Rainbow Sash Movement

As Catholics we live a world with pressing physical need. I believe we are being called to live out  Matthew 25:37-40; to live compassionately and generously in response to the needs around us but not without prayer, discernment and patience.

The Presidential election calls US Catholics both straight and GLBT to become prophetic in their voting. Listen always, and vote your conscience. Catholics should remember that Health care, education, income support, adoption, and the preferrential option of the poor, like abortion are pro life issues.

The Rainbow Sash Movement is heartened by the Democratic Party’s recently released platform. We must begin a discussion about the economic forces that force so many women to seek abortion. Our reasonable approach to finding a solution to abortion is to seek some form of common ground so a genuine dialogue process can begin.

Our political debate cannot be focused on one issue, at the risk of other life issues.

Our Core Values as a Church are focused on 1) Respect for the dignity and worth of each and every human person; 2) Responsible stewardship in the utilization of all resources — human, financial and environmental; 3) True collaboration among all those who work to bring health care to the community and 4) An honest effort to promote the just distribution of healthcare resources among all citizens, rich and poor alike.

Always remember the poor are the privileged class of the Gospels. If poverty is not part of your political concerns how can Christ among us be recognized?

The bishops of the United States have long advocated healthcare for all. In a pastoral letter written back in 1981, the bishops called for a “comprehensive healthcare system that will ensure a basic level of healthcare for all Americans.” Pope John XXIII, more than 45 years ago, listed healthcare among those basic rights which flow from the sanctity and dignity of human life. Pope John Paul II addressed the need for healthcare and strongly promoted the availability and affordability of healthcare for all workers.

Another concern is war "I hope that all of us will try to live up to the challenge of peace by deepening our spirit life and becoming more authentically the disciples of Jesus, who refused to kill and chose rather to be killed. The only way we are going to bring peace into our world is to reject war and actively live the peace of nonviolence and active love." Bishop Gumbleton

Catholic Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender voters should understand that both candidates have the same position on Gay Marriage, both are opposed to it.

We in the GLBT Community are losing our dignity through drugs, alcohol and deceptive illusions of happiness, we must reclaim the Stonewall Spirit, if not for ourselves than for the youth of our community.

We have one authority to follow, after listening, and delibertating; that is our internal forum where God speaks. So Vote your conscience don't vote your emotions. Discern just who your neighbor is, and how you can help them.

We must always remind ourselves a simple faith and adherence to essential sacramental and liturgical guidelines are prerequisites that must be met before pursuing the church's goals of social service.

My prayer is that our voting at the end of the day will be guided by the Holy Spirit, and that we will honor our right to vote by voting. So many have given their lives for this right, not to vote would be sacrilegious to their memory. God bless.