Among the issues addressed in the referendum is a call for new thinking on sexual morality, including homosexuality, and for the Church to support civil rights legislation that protects all people, regardless of sexual orientation. Equality for gay and lesbian people is now a stated goal on the Catholic social-justice agenda, just like equality for women. Every Catholic who signs this document will make an act of conscience in which they acknowledge that gay and lesbian people are part of the Catholic Church, and that our Church has a responsibility to act justly toward us in the centuries-old tradition of social justice that is at the core of Catholic belief.
Every signer says 'yes' to freedom for gay and lesbian people from discrimination and violence.
Marianne contrasted this stance with recent Papal pronouncements that demanded that American Catholic bishops oppose legislation that would ensure equal protection for gay people. I strongly urge all Catholics who are supportive of gay people, be they your sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews, cousins, or friends, to sign this referendum when you have the opportunity to do so. Intended to be used as an educational and recruiting tool by local chapters, the brochure will be distributed free of charge to each chapter. It could be used as part of a welcome packet to new or prospective members, at gay pride events, as an educational outreach to parishes and gay ministries, and in many other ways. It's also valuable for those of us who are already Dignity members, since it's so well-written and packs so much good information into such a short space.