Change Agents and Other Resources

1. Change Agents and Other Resources December 9, 2015

2. Agenda • Introduction of Team • Purpose & Scope • Change Agents (Individuals, Universities / HS, Parishes) • One In Love Holy Family LGBT Ministry • Resources (Films, Books, Blogs, etc.) • Path Forward

3. Team Members • Team Leaders • Chris Evon • Pat Lynch • Team • Mary Beth Benedict • Dodie Carney • Jean Golda • Mary Johannesen-Schmidt • Diane Kelly • Mary Kwasny • Mike Lunda

4. Purpose & Scope • Purpose • Develop relationships with individuals working to change position of Church with respect to LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) individuals • Research books, films, articles, blogs, etc, related to LGBT issues • Utilize information to empower change agents both within Holy Family community and greater Catholic Church

5. Purpose & Scope • Scope • Identify, contact and network with individuals working as change agents regarding LGBT issues within Catholic Church • Research print and electronic media regarding LGBT issues • Summarize & document findings • Lead the development of Holy Family One In Love Ministry focused on LGBT • Lead the development of inter-parish parent group

6. Change Agents Researched • Name & Title / Organization • What are they doing to effect change? • What parameters are they working within? • What successes have they achieved to date? • What roadblocks have they encountered? • Future plans to utilize this individual / university / parish

7. Change Agents and Other Resources

8. HOPE

9. Archbishop Blase Cupich, Archdiocese of Chicago • What he has done to effect change: • Strong advocate for justice • Parameters he works within: • Works within the current teachings of the Catholic Church • Successes he has achieved: • Alternate to Synod on Family in Rome next fall • Future plans to utilize: • Parent Group meetings

10. People we’ve come to know or need to get to know • His Holiness, Pope Francis • Archbishop Blase J. Cupich • Sr. Jeannine Grimmick, S. L.: Co-founder of New Ways Ministry – advocate for LGBTQ • Frank De Bernardo: Executive Director of New Ways Ministry • Fr. James Halstead: Department of Religious Education Chair at DePaul University  • Cristina Traina: Professor of Religion, Chair Dept of Religion, Northwestern University • Dr. Susan Ross: Professor and Chair of Theology Department, Loyola University, Chicago • Sr. Margaret Farley, R.S.M : Ethicist and retired professor of ethics at Yale Divinity School • Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap: Archdiocese of Boston, Ma • Lisa Fullam : Assoc Prof of Moral Theology, Santa Clara Jesuit School of Theology at Berkley • Stephen Pope: Professor, Theology Department, Boston University • Charlene Strong : Washington State Human Rights Commission • Patricia Beattie Jung: former Associate Professor of Theology at Loyola Univ in Chicago. • Bishop Thomas Gumbleton: Retired, Detroit, Michigan • Fr. James Martin, S.J.: blog, twitter, facebook What should a gay Catholic do? November 13, 2009 – America Magazine Stunning change – • Carl Siciliano: Executive director and founder of the Ali Forney Center, New York 

11. Frank DeBernardo, Executive Director, New Ways Ministry • What he has done to effect change: • Resourcing and educating on homosexuality in relation to the Catholic Church • Parameters he works within: • Advocacy for homosexual individuals • Successes he has achieved: • National and international speaker • Author • Roadblocks he has encountered: • Not allowed to speak in some Catholic Churches • Future plans to utilize: • Continued use of wisdom and resources

12. Fr. James Halstead, Past Chair & Associate Professor, Religious Studies, DePaul University • What he has done to effect change: • Strong support for DePaul’s minor studies program • Parameters he works within: • Believes in debating the great moral issues within Catholic universities • Successes he has achieved: • National and international speaker • Noted expert on Contemporary Catholicism and Catholic ethics • Future plans to utilize: • Further conversation to seek wisdom and resources

