Dear brothers and sisters:
First and foremost, I wish to say, "Merry Christmas."
We live in a social environment that values spiritual worldliness. That simply means making your wants and fantasies the center of the universe. In this respect, gay and straight people have commonality. That simply means putting yourself at the center of the universe. As Pope Francis pointed out in his book, "My people are poor and I am one of them."
As a member of the Roman Catholic community, I am taught to believe, like the pope, that "trampling on a person's dignity is a grave sin." This season is an amazing opportunity to reflect on this and our human dignity.
Pope Francis gives us much to think about when he says, "Mercy is a journey that passes from our hearts to hands."
I realize there is much frustration with the organization of the Church. Some LGBTQA Catholics in our Community are frustrated at the pace of change in the Church, while at the same time appearing not to understand the changes that are happening within the Church around the death penalty. This change in teaching will have a ripple effect on the place of women in the Church, clericalism, racism and homophobic nonsense. This is very significant because if you can change one teaching, you will be able to change other teachings. This will open the windows in the Church, and will eventually bring reform.
This is the season of wonder, miracles and lovewhen the impossible becomes possible. We are all human beings with all our gifts and faults. The child that was born in a manger is God's response to hate. Let us pause and meditate on that event, and thank God for all that God does for us every day of our lives.
Merry Christmas!!!!
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement
( LGBTQA Roman Catholics )