The Future of the Rainbow Sash Movement
Since its founding in Australia in 1998, the Rainbow Sash Movement has often had a high profile presence in local, national, and international media. Issues of consistent concern to the RSM have been:
the damaging effect of the Church's homophobic sexual ethics which consistently is transposed into youth suicides, harassment, and violence;
the actions and strategies of "gay cure" groups like Courage and Exodus whose leaders often are unable to practice what they preach;
the Church's ongoing demand that it receive exemption from all anti-discrimination legislation passed by Congress and State legislatures, and its refusal to hire openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people;
alerting the lgbt community to the dangers of right-wing religious leaders, Catholic and non-Catholic, whose agenda is to prevent us from taking our rightful place in our Church and in society.
In addition to being present wearing the Rainbow Sash in their local cathedrals on Pentecost, local groups wear the Rainbow Sash at important events in their parishes and in their dioceses when they believe it is important for the Catholic lgbt community to have a visible presence. Local Rainbow Sash leaders prepare for these actions by informing the relevant Church leaders of their intention to be present wearing the Sash. Our actions always show respect for our fellow Catholics and our fellow citizens, especially those with whom we disagree. We take seriously the gospel command to love our enemies. We are confident that any success our movement achieves is due not to our strength, but to that of the Holy Spirit.
The Rainbow Sash Movement began as a question. It developed into a new form of visibility and challenge. Today it is deepening into an ongoing expression of sacramental witness and an embodied call for justice.
The Rainbow Sash is also a gift. Wearing it requires perseverance and generosity, and the recognition that the Church deeply needs the grace and wisdom of lgbt people. When members attend the Eucharist wearing the Rainbow Sash, they become a living symbol of the grace and presence of lgbt people in the heart of the Church. In wearing the Rainbow Sash, members change the actual story, the "event" of the Eucharist, becoming visible as lgbt members of God's People, claiming their place at the table, and so changing the Church, now, and in the future.
Trusting in the God who gifted us with our sexuality, we foresee our movement growing until the love we feel for our God and one another overwhelms the fear of those who oppose us.
Top of Page
Home