13. Cristina Traina, Ph.D., Professor of Religion Northwestern University and Parishioner, St. Nicholas, Evanston • Suggestions to effect change: • Sponsor facilitated conversations (by outsiders) for full parish dialogue, some speakers may need to be off campus • Invite LGBT parishioners to share invisible ways they are not feeling welcome at Holy Family • Use family and community as guiding metaphors for moving forward • Examine what Bishop Cupich and Synod bring as new voices & perspectives • Parameters for us to consider: • Diversity among HF parishioner views • Someone communicating with Archdiocese regarding HF events. • Roadblocks: Parish / Archdiocese policy • Future plans: Dr. Traina can be used as a resource/consultant and is willing to come and share her scholarly expertise, however, she feels we (Parish) are not ready yet

14. Barbara Marian, Member of Streetside Justice      Former lector, Catholic Church (Woodstock) • Contact: Barbara Marian • Actions to effect change: • Continues to give what is right and just a face and a voice • As a member of Streetside Justice, Barbara coordinated street-corner rallies and vigils, protests at IL State Senate and Representative offices around the state in support of marriage equality. • Crusades for equality within Catholic Church • As a lector in Catholic Church, (Woodstock parish, 1994) Barbara followed the lead of Vatican II in using inclusive language subscribed to by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy • Parameters: Willing to push limits / protest to gain attention to effect change at both State and Church levels

15. Barbara Marian, Member of Streetside Justice      Former lector, Catholic Church (Woodstock) • Successes: • IL Same-Sex Marriage Law • Roadblocks: • Conservative opinions in community • Newly-installed Bishop of Rockford demanded cease and desist on using inclusive language at mass. . .also, the real bread this parish baked for Eucharist. Bishop threatened to close parish if they didn't follow his direction. As a response, parishioners stood and turned backs to alter during readings. • Future Relationship: :  Possible contact for our LGBTQ support group and any work being done in a larger sense.

16. DR. SUSAN ROSS, LOYOLA UNIVERSITYProfessor of Theology and a Faculty Scholar • Contact:Dr. Susan Ross Phone: 773.508.2364 E-mail: sross@luc.edu • Referred by: Dr. Ross was referred by both Frank DeBernardo from New Ways Ministry, Mary Jo Hoag from St. Nick’s, Evanston and Cristie Trenia, Northwestern. They all spoke of her writings on arguments for the morality and theology of sacramental same-sex marriage within the Catholic Church • Future Relationship: Intend to keep trying to have a conversation with her.

17. DePaul University, Chicago

18. DePaul University, Chicago • What they have done to effect change: • First Catholic school in U.S. to offer LGBTQ Studies minor • LGBTQ Student Services • Parameters they are working within: • Work within the social justice traditions of the Catholic Church • This is very much in line with DePaul’s mission and culture of social justice and serving the oppressed • Successes they have achieved to date: • Courses that had been offered as early as the 1990’s • These served as the framework for the minor studies • Roadblocks they have encountered: • Some criticism from inside the church and others that they are not as “catholic” as they should be • Future plans to utilize this resource • Consultation with Fr. James Halstead to seek his wisdom and direction

19. Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana Someday after mastering the winds, the waves, the tides and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of LOVE, and then, for the second time in the history of the world, humankind will have discovered FIRE – Pierre Teihard de Chardin, S.J.

20. Notre Dame University, South Bend, Indiana • What they have done to effect change: • Fall 2014: Gay in Christ: Dimensions in Fidelity Conference Sponsored by the Gender Relations Center. • Beloved Friends and Allies • Parameters they are working within: • Work within teachings of the Catholic Church • Successes they have had: • Recently made changed its policies to offer benefits to all legally married spouses of employees. • Future plans to utilize this resource • Develop contact for future resources

21. St. Xavier University, Chicago Contact: Jose Vasquez Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Multicultural Programming • Actions to effect change: • Safe Zone training for faculty and staff at Saint Xavier University • Training faculty and staff in how to respectfully speak with and help guide members of the LGBTQ community. • Faculty and staff can post a Safe Zone sticker on office door as a sign of LGBTQ support. • Ally training for students and faculty • Teaches respectful communication and how to handle student abuse of LGBTQ community.

