The Catholic Church and Gay Clergy

[Jeffrey Cooper]

Hi, my name is Jeff Cooper and I am a 41 year old Roman Catholic Priest and a gay man. I just joined up with Soulforce in hopes of connecting with other people especially during these difficult times in the Catholic Church. I am sure you are all aware of the Vatican's recent "Instruction" concerning homosexual seminarians. I am a strong believer that my vocation is as fundamental to my personality and general humanity as is my sexual orientation and no one should be asked to choose between the two. To sacrifice one for the other is to split one's identity in a very painful way and that is something I promised myself I would never do again after growing up fighting my sexual orientation.
I am personally looking for a way to respond creatively to this current situation in the Church and I am looking for insights and any advice from the Soulforce community. What I really would like to do is develop a network that would provide support and resources, perhaps at first for gay Roman Catholic clergy and then perhaps eventually develop it further to support all gay men and women ministers of various faiths who feel they cannot live out their vocations fully, or feel their vocation is being threatened by their own religious institution. I would envision calling the organization "The Society of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus." These two martyrs are from the early Christian tradition and were Syrians. Many commentators believe they were martyred because they were lovers. But even if that can be disputed what is beautiful about their story is that Bacchus was put to death first and as Sergius awaited in prison for his own death the next day, Bacchus appeared to him to encourage and support him with the promise they would be reunited together forever in heaven. That intimate friendship and support is so needed today especially among the gay Catholic clergy. This is all a nice idea but I do not know where to begin. I simply feel I must do something, though, or my own integrity is only going to wither up.
If anyone out there could be of any help or has any thoughts please do let me know. Thanks! Jeff

[kara speltz]

Hope you'll check out the Catholic page on our website by going to "anti-GLBT watch," and then clicking on Roman Catholic. I think you'll find some excellent information, one of the things I'm most proud of is the four gay and lesbian saints we identified. I stay in the Church these days the way most people stay in AA programs - "a day at a time." Kara Catholic chair

[Zerbie]

Hi Jeffrey - welcome to the forums. I'm sorry I don't have advice/ideas for you. Wanted to pop in and thank you for your introduction and to wish you well, whatever your response ends up being to the situation.

All the very best to you.

Zerbie

[schoolboi]

Jeffrey,

My thoughts and prayers have been with you and all those in your church over the past few months. I think you have a great idea. It would bring hope to many people. May you find strength and many open doors as you continue to work on this project. I would think your first step would to be identifying other gay priests who would like to join you in this endeavor. How do you find time? I don’t know, but I believe they will come.

Many Blessings!

[keltic63]

welcome Jeffrey!
I am so impressed that you have joined us here! the Catholic church in America seems like it's in such fragile condition and the Vatican isn't helping. I am looking forward to your input here in the forums.