More than 50 people crowded into Broadway United Methodist Church May 21 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of LGBT Catholic organization Dignity/Chicago.
The joyful evening Mass reflected on the hurdles overcome by LGBT Catholics and renewed affirmations that being LGBT is not inconsistent with the Catholic faith.
"We became the first large Catholic group ever not to surrender to hierarchical bullying," said Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of Dignity/USA, who came to Chicago to deliver the 40th-anniversary homily.
"When the official church did not respond in love, you ministered to each other," Duddy-Burke said.
The mass was both jubilant and pained, as Duddy-Burke recalled a history of exclusion by church leadership, of the impact of AIDS on Dignity members and the continued resilience of Dignity chapters throughout the U.S.
Dignity/Chicago was disallowed from holding mass in Catholic churches after the organization refused to renounce its affirmation of LGBT people in 1988. It currently holds Sunday evening services at Broadway United Methodist Church.
Dignity has crossed church leadership in other ways. The organization recognizes women priests.
Rev. Barbara Zeman presided over the mass while Joanna Mochalski served as the lay minister of prayer.
Chris Pett, president of Dignity/Chicago, provided the closing an opening remarks.
"It's one of the proudest moments of my life to be with you," Pett said.
Dignity/Chicago also celebrated its anniversary with a dinner May 20. Jamie Manson, writer for the National Catholic reporter, gave the keynote address. Singer-songwriter Jeffrey Altergott provided the evening's entertainment.
The Lakeview Clergy Association received this year's John Michie award. The Spirit of Dignity award went to Rev. Mary Ramsden, who ministers to Dignity/Chicago. Daniel Bender and Steve Forst both received special anniversary recognition.
Also see related item at www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Dignity-Chicago-marks-40-years/37714.html