22. St. Xavier University, Chicago Part 2 • Parameters: • Part of St. Xavier’s Diversity Week • Success: • Plan to expand training to community • Future Relationship: • Possible connection for support group

23. Public High Schools with Gay/Straight Alliance Clubs • Barrington High School • Batavia High School • Conant High School • Crystal Lake High School • Elgin High School • Fremd High School • Hersey High School • Lake Zurich High School • Palatine High School • Prospect High School • Schaumburg High School • Stevenson High School • Streamwood High School • Catholic High Schools in area do not have Gay/Straight Alliancebut do have Diversity and Social Justice Clubs that can includeLGBTQ as part.

24. ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, EVANSTON, ILSt. Nicholas Gay and Lesbian & Family and Friends Ministry • Contact:Mary Jo Hoag - mary.hoag@sbcglobal.net • Mission to effect change: The St. Nicholas Gay & Lesbian Ministry gathers in the community to explore spirituality and social issues of the day as they relate to the personal faith journey.  The group includes friends and family of gay and lesbian people, as well as folks who are questioning, and people of all ages. They gather with family and friends for prayer and support, and to witness to the Good News of inclusion. They engage their community through education and outreach, and strive to live Catholic ideals with dignity, respect, and justice. • Parameters: They work within the parameters of church teachings. The parish promotes all events from the pulpit and encourages and promotes a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBT community and their families.

25. ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, EVANSTON, ILSt. Nicholas Gay and Lesbian & Family and Friends Ministry • Successes: • They have been in existence for over 11 years. • They have brought in nationally known speakers to educate and enlighten the parish community. • All events and activities are announced from the pulpit and in the bulletin. • People are blessed in the community as they attend national conferences. • They have developed a website within the parish website that includes resources some of which are not fully sanctioned by the church.

26. ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, EVANSTON, ILSt. Nicholas Gay and Lesbian & Family and Friends Ministry • Roadblocks: They were unable to have certain speakers come to St. Nick’s. They found other locations to host these events. Cardinal George was not an ally. In January 2013, he made a number of public statements regarding a proposed law in the Illinois legislature concerning marriage equality. The St. Nicholas Gay and Lesbian & Family and Friends Ministry joined with the Peace & Justice Ministry to invite the Cardinal to a conversation on some of the many questions involved. He did not meet with them. • Future Relationship: Mary Jo is very interested in continuing with this relationship and in being a resource when needed. She strongly encourages us to attend a meeting in the future.

27. OLD ST. PAT’S, CHICAGO, ILLGBT, Friends and Families Outreach • Contact: Maureen Schuneman - Listening Parent Program (Peer companionship). 312.933.6368 meschuneman@aol.com • Mission to effect change: The LGBT outreach program was started to allow a place, inside the church, where the LGBT people of faith, as well as their friends and families could share experiences and explore their spirituality. They hold educational events, social activities and are actively involved in serving others. • Parameters: They work within the parameters of church teachings and the guidance of the pastor. The pastor promotes all events from the pulpit and encourages and promotes a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBT community and their families

28. OLD ST. PAT’S, CHICAGO, ILLGBT, Friends and Families Outreach • Successes: • The parish funds programs up to $5,000 per year. • All events and activities are announced from the pulpit and in the bulletin. • Church Liturgist includes prayers of the people concerning LGBT when it ties in with the liturgy. • The goal of the parish is to the ‘light’ for anyone in the pews struggling with these issues. • They have become educated on the doctrines and policies of the Catholic Church concerning homosexuality. • They have become connected to other organizations and ministries working with the issues of the LGBT community.

