Two sidelined after protesting altar call on ban on gay marriage

[Ian David]

Two sidelined after protesting altar call on ban on gay marriage

Cross-posted in Massachusetts Forum
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=158&topic_id=7018&mesg_id=7018


Two sidelined after protesting altar call on ban on gay marriage

By Maria Cramer, Globe Staff | October 27, 2005

At the pulpit of St. Gabriel Church in Brighton, an official from the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston was telling parishioners how to sign a petition to ban same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

As he looked on, said Patrick Kilduff, the church's organist for 28 years, he grew angry that the archdiocese had chosen a Saturday Mass to make what he considered a political statement.

So before he was supposed to play the closing hymn of the Mass on Oct. 8 , Kilduff walked away from his organ in protest. His cantor, Colleen Bryant, stood in front of the congregation and told them that they did not have to sign the petition if they did not want to.

Moments later on that rainy Saturday afternoon, the church pastor fired Bryant, and Kilduff resigned in a fury.

In an interview yesterday, Kilduff recalled telling the priests of the parish: '' 'I'm done. I can't believe what you guys have done.' "

The pair's departure occurred as the archdiocese faces mounting criticism from laypeople and other religious leaders for its decision to remove a popular Newton priest from his parish.

The archdiocese contends that the ouster of the Rev. Walter H. Cuenin as pastor of Our Lady Help of Christians Church was the result of accepting stipends larger than authorized by the archdiocese and the use of a car, also not approved by the archdiocese. But many Catholics and priests are expressing concern that the archdiocese is slowly eradicating from public ministry priests who disagree with its teachings.

Cuenin has been an outspoken supporter of the idea that the Catholic Church should welcome gays and lesbians.

More:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/10/27/two_sidelined_after_protesting_altar_call_on_ban_on_gay_marriage/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+City%2FRegion+News

There are people of conscience still out there, and they are refusing to be ignored.

[davidinalameda]

1. the Church is going to implode

you're going to have these fundies and then you're going to have the real Christians

[xchrom]

2. i'm an episcopalian who's tired of continuing

the conversation with conservatives in my church -- let the church divide -- it will survive.

perhaps liberal american catholics will take a similar view and come to the episcopal church?
i can always hope.

[IndianaGreen]

4. The Episcopal is the same as the Catholic Church except

no Pope and no celibate priests. I would think Catholics would feel right at home in the Episcopal Church.

[teenagebambam]

3. Good for them

As a professional church musician, I can assure you that if every gay musician left the catholic church, there would BE no music

[kweerwolf]

5. I can just picture that now ...

... the choir is prepares to perform Handel's "Messiah" while the musician picks up his instrument and plays the opening chords on his kazoo. :D