LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reflections on the Pope

March 01, 2005

To the Editor:

Thank you for the powerful reflection on news reports that Pope John Paul II has linked same-sex marriage to “an ideology of evil” in a forthcoming book (“A Pontiff Beyond the Pale,” by Paul Schindler, Feb. 24-Mar.2). As members of Dignity, the organization for LGBT Catholics, we have spoken out loudly over the years against each of the outrageous lies about our lives, relationship and families mentioned in your essay. Like you, we believe that the pope, Vatican officials and the bishops must be held fully accountable for the un-Christian and often violent actions against members of our community that have been motivated by statements such as these.

We have no illusions that the thinking of these high-ranking officials of the Catholic Church can be easily changed, if at all. But we are encouraged by enormous progress in the development of more affirming attitudes toward LGBT people among ordinary Catholics, and believe that the Catholic Church as an institution must eventually reflect these changing attitudes. Further, we continue to embrace the many positive and inclusive aspects of our faith tradition, which teaches at the most fundamental level that God is love, and that all who abide in love abide in God.

Jeff Stone

Secretary Dignity/New York

February 25, 2005

To the Editor:

I am responding to Paul Schindler’s letter from the editor "Pontiff Beyond the Pale.” I found Schindler’s observation about William Donohue’s comments interesting. However, over the years I know who likes my core identification and who does not. I can assure you William Donohue does not like my core identification. Forget the olive branch, work on reconciliation.