An Open Letter from Joe Murray US Convener of the Rainbow Sash Movement in response to February 28, 2006, Statement of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference on Behalf of Archbishop Sean P.O’Malley (Boston), Bishop George W. Coleman, (Fall River), Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell (Springfield), and Bishop Robert J. McManus (Worcester).

Excellences and Eminence,

I was deeply troubled by your public statement concerning gay adoptions in Massachusetts. You defend your promotion of discrimination of GLBT parents based on the common good, and Church doctrine which is misleading. I would like to remind you that GLBT people are also included in the Gospel Message of living “life in all its fullness”. Are we not the poor the marginalized and also part of the common good, not to mention citizens of the State of Massachusetts?

This public statement does maintain the pre Vatican II view that “error has no rights”; however, it fails to take into account the insight from Dignitatis humanae that adds “but persons … retain their full range of human and civil rights because of their inherent dignity as human persons.” The Rainbow Sash Movement criticizes this statement for its lack of fairness, and its obvious intent to promote discrimination against GLBT people in the name of religious freedom. GLBT human rights have to be seen through the Catholic tradition of social justice as opposed to sexual ethics

Your statement does not reflect a concern for the children who need loving homes. It does reflect a homophobic attitude about the rights of GLBT people. Homophobia should have no place either at the Eucharistic table, or in allowing Boston’s Catholic Charities to find loving homes for children who have a right to live “life in its fullness”.

The Rainbow Sash Movement calls for justice in this matter, and asks you to further reflect on your statement as we journey through Lent.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Joe Murray

US Convener

Rainbow Sash Movement

312-266-0182