Without Exception: Newsletter 9/14

RECORDS & REPORTS

Please add info@withoutexception.net to your contacts to avoid messages going to the junk folder. I appreciate the outpouring of cooperation and support as I continue to learn about bulk communication strategies for our network.

I have seen an uptick in messages that say, “I was directed to remove the [LGBTQ+ supportive symbol] from my [office/classroom].” Sadly, this remains a point of conflict in many Catholic communities. I will share three thoughts:

First, from our School Guide: While it is helpful to display an affirming symbol for LGBTQ+ inclusion, the use of pride flags needs to be decided based on a threshold assessment at the school. Displaying flags does not necessarily mean tacit endorsement of anti-Catholic values (fallacy of composition); however, which symbols are used should be the result of open dialogue.

Second, from my research and writing: When the rainbow appeared at the end of the Flood, it was a sign of God’s everlasting covenant “between God and every mortal being that is on earth” (Gn 9:17). And Ezekiel the prophet announced, “Just like the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day…such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord” (Ez 1:28). Rather than representing “the gay agenda” or a radical ideology opposed to Catholic teaching, maybe the rainbow represents something more harmless. In an article on the rainbow in Ars Judaica, Shulamit Laderman, a scholar of Jewish and Christian art, offers that the rainbow is a “symbol of divine communication” and the “sign of an axis mundi between Heaven and Earth.” Moreover, the Pride flag, in its original form, was simply meant to represent the diversity of creation: “red for life, orange for healing, yellow for the sun, green for nature, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit.” Who is the final arbiter of interpretation?

Third, for those in positions of conflict with school leaders, consider alternative steps that lead us forward. Explore using materials from the Synod resources, especially the Communication Tools, including Infographics, Logos, Posters, and also graphics from Enlarge the Space of Your Tent.

Fortunate Families continues to offer specialized training in the Ministry of Accompaniment to transgender persons. This ministry is an expression of our commitment to trans* persons as members of the Body of Christ. Essential to this commitment is an understanding of the many issues that affect their personal and spiritual well-being.

DeBernardo, Francis. “Mychal Judge: Take Me Where You Want to Go.” Liturgical Press, 2022.

Khym, Jake and Bob Schuchts. “Same-Sex Attraction (Part 5) with Christopher Dowling” [podcast]. Restore the Glory Podcast, 2020.

Uhl, Tim and David Palmieri. “David Palmieri & Diocesan Policies” [podcast]. Catholic School Matters, September 11, 2023.

Wilson, Anne and Tony Rogatto. “Youth Ministry with LGBTQ+/SSA Students.” The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Pastoral Paper 17, 2023.

The 2023 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice happens this year during the weekend of October 28 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. There will be breakout sessions on Sunday addressing “Joys and Hopes, Grief and Anxieties: Sharing Our Stories of being LGBTQ+ High School Students” (11:00–11:45 AM) and “Accompanying LGBTQ+ Students in Catholic High Schools” (1:45–2:30 PM).

Bradley A. Leger Consulting is holding a weekend retreat named “Widen the Space of Your Tent” from Friday, November 3 to Sunday, November 5, 2023 in Norwood, LA. This interfaith experience is for LGBTQ+ persons, their families, and allies. More information is available here, or by contacting Brad Leger directly at brad@balconsulting.org. In addition to being a great friend and ally to our network, Brad is deeply involved with both the Fortunate Families Transgender Accompaniment Ministry and the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative LGBTQ+ Initiative Team.

New Ways Ministry is sponsoring a three-day retreat with Fr. James Alison in Racine, Wisconsin from Friday, February 16 to Sunday, February 18, 2024. The retreat is for LGBTQ+ people, family, friends, and pastoral ministers. More information is available here.

The LGBTQ+ Initiative of the Marianist Social Justice Collaborative will host a summer conference from Thursday June 27 to Sunday, June 30, 2024 at the Bergamo Center in Dayton, OH. “Imago Dei: Embracing the Dignity of LGBTQ+ Persons” aims to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a 1974 groundbreaking conference centered on LGBTQ+ inclusion and ministry which was held in Dayton at the Bergamo Center. The conference hopes to honor those who foresaw the importance of developing pastoral care and outreach, and to envision how we can continue to respond to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community within our Church and world. More information is available here.

Without Exception continues to be a no-cost ministry network for people in Catholic secondary education and related fields of ministry. The goal is simply to continue offering helpful resources to accompany our LGBTQ+ students and colleagues with the love of Jesus Christ and his church. Please respect privacy and confidentiality concerning the persons and schools connected to our network. The strength of this work is sustained by the trust among members.

Help grow our network! Please feel welcome to share our newsletter with your contacts and visit our website.

See previous newsletters and additional resources here, including our School Guide, Family Guide, and Prayer Guide.