexuality.

It is my prayer that one day our children will walk in the truth of who they are and know that they are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God and they are good. 

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for more information on the Nazi persecution of homosexual between 1935 and 1945.

Personal Reflection:
Have you ever experienced discrimination or violence because of your sexuality?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Just One More Drink...

"Thank God, not another alcohol related gift," I said out loud. Laughter erupted as I opened my birthday card. "Friends don't let friends drink and dress!" Apparently my friends were picking up on a perception of how others were beginning to experience me. The guy who loved his beer just a little too much!

"Friends don't let friends drink and dress!"

Drinking alcohol is one of the ways I learned to avoid shame. In fact, for some of us, it is the only way we've learned to avoid shame. I would drink before dates with my girlfriend to calm my anxiety. I would drink while hanging out with my friends to feel more at ease with myself. It was my way to feel like I belonged. That I wasn't alone.

Substance abuse unfortunately is a common avoidance strategy that many gay men learn at the early stage of denying one's sexual orientation. It's an epidemic among gay men. Studies have shown that, when compared with the general population, gay and bisexual men, lesbian, and transgender individuals are more likely to: Use alcohol and drugs; Have higher rates of substance abuse; Are less likely to abstain from alcohol and drug use; Are more likely to continue heavy drinking into later life.

Alcohol and drug use among homosexuals is often a reaction to the homophobia, discrimination, and/or violence they have experienced due to their sexual orientation. Gay and lesbian men and women often turn to substances to cope with their negative feelings. When it became clear to me that I was turning to alcohol to cope with my feelings of shame, I realized I needed to start to develop other coping strategies.

The co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous and the author of the 12 Steps was Bill W. When Bill was twenty-two years old, a socially awkward and insecure person, he attended a party. He took his first drink, and then another. Writing about this experience, he said,

"I felt that I belonged where I was, belonged to life; I belonged to the universe; I was part of things at last. Oh, the magic of those first three or four drinks? I became the life of the party..."

Bill's first drink gave him what he most needed at the time to survive: a sense of belonging. Seventeen years later, Bill was still drinking. His doctor told Bill that he would probably go crazy and die of alcoholism. One night, alone in his hospital room, Bill cried out in desperation, "If there be a God, let him show himself to me now!" Then,

"Suddenly my room blazed with an indescribable white light. I was seized with an ecstasy beyond description...For the first time I felt that I really belonged. I knew that I was loved and could love in return.

After this experience, Bill W. never took another drink. The accounts of Bill's first drink and his hospital room conversion are very similar. He even uses the same words to describe both experiences: "I felt that I belonged." I think that is what gay men and lesbian women are looking for a sense that, "We belong and we are loved and can love in return." Unfortunately society often tells us something else, "You are not loved and the love you experience for the same gender is not real." Is it any wonder that so many gay men and women turn to alcohol and other drugs?

 

To my heterosexual brothers and sisters it's important to know that by creating environments of love, support and acceptance you'll help your gay and lesbian brothers and sisters experience a sense of belonging; that they are loved and capable of loving. To my homosexual brothers and sisters we must learn to find other ways to cope with the stressors of being gay in a straight man's world or we will continue to fall victim to the consequences of substance abuse.

 

We must root ourselves in the truth, that first and most, we are made in the image and likeness of God and we are good.  We are His children and we belong to Him:

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Visit Alcoholic Anonymous for support in dealing with and recovering from Alcohol Addiction. Download A.A. and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic for more information on this issue.

Personal Reflection:
Recall a time you used alcohol or other drugs to cope with negative feelings of growing up gay in a straight man's world. How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.
 

Loving and Living in Denial

"My dream for us was to get married," she said with tears in her eyes. In that moment I was faced with the reality of what living in denial of one's sexuality brings; unbearable pain, suffering, and shame for what I had done. A debilitating depression would soon follow in the weeks to come. Shortly afterwards, I would lose my job; unable to work. These were dark times, but marked the beginning of a conviction that my life needed to change.


"We loved backpacking, hiking and the great outdoors."

Our relationship started as friends. We enjoyed each others company. Shared similar interest. We loved backpacking, hiking, and the great outdoors. We traveled to Alaska and spent two weeks backpacking and kayaking. Our last few days were spent bar hopping, while I wore my favorite T-shirt sharing God's love with others, "Beer is proof, that God loves us, and wants us to be happy! - Benjamin Franklin."

I still recall spending the night in a forest service cabin with her and another friend. I read in the cabin journal to be cautious of the bears, but the real threat were mice.  They were right.  While I  slept I felt the tiny paws of mice all around me.

That is what made this situation so hard. Realizing that the person you loved, was betrayed, and harmed at your hands. Now not only are you dealing with the shame of being gay, but also the shame of hurting someone you care about.  In simply acting as if I weren't gay, I believed maybe I wasn't. I hoped somehow that the dating process would uncover my heterosexuality. I like other gay men learned, it does not. It only brings more confusion and pain.

I felt alone and scared.  I had no one to turn to for help.  In a place of darkness I looked to books of therapist that offered hope in repairing my sexuality.  These books only brought more self-loathing. 

In the end, It would be my mother that would bring comfort, warmth and love to my darkness.  "Your father and I have been talking,  and we feel your struggles with depression stem from the fact that you are gay.  We want you to know, we love you and accept you for who you are."  In that moment life seemed a little brighter.

Peace and all Good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Download the document: Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth for more information on the damage caused by Gay Reparative Therapies and Ex-Gay Ministries. 

