I am Gay & I am BLESSED

Christian Gay Group Asks Pope To Stop Homophobia

2011-06-14T14:42:00.002+02:00

http://www.connexion.org/gay-news/news?id=1179582

EuroPride Conference Rome - Xarabank 10th June 2011

2011-06-11T12:44:00.002+02:00

I arrived home yesterday from Rome, although I was very happy to see my beloved Marjon as well as my friends, Frederick and Edward who came to visit from Malta, my spirit was still somewhere in Rome. I was still savouring the conference and the wonderful speakers, amongst whom a Catholic priest who has celebrated something like two hundred same sex marriages even though it is strictly forbidden. Yes, you read correctly a Catholic priest in Italy who celebrates same sex marriages.

The conference was very intense and full of passionate speeches by no less than 12 speakers from different denominations as well as different nationalities. I cannot possible repeat anything that was said, it would be impossible for me to share it in the same way. So many stories and reflections were shared by men and women who clearly have spent years studying the Bible, questioning and deeply reflecting upon it. http://www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu/index.php/lgbt-events/euro-pride/66-euro-pride-2011-rome-italy-euro-pride-2011-rome-italy/75-conference-glbt-people-and-christian-churches-in-europe-fears-and-opportunities-for-full-acceptance-and-inclusion

The highlight of the conference was the end prayer, we sang songs and read passages from the Bible (Psalm 86, 8-13, Matthew 11, 25-30). The most amazing and unbelievable part of this, was that even though we were one of many tents in the park and there was a cacophony of noise and music hitting us from all directions, it was as if we were in a cocoon. It was as if we were the only tent in the whole park, all we could hear was the sound of the guitar and each other singing and praying. I was looking around me, realising how strong the power of prayer and singing can be. I was extremely moved and once again I could not help but cry. I was certain that the Holy Spirit was amongst us, that our being there was God's work and that we have absolutely nothing to fear.

One of the songs that we sang was Kyrie Eleison and those who wanted to, could say a personal prayer. Even though I was crying, I felt a strong need to pray for those LGBT people who feel rejected by the Church. I asked God to let them know that they too could experience togetherness and acceptance. I prayed that they come back to Church because they have every right to be there and that they too are loved. I wanted them to know that in spite of all the oppression and fear that they might experience, loving someone of the same sex is sacred and holy. I was absolutely convinced of God's presence and that He/She was listening to each and every one of us.

Yes, I know I am repeating myself and I will keep doing so as long as there are people around us who try to instil fear, instead of fill us with the love of God. There are people around us who claim to know God's word simply because they have read the Bible from cover to cover, countless number of times. There are people who carry the Bible in their hands all day, become evangelists, start their own ministry and claim to know the absolute truth and nothing but the truth. Whilst I admire the verve with which they preach the word of God, I do not admire the way the Bible is used to patronise others, especially the LGBT community. Can one use the Bible in this way, can one really claim to know God's word without having first spent years of research and reflection?? What is the point of quoting it without having reflected upon it?

In my opinion last Friday's episode of Xarabank, (Friday 10th June 2011), was a clear example of this. (Xarabank is a Maltese programme where people are invited to form part of a panel to discuss a particular issue). Last Saturday evening I decided to watch the afore mentioned programme, one of the guests in the panel was Pastor Gordon John Manche. I thought to myself, let me see what this man has to say, I wondered if he would come across in the same way as the many speakers I have listened to so far.

Pastor Gordon John Manche has read the Bible from cover to cover, but does he really know the Bible? Unfortunately, even though it is clear that he does love the word of God, he was not convincing. He did not convince me that he has spent time in deep prayer and reflection. On several occasions during the programme, when confronted he could not answer clearly. When asked to interpret a verse from Paul's letter to the Corinthians (1Corinthians 14:34-35) his interpretation was shaky and doubtful. Many times during the programme, when challenged, he was evasive. However what struck me most was his inability to stay calm, on the contrary very often he became aggressive. It was as if the only way he could convince the audience as well as the panel was by becoming angry and by shouting. This lead me to think that he too is not really convinced other wise he would not react in that way. On the contrary, Mario Gerada, member of Drachma LGBT Christian group remained serene and humble when he answered questions. (Thank you, Mario, for being so positive, for being a true a witness for all Maltese LGBT people and for giving them hope).

