Introduced by Basilica Pastor Michael O’Connell(right) who began by reading a passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans: “If God is for us, who can be against us? ...” O’Connell said that the title of this evening’s topic is “about belonging.”

With its cavernous and lofty space, listening to any homilist or speaker in the Basilica proved to be a disconcerting chore because the acoustics trap the human voice and makes the oratory sound like a delay effect. Hanging on Gumbleton’s every word quickly became my choice out of both interest and necessity.

Bishop Gumbleton read a crushing letter from a mother grieving over her lesbian daughter who lived in secret for over 30 years because of the Catholic Church’s unwelcoming stance on homosexuality. Real intimacy was absent in her broken marriage. Her life continued to fall apart. She continuously struggled to be accepted in her church. “How can members of the Church negatively judge my daughter?” her mother implored.

Gumbleton met her daughter and intently listened to her painful story. “Our Catholic Church had to do more to make room in our church for this community,” said Gumbleton, “We must develop some kind of pastoral approach to make our church inclusive and to make it welcome.” With a mission of hope, help and healing, he decided this issue needed to be approached.

Differences between homosexuality as an activity or as an orientation play a key factor in what the Catholic Church determines is the problem. Gumbleton pointed out that the present “Bishops’ Pastoral letter” calls for the rights of homosexual people to be recognized within the Church. All homosexuals have a right to belong and have leadership roles in their parish. However, the Church is abundantly clear that “homosexual persons may not participate in homosexual acts,” observed Gumbleton. He went on to say regarding the Churches stance, “If they[homosexual persons] act upon who they are, they are a sinner.”

How we can deal with the inconsistency and the incoherence of welcoming the GLBT Community into our church propelled Gumbleton to examine the theology of the issue. He explained that the moral theology insists that homosexuality is intrinsically immoral. A pastoral theology suggests that there is validation when “a deep need for homosexuals to be who they are is in their belief, they then can be accepted.”

We must realize that the Church teaching changes. Gumbleton cited a startling example regarding the issue of slavery. “Is it morally lawful for one human being to hold another human being as a slave? No, it is not morally lawful,” he answered. John Paul II called this act of slavery something quite evil in a 1965 statement. That same year, the Catholic Church denounced slavery as intrinsically evil.

Alluding to changes in Church teaching, Gumbleton added, “Our teaching on sexuality in marriage has changed dramatically. Marriage is a covenant between two people. It’s good, beautiful and not a sin.” Regarding the GLBT Community, Gumbleton feels that their love too is a blessing, though scripture does not place much comfort for homosexual acts. Take the Leviticus passage that suggests the very practice would put people to death. Ditto that with Paul who says these acts will never allow people to enter heaven.

The fundamentalist attitude suggests one take everything in the bible as written, warned Gumbleton. “We can not take that approach as literally true,” he offered, “It is to evaluate the scriptural text.” He further suggested that centuries ago celibacy was abnormal and polygamy sometimes was even required. Scripture relativity changes through out the course of history.

Primacy of Conscience

Regarding the “Bishops’ Pastoral letter,” Gumbleton reminded us, “A person must always obey the sanctity of his or her conscience.” Pope Benedict XVI said, “There still stands the need that one must follow his or her conscience even if it’s against Ecclesiastical authority.” Gumbleton believes that the GLBT Community needs to look to their heart or inner depths and ask God what is right. “We need you. We welcome you. We want you. You belong with us,” he eloquently concluded.

Q & A Session

Questions were written on provided slips of paper in each pew and then collected for Gumbleton’s response.

How can I encourage chastity with my homosexual child?

Gumbleton: Civil unions are certainly morally acceptable. The sacrament of marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman. Like the sacrament of the Eucharist with bread and wine, it shouldn’t be changed. The sacrament of marriage is between a man and a woman. Other blessings can be designed for situations of the same sex.

Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.

What gives you hope for the Church these days?

Gumbleton: All of you. I mean this sincerely. Church is the community of the disciples of Jesus. Institution of the Church is challenging. We have to keep working at keeping the Church what Jesus intended the Church to be. We find our hope in one another.

Jeanne Schaum has been attending SJA since 1986. She teaches Sunday School and is a member of the Stewardship Committee. Jeanne has participated in the Heartland AIDS Ride and the Red Ribbon Ride. In 2001, she graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a degree in Social Work and then received her Master of Social Work in 2002. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with friends and family, reading, listening to music, going to sporting events, and playing softball.

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