(don’t forget to attach a copy of the letter from the denominational team)
Dear Bishop__________ (your local bishop) (See the USCCB website @ http://www.usccb.org/bishops.htmfor the name, spelling and address of your bishop)
I am writing to you concerning the recent Vatican document, "Same-sex Unions ‘Harmful to Society,’" and the USCCB’s recent release, "Statement on Vatican Text."
I am deeply disturbed by these two documents and the USCCB’s recent announcement that it intends to support the Constitutional Amendment that would deny equal rights to our citizens who happen to be GLBTQ’s (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning).
I join my voice with Soulforce*, who will be vigilling outside of the USCCB meeting for the fourth year in a row, asking you to fulfill your pastoral role of shepherd to ALL of your flock.
The Catholic Church has often been in the forefront in the fight for justice for all God’s children. It deeply hurts to watch as the Church I love leads a fight to discriminate against GLBTQs.
Surely, I could never imagine the USCCB trying to deny divorced people the 1,000+ rights and protections granted as benefits to those who are married under civil law. Our Church has no business advocating and promoting the denial of CIVIL rights.
With the Church in such turmoil over the past several years concerning the failure of those in power to protect our children, I believe this stand to deny civil rights and to amend the Constitution is nothing more than a diversion from our more important work within the Church.
I ask you to carry this message to the USCCB and your fellow bishops to be a beacon for justice and to recognize your pastoral and prophetic role within our community.
I am also enclosing a recent letter sent to Bishop Gregory from Rev Mel White and the Catholic Denominational Team that more fully addresses these issues.
I pray for and with you,
Your signature
*Soulforce is an interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.