Personal Reflection:
How did you play it "straight" when you were living in denial of your sexuality?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Avoiding Shame

Darkness enveloped.  Rain fell.  I stood motionless under the street lamp.  No longer capable of speaking, hearing, or feeling warmth.  "Please Lord, let it end," I said to myself.  "No," was his reply.   Exposure to overwhelming shame at an age when you are not psychologically capable of handling is disabling.  I was gay and faced with the undeniable reality that this wasn't going to change, despite mine and other's best efforts.  Depression took hold.

Coping with shame means finding a way - any way - to lessen the feelings of shame.  One of the most drastic means is suicide.  As I shared with you in the last post, [Love One Another] gay youth and young adults are 2 to 3 times more likely to commit suicide.  These are the years when shame is most acute, and we haven't yet learned healthier ways to avoid the devastating aspects of shame.  Our gay children are hit head-on with shame, and it feels overwhelming, and to many, mortally unbearable.

Most of us, including myself, found a less drastic way than suicide to avoid shame.  The first, and undoubtedly the most common way we avoided shame, was to deny our sexuality.  We simply acted as if we weren't gay.  After all, our logic went, if we didn't act gay, maybe we weren't.  My adventures into this strategy will be highlighted in upcoming blogs.  Let's just say this strategy simply brought more grief and shame.  But on the bright side will bring comic relief to this blog.

Let me end this blog on a more serious note...If you, your child, or friend is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts please visit the Trevor Project.  The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.  Watch the below video for an introduction to The Trevor Project.

 

May the Lord bless you and keep you on this journey of faith called life.  May you always know that you are wonderfully and beautifully made in the image and likeness of God and you are good.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

Personal Reflection:
What were some ways you tried to hide or deny your sexuality?   How did those behaviors make you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.

Love One Another

Throughout Epiphany, God’s word proclaims Jesus’ mastery over creation.  In the gospel reading for Monday, He can heal the sick.  On Tuesday, we have the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.  On Wednesday, He walks on water.  These miracles demonstrate and remind us of Jesus’ almighty power and how much He emptied himself when He became one with us.  Not as a man, but as an infant. 

The Creator of the world could not walk, talk, or even roll over.  The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity weighed just a few pounds; He shivered, cried, and nursed at His mother’s breast.  The message of Christmas and God's incarnation is shocking. He who created the billions of galaxies with billions of stars, who created the countless creatures of our world, became completely dependent on us for his safety, well-being and nourishment.

It seems almost blasphemous to suggest that God became human. Yet, He did so out of love for us.  A testament to who “I” to who “We” are.   That are goodness far out weights our brokenness.  That we are much more than our sinfulness.  So much so that God placed his trust and faith completely in us.  And given our track record of violence and hatred towards one another, he probably should have feared us. 

Jesus, became one with us, out of love for us, and amazingly as scripture points out, "we must have the same love for one another" (1 Jn 4:11).  One of the great Christian apologists of our time, G.K. Chesterton, once wrote a parable to illustrate this point: 

“A man who was entirely careless of spiritual affairs died and went to hell.  And he was much missed on earth by his old friends.  His business agent went down to the gates of hell to see if there was any chance of bringing him back.  But though he pleaded for the gates to be opened, the iron bars never yielded.  His priest also went and argued:  “He was not really a bad fellow; given time he would have matured. Let him out, please!  The gates remained stubbornly shut against all their voices.  Finally, his mother came; she did not beg for his release.  Quietly, and with a strange catch in her voice, she said to Satan:  “Let me in.”  Immediately the great doors swung open upon their hinges.  For love goes down through the gates of hell and there redeems the dead.” 

The incredible graciousness, power, and mercy that came into our world in Jesus is still, at least potentially so, in our world in us, the Body of Christ.  What Jesus did we too can do; in fact, that is precisely what we are asked to do as Christians.  We are called to enter the world of another; to enter their pain and suffering.  We are to be a reminder that are goodness far out weights our brokenness.  That we are much more than our sinfulness.  We are made in the image and likeness of God, and we are Good!

To my heterosexual brothers and sisters, are you willing to enter the world of another; perhaps your gay child, friend, or sibling?  Did you know that gay youth are 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people?  Why is this?  It's because gay youth face physical and verbal abuse, rejection and isolation from family and peers.  As a result of these pressures, lesbian and gay youth are also more vulnerable than other youth to psychosocial problems including substance abuse, chronic depression, school failure, early relationship conflicts, being forced to leave their families, and having to survive on their own prematurely.

The root of the problem of gay youth suicide is a society that discriminates against and stigmatizes homosexuals while failing to recognize that a substantial number of its youth has a gay or lesbian orientation.  This is our challenge as homosexual and heterosexual Catholic Christians.  We are called to bring an end to discrimination and the stigmatization of gay men and women or our children will continue to suffer.  How are we called to do this? 

First, each of us need to take personal responsibility for revising homophobic attitudes and conduct, especially around our children. Families will need to become educated about the development and nature of homosexuality. Schools will need to include information about homosexuality in their curriculum and protect gay youth from abuse by peers to ensure they receive an equal education. Helping professionals will need to accept and support a homosexual orientation in youth. Social services will need to be developed that are sensitive to and reflective of the needs of gay and lesbian youth.  Lastly, legislation should guarantee homosexual equal rights in our society. 

All of these changes will not take place unless we as Catholic Christians are willing to enter the world of another, and like Christ bring the Good News of God's love.  If we fail our children will continue to suffer.

Peace and all good,
Brother Sun and Sister Moon

For more information on suicidal behavior amongst LGBT youth download the following Fact Sheet called:  American Association of Suicidology - Suicidal Behavior Amongst LGBT Youth.

Personal Reflection:
Who entered your "world" and helped you discover your goodness?  How did you feel?  Feel free to share your story in the comment spaces below.