My experience of other speakers is quite the opposite, last week I had the privilege to listen to and spend time with Fr. John McNeill. A gay man and ex Jesuit, who is the author of several books, The Church and the Homosexual, Freedom Glorious Freedom, to mention a couple. A few times during our conversations, I challenged Fr. John, I challenged his thoughts and ideas and every single time he answered me with quiet conviction. He answered from a place that clearly showed knowledge, research and deep reflection. He never felt threatened, he remained calm and the look in his eyes was serene. He was not afraid.

Winston Churchill once said, 'all we have to fear is fear itself'. Overcoming fear is not always an easy task especially when we have to contend with persons who try to instil it and take us to our own place of doubts. How can we overcome these fears and doubts? We are surrounded by authors who can answer many questions, people like Fr. John McNeill, Sr Jeannine Gramick, Sr. Margaret Farley, James Alison and many others. Read, read, read their books, read the Bible, reflect upon it, get together and discuss it. Reach out to others, reach out to Drachma LGBT Christian Group (http://www.drachmalgbt.blogspot.com/), do not struggle alone. I know that asking you to not be afraid is sometimes difficult, however I know that if you dig deep into your hearts and souls, you will find that God is there. If you allow Her/Him, She/He will guide you to a place where your fears will be chased away.

I Gay Cristiani Lettera al Papa

2011-06-09T16:02:00.000+02:00

http://videodrome-xl.blogautore.repubblica.it/2011/06/09/i-gay-cristiani-lettera-al-papa/

'L'amore gay, un'opera di Dio'- L'Espresso

2011-06-08T16:58:00.001+02:00

E' il Signore che ha creato gli omosessuali: e pensare che Lui abbia creato qualcosa di sbagliato è blasfemo. Il Papa, che è un teologo, dovrebbe capirlo». Parla il sacerdote gesuita John McNeill: «Sono felice di essere a Roma per celebrare negli stessi giorni la Pentecoste e l'Europride»

«L'amore omosessuale può essere un amore santo». «Il matrimonio gay è basato su persone che si sentono alla pari e il Papa dovrebbe capirlo». «La Chiesa dovrebbe superare la sua misoginia». A dirlo è John McNeill, sacerdote cattolico, fra i pionieri del movimento di liberazione dei diritti umani delle persone LGBT.

Mc Neill, arrivato a Roma dalla Florida, per presentare all'Europride, in anteprima mondiale, "Taking a Chance On God" (Scommettere su Dio) il documentario sulla sua vita del regista Brendan Fay, afferma con fermezza che «visto che anche la Chiesa riconosce l'omosessualità come qualcosa di innato, allora Dio ci ha creato così e pensare che ha creato qualcosa di sbagliato è blasfemo».

I suoi scritti, in particolare "La Chiesa e gli omosessuali", hanno ispirato la nascita di Dignity, movimento che lega gli omosessuali cattolici nel mondo, ma hanno causato anche una dura reazione delle autorità della Chiesa che gli hanno imposto il silenzio. Lui non l'ha rispettato. «Non potevo accettare un documento del Vaticano che definiva l'omosessualità come un disordine oggettivo», fa notare, «perché essere dipendenti da una persona che ti dice cosa fare è un atteggiamento infantile».

Nell'87 l'allora cardinale Ratzinger le ha ordinato il silenzio sulla questione dell'omosessualità. Lei non ha obbedito ed è stato espulso dall'ordine dei gesuiti. Pensa che ora si possa aprire un dialogo con Papa Benedetto XVI?
«Non ne ho idea. Spero che riveda la dottrina della Chiesa in chiave diversa. Si è creata una divisione tra quello che pensa il Papa rispetto alla base cattolica, basti considerare che il 65 per cento dei cattolici americani è favorevole ai matrimoni tra omosessuali. Ogni volta che Papa Benedetto XVI ribadisce posizioni retrograde, come sulle coppie di fatto, sui preservativi e sui gay, mette una distanza con il suo popolo, invece di ascoltarlo. Il matrimonio eterosessuale è nato nel XIII secolo ed è stato introdotto per sancire la compravendita della donna, considerata inferiore all'uomo. Il matrimonio gay invece è basato su persone che si sentono alla pari. Il Papa dovrebbe capirlo. Ma soprattutto io penso che il vero capo della Chiesa sia lo Spirito Santo. Il Papa è solo il leader politico del momento».

Fr John McNeill at EuroPride Rome 2011

2011-06-07T11:19:00.001+02:00

Rome, beautiful Rome, I was here almost thirty years ago, back then, I was too young to appreciate its beautiful history as well as its charm. I think its still the same however I landed early in the evening (8.20pm) so it was already dark. A city looks different during the day.

