Rainbow Sash Movement

Summer is about over and we are moving into Fall. With each passing season I am reminded of how much we have to be greatfull for. In my life time I have seen so much progress in the areas of GLBT Rights.  Yes, there is much more to be accomplished, but we should also celebrate the progress, and be thankful.

Our Community is very deversified, and I think in that diversity we have a form of unity.  We build from the concept of respect for each other, and celebrate our many faces. There are those in our community who have given much to move us forward, and should be remembered.

"One of those individuals is Matthew Wayne Shepard (December 1, 1976 – October 12, 1998) was an American student at the University of Wyoming who was fatally attacked near Laramie, on the night of October 6 – October 7, 1998 in what was widely reported by international news media as a savage beating because of his homosexuality. Shepard died from severe head injuries at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado, on October 12, 1998. His murder brought national attention to the issue of hate crime legislation at the state and federal levels." (From Wikipedia)

Mathew was brutally murdered for simply being gay. Where did the hate come from that motivated this act of brutality? This question continues to trouble me as I move into the later part of my life. Is it possible to be  a Christian, and hate GLBT people at the same time?

The Chicago Chapter of the Rainbow Sash Movement will honor the memory of Matthew Shepard with the Sacred Liturgy of Rememberance on October 12, 2007. The Liturgy will not be hypocritical we will welcome all people openly and honestly.

I am making a special outreach to the membership of Chicago Dignity, the Archdiocese Gay and Lesbian Outreach Ministry, and Cardinal Francis George to join us. I repeat all will  be welcome to this Sacred Liturgy. If you live in the Chicago area, or will be traveling to Chicago during this time frame please consider joining us, by emailing us at Sacred Liturgy attendance.

Mathew's memory calls us to move beyond our own fears, and to love one another. His memory also challenges us to speak out against any Christian based homophobia as anti Gospel; therefore anti Christ. God bless