BY AJ TRAGER
A group of Roman Catholic parents and allies of LGBTQ people, gathered Aug 11, at the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth to protest the messages of Catholic leaders as they addressed LGBT Catholics. Photos courtesy of Fortunate Families.
PLYMOUTH – Fortunate Families Detroit, a group of Roman Catholic parents and allies of LGBTQ people, gathered Aug. 11 at the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth to protest the messages of Catholic leaders as they addressed LGBT Catholics.
Fortunate Families held a quiet, peaceful protest on the second morning of a three-day conference titled "Welcoming and Accompanying Our Brothers and Sisters with Same-Sex Attractions," presented by Courage Apostolate, the only Church-sanctioned ministry for LGBT Catholics.
Even though they had very little contact with conference participants as they were driving into the parking lot, Fortunate Families was greeted with several waves and two thumbs up from cars driving down Five Mile, and reported no negativity from passers-by.
Organizers of the conference describe the mission as "designed for bishops, priests, religious, school superintendents and diocesan personnel who minister to those with same-sex attraction and for all those who want to be welcoming and to accompany those who have same-sex attraction." However, Fortunate Families believes that the conference sought to make it clear that the Church's position on sexual relationships between LGBT people cannot be considered morally acceptable.
"They use the phrase, 'same-sex attracted person.' It's a good way of sterilizing," said Patrick Brewis, a member of Fortunate Families. "The Catholic Church refers to themselves as the bride of Christ. If the bride of Christ is not acting in concert with its groom, then clearly there is a marital squabble between the happy couple. The bride of Christ is becoming more and more exclusive, saying that 'we must include our LGBT members,' but what they're doing is saying, 'I know love is family, but I don't unconditionally love you.'"
The conference featured testimonies of those who experience same-sex attraction on how chaste friendships and the Church have helped them on their journey toward chastity and sanctity; experts on Christian anthropology, natural law, the psychology of homosexuality, scripture and chastity; discussions on how pastors, family and friends can best love those who experience same-sex attraction; and tools for communicating the Church's teaching on homosexuality in schools, parishes and students as an integral part of the New Evangelization.
"If you could focus your Christian religion on Christ, then you mimic Christ. Christ was inclusive to all," Brewis said.
Brewis is a Cradle Catholic, Metro Detroit native. He spent some time living out of state but has returned to Michigan to take care of his mother. Brewis knew that he was a little different his whole life but didn't come out as gay until his 30s. After coming into his own and realizing his true self, Brewis struggled with his Catholic identity, wanting to affirm his faith but live authentically as himself.
"I questioned the goodness of God," Brewis began. "If God somehow made me gay and the world saw me as intrinsically not good, then how do I trust the creator who created me in such a way? That was the first part of the process. Then I shifted the focus outward to society and realized how phobia filled it is in gay communities and in society in general."
Directly following the release of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on marriage equality, bishops representing Michigan's seven Catholic dioceses signed a letter that said the Court's ruling "will create inestimable conflicts between the state" and the Church. A message that does not sit well with LGBT Catholics in the state.
Despite not feeling completely included in his faith and having conflicts with faith leadership in the Church, Brewis reports having a good time protesting the conference directed at his LGBT peers.
"It was inspiring to be a part of a group who were willing to have the courage to stand in front of St. John's and say they are peaceful, but also say where they want the Church to change," Brewis said.
"They have this whole idea that I can be a child of God, created out of love by God. But yet I am not considered a full member of the community in the Catholic Church if I am a sexual person and I chose to express my sexuality," Brewis said. "The Church needs to look at its own dysfunction."