In any case, as soon as I got off the plane, I was greeted by a hot sticky wind, which immediately reminded me of my beloved rock, Malta. I was excited as well as frustrated because the plane was delayed by an hour and the premiere of John McNeill's documentary 'Taking a Chance on God' was due to be screened at 9.45pm. I was definitely not going to make it on time. In fact I arrved at the hotel at 10.30pm. I quickly deposited my lugguage and made my way to the EuroPride park which happily, is only 300 meters away from the hotel. I thought that I would get there to find that it was all over, however in true Italian fashion (practically always late ;)) it had only just started. It was 10.45pm. I arrived just in time to hear Fr. John introduce himself as well as the documentary.

The tent was packed, all the chairs were taken, there was barely a place to stand and everyone was listening attentively. Listening to this charismatic 85 year old legendary, gay Jesuit priest, hanging on to his every word.

Short description about the documentary, not my words: 'Taking A Chance on God' is a 48 minute view of Fr. John's life and his dedication to the LGBT community. It is a story of the heart; the story of John McNeill’s love for his Church, his gay community, his Jesuit brothers, and his beloved companion and now legally wed spouse, Charlie Chiarelli. Taking A Chance on God gives a rare look into the heart of one inspiring man’s journey, as he negotiates his life as a Catholic priest, a gay man, and a courageous advocate for LGBT rights.

I have been staring at this cursor for about five minutes because I am trying to find the right words to describe what this man has done and what this man means to the LGBT world. I suppose it still needs time to sink in, I still need time to appreciate his courage and determination.

I want to honour this man and all he has done. I want to thank him for standing up and giving a voice to all those who were frightened, for not denying himself and the wholeness that he found in loving another man. He risked everything he loved so that he could let other people know that it is not evil to love someone of the same sex, on the contrary it is holy and good. He dedicated himself to psychological, theological and traditional research and wrote papers which received alot of attention. He travelled far and wide to tell his story but the Vatican told him to shut up. For several years he complied, however when the Vatican document (and here I will quote) defined homosexuality as “an objective disorder” and “a more or less strong tendency ordered toward an intrinsic moral evil', he could no longer remain silent. For having broken his silence he was expelled from the order he truly loves by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger.

I couldnt help but cry whilst watching the documentary and when I went to meet him I could see that he too was very emotional. I am grateful for having been able to meet this humble and whole man and for having been able to thank him personally for paving the way for the LGBT world and for making our life more possible. It is through the courage and determination of individuals like him that there has been so much change and acceptance in the LGBT world.

President Obama and the LGBT Community | The White House

2011-06-05T14:05:00.001+02:00

http://www.whitehouse.gov/lgbt?utm_source=wh.gov&utm_medium=shorturl&utm_campaign=shorturl

Faith and Homosexuality Conference during Europride

2011-06-04T20:30:00.000+02:00

http://www.gionata.org/eventi/segnalazioni/conferenza-europea-le-persone-omosessuali-e-transessuali-e-le-chiese-cristiane-in-europa-paure-e-opportunit-per-una-piena-accoglienza-e-inclusione-10-giugno-2011.html

Drachma LGBT Group in Malta

2011-06-04T20:05:00.000+02:00

This text was written by Mario Gerada for Drachma

For the past years Drachma has been tirelessly working with the LGBTQ community, parents of Lesbian and Gay daughters and sons, and friends of LGBT persons.

Drachma stands for sexual and spiritual integration and calls for a genuine and intelligent search for truth on LGBT and faith matters. The issue is a complex one from the religious point of view and it becomes more complex when the full Christian landscape is painted. Some Christian Churches today bless same-sex unions - the Anglican Church appoints openly gay bishops. The Metropolitan Community Churches and the Apostolic Catholic Churches are a sign of great hope for the Christian LGBT community, our family and friends. The Roman Catholic Church herself has a number of brilliant theologians who are struggling intelligently with this issue, amongst them James Alison, Jeannine Gramick and Margaret Farley.

On the other hand the bible like any other sacred text can be read in fundamentalist ways, used to persecute others, to propagate fear and hatred especially towards communities that are vulnerable or marginalized in some way. Sadly this is no news. This kind of reading unfortunately happens in all religions including the Christian faith.

