Being President of DignityUSA has been the culmination of a journey that first started when I became a member in 1985 – pre-Ratzinger, pre-Halloween letter, the time before our mass expulsions from parishes. I have been actively involved in Dignity for two-thirds of its existence. I grew up with Dignity. It is my home. It
“This is Why LGBTQI Catholics and Families Feel Unwelcome in Our Church.” June 21, 2017. Boston, MA. Leaders of DignityUSA, the organization of Catholics committed to justice, equality and full inclusion of LGBTQI Catholics in the Church and society, decry the “Decree Regarding Same-Sex ‘Marriage’ and Related Pastoral Issues” recently promulgated by Bishop Thomas Paprocki
As we mark one year since the horrific massacre of 49 LGBTQI people and allies at Pulse, DignityUSA remembers the lives lost, sends loving prayers to their families, and to those survivors whose lives were forever changed, and gives thanks to all those who responded with courage and kindness in the aftermath. We recommit to
As we approach Pride 2017, the LGBTQI community faces unexpected threats. That Gospel parable of the thief in the night feels very relevant. We had been enjoying what has felt like steady progress in greater social and spiritual inclusion and legal protection for our communities. And suddenly we—like many others—now find this advancement in
May 5, 2017. Boston, MA. The Executive Order on Religious Freedom signed by President Donald Trump did not contain the explicitly anti-LGBTQI provisions that were part of leaked early drafts of the Order. However, leaders of DignityUSA, the organization of Catholics working for equality, justice and full inclusion of LGBTQI people in the Church
February 23, 2017. DignityUSA, the organization of Catholics committed to justice and full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people joins countless others in decrying the Trump adminstration’s reversal of former President Obama’s guidance to schools on allowing transgender students to use facilities that match the gender with which they identify. “Allowing
This letter to the editor from DignityUSA Executive Director Marianne Duddy-Burke appeared in the January 13, 2017 print issue of National Catholic Reporter. It was written in response to an article by Thomas Reese, SJ entitled “Time to Compromise on Gay Rights and Religious Freedom.” Well-intentioned but Problematic I believe Thomas Reese’s recent piece is
Boston, MA. January 30, 2017. DignityUSA, the organization of Catholics committed to equality in the church and society for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, has expressed deep concern about Executive Orders issued by President Trump. The organization is especially alarmed by plans to build a wall across the border between the US and
From Maine to Maui, from Washington, DC to Washington state, Dignity members stood up for the rights of LGBTQI people, women, immigrants, those needing access to health care, sex assault victims, Muslims, in the Women’s Marches that took place on Saturday, January 21, 2017. This is just one example of our ongoing commitment to the
The Vatican’s Congregation for the Clergy is releasing a new document (dated December 8, 2016) entitled “The Gift of the Priestly Vocation,” which is a set of guidelines for priestly formation. The document notes, “The Holy Father Francis has approved the present General Executive Decree and has ordered its publication.” “This document is extremely disappointing