tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post913690806581850164..comments2023-07-01T00:39:39.762-07:00Comments on Father Geoff Farrow: How It All beganFather Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03904564207135202567noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-88355604526965430872012-12-14T18:23:14.795-08:002012-12-14T18:23:14.795-08:00You're AMAZING. There's a priest on YouTu...You're AMAZING. There's a priest on YouTube called John Hollowel who is telling classrooms that "homosexuals" as he likes calling them..are commanded by God to remain celibate. That every gay person now until the end of time is not afforded the right to have romantic love or marriage simply because they're gay. He says that even if they find people are born gay they still are to remain celibate under the laws of God. How crazy is that? He now raised over 70k (made a video saying he donated 3k of his own money) to make a film about the "sin" of homosexual romantic love and marriage. Check out his vile sermons and "classrooms" on YouTube JOHN HOLLOWEL.<br /><br />I left the Catholic Church for a few reasons but the main was because of what they do to gay people. I commend for your courage and I think that if there were more priests like you I would consider a return to the Church.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-88573631414026484862012-03-06T11:12:04.151-08:002012-03-06T11:12:04.151-08:00I came across your blog from a fellow bride-to-be ...I came across your blog from a fellow bride-to-be who has chosen you as an officiant for her wedding. I am so thankful for the opportunity to read this. Thank you for such a profound, true-hearted message. I can only hope that more within the religious and spiritual communities speak out with similar words.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12671561390747875281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-30241554494217867252011-04-14T17:00:35.180-07:002011-04-14T17:00:35.180-07:00As an old alumnus of CSUF I appreciate more than m...As an old alumnus of CSUF I appreciate more than many your courageous stand. Best wishes.rlbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13002177156727003493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-5986567569969190912011-03-28T06:12:56.166-07:002011-03-28T06:12:56.166-07:00Thanks Father for your courage and insight! One c...Thanks Father for your courage and insight! One correction - it is better to use the word "cosexual" couple instead of "heterosexual" couple. Not all male-female marriages are between heterosexual people. Keep up the good work and know there are tens of thousands of Catholic priests behind you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-44181979734611275872011-02-16T19:33:47.517-08:002011-02-16T19:33:47.517-08:00Your inspiring and thought provoking words are spo...Your inspiring and thought provoking words are spoken from the heart. You have a moral compass so lacking in the church today. Would that these words have been uttered more often in churches I might still call myself a Catholic.BarBQBillhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15506431509525988062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-72219836732116705842010-12-12T15:50:34.435-08:002010-12-12T15:50:34.435-08:00Hi Father Geoff,
Thank you for your courage. I und...Hi Father Geoff,<br />Thank you for your courage. I understand you. I was on priesthood way for almost 6 year and I left it because I am gay as well.<br />Good luck!<br />Andy S.andyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18338406171179025048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-70937187126922595432010-12-10T21:17:47.564-08:002010-12-10T21:17:47.564-08:00I stumbled upon this blog when a friend shared me ...I stumbled upon this blog when a friend shared me the link. Reading your post has really given me hope. Being bisexual, it's assuring to see that at least someone from the Church understands that love is something that should be embraced, regardless of gender.<br /><br />The main reason I have cut ties with most of my Catholic classmates is because I could no longer sit back and hear them condemn the LGBTQ community. I have not come out yet for the fear of being ostracized and ultimately, that was the reason left the faith. I cannot count the amount of times I had contemplated giving up while listening to conversations that made me feel like I wasn't allowed to love and be loved because of my (as they called it) "condition".<br /><br />From half way around the world, in a country where gay rights are unheard of, I want to express my utmost gratitude for the stand you are taking. You've inspired me to not give up on love just yet. Thank you so much.Belindahttp://www.belindaland.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-42637185812579351922010-11-21T23:45:02.156-08:002010-11-21T23:45:02.156-08:00Father Geoff,