As Drachma we are greatly concerned about claims of healing from homosexuality through the intervention of Jesus Christ. One of the first problems is that Jesus is presented as someone who is against the gay person, his love towards the gay person presented as conditional, on condition that ‘you’ change. As Drachma we witness the deep disturbance that such reading brings about to the gay community, especially LGBT people whose faith remains important and an intrinsic part of their existence. Of course everyone is free to choose the path he believes is best for himself or herself. Yet, as LGBT Christians we feel obliged to reach out to our brothers and sisters struggling to reconcile their sexual orientation and faith. We want them to know that there is another way, that there is no need to butcher oneself or deny an essential part of one’s own creation to love God and receive Jesus’ love. Christianity is a life-giving option and should not be a religion leading people into neurotic forms of living. Unfortunately, there are some parents who drive their children ‘insane’ pushing for ‘change’ and ‘healing’ which leaves long-term damage upon the individuals when this is not forthcoming.

Of course, freedom of expression is also a human right but one needs to keep in mind the consequences those words and religious claims bring about. The gay community carries the brunt of such words upon its own flesh and knows these consequences only too well. A number of ex-ex-gay persons like Peterson Toscano today witness how damaging these programmes were to them, how deeply deluded and disillusioned they were. It is an even tougher journey to then recover from this other kind of struggle as clearly pointed out by MGRM when quoting scientific research in their press release. The risks of suicide attempts and suicide itself are other matters of great concern to keep in mind when discussing ‘healing’ or reparative therapy.

At Drachma we like to believe that Compassion is the language of love, that all of creation is essentially good and grace builds on nature. We also believe that Christian teaching is essentially a simple one, to treat one’s own neighbours as oneself (in its positive not negative meaning). At Drachma we believe that in this Jesus’ teaching we find all that we need and that simpler doctrine does not exist. Finally Judgment is best left in our Creator’s hands!

If you would like to obtain further information, kindly contact Clayton and Chris on 7909 1984 or drachmalgbt@gmail.com - www.drachmalgbt.blogspot.com.

S O S + Save Our South and more

2011-06-04T19:57:00.000+02:00

http://www.facebook.com/notes/mario-gerada/european-forum-for-lgbt-christian-groups/10150195778739790

LGBT CHRISTIANS AT EUROPRIDE IN ROME 10TH JUNE 2011

2011-06-04T19:54:00.001+02:00

http://videodrome-xl.blogautore.repubblica.it/2011/06/03/gay-cristiani-alleuropride-di-roma/

Video about European Forum for LGBT Christian Groups

2011-06-04T19:49:00.001+02:00

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110522/letters/God-loves-LGBT-people-the-way-they-are.366526

God Loves LGBT people the way they are

2011-06-04T19:47:00.001+02:00

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110522/letters/God-loves-LGBT-people-the-way-they-are.366526

We are not Alone

2011-06-04T19:40:00.000+02:00

I have just come back from a wonderful weekend in Berlin, spent with LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual Christians from all over Europe feeling renewed and full of God’s love. This weekend was a conference, held every year around Ascension tide in a different country and organized by the European Forum for LGBT Christian Groups. I am one of the Co-Presidents of the Forum.

The European Forum has over 40 member Groups. Drachma, Malta is one of the member Groups.

Unfortunately, when I returned home, the first thing I saw/ read when I looked at my Facebook page was the article found in The Times of Malta (Sunday 8th May 2011) with the following Title: Pastor has no regrets over gay ‘conversions’.

My first reactions were of disappointment, anger, disbelief and sadness. I had just experienced so much peace and love with my friends and I was very far away from this train of thought. So far that I had forgotten what it is like to read an article like this.

I can understand that people have their own beliefs; everybody has a right to that. However, what I also believe and think is that when the Bible is used to support one’s convictions (in this case against us), it is being used as a weapon.

I can also use and quote the Bible to substantiate my beliefs, however, I would not like to get into that kind of theological argument because, in doing so, I too would be using the Bible incorrectly. I believe in another kind of reading of Scriptures, a theology that liberates the human person and does not oppress her/him, a theology that is life giving.

I believe and understand that there may be some LGBT persons who might be questioning their sexuality in relation to their faith and may have even left the Church and God because of all the questions and uncertainties. There may be some of you (LGBT) who are struggling and are afraid to show themselves for fear of being rejected. (I am sure that that is a very lonely place to be.) I too had several questions, I too was lonely, for many years I struggled with my sexuality. I tried to change, I tried to change myself into a person that I am not and that I clearly cannot and never will be. Why? I wanted to be loved by God!!!

