The Winds of Change
The US Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM) is about self identification, both inside and outside of the Catholic Church. We believe in open and honest communication with all levels of our Church leadership. Those who are not comfortable with public self identification will find the RSM problematic. Unlike Cardinal Francis George of Chicago we do not subscribe to the idea that to self identify ourselves publicly is a political protest. Nor do we see it as being a threat to the unity of the Church.
I was glad to see recently that members of the Knights of Columbus self identified themselves as both Catholic and Pro Gay Marriage. Of course this is bringing forth public condemnation from their national leadership. The same nonsense is being promoted against these individuals, just like it was against members of the Rainbow Sash Movement.
On June 14, the Massachusetts Legislature convened in a joint Constitutional Convention to decide the fate of gay "marriage" in Massachusetts and garnered only 45 votes, just 5 votes shy of the 50 required to put the initiative on the ballot in 2008.
Among these were 16 Knights of Columbus, who broke with Knights homophobic position. Among these were Speaker of the House Sal Dimasi, and House Majority Leader John Rogers. State representatives Garrett Bradley, Bob Deleo, Stephen Di Natale, Chris Donelan, Christopher Fallon, Kevin Honan, Charles Murphy, Angelo Puppolo, Bob Spellane, Bob Nyman, and Paul McMurtry voted against the initiative, along with State Senators Tom McGee, Michael Knapik, and Michael Morrissey.
The Vatican II Teaching of the Mystical Body of Christ is finding new life, and enegy in the life of the Church. People not rules and dogma are becoming the focus of the Church in spite of its current leadership.
Over the 4th of July weekend Dignity had its yearly conference in Austin, Texas. I was glad to see that Austin Bishop Gregory Aymond had the courage not to condemn this conference, rather he offered his prayers and full support of the Church's none discrimination position against GLBT people. I am sure this pastoral bishop will get the fundamentalists up in the air over this, like he did in supporting Texas - Futile Law in the baby Emilio matter.
Change is taking place in our Church. The shift of leadership is moving towards the "Sense of the Faithful" and away from an out of touch Magisterium.