I recently heard about you because o...Father Geoff,<br />I recently heard about you because of your bravery fighting against DADT. I do not personally identify with a religion but I wanted to thank you for not turning from the loving god Christianity follows. Knowing that there are people within the church who indeed practice what they preach is heartwarming. Thank you for all you do. I greatly admire your strength and courage. Again, thank you. You give me hope for a brighter future.Rachaelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-37614380098977704402010-11-19T12:03:56.523-08:002010-11-19T12:03:56.523-08:00You give me hope. Love and God bless.You give me hope. Love and God bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-15061815047294821452010-11-18T16:19:15.126-08:002010-11-18T16:19:15.126-08:00As a former Catholic and now a full-time Atheist, ...As a former Catholic and now a full-time Atheist, I agree 100% with what you've said. For years, I struggled with conflicting thoughts about homosexuality in my life. Granted, I'm not a lesbian, but I have friends that are both gay and lesbian and I have multiple gay relatives. I want them to be happy. I wanted to live judgment free and I knew the only way would be leaving the church.<br /><br />I applaud you on your efforts for LGBT Rights and I wish you good luck, for this will be a long journey.Darcy Caballeronoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-63991013960629249052010-08-25T12:50:05.180-07:002010-08-25T12:50:05.180-07:00Fr Geoff --
God bless you and your courage. I am ...Fr Geoff --<br /><br />God bless you and your courage. I am a straight father of two but cannot for the life of me understand anti-gay bigotry, much less from the church. I was a Catholic for 40-plus years who finally left for the Unitarian church over issues like this. <br /><br />I ran across your blog by accident but was riveted by your story and your courage. You have my complete respect and admiration.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-87783546673228261282010-03-01T08:24:31.921-08:002010-03-01T08:24:31.921-08:00Fr. Geoff: I just want to let you know I became a ...Fr. Geoff: I just want to let you know I became a follower of your blog on this one very articulate and heartfelt post. I found it via the Talk To Action site digest I receive by e-mail. I wish I had known about it during the election when Prop. 8 was being debated in California. I admire anyone with the courage of his/her convictions, and you certainly fit that description.Rakshahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11280365011937595321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-55050302749262980592009-06-10T18:42:41.127-07:002009-06-10T18:42:41.127-07:00Dear Father Geoff,
I completed RCIA and became a...Dear Father Geoff, <br /><br />I completed RCIA and became a Catholic in March of last year. In our Tuesday night meetings the topic of homosexuality was sort of skimmed over. Our priest assured us that homosexuality should not be a source of shame and that like everyone else, homosexuals are loved and welcomed by the church. Sounded great to me. <br /><br />It just so happens that one of my girlfriends met the GIRL of her dreams. They're not Catholic...who cares if my church won't marry them, right? Then came Prop 8 :(<br /><br />Today, I was reading comments on a blog. I'm sure you can imagine what was being said about the church. <br /><br />I googled "Catholics No on 8" and found a blog criticizing you. Happily, the blog included a link to yours. No such thing as bad publicity, right? <br /><br />I just want to let you know that I think you are wonderful and I wish would have had the opportunity to attend Mass with you as the celebrant. <br /><br />Love, <br /><br />JenniferAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-15768924006496948602009-05-02T01:37:00.000-07:002009-05-02T01:37:00.000-07:00Bless you, Father.
I am a catholic lesbian who ha...Bless you, Father.<br /><br />I am a catholic lesbian who has been struggling with the idea of being both at once.<br /><br />This has really helped me.Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-54796190517875120822008-12-28T14:24:00.000-08:002008-12-28T14:24:00.000-08:00Dear Father Geoff,I want to thank you, and send yo...Dear Father Geoff,<BR/><BR/>I want to thank you, and send you my praise and admiration for the words you have put in this blog. As a disabled gay man, I have developed a life long anger and resentment toward the church and organized religion in general, for it's exclusionary tendencies, and it's dependence on faith over reason, especially in regards to those who choose to use prayer instead of seeking real medical professional help in a medical crisis (such as Christian Scientists).<BR/>For the first time in as long as I can remember, I have seen and now read words from a true Man of Faith whom I can give my honest admiration and respect.<BR/><BR/>Thank youPlacboStudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11993790156084184669noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-23284824746056532972008-11-30T11:35:00.000-08:002008-11-30T11:35:00.000-08:00Well said. We're so committed to marriage (fo...Well said. We're so committed to marriage (for everyone) that we've created a website to affirm & celebrate healthy, happy couples. Please let us know how we can serve your community.Edgingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14597064540550982614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-36068157843698425322008-11-07T20:49:00.000-08:002008-11-07T20:49:00.000-08:00Father Geoff,I am a Gay father of two wonderful ki...Father Geoff,<BR/>I am a Gay father of two wonderful kids 11 & 14 I am very proud of who I am & what you said.We are both upstanding men in our communities & most see that & aspire to be like us.<BR/>Those can not see that are scared of the unknown or there are just like us.<BR/>I wish you the best in life & you are love by more people than you know.