After many therapy sessions (to try and change myself) and after many years of struggling, I now find myself in a wonderful place of certainty. I know that I am not alone, God is with me and moreover God loves me. I do not feel like a liar and I certainly do not feel like a sinner. I feel that I can be myself knowing that God loves me not in spite of my sexual orientation but also through it. I sincerely believe that my sexual orientation is a gift of God, an aspect of my creation that is normal and good.

One of the last songs that we sang during the conference was “We are not Alone”. The lyrics were very simple but very powerful giving us a wonderful feeling of God’s presence amongst us and a belief that I cannot possibly describe with words.

Diane Xuereb
Co-president of the European Forum of LGBT Christian Groups
http://www.euroforumlgbtchristians.eu/

The Tough Way (some thoughts about Joe Zammit's fundementalism)

2009-01-28T11:11:00.003+01:00

Dear guys et al,

I take my time in answering such emails because I like to absorb and let things simmer gently in my soul. If I answer immediately, instinctively I would be aggressive. Joe Zammit's comments are not exactly forgiving.

In any case, I woke up thinking about Tonio Borg and the bishop's comments, I wonder what they really think when they are alone with themselves!! On a human level do they really believe that their fellow brothers and sisters are less than them? On the one hand if they truly follow their Christian values, I think not. On the other hand the political arena is a different ball game, both the Church and the government are political so their reasoning might be different. For the latter I think yes, for the former I am not so sure!! What they really feel and think deep down inside is another matter completely.

Nevertheless, somehow this morning I thought of Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, John F Kennedy and President Barak Obama. In some way or other, they suffered oppression, some direct, some indirect. My favourite of all these great men is Gandhi, in a way he really emulated Jesus Christ. He did everything from the perspective of love, exactly in the same way Jesus did. He suffered a great deal but in the end he was victorious, just like Jesus. He held on to his truth and that was to do things out of love, despite the circumstances he found himself in. Jesus' greatest commandment is to love, no matter what, love thy neighbour even if they are down right stupid. I am pretty sure that both Gandhi and Jesus had their moments and just wanted to send everyone to blazes but that was the easy way. The easy way does not bring results, the tough way does. For some it comes easy for others its a little bit harder. I must confess that I would really like to emulate some of Jesus' ways and do things out of love, however really and truly, I find it quite hard.

Well, I would say that for Drachma right now this is a hard moment, am I safe in saying that some of us really want to reply in the same manner that we are treated? Obviously you don't have to answer, I am quite sure that for some the answer is yes. Yes, instinctively it would be really human to do so. However, if we are firm in our beliefs, that is that Jesus loves us in spite of who we are and exactly the way we were created then why let people like Joe Zammit( or whoever it might be)get to us? He is but another modern day Pharisee and unfortunately there are many like him. However, he is still a creation of God, so as a friend rightly put it, he too is not a mistake, he too was created with love. So the only way to go about it is to reach out with love, keep on doing what we have been doing. Creating bridges, inviting great speakers and people. Talking with members of the church and we all know that we have been greeted and we have had very important fruitful discussions.

Even though it is difficult, lets take the tough way, be patient, be silent, reach out, as Mario puts it, forge our way forward with love and respect for all who don't understand us. In the end, I'll bet not in our life time, others will reap the fruits of the seeds that we sow. Like Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln and so many others, we too have to wait but our time will come.

In Reply to Mario's wonderful Open Letter addressed to Journalists

2009-01-15T10:21:00.002+01:00

hey mario, wow, very well written, its so important to also highlight the good energy, unfortunately we tend to only look at the bad one. Also, perhaps not many people read newspapers or articles on the net. People talk to one another and when we talk we tend to put our own persepective into it, if its a bad one it spreads like wild fire. I for one tried to read the message, however it is so verbose that half way through I gave up. As you correctly pointed out, the language that the Vatican uses is not so simple. Therefore this may inadvertedly give rise to violence and reaffirmation to people at large that homosexuality is 'bad'. I think one very simple basic thing that the vatican could do is to write easy reading artices. They seem to forget that its not a them and us situation but its a we and until they realise this it will exclude those people who really want to feel part of the church but cant and simply refuse to. In doing so they alienate people from the church and create the opposite effect of what they want, that is for people to move towards the church and God. I dont feel that I am part of the church because I cant feel part of something that for so many years has caused me so much pain BUT and I say it with a big BUT I know in my heart that I am a loved child of God and at this point in time no matter what the Pope says about homesexuality, gender issues etc etc is of no importance to me. So the work that Drachma is doing is of huge importance, as it has worked for me it can work for others. In a way its creating a liason between the people at large and the church. Lets carry on with this wonderful work and lets show the people at large that we too are worthy children of God.

