Gay Today: Letters to the Editor

Pen Points
Letters to
Gay Today

Savagery & Desire:
The Hofstra University Murder

Savagery directed toward an object of desire is often an attack against the shameful desire more than it is an attack against the actual person. It is shame, disgust and guilt as much as rejection that fuels the need and fervor of the murder. If someone reconciled to his sexuality is rejected it is usually a different response. But the coupling of rejection and disdain for the desire is deeply combustible.

The murder by grown men of little girls after they have been sexually molested points to this dynamic. The evidence of the crime must be destroyed. The tempting force must be eliminated because to desire it is felt by the offender to be deeply criminal. Yes it is criminal to molest little girls. But is same sex desire on the same chart? To some, yes, it is.

One should not point to homosexuality as the provocative element in this murder but rather the repression and condemnation of homosexuality. This has been theorized as the reason for gay-bashing. It's the urge within that one is ashamed of that fuels the attack.

It is not gay-liberation that claimed the life of Max Kolb, but the lingering and potent oppression of homosexuality. Whatever present acceptance is in the air it is not air that Shaun Alexander breathed. Of course, specific to Shaun Alexander could be a host of other factors that caused his homicidal rampage, but we must not let the likes of Bill Bennett or Pat Robertson or the religious right to blame a permissive and accepting society as the reason. If anything they should blame the opposite for causing such irrational and punitive violence. If anything --they may even need to blame themselves.

Bill C. Davis

Join Us at St Patrick's Cathedral (Melbourne, Australia)

Archbishop George Pell: His homophobia is spearheading activism in Melbourne, Australia

When we wear the Rainbow Sash this Pentecost, Melbourne will be without an Archbishop. Let us take this unusual moment seriously. Let us use it to reclaim the Church for love, justice and liberation.

Over the past four years the Rainbow Sash has emerged as a strong and dynamic symbol of gay witness and challenge, both in the Church and in society at large. Its influence is also growing. In November last year the Sash was worn in the United States for the first time, and it immediately gained national attention.

This Pentecost gay and lesbian Catholics will wear the Sash in at least 4 major U.S. cities.

Here in Australia we are also moving ahead with plans to establish a Sydney branch of our movement, as George Pell's hard line conservatism highlights and re-enforces the discrimination gay people face from Church structures and teachings.

In Melbourne the Church and the media will be watching to see how our movement will fare without Archbishop Pell at the altar. Will we receive a warmer welcome? Can we sustain our momentum without his energetic opposition? How will the current Catholic leaders handle us? Was Pell the problem or are there deeper issues here?

This is a crucial moment for our movement here in Melbourne. The stand we take, the witness we give and the challenge we offer go deeper and are far more profound than the attitudes of one authoritarian Archbishop. It is the whole Church, and the entire hierarchy that we call to conversion of heart.

Many people may be waiting for the Vatican to appoint our new Archbishop. We are not waiting. We are calling Catholic women and men to reclaim our church for justice.

We call on parish councils, religious orders, parish priests, school principals, teachers, theologians, pastoral workers and all Catholics to make public statements and initiate policies that welcome and affirm gay and lesbian people. It is time for all who believe in justice to speak out!

Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Five Arrested Following Protests at Archbishop's Inauguration

Another Unembarrassed Ignoramus

Scorned Suitor is Arrested in a Grisly University Murder Case

Related Sites:
Hofstra University

Rainbow Sash Movement
GayToday does not endorse related sites.

It is time to insist that Church leaders, both present and future, listen to gay people, ask forgiveness for the injustice we have suffered, honor our wisdom and our gifts, and affirm our place amongst God's people.

Join us! Stand with us in solidarity and wear the Rainbow Sash with dignity and pride. Let us show the Church that, while bishops may come and go, the struggle for justice continues.

We thank you for your support! Committee of the Rainbow Sash Movement.

The Rainbow Sash's Call: - We call all people of good will, whether gay or straight, to join us. We invite you with your lover, spouse, family and friends. - We invite you to wear the Rainbow Sash and attend Mass (with quiet dignity in word, attitude and action. This is our sacred space too, and we claim it in peace and with respect.) - Those who identify as Catholics are encouraged to wear the Sash and reverently seek Communion. ALL are invited to stand in their places in silent solidarity at this time. Let Us Reclaim the Church for Justice!!!
1O:OO am Briefing -- is essential!! ------- Reply for Details Sashes will be distributed before the Mass. (A small donation for their cost appreciated) Mass: at St. Patrick's at 11:00am For inquiries Phone Geoffrey on 0412 073 081 (Email: gbaird@bigpond.net.au) Or Michael on: 59853922 (Email: mbkell@ozemail.com.au )