In yet another move of papal palace intrigue, Roman Catholic Pope Francis released a new book, The Strength of Vocation. Within it, he places blame for Church ills on homosexual priests and their “affections.” The scapegoating may be a pontifical gambit to outmaneuver opponents like conservative Cardinal “Cappa Magna” Burke, the vestment fetishist extraordinaire who blames Church “feminization” as the source of its problems.
But, as the Church’s internal Shakespearean plot thickens, the groundlings of its flock go about their spiritual business, trying to be good Catholics. Some are LGBTQs who remain clandestinely active as members of their traditional congregations. Others have turned to Dignity USA.
Founded in the pre-Stonewall era, Dignity offered an affirmation and acceptance of LGBTQ Catholics. But, in 1986, the Vatican denied use of Church facilities to groups in dissent of certain teachings. That included Dignity, even though it represents the views of most Catholics share on civil rights for same-sex relationships. Undeterred, it evolved into an independent non-profit organization as an “Intentional Eucharistic Community” (IEC), where Catholics gather outside of Church structure. Today, it has 35 chapters, some with women presiding, serving nearly 3,000 members with 20,000 followers on digital media. The IEC has four national caucuses for young adults, the aging, transgender individuals and the Leather/Levi community.
Locally, Dignity Milwaukee is experiencing its second iteration. The original chapter thrived until the mid-1990s, when, due to the evolution of accepting churches, it faded into dormancy. Today it is a recognized “resurrection chapter” of new vitality. Explaining why, Dignity USA Executive Director Marianne Duddy-Burke cited the Pulse nightclub massacre and the larger religious freedom attacks on the LGBTQ community that have created a renewed “need and longing” for congregations that are unconditionally affirming. “There’s a sense of threat and danger, perhaps as a push back to same-sex marriage and rise of a hate speech climate,” she said.
Brian Burmesch, president of the Dignity Milwaukee, represents the typical profile of its members. Raised in a devoutly Roman Catholic tradition, he takes his faith seriously. In fact, he intended to become a priest but left the Church instead. “Leaving was difficult but it was that or living with the fear of being kicked out. I knew churches’ views on gay priests. But, I’m not going to change who I am,” Burmesch acknowledged. Like other Dignity members, Burmesch looked to alternatives for spiritual solace, but returned to Catholicism’s familiar comfort with a mission. “I went to another church but came back. Now, being involved with Dignity, we are all working towards the same goal of acceptance within the Catholic Church,” Burmesch said.
Dignity MKE meets at Village Church in Downtown Milwaukee on the first and third Sundays every month, at 6 p.m. It also celebrates a liturgy. Lead by a deacon approved by the Archdiocese who brings communion, the service reflects the character of the traditional Catholic Mass. Mentioning this and other rites, like the Station of the Cross, Burmesch explained “By taking certain aspects, and new ones, it brings other intimate elements to the fore that are welcoming and comforting without the pressure or negative memories of the full Catholic experience.”
For information on Dignity USA, visit dignityusa.org or the Dignity MKE Facebook page at facebook.com/dignitymilwaukee.
