Catholics for Marriage Equality Counter Bishops' Bulletin Inserts in Washington
In the brochure, Love Overcomes Fear, they stress Catholic social teaching about the dignity of each human being and Jesus’ message of love for all.
“We are shocked when we read the language and examples used by our bishops to incite fear in our Catholic brothers and sisters if Referendum 74 passes. The message of Jesus is love and compassion, not fear,” said Kirby Brown, of Catholics for Marriage Equality Washington (CFMEWA).
“While many pastors and their parish ministry teams may not use what the Bishops are sending them, remember we, the laity, are the Catholic voice of support for marriage equality in our state. We are the Church. “Let’s use our voice!” said Brown.
You can read the bishops’ two bulletin inserts, a Q & A sheet and a list of supposed consequences of legalizing marriage equality by clicking here.
You can read the CFMEWA brochure by clicking here. For a high-quality copy of this handout, email [email protected].
CFMEWA is also encouraging members to attend three upcoming events which are of interest to Catholics who support LGBT issues:
Jamie Manson, The Church at a Crossroads
Jamie Manson, a columnist for the National Catholic Reporter, will be at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral on Capitol Hill in Seattle on Sunday, October 14, 1 – 4 PM. Jamie will lead a dialogue about the crises facing the Catholic Church in the U.S. and in a search for signs of hope in this challenging climate. (The cost is $25 at the door. Please rsvp to Call to Action Western Washington, Betty Hill, [email protected])
People of Faith Singing A Gospel Concert for Marriage Equality
A participatory concert at Seattle First Baptist, 1111 Harvard Avenue. Come and sing! Come and be inspired! Come and commit to Washington United for Marriage. Sunday, October 14,from 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Goodwill offering goes to Washington United for Marriage)
Sisters & Brothers in Christ: Faith Journey of LGBT Catholics
On Thursday October 18th from 7 – 9 PM, St. Joseph Parish in Seattle offers a panel presentation of personal stories about how some St. Joe’s parishioners who are gay and lesbian, as well as family members and straight supportive friends live lives of faith. The panel will be followed by an open community discussion, conversation and refreshments.
For more information on these events, contact [email protected]
–Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry
I know before Vatican II the rules were pretty simple. Don’t eat meat on Friday, Go to Confession, Fast before Communion, pray the rosary, etc. but since then I have overcome having a lax conscience about breaking the rules and worked hard on Loving and caring for my Neighbor especially those who are overlooked and underserved in this world. HOW do the Bishops continue to preach the Gospels and completely ignore the facts that they never spoke up for the Jews, the Blacks, the abused children, women in general and yet can “campaign” under the guise of religion. It is a mystery.
Dear Frank and New Ways Ministry,
Thank you so very much for your commenting on the language of our Catholic Bishops in Washington State who would dare to take such medieval tactics in the attempt to defeat the good intentions of the citizens in this state to create a more loving environment which is characterized by equality, cooperation, appreciation of differences and valuing the constructive contribution of all the citizens who live here.
I am not sure how any person in the pews cannot see the messages by our hierarchy as anything more than a desperate attempt to silence the very best virtues of humanity: those that foster the well being of all people of conscience to advance the lives of the disenfranchised for the benefit of all.
Nicely done, Frank. I regret that we seem not to have you on our C4ME notification and letter list. Can’t figure out for sure what address works for you
Eager to see you soon!
Anne
A quote from January 18-31 National Caatholic Reporter. “In the springof 2009, a Joliet seminarian, Alejandro Flores, was caught with pornographic pictures of yourth, some of which appeared to be underage boys. No criminal charges were filed. Sartain ordained Flores three months later, in June 2009. Then in January 2010, Flores was arrested for molesting a boy. He pleaded guilty in September 2010, the same month Benedict promoted Sartain to archbishop of Seattle.”