Catholic Ministry To Homosexuals
Suppressed

San Francisco Bay Catholic Special Report:

Testimonial In Support of
Sr. Jeannine and Fr. Gramick

Letter to Cardinal Ratzinger

Editor's Note:  The reaction to the suppression of Sr. Jeannine and Fr. Gramick's ministry has brought on a numerous letters to the Congregation For the Doctrine of the Faith and to local Bishops.  This is an example of one of many letters asking for reconsideration.

I have known Sister Jeannine and Father Bob and their work for 15 years. In this tragic suppression of their ministry, I am reminded of the Jesus' words,

A  good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.œ (Matt. 7:18 ) I have witnessed the good fruits of their labors in the many gays, lesbians and their families they have helped. They put a most compassionate and pastoral face upon the teachings of the church regarding homosexuality.

Sister Jeannine and Father Bob brought many gays and lesbians back to the church and helped parents of homosexual children to reconcile faith and family. Their work brought honor to the church and glory to the Reign of God.

Their silencing is causing great anger, hurt and confusion among otherwise loyal Catholics and is driving people away from the Roman Catholic Church. I fear  these sanctions will also exacerbate the suicide rate, especially among gay youth who feel abandoned by God, alienated from society and condemned by the church. Worse, unless there is an equally forceful letter from the CDF office explicitly denouncing the sin of homophobia, some misguided souls will use the silencing as justification for discrimination�or violence�against gays.

As you know, most priests, brothers, sisters and even bishops struggle with  celibacy, despite having the charism and the calling. How can the church expect gays and lesbians to live celibate lives when we, with all the support of tradition and the institutional church, have so much trouble living it ourselves?

Perhaps this is a kairos moment, a time for the church to hold a frank and open discussion on the entire area of human sexuality. In the meantime, I hope everyone who reads this will write your local Catholic bishop or  directly to Cardinal Ratzinger and ask for the lifting of these sanctions, which many of us perceive to be unkind, unjust and most of all, unchristian.

(Rev.) Joe Veneroso, M.M.
Maryknoll fathers & Brothers