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Greeted by Rainbow Sash Movement |
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By Nick Holloway
The Rainbow Sash Movement USA gathered at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in the United States capitol for the now familiar ritual of seeking Holy Communion while wearing rainbow colored sashes. Those wearing the Rainbow Sash were refused Holy Communion by the priests and bishops present. The core statement of the Rainbow Sash Movement states: "In wearing the Rainbow Sash we proclaim that we are Gay and Lesbian people (and our supporters) who embrace and celebrate our sexuality as a Sacred Gift. In wearing it we call the churches to honor the experience and wisdom of Lesbian and Gay people, to enter into dialogue with us, to work with us for justice and understanding. Together let us seek a new appreciation of human sexuality in all its diversity and beauty." Ann Rodgers-Melnick, of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (November 13, 2001) reports: An announcement was made before Mass that those who protested during communion would not be allowed to receive the sacrament, but that representatives of the bishops would be available to speak with them after Mass. Joe Murray, USA Convenor for the Rainbow Sash Movement recalls the events of Monday: "We put on our Sashes, and the service began. Right after the first reading a woman who was part of a Women's Ordination Group stood up and started yelling and screaming at the Bishops, I think this took the Bishops totally by surprise. Basilica security came down the isle with the Washington Police department and removed the woman. The service continued. Then another woman, I was not quite sure what she was saying, started screaming at the Bishops." The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports: There the longest of many interruptions came from a woman who began shouting after the singing of Psalm 72. "How dare you sing that song about justice when you won't even ordain women in your church?" she demanded. Refusing a request from guards to sit down, she was escorted, screaming, from the basilica. There was a ripple of applause as an anti-war protester was removed, but it was unclear if the applause was for him, the guard or another man who yelled for him to "shut up." Other protesters who shouted once and then sat down were left in peace. Joe Murray continues, "Then there were two individuals from Soulforce up in the front pew that kept standing up and making angry comments. I could not completely make them out. During all this we remained dignified and respectful. Communion then started and we stood up to go to communion. A priest held out the Cup to me, and I accepted it. But the rest of the delegation was denied. That was one brave priest. "As is our tradition we returned to our pew and remained standing, basilica security approached and told us to sit down, we responded we were praying, and then we totally ignored them. They made a little scene themselves.
"Posted by Laurie Pollack (64.12.104.189) on November 15, 2001 at 17:15:28: "I wanted to write to tell you that I found your presence at the National Shrine this week very moving. "I am a non-Catholic and a lesbian: my partner is a Catholic: I was there with Soulforce in support of her, and of GLBT Catholics. I speak only for myself as an individual and am not speaking for Soulforce or any other organization but just wanted to say that I personally felt that Rainbow Sash conducted themselves in a very dignified and brave manner and I was very impressed. I hope that change will happen soon in the Church and that GLBT Catholics will achieve the goal of being treated with equality. Thank you for what you did." Members of the Rainbow Sash Movement USA are scheduled to meet with Cardinal Francis George (Archdiocese of Chicago) in the coming weeks to discuss why those wearing the rainbow sash have been refused Holy Communion. Joe Murray U.S. Convener Rainbow Sash Movement telephone: 312-266-0182 |
Members of the Rainbow Sash Movement 