An estimated 300 GLBT Catholics and their allies are expected at this week's 15th biennial national convention of Dignity/USA, with the group choosing Chicago for the first time since 1977.
Dignity, the nation's oldest and largest organization of GLBT Catholics, will host Dignity: Purifying Fire, Renewing Spirit July 5-8 at the Westin Hotel, 909 N. Michigan Ave. The program calls for four days of workshops, speeches and forums.
"Chicago is pleased to host Dignity members from across the nation at this convention," said James Bussen, chair of the convention committee. "We hope that Chicago's wind will help fan the flames of renewal for the attendees and the organization."
Dignity leaders will give Lifetime Achievement Awards to Sister Jeannine Gramick and Father Robert Nugent, co-founders of New Ways Ministry. Last year, the Vatican banned the two from speaking or writing on homosexuality. In 1999, they were ordered to stop all ministry with the gay community. Nugent has obeyed the restrictions, and while Gramick has ended her ministry with gays, she has spoken publicly about the Vatican's censure of her.
"In presenting our Lifetime Achievement Awards to Jeannine and Bob, Dignity/USA is recognizing people who have truly followed Jesus' footsteps in reaching out to people scorned by religious and civil authorities," said Dignity/USA President Mary Louise Cervone. "Their lives and ministry give true witness to the Gospel."
Gramick is scheduled to lead a special forum on the Vatican's investigation into the gay ministry at 2:15 p.m. Friday, July 6. The awards ceremony directly precedes her forum at 1 p.m.
Nugent is scheduled to speak at the awards, and may break his year-long silence on the Vatican's decision.
"He has not said for sure what kind of statement he'll make," said Dignity /USA Executive Director Marianne Duddy. "We're really intrigued, and gratified that he's chosen to come be with us."
Other conference highlights include:
An opening ceremony prayer service to be held outside of the Cathedral of the Holy Name at 7:15 p.m. July 5. By Papal Degree, Dignity is not allowed to meet in church space.
A speech on The Church and Public Policy: What to do about HIV by Kristine Gebbie, first director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, at 5:30 p.m. on July 5.
A keynote address by author Christian de la Huerta on Reclaiming the Gay Spiritual Heritage at 8: 45 a.m. July 7.
Two sessions on protecting gay and lesbian families through estate planning and adoptions by attorney Rosemary Mulryan at 10:45 a.m. and 1: 45 p.m. July 7.
A special focus on youth, with targeted workshops, youth-only spaces and discounted registration for participants under age 25.
A Eucharistic Liturgy at 3:30 p.m. July 7.
See www.DignityUSA.org or call ( 800 ) 877-8797.