Church Matters

The Roman Catholic Church has been in the news quite a bit these past few days, primarily because of two stories: (1) the threat of withdrawing social services from the Washington, DC area if the council passes a gay marriage ordinance and (2) the denial of Holy Communion to US Representative Patrick Kennedy because of his political views.  Some reports have treated these stories as one in the same, evidence that the lines between church and state are blurring.  I'm not sure this is the best way to look at these stories.  In my mind, they are actually quite different.

Let's take the DC story first.  During the Bush years, an emphasis on faith-based social services allowed religious organizations like the Catholic Church to team with the government to help those in need.  In some cases, churches were given government money to assist in these efforts.  The government also relied on some religious organizations to carry out what many consider the government's responsibility: to provide a safety net.   Charities have always been part of the American landscape, and that is all to the good.  But in DC, that charity became more than a mere supplement to government assistance: the Catholic Church now provides care to up to one third of the city's homeless population. The government became reliant on the church, which in turn gives the church enormous power over the government -- so much power that the church is threatening to cut off its aid to the poor if the government does not follow its instructions to deny same-sex marriage rights.  This is blackmail.  And this is a perfect example of how slippery the slope can be when it comes to church/state partnerships.  Even some Catholic governors like Tom Kaine  (left, above) have publicly criticized the church for using the poor as pawns in its power game.

The Patrick Kennedy (right) case, it seems to me, is quite different.  Because Kennedy supports abortion rights, the Bishop of Rhode Island informed him that he will no longer be able to take communion.  Many bloggers have noted that supporting same sex marriage can also be used as a litmus test for Catholic politicians: support gay marriage and you will no longer be able to participate in Holy Communion, the central part of the Catholic mass.  This case, however, differs from the DC story in one significant way.  I don't see a church/state issue here.  The bishop has every right to decide who should take communion.  The Catholic Church is not a democracy by any means; it is more like an absolute monarchy.  The government should not interfere with the bishop's decision, just as the government (contrary to what misleading ads might have told Mainers) should not be able to tell churches whom they can and can't marry.  The Kennedy case may be unfortunate in that it puts many Catholic politicians in the position of having to either publicly disagree with church teachings or follow these teachings in the political forum.  As a voter, I have the right and the obligation to make sure all politicians, Catholic or not, align with my beliefs. The constitution guarantees freedom from religion, but once you join a religion, that's between you and the church.  I think some Catholics have been in denial about this truth and about the doctrine of the church to which they belong.

I think an issue people aren't addressing is this: the Catholic Church is a hierarchy.  Catholics have very little, if any, say in what they are supposed to believe.  This is how the church works.  I couldn't remain part of a church that functioned this way and that required me to believe certain things, such as LGBT people are sinners, so I left.  I know other Catholics who have left for the same reason.  The central question here isn't a political one but a personal one that many politicians may need to ask themselves: can I remain in a church that doesn't align with some of my core beliefs?  It's a discussion between members of the church and their leaders.  Government does not have -- nor should have -- a place at this table.  The church has drawn its line in the sand.  Now Catholics need to decide if they can stay behind that line in good conscience.

Hope Springs Eternal in New Jersey

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

-- Dr. Seuss

New Jersey Showdown

When John Corzine lost his reelection bid for Governor of New Jersey, we knew it was not a good day for marriage equality.  Chris Christie, the Republican Governor-Elect, has vowed to veto any pro gay marriage bill to leave the legislature.  Still, a recent poll had shown that a majority New Jersey voters favored same-sex marriage.  There was hope that the legislature would pass a marriage bill before Corzine left office in January.

That hope is fading.  An anti-gay marriage group has spent half a million dollars on radio ads and mailings urging people to call their representatives to tell them not to take up the vote.  I've heard some of the ads, and not one -- not one -- gives a logical reason for opposing same-sex marriage.  Other than saying "because traditional marriage is between a man and a woman," the ads set up a false choice of either addressing unemployment or marriage equality.  The gist of these ads is, "Can you believe that with so many New Jersey citizens out of work that the legislature is actually thinking about changing traditional marriage?"  Subtext:  Unemployed?  Blame gay marriage!

The campaign has been effective.  A poll released today showed that a majority of New Jersey citizens now oppose same sex marriage. Some legislators are having second thoughts about passing a marriage bill, saying they don't want to anger the electorate.

Interesting.  When are they going to start worrying about our anger?  Maybe when it's so loud that they can't ignore it. 

"If homosexuality is a disease, let's all call in queer to work:  Hello.  Can't work today, still queer."  

---Robin Tyler, activist and writer

Bob Smith

Last weekend I had the honor of doing a reading with Bob Smith.  He was the first gay comedian to have an HBO special.  Since his stand up days, he's become a writer -- very witty, of course.  I read his book Selfish and Perverse this summer and loved it.  What I love about Bob is that his humor is never mean or hostile.  Here's an early clip of Bob's stand up routine.  If you ever get a chance to see him, go.

Some politicians to be thankful for.....

It seems like very few politicians are willing to stick their necks out for LGBT people these days.  That's why when they do, it's important to recognize them.  Here are ten politicians I'd like to thank.

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick: Simply put, the issue of gay marriage would have been on the ballot in Massachusetts if it weren't for his leadership.  

United States Representative Barney Frank:  He's feisty, argumentative, doesn't suffer fools gladly, and has no problem speaking his mind to anyone and everyone, including LGBT leaders.  And how can we ever forget his wonderful response to the woman with the Hitler poster at the town hall meeting?  "Mam, on what planet do you spend most of your time?"

New York Governor David Patterson: He may been in trouble with the electorate, but that isn't stopping him from speaking out for same-sex marriage and calling for a legislative vote on the matter.

United States Representative Tammy Baldwin:  The first out lesbian in Congress, she gets the job done with tact, grace, and a smile.  Hard to believe she and Barney play on the same team.  Love them both.


United States Representative John Lewis: The hero of the Civil Rights Movement has also been a champion for LGBT rights before most even acknowledged our existence.  I heard him speak in the 1990's -- supporting same-sex marriage.  To this day it's the most impassioned speech for equal marriage I've ever heard.

Massachusetts Atty. General Martha Coakley: Has brought the Defense of Marriage Act to the Justice Department.  She's making people uneasy by putting the issue on the agenda, and that's all for the good.

United States Representative Michael Capuano: When Proposition 8 passed in California, he was one of a handful of politicians to address a protest rally in Boston.  He's been there for us every step of the way.  He and Martha Coakley are now running against each other for the senate seat Ted Kennedy vacated.  Talk about an embarrassment of riches.

United States Senator Ted Kennedy: Yes, he's gone, but there wasn't a politician I trusted more.

Rachel Maddow: Okay.  I know she's not a politician, but I couldn't imagine keeping her off a list of folks who have advanced LGBT issues.  And yes, we should add Keith Obermann while we're at it.

Victory Fund Candidates: The Victory Fund is a LGBT organization that supports progressive LGBT candidates.  This year, the Fund endorsed 79 LGBT candidates.  49 of those candidates have won so far.  Thanks to all of those folks who ran, victorious or not.