<BR/>J.W.AuburnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-35178819887646972202008-10-30T07:24:00.000-07:002008-10-30T07:24:00.000-07:00God Bless you Father Geoff. I pray that you are n...God Bless you Father Geoff. I pray that you are not excluded from the very table that you understand all everyone should be invited to sit at.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-51196844598768892262008-10-29T22:30:00.000-07:002008-10-29T22:30:00.000-07:00I write in tears simply to say: Thank you.I wish y...I write in tears simply to say: Thank you.<BR/><BR/>I wish you a safe journey.Drewbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15102524191880595791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-85369191624126277752008-10-23T07:11:00.000-07:002008-10-23T07:11:00.000-07:00Thank you for your courage and conviction to stand...Thank you for your courage and conviction to stand up for what is right. We admire you for it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-58515971299984355982008-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:002008-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:00Hi - simply to say there's a facebook group to exp...Hi - simply to say there's a facebook group to express solidarity with you now.<BR/><BR/>More power to you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-52856623768607688652008-10-19T02:14:00.000-07:002008-10-19T02:14:00.000-07:00Father Geoff,I've spent many years struggling with...Father Geoff,<BR/><BR/>I've spent many years struggling with hating God after being turned on by a friend for my sexuality (three years AFTER I came out) based on religion and an implied concern that I would molest her daughter because I'm a lesbian. It's only recently that I've healed to the extent that I understand that it's not God, but flawed mortals who misinterpret God's love. I still find myself unable to attend church, too hurt to read the Bible, and have a hard time even listening to religious music, having spent so many years feeling that God had abandoned me.<BR/><BR/>Though I live in Fresno and attend Fresno State, I somehow didn't hear about your courageous words, how you stood up for the GLBTQ community and the human dignity of everyone in CA, until today. It's been hard even driving to school, seeing the Yes on 8 signs and bumper stickers that harden my heart and hurt my spirit.<BR/><BR/>I want to thank you for your words, and your refusal to be bullied from teaching the all-encompassing love of Christ. Jesus preached inclusion, non-judgment, and against persecution. I wish more men of the cloth recognized his message and preached it truly instead of giving in to the opposite of Christ's teachings: hate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-40974902875804375512008-10-18T06:41:00.000-07:002008-10-18T06:41:00.000-07:00You have so many comments on your blog, that I'm n...You have so many comments on your blog, that I'm not sure if you'll ever see this. I'm a gay man, living in Japan but originally from Southern California. I heard a friend talking about your story, so I looked you up tonight. I read your sermon, and was so uplifted by your willingness to put yourself out there to stand up for what's right. It's true that acts of silence are worse than acts of evil, because it's the silent ones who don't speak out who are letting these things happen.<BR/><BR/>I applaud you for your actions, your bravery, and the ability to stand against all those who would speak out against you.<BR/><BR/>Keep going, don't look back, and know that your actions are reaching those in the pews, those worried about loosing their loved ones, those worried about how the church sees them. You are giving them hope.<BR/><BR/>Love and Light,<BR/>JoeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-23801824262342550452008-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:002008-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:00Dear Father Geoff,I am also Catholic and love my f...Dear Father Geoff,<BR/>I am also Catholic and love my faith but don't always agree with it.... I am glad that you spoke up and I also believe that gay couple should have rights like anyone else. Thanks for your bravery...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-28973869409600610082008-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:002008-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:00During a very busy day as a psychoanalyst I had a ...During a very busy day as a psychoanalyst I had a short lunch when I could take my car in for a wash and so I got to listen to your brief statements on KCRW. I want to tell you how moved I was by what you said and how essential I think your point of view is in our dangerously polarizing society. Voicing your perspective demonstrates that you are a man of courage. It just happens that tomorrow (Friday) night I will be giving a talk at the C.G. Jung Institute of Los Angeles and, while I am not a Christian, I plan to quote the Apostle Paul in Ephesians (2:13-18) in drawing a parallel between the wine of Dionysus and the blood of Christ. This is where boundaries fall and we are reconciled "to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end." I intend to ask the audience to reflect on where this spirit is alive today. In my experience its potential comes alive in psychoanalysis, but is certainly not restricted to that work. I thought I would like to mention you, your position, and your consequences. If you object, please let me know.<BR/>Thank you<BR/>Barry MillerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com