Op-ed: on the Impending Departure of Chicago’s Cardinal George
By Bridgette P. LaVictoire
As the reign of his Eminence Francis Cardinal George enters its final stages we (LGBT Community) must wonder is the Church ready to finally begin a conversation about reconciliation and healing. The Cardinal has been responsible for dividing the Catholic Community of Chicago on so many levels, that his apologists have become recognized as either spin doctors, or as downright bigots/hypocrites. Clearly the 900 lb. elephant in the room is the trifecta of homophobia, sexism, and racism. His handling of the Clergy Sexual Abuse scandal is another gaping wound on the soul of the Archdiocese which has caused so much pain and alienation for the victims and families of those abused sexually by members of the clergy of the Archdiocese. Whoever the Cardinal George’s replacement is I think we should be open to dialogue, as long as dialogue is based on the understanding that members of the Church have used homophobia, sexism, and racism to advance what can only be described as unchristian values within the Church and society. We must also continue to challenge Catholic Parents to question their pastor’s use of homophobia in the curriculum of the schools of the archdiocese. These pastors are responsible for speaking out against all forms of homophobia in their mists. In my opinion, the three pillars driving clericalism in the Church is homophobia, sexism, and racism. Our children should not be exposed to such pious bigotry in the name of “Church Teaching”. These parents carry a heavy responsibility to insure their children’s education is a safe zone from bigotry. They must find a creative way to conspicuously address the scandalous role the Church is playing in this form of bigotry, failing to take a moral stand against it only gives approval. The Rainbow Sash Movement calls on Pope Francis to send to us a Sheppard that is first a pastor. One who is not afraid to meet with responsible leaders of the LGBT Community, the women ordination community, and the various peoples of color communities to begin a dialogue process? In my opinion, we are not asking for agreement rather only that whoever replaces Cardinal George not be afraid to sit with us an actively listen. Joe Murray Executive Director Rainbow Sash Movement
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