tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post3231625005238159833..comments2023-07-01T00:39:39.762-07:00Comments on Father Geoff Farrow: Shocked but not surprised.Father Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03904564207135202567noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-29990201170173520692009-02-22T05:22:00.000-08:002009-02-22T05:22:00.000-08:00Father,I too am a "Father," and exclaustrated (i.e...Father,<BR/><BR/>I too am a "Father," and exclaustrated (i.e., on leave) from my religious order. I too am gay. I too know existentially the pain of being marginalized and rejected by my Church. I was ordered by my superiors to go for in-patient psychiatric care despite having two formal psychological assessments that concluded I have no mental disorders. I was told that no bishop would grant me faculties unless I did so. After "discussion," it was made a matter of "obedience" (Go, even if you don't need it because we're ordering you to go!) That was the last straw. In the midst of all this there have been numerous hateful Vatican statements, from no gay seminarians to voting against a UN resolution that would have recommended de-criminalizing homosexual activity between consenting adults. Thus, the Vatican sided with regimes throughout the world that literally kill people for loving the way they love. Disgusting!<BR/><BR/>I stay in the Church because I love the sacraments and the spiritual tradition. You know, Father, how mystics like John of the Cross were treated. They stayed and now they are a light for all time.kevin57https://www.blogger.com/profile/01681985465980196347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-84844906692960076662009-02-16T22:05:00.000-08:002009-02-16T22:05:00.000-08:00Theresa JHi, Father Geoff. I start worrying abou...Theresa J<BR/>Hi, Father Geoff. I start worrying about you (I know I shouldn't, but I do) when you don't let us hear from you. I pray every day that you get the job you want, but then you are so good as a priest that I bet God doesn't want to lose you to a private company. Love and prayers for you, your family, and all your friends.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-61985346096847979472009-02-15T06:54:00.000-08:002009-02-15T06:54:00.000-08:00What the Los Angeles Archdiocese has done to you i...What the Los Angeles Archdiocese has done to you is outrageous. As president of Dignity Twin Cities, I would like you to know that you are an inspiration to us. Your work, and persecution, remind us how important it is to continue our work for justice for glbt Catholics. Thank you for what you have done.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-69270942870068023922009-02-14T17:20:00.000-08:002009-02-14T17:20:00.000-08:00I remember you daily at vespers my brother. And kn...I remember you daily at vespers my brother. And know that you are an inspiration and I hope those of us you keep going with your witness can in someway sustain you too.Freedom Boundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17846313152590496452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-49519172035323595422009-02-13T08:23:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:23:00.000-08:00I forgot to ask, can others assist you regarding b...I forgot to ask, can others assist you regarding basic living requirements while you seek stable employment?<BR/>Sincerely,<BR/>Carolyn WagnerCarolyn Wagnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17277540703958616719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-70487217869406383422009-02-13T08:21:00.000-08:002009-02-13T08:21:00.000-08:00Sadly, my husband and I know first hand the action...Sadly, my husband and I know first hand the actions of the church as well as the larger communities we live in. How they act toward those who speak up on a current civil rights issue, especially lgbt civil rights. Our son was the victim of an anti-gay assault after his 16 birthday, my husband has been shot at and I was beaten with my back broken. A decade ago, several of us mothers and fathers of hate crime victims formed our own support network to assist those new to such bias violence. As time passes, the need for our service increases rather than decreases. <BR/>Once we were Catholics and our children were raised in the church. We remain Christians but not within the church. We were asked to leave. The only Christian churches to welcome us were the lgbt churches.<BR/>Please be safe and know that this family is most grateful for your words and actions. They mean more than I believe you know. <BR/>I made my son a promise as I cradled his bloody and broken ,that while breath remained in me, I would never, ever be silent regarding this gross injustice and homegrown terrorism.<BR/>Go in peace and know that you are truly doing the work Christ commanded us to do.<BR/>Carolyn Wagner<BR/>Families United Against Hate<BR/>http://www.fuah.orgAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-23777898172421271762009-02-10T10:59:00.000-08:002009-02-10T10:59:00.000-08:00Here in Connecticut back in the late 80's was a ti...Here in Connecticut back in the late 80's was a time of LGBT activism. Dignity had been welcomed to meet in a local Catholic parish school and progress seemed to be real in terms of our being included at the Altar. Well, long story short, Dignity got expelled from the parish school and several priests eventually left the ministry. I don't believe we will see any Church movement toward acceptance or understanding in our lifetime. I can't say that I really care anymore.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-49877533394204010912009-02-05T02:52:00.000-08:002009-02-05T02:52:00.000-08:00Having read all the comments here in one go, what ...Having read all the comments here in one go, what stands out for me is a clear desire from all of us to help. Maybe you could post about practical things we can do besides pray for you?<BR/>Are there particular people to write to, would donations of money be useful, is there anything else?<BR/><BR/>Do let us know - this is a battle we all fight together.Erika Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01812376497361267014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-8366001853384130262009-02-03T22:40:00.000-08:002009-02-03T22:40:00.000-08:00Dear Fr. Geoff, Just joining my voice with the ot...Dear Fr. Geoff, Just joining my voice with the others once again, encouraging you to continue to look beyond the voices that seek to censor and silence your witness, to The Voice that proclaims "YOU are my beloved .. on you My favor rests". I join all these who love you and wish you the very best. I also join those who extend a warm welcome to The Episcopal Church should you ever feel so inclined.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-18009076441205461972009-02-02T16:39:00.000-08:002009-02-02T16:39:00.000-08:00Wishing you His grace and peace.lambWishing you His grace and peace.<BR/>lambAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-29797844201888935862009-02-02T10:12:00.000-08:002009-02-02T10:12:00.000-08:00Father Geoff, I left the Catholic Church over non...Father Geoff,<BR/> I left the Catholic Church over nonsense like this.<BR/> A suggestion: Just leave any denomination alone. Take time to clear the decks and breathe deeply. Life really does go on, with or without going to a church. I left 5 years ago. Is life better because of it? Is life worse because of it? Can't say. Life seems to have its ups and downs like it always has. The sky hasn't fallen and I can still laugh like I always did.<BR/> Best of luck to you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-67024891579535553722009-02-02T06:21:00.000-08:002009-02-02T06:21:00.000-08:00Please do not give up the struggle for truth and c...Please do not give up the struggle for truth and compassion. Our Church needs leaders like you more than ever. Peace!