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Compiled by GayToday
 Cardinal Francis George |
Chicago, Illinois--The Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM), an organization of gay and straight Catholics are scheduled to meet with Cardinal Francis George (Archdiocese of Chicago) in November "to discuss why Cardinal George refused the Eucharist to Gay and
Straight Catholics on Pentecost, Sunday, June 3, 2001, at Holy Name
Cathedral." This meeting will take place, the Rainbow Sash says, " in an arena of mutual respect." |
"We are faithful Catholics," say RSM members, "who believe in the Teaching Magisterium. It is in that spirit we have agreed to this meeting. RSM representatives will meet with Cardinal George as a Spiritual Shepherd, and together it is our hope that mutual understanding will develop.
"We take this as a positive step on the Cardinal's part, to listen to the
many voices in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Today, many Catholics have felt
an atmosphere of alienation from the Church Hierarchy, we applaud the
Cardinal's courage in meeting with us openly and honestly.
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"Belonging to the Church has always meant more than accepting certain
beliefs, ideas, and customs. Being members of the Church engages us in our
totality as persons, including our feelings, and reason. It is these
experiences we will bring to the meeting.
"Among God's people the norms of Justice and Charity must prevail and keep us from any mean spirited behavior. Constructive criticism is helpful and desirable, but Church
leaders - the pope, bishops, priests and other ministers - at times become
targets or 'lightning rods' for negative feelings of others. Among God's
people the norms of Justice and Charity must prevail and keep us from such
mean-spirited behavior."
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Related Sites:
Archdiocese of Chicago
Rainbow Sash Movement
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The RSM representatives remain hopeful, believing somehow that the forthcoming
meeting can help its participants to enlarge their vision of reality. They say:
"But authentic truth and candor require that one
express not only the negative, also the positive. It is in this spirit of
mutual respect and charity that the Rainbow Sash Movement representatives
have agreed to meet with Cardinal George."
Rainbow Sash Movement
www.rainbowsashmovement.org
or
Contact Person:
Gene Janowski
Chicago Convener
Rainbow Sash Movement
gene.janowski@ix.netcom.com
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