Diane

HOPE FOR GAY CATHOLICS

2008-05-09T18:11:00.001+02:00

Sunday, 4th May 2008

Thank you for publishing Ariadne Massa's sensitive and insightful interview with Sr Jeannine Gramick (The Sunday Times, March 16). The peace and healing conveyed by the article and Sr Jeannine's talk at St. James Cavalier still linger within me.

For many years, I lived in doubt that I could be gay and Catholic. I felt the doors to love were closed and that, if I didn't conform to all the Church's teachings about homosexuality, I would not go to heaven. The choice between one's own integration as a healthy human being and one's own faith is an unjust burden placed on a gay person's shoulders.

Sr Jeannine's message that God created diversity in nature and also diversity in human sexuality is one that we all need to hear. God created me the way I am. My life and my love are valuable in God's eyes and have profound meaning. Contrary to what I felt for many years, I now feel blessed! Sr Jeannine encouraged us not to be afraid of whom we are, to come out into the light from the dark closet, and to stand in the love of God.

Although I had abandoned the Catholic Church for a long time, my relationship with God never ceased. I had been looking for a group that embraces both the Catholic Church and me as a gay person. I found that group. It's called Drachma.

Drachma sponsored Sr Jeannine's visit to Malta. The attendance and sharing during that evening at St James Cavalier proved how much gay people, their parents, families, and friends are hungry for dialogue. In addition to our prayer group and general meetings, Drachma has now formed a support group for parents. To receive support, contact Drachma at www.drachmalgbt. blogspot.com or e-mail: drachmalgbt@gmail.com or call 7947 5853.

Diane Xuereb, St. Julians

OPEN OUR LIPS

2008-05-01T00:08:00.007+02:00

We have heard the sounds of women's silence.
We have listened to our sisters' voices.
We have been stirred by their passion,
Encouraged by their strength,
Instructed by their wisdom.

We, like them, wish to speak out.
We, like them, desire to speak truly.
We, like them, have a story to proclaim.
We long to midwife a new and living word for our time.

But often we are afraid.
We fear the sound of our own voices.
We would not know our own strength,
We would not claim our power.

We have not eloquence, no find-sounding words or polished phrases.
Our speech is halting, we stumble and stutter over the words of life.
Our lips are sealed, like the tombs of the unloving.
Our tongues are heavy as stones within our mouths.

Come to us and speak to us in our weakness.
Set fire of your speech in our throats,
And the burning coal of your passion on our tongues.
Loosen our lips to proclaim your praise.

O you, whose voice rolls over the waters
And thunders over the oceans,
Whose word splits even the cedar trees
And breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon,

Whose voice makes the oaks shake and shudder,
And strips the forest bare,
Whose word whirls the sands of the desert
And resounds through the mountains:

Open our lips and our mouth shall declare your praise.

Nicola Slee

We too are Your Children, We too are part of your Church

2008-04-25T17:22:00.005+02:00

On the 16h of May Drachma is organizing a special prayer meeting entitled ‘We too are Your Children, We too are part of Your Church’ to mark the International Day against Homophobia [www.idahomophobia.org] celebrated internationally on the 17th of May. The activity is going to be held at the Millennium Chapel, 8:00p.m.

Drachma is inviting in a special way LGBT people who are or have been victims of homophobia. Drachma would also like to extend this invitation to parents, family and friends of LGBT who have been victims of homophobia, or who have been victims themselves. We would also like to invite in a particular manner parents, family and friends of LGBT who have committed suicide.

Drachma hopes that this meeting will be a healing encounter with Jesus Christ which will bring reconciliation, forgiveness, hope and life to all those who experienced or are experiencing prejudice, violence or even death in some way or another.

If you require further information do not hesitate to contact us on drachmalgbt@gmail.com or on 79 342 328.

OUR LADY OF ALL NATIONS

2008-04-25T16:43:00.002+02:00

Changing the Laws

Next I see St. Peter’s. The Lady says, “Child, there you see the Pope in full pontificals, holding up two fingers. Listen carefully. The doctrine is right, but the Pope is entitled to change the laws. He should see it through.”

All the while I see the Pope sitting before me, holding up two fingers. Next I see a large session hall, in which the Pope is seated.

