ew Ways Ministry will continue its bridge-building work between lesbian/ gay Catholics and the Church because that work is needed now more than ever. Cardinal George’s statement of February 5, 2010, will not impede or slow us in our efforts to work for justice for lesbian/gay people in the Church and society.” Statement of Francis DeBernardo Executive Director, New Ways ministry.
New Ways is a self-described “gaypositive ministry of advocacy and justice for lesbian and gay Catholics.” Founded in 1977 in Washington D.C. by Sr. Jeannine Gramick and Fr. Robert Nugent, New Ways’ scandalous three-decade history includes disciplinary sanctions in 1984 from the archbishop of Washington D.C, and an explicit and permanent prohibition from pastoral work in 1999 from the Vatican. Last week Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, president of the USCCB, issued the statement referenced by Francis De- Bernardo above, which reinforced all of the previous actions taken by the Church.
“No one should be misled by the claim that New Ways Ministry provides an authentic interpretation of Catholic teaching and an authentic Catholic pastoral practice,” writes Cardinal George. You should read the entire statement at usccb.org.
"No one should be misled by the claim that New Ways Ministry provides an authentic interpretation of Catholic teaching and an authentic Catholic pastoral practice ..."
Yet, New Ways claims to be perfectly and authentically Catholic, despite their press release in September 2008, written by DeBernardo himself, in which New Ways Ministry “urges all Catholic voters to oppose any electoral measures which attempt to ban same-sex marriage laws.” You should also take a look at this “ministry” at newwaysministry. org. Explore their Web site and decide whose version of things you find to be “authentic.”
I suspect that the sparring match between the Church and New Ways will go on for quite some time. Recent history informs us that Mother Church can be an indulgent and distracted parent that, after sparing the rod, ends up with a lot of spoiled children. Holding our collective breath and waiting for the excommunications to come raining down, is useless folly.
So, what can we do? Pray. Pray for your family, for protection from evil and strength to resist temptation. Pray for our priests and bishops, for strength and fidelity to the Church. Pray for the conversion of our president. Pray for the Catholics (in America, almost certainly a majority of Catholics) who don’t believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist, and who accept abortion, contraception, and same-sex marriage. Pray for those who struggle with same-sex attraction.
Sign up for an hour and pray before the Blessed Sacrament, in the adoration chapel.
And each of us should pray for our own purity and strength, to stay informed and vigilant about the threats to our families, our faith and the Church.