Detroit Archbishop Quashes Gay Rights Speaker

Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron has refused permission for a pro-gay rights speaker, head of an organization which has been censured by the Vatican, to speak at a Detroit-area parish.

Francis DeBernardo, executive director of the Maryland-based New Ways Ministry, was scheduled to speak at Christ the King parish in northwest Detroit on Saturday, November 22.  He was to address the Fortunate Families support group, an organization of parents and others who have family members who experience same-sex attraction.

However, when news of the planned event reached the Archdiocesan offices last week, the archdiocese notified Rev. Victor Clore, pastor of Christ the King, that the meeting could not take place on church property.  The meeting has been moved to a Farmington Hills condo clubhouse; and the event organizers are working to notify the 22 people who had pre-registered, as well as others who might plan to register at the event, of the change in venue.

According to a report by Patricia Montemurri  in the Detroit Free Press:

Joe Kohn, a spokesman for Archbishop Vigneron, said New Ways Ministry is not an approved organization to address Catholic teachings on homosexuality.

“It was brought to the archdiocese’s attention a few weeks back that New Ways Ministry had been scheduled to speak at Christ the King Church,” Kohn said in a statement. “Because New Ways Ministry had been identified as a group that might cause confusion in regards to Catholic church teaching, the archdiocese did clarify that a presentation by New Ways Ministry should not be hosted on church property.”

New Ways Ministry is a non-profit outreach and gay-rights group founded in 1977.  In 1999, the Vatican censured New Ways Ministry’s cofounders, Fr. Robert Nugent and Sister Jeannine Gramick, contending their outreach to gay Catholics did not do enough to promote Catholic teaching that gay sexual relationships are “intrinsically disordered” and sinful.

In contrast, Courage International is a support group for persons with homosexual desires which helps its members to practice five goals in their daily lives.  The goals of Courage, which were written by their members, are:

1. To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality. ( Chastity )
2. To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. (Prayer and Dedication)
3. To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone. (Fellowship)
4. To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships. (Support)
5. To live lives that may serve as good examples to others. (Good Example/Role Model)

The group EnCourage provides help and guidance to Catholic family members of homosexual persons who want to understand and support their loved ones who experience same-sex attractions.

The highly acclaimed documentary film Desire of the Everlasting Hills offers an opportunity to learn more about Catholic teaching and to hear from individuals who have experienced same-sex attraction.  Click on the link below to watch the one-hour movie in its entirety.