29. OLD ST. PAT’S, CHICAGO, ILLGBT, Friends and Families Outreach • Roadblocks: They were unable to have certain speakers come to OSP’s. They found other locations to host these events. Cardinal George was not an ally. But they did what they could to work within these parameters. • Future Relationship: Maureen is very interested in continuing with this relationship and in being a resource when needed. She would like HF and OSP’s to work together at some point.

30. ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH, BALTIMORE, MD LEAD (LGBT, Educating, Affirming, Diversity) • Contact: Father Joe Muth (pastor) 410-433-2300lead5401@gmail.comjoemuth2848@gmail.com • Mission to effect change:To affirm the LGBT members of the parish family and broader community. To be the welcoming hand of Jesus extended to LGBT parishioners, their families and friends. To provide education and clarification on materials dealing with the LGBT community. To be a community of faith and spirit that works towards openness and understanding. LEAD strives to offer justice, healing, and wholeness of life for all God’s people. • Parameters: They work within the parameters of church teachings with the guidance and full participation of the pastor and the support of the Archbishop Lori. The pastor is actively involved in developing and supporting programs. The majority of the parish is supportive

31. ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH, BALTIMORE, MD LEAD (LGBT, Educating, Affirming, Diversity) • Successes: • Created a strong and active ministry supported by the pastor and parish council. • Developed a relationship with the Archbishop Lori. • Hosted an event with the Archbishop in attendance to share life stories. • Formed committees to work on Education, Network/Outreach, and Marriage Equality. • Outreach to other parishes and denominations in the area. • Developed resources and education for the parish. • Attended the gay pride parade. The first year 10 different churches and 100 people attended. Second year they doubled those numbers

32. ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH, BALTIMORE, MD LEAD (LGBT, Educating, Affirming, Diversity) • Roadblocks: Some parishioners see the gay lifestyle as immoral. He challenged them openly and respectfully on the issues. Ministry took small steps at the beginning. He advised us to be patient. • Future Relationship: Father Joe is enthusiastic and very interested in continuing to help us in any way he can.

33. GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, MENOMONEE FALLS, WI • Contact:Ann Castiglione 262-502-0437,  email: castiann@att.net • Mission to effect change: Gay and Straight in Christ welcomes, supports and affirms LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) persons, their families and friends and those who wish to stand in solidarity with them in Christ. This ministry works to help the LGBT community find and take its rightful place within the Catholic community. • Parameters: They work within the parameters of church teachings. The parish promotes all events from the pulpit and encourages and promotes a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBT community and their families

34. GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, MENOMONEE FALLS, WI • Successes: • They have been in existence for over 10 years. • Have seeded ministries in several parishes. • All events and activities are announced from the pulpit and in the bulletin. • Monthly intentions are included in the Prayer of the Faithful. • They have developed an informational brochure that is openly displayed in the narthex of the parish. • They have included stories and informational quotes in the monthly Parish Newsletter. • They have had strong support from their pastors and parish community.

35. GOOD SHEPHERD PARISH, MENOMONEE FALLS, WI • Roadblocks:: Though they have invited the Bishop to meet with them they have not had success in doing this. • Future Relationship: Ann is very interested in continuing with this relationship and in being a resource when needed.

36. Common Threads • Individuals • Dialogue & Education • Development of Allies • Catholic Universities & Public High Schools • Support & Education • Parishes • Justice Based • Formed Ministries • Roadblocks • Struggle to work within the interpretation of Church Teachings • General Diversity issues

37. OTHER CHANGE AGENTS • LGBT community • Influential leaders • Clergy, politicians, • Business people. • Athletes • Friends • Families • Youth • Time 

38. Film Clip • For the Bible Tells Me So – A film directed by Daniel Karslake

39. “ONE IN LOVE” Holy Family LGBT Ministry • Brief HistoryHoly Family as a Leader  • Mission • Educate, Advocate (in support of LGBT individuals and their family and friends), Ally and Serve. • To gather together to discuss issues surrounding sexuality and our faith. • To gather in prayer as we walk through our spiritual journey towards a deeper relationship with God. • To reach out to surrounding parishes and churches to join us and to assist them in creating a similar ministry. 

