In Fresno, a Roman Catholic priest came out against Proposition 8 last Sunday during mass. In a televised account, KFSN-TV reports:
Father Geoffrey Farrow of the Saint Paul Newman Center in northeast Fresno shocked parishioners Sunday morning when he came out against Proposition 8, an initiative that would eliminate the right for same sex couples to marry in California. After 23 years as an ordained Catholic Priest, Father Geoffrey Farrow has likely given his final mass. . . .Sunday mass ended with about half the congregation giving a standing ovation. Outside, parishioners had mixed reaction about the priest's remarks. Esmeralda Gonzalez, Parishioner, says "My reaction was extremely shocking. I believe that as the body of Christ and as being Catholics we are made to follow by commandments. And God made it to be Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve."
Of course, Father Farrow (who, by the way courageously and movingly came out as gay to the TV reporter just before the mass), now loses his job, since the California Bishops have come out in favor of Proposition 8.
Much as states like Ohio and Michigan are the bellwether for the presidential election, Fresno -- not Los Angeles or San Francisco -- is the bellwether for Proposition 8. It's a large California city (metro population: 1 million) in the geographic center of the state. It's racially diverse, and split down the middle between Democrats and Republicans. But with no visible gay presence, it's pretty much a place where you can safely get on TV and say "God made it to be Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve."
Watch the TV clip. Half of the parishioners are standing and clapping, half are sitting there with arms folded and in utter shock over what they've just heard. That's the audience we're facing on November 4, when gay marriage -- and Adam and Steve -- face the voters. And with the most recent poll by KPIX-TV in San Francisco showing that Prop 8 is leading in the polls, 47 percent to 42 percent, it's still an uphill battle.
This morning I attempted to post this comment to a blog regarding Proposition 8 (ctliveblog). It is awaiting moderation. I fear that it may not appear. I view myself as a member of the evangelical Christian community, albeit a progressive one of the sojo.net persuasion.
My original comment:
As I write, the economic world I have known for 68 years is falling apart for lack of trust. Trust is earned through honesty. At this time the supporters of Prop 8 have amassed over $25M and are using it to spread half-truths and lies about what its defeat would mean. Much of this money was collected as tithes and offerings accepted from well-meaning Christians.
How much longer can we expect the world to trust our word if we are dishonest?
For a clearer picture, read this blog written by an open-minded LDS attorney:
http://mormonsformarriage.com/?p=33
When you are done, ask yourself if Christ approves of this expenditure to support Prop 8 when the same funds could be being used to benefit 'the least of these...' For example, see:
http://www.compass-sf.org/familyhomeless.html#stats
The ends (insuring the passage of Prop 8) do not justify the means (half-truths and lies.) They did not in the 15th century, in the time of the Spanish Inquisition; they do not in the 21st century, the time of our own doing.
Baumgrenze
According to every survey, about two-thirds of practicing Catholics reject Rome’s position and support either civil unions or full marriage rights for committed gay couples.
Fr. Farrow reflects the sense of the faithful more than the pope and bishops on this issue, and many local priests quietly perform blessings of same-gender commitments.
The most beloved gay Catholic of our time, Fr. Mychal Judge, ‘the Saint of 9/11’, often asked, “Is there so much love in the world that we can afford to discriminate against any kind of love ?!” He also urged us to “not let the institutional church get in the way of your relationship with God.”
http://SaintMychalJudge.blogspot.com
(cross-posted)
There is no chance in hell Prop 8 will fail in Fresno, it'll pass with flying colors, just like Prop 22. I have to say though that I have not seen the multitude of yard signs for 8 that we did for 22, which has surprised me. There's still plenty of time and I've no doubt that local churches, once they have their hands on them will be passing them out with communion on Sundays. All that said, you don't know how absolutely SHOCKING it is to see half a congregation -- any congregation (besides mine) stand up and applaud a message like the one delivered by Fr. Darrow last Sunday.
I am totally cynical about Prop 8's passage in November, I fully expect my marriage and those of my friends to be overturned -- but that image, of people standing in FresNO no less and applauding a message of acceptance even gave me pause for