On May 18, Dignity/Chicago observed the 31st anniversary of its founding with a special liturgy. On June 1, the group observed an anniversary of a different sort. Fifteen years ago, on the first Sunday of June, 1988, the members celebrated their weekly Mass for the first time in non-Catholic space.
For its first 16 years, St. Sebastian’s Church, which no longer exists, was the site of Dignity’s Mass. In May 1988, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin’s representatives said Dignity’s Statement of Position and Purpose violated Church teaching and the chapter would no longer be able have its liturgy in Roman Catholic space. Bernardin encouraged members to participate in a new ministry for GLBT Catholics (AGLO) that would have Mass at St. Sebastian’s. At a very emotional meeting, more than 80% voted to reject the offer.
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