40. “ONE IN LOVE” Holy Family LGBT Ministry • Events • Group sharing of stories to each other • Reach out to Archbishop Cupich to share stories and experiences. • 1st meeting, December, 13th, 9am - noon. A small group to introduce the ministry, and share stories. We would like to have a few representatives from other churches in the area. A larger meeting will be planned in January. If you are interested in finding out more about the ministry, please fill out this form. (Need form). • Films • Speakers • Service events 

41. Resources • Films: • For the Bible Tells Me So – A film directed by Daniel Karslake • In Good Conscience: Sr. Jeannine Gramick’s Journey of Faith a film by Barbara Rick Trembling  • The Gay Debate: The Bible and Homosexuality Matthew Vines, You Tube • For My Wife: an award winning film by Charlene Strong • Trembling before G_d a film by Sandi SimchaDubowski • Fish Out of Water directed by Ky Dickens

42. Resources • Films:  • Prayers for Bobby A Once Upon A Time Films production in association with Permut Presentations and SladekTaaffe Productions for Lifetime Television Network  • Wrestling with God Rabbi Steben Greenberg  • A Jihad for Love John Grierson • Anyone and Everyone (Mormon, Catholic and Hindu parents of gay children share their thoughts) Susan Polis Schultz  • Love Free or Die Mackey Alston  • The Gay Debate: the Bible and Homosexuality www.YouTube.com

43. Resources Books: • Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality: New Paths to Understanding- Louis J Cameli - Ave Maria Press  • Church of Mercy – Pope Francis  • Confronting Sex and Power in the Catholic Church-Bishop Geoffrey Robinson (Retired, Australia) • Building Bridges- Gay and Lesbian Reality and the Catholic Church Robert Nugent and Jeanine Gramick (New Ways Ministry)  • Faith Beyond Resentment: Fragments Catholic and Gay -James Allison • Sexual Diversity and Catholicism: Toward the Development of Moral Theology -Patricia Beattie Jung • Spiritual Direction and the Gay Person James Empereur, S. J.  • Just Love Margaret Farley • Sexual Fluidity – Lisa Diamond • What the Bible Really Says About HomosexualityDaniel A. Helminiak • Homosexuality and Christian Faith (Collection of Essays by various authors)Edited by Walter Wink  

44. Resources Books: • Jesus, the Bible and HomosexualityJack Rogers God and the Gay ChristianMatthew Vines • The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage: An Evangelical’s Change of HeartMark Achtemeier • What the Bible Says and Doesn’t say about HomosexualityRev. Dr. Mel White Pamphlet   • Stranger at the GateMel White   • God Believes in LoveBishop Gene Robinson (Episcopal Church’s first gay Bishop)  • Living in Sin: A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality John Shelby Spong (Episcopal)  • Homosexuality – A Positive Catholic Perspective – Questions and Answers about Gay/Lesbian Life (pamphlet) – Robert Nugent and Jeanine Gramick (New Ways Ministry)

45. Resources Books: • Marriage Equality: A Positive Catholic Approach (pamphlet) Frank DeBernardo New Ways Ministry • The Last Heresy: The Gospel of Gay PersecutionRobert Klinkert • The Preacher’s SonMarc Adams • Since My Last Confession: A Gay Catholic MemoirScott Pomfret • The Children are Free: Re-examining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex RelationshipsJohn Tyler Connoley • Adam’s GiftJimmy Creech • Fortunate Families: Catholic Families with Lesbian Daughters and Gay Sons Mary Elizabeth Lopato with Casey Lopato • Blogs:Bondings 2.0

46. Path Forward • Continued Networking with New & Identified Change Agents • Continue to document films, books, etc • One in Love Holy Family LGBT Ministry • Work to Establish Parent Group for ongoing dialogue

47. Fish Out of Water Film