“Child,” says the Lady, “the laws may be changed. They may, they must be changed. The social classes must come closer to each other. Those in Rome should see it through and set the example for the entire world. Consider and speak––and again I say to you: love is the first commandment, and next to it, as if joined to it by an arch, truth and righteousness.”

http://www.de-vrouwe.net/english/index.html?the_title.htm

Desmond Tutu Salutes IGLHRC

2008-04-12T11:27:00.000+02:00

The Unlikely Rebel, by Ariadne Massa (Times of Malta, Sunday 16th March 2008)

2008-03-31T08:48:00.018+02:00

Sr Jeannine Gramick, the diminutive Roman Catholic nun from the US, is urging the Vatican to show its compassionate side to gay and lesbian Catholics and shun the evil of prejudice that hounds this community. The subject of an acclaimed documentary, Sr Jeannine tells Ariadne Massa the argument that gay sexuality is unnatural, is based solely on 'plumbing'.

Taking a sip of English Breakfast tea, Sr Jeannine Gramick, 65, emits a peaceful aura that veils her steely resolve to pursue her mission to support gay and lesbian Catholics.

Dressed in a mint-coloured shirt, buttoned right up to her neck, and a blue cardigan, it's hard to imagine this nun, with her gentle demeanour, standing up to the Vatican and sticking to her guns - "in a non-violent way".

In Malta last night to address a public talk titled 'On Becoming Whole: Sexual and Spiritual Integration', organised by Drachma, Malta's gay Catholic group, Sr Jeannine explains her crusade, which inspired the documentary In Good Conscience.

In 1999, the Vatican's Congregation for Doctrine of the Faith, then led by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (who is now the Pope), issued an edict ordering Sr Jeannine to shut down her New Ways Ministry, a Catholic centre working for the justice and reconciliation of gays within the
Church.

When the president of the Bishops Conference in the US asked Cardinal Ratzinger to explain, they were told this meant no retreats, workshops or liturgical celebrations for the gay and lesbian community.

Under Canon Law, this order cannot be interpreted further than these words, which meant it did not stop Sr Jeannine from speaking publicly.

She spent that year travelling across the US talking about the investigation. As a result, thousands upon thousands of letters poured into the Vatican calling for the case to be re-examined, but the Congregation decided against.

Instead it went a step further to gag the nun, by ordering her religious superior in Rome to completely silence her on homosexuality and sexual matters.

"I felt I could not abide by this order; it was a matter of conscience," she says, holding the silver cross, which she wears prominently around her neck.

So instead of disobeying her superior, she transferred from the School Sisters of Notre Dame to the Sisters of Loretto, who support Sr Jeannine in her ministry. So far, the Vatican has stopped short of issuing a new edict.

"The edict made me very sad, because of what it represented. It was interpreted, rightly so, by the gay and lesbian Catholic community as another slap in the face; another rejection," she says.

"It had meaning far beyond me. It didn't show the compassionate side of the Church, which is what we should be about. I think it was mean-spirited. Of course, Church officials look at it differently... one's understanding depends on where you stand.

"To understand Sr Jeannine's crusade, it's essential to trace her journey into this ministry in 1971, when, following the Second Vatican Council, a lot of ecumenical work with other religions was underway.

Having entered the convent at 18, because she felt she was "God's No.1 best friend", she was pursuing her Ph.D. in mathematics education from the University in Pennsylvania, when she got roped into reaching out to the gay community by an Episcopal priest.

In those days, she believed "there was something psychologically wrong" with gays, but suddenly her ideas were being challenged when she met successful gay professionals who seemed far from imbalanced.

Her involvement began when she befriended a gay man who had left the Catholic Church, and joined the Episcopal Church, because he felt he didn't fit in.

"Me, the good little nun that I am, said, 'Once you're Roman Catholic, you're always Roman Catholic'. He said he would love to go to a Catholic Mass, but he didn't feel welcome, so instead we celebrated a Roman Catholic Mass at his apartment for him and his gay friends and
that's what we did every week," she recalls.

"Gays, who had not been to Church for decades because they felt rejected, came and left with tears of happiness that a Catholic nun and a priest had welcomed them.

"I spoke to my superiors and they were really women of vision who believed the Church had neglected the gay community and they encouraged me to do whatever I could," she says, adding that initially her fellow nuns in the convent weren't as enlightened as her superiors.

And so her ministry to educate and raise awareness on struggle of the gay community to seek acceptance and equality began and, in 1977, she co-founded the New Ways Ministry.

She has untiringly worked to promote this cause for 35 years and she is the author of numerous articles and books on the subject.

A woman who prefers to look on the bright side, she is content to see that change is happening, even though it tends to be excruciatingly slow on the subject of sexuality and homosexuality.

She refers to a document that emerged from a bishops' conference, which says, "Prejudice against homosexuals is a greater infringement on the moral norm than any kind of sexual activity.

"Well, let's put this into practice. Instead of the Vatican making all these pronouncements about homosexual activity, let's make the pronouncement about the evils of prejudice and violence against the gay community. That's what we should be teaching," she stresses.

Described by Time Out magazine in New York as, "a freedom fighter on the frontline of the cultural wars", Sr Jeannine doesn't know whether she will live to witness the reconciliation between the Church and the gay community.

"I never thought I would see same-sex marriage on the Church's agenda. We may be coming out the wrong way on this, but at least we're talking about it," she says.

How does she view same-sex unions?

"I'm part of the National Coalition of American Nuns. In the 1990s, we made a statement, and continue to make such statements, that marriage is a civil right. Basically, I also believe that all the sacraments should be open to gay people, and that includes marriage," she stresses.

Though her opinion may not go down well with the hierarchical Church, polls in the US show that around 50 per cent of Catholics support same-sex civil unions. Though this support dwindles to 20 per cent when asked if gays should be granted the sacrament of marriage, Sr Jeannine is encouraged that the level of acceptance had increased over time.

How does she reconcile the arguments that same-sex unions are unnatural?"

Our problem as human beings is that we think only one thing is natural and anything beyond that is unnatural. We think that what is natural for most has to be natural for everybody and that's not true.

These arguments are based on plumbing... one sexual organ fits in another... that's ridiculous! This is a very male-based theology.

"Sr Jeannine believes there is radical need for reform, and though new ideas are being pushed forward by theologians, these were being quashed by the Vatican.

She points out that the aim of the Congregation was to create a platform for theological ideas to flourish, but instead it took a watchdog approach.

Doesn't she fear excommunication, if she persists in her crusade?

"No. But when I was going through the investigation process my provincial put the idea in my head. She insisted we take a pilgrimage to the birthplace of our foundress to pray for a miracle," she recalls with an affectionate smile.

Through sheer coincidence, travelling on the plane between Rome and Munich was Cardinal Ratzinger himself.

"My superior went up to him and said, 'Sr Jeannine is a very good sister. We're very afraid she's going to get excommunicated'. And he replied, 'Oh, no no... it's not that level of doctrine'," she laughs, admitting that her miracle had happened on the plane.

As a nun who is very much devoted to her Church, Sr Jeannine feels the need to apologise to lesbians and gays "for all the pain and suffering we have caused", and hopes she can make reparations through her work.

"I believe God loves each person as they are."

ANNA TATANGELO & MICHAEL BOLTON - IL MIO AMICO

Kahlil Gibran

2008-03-30T23:13:00.005+02:00

On Religion

Kahlil Gibran

Have I spoken this day of aught else?
Is not religion all deeds and all reflection,
And that which is neither deed nor reflection, but a wonder
and a surprise ever springing in the soul, even while the
hands hew the stone or tend the loom?
Who can separate his faith from his actions, or his belief
from his occupations?
Who can spread his hours before him, saying, "This for God
and this for myself; This for my soul, and this other for my
body?
"All your hours are wings that beat through space from self to self.
He who wears his morality but as his best garment were better naked.
The wind and the sun will tear no holes in his skin.
And he who defines his conduct by ethics imprisons his song-bird in a cage.
The freest song comes not through bars and wires.
And he to whom worshipping is a window, to open but also
to shut, has not yet visited the house of his soul whose
windows are from dawn to dawn.

Your daily life is your temple and your religion.
Whenever you enter into it take with you your all.
Take the plough and the forge and the mallet and the lute,
The things you have fashioned in necessity or for delight.
For in revery you cannot rise above your achievements nor
fall lower than your failures.
And take with you all men:
For in adoration you cannot fly higher than their hopes nor
humble yourself lower than their despair.

And if you would know God be not therefore a solver of
riddles.
Rather look about you and you shall see Him playing with
your children.
And look into space; you shall see Him walking in the cloud,
outstretching His arms in the lightning and descending in
rain.
You shall see Him smiling in flowers, then rising and waving
His hands in trees.

http://www.katsandogz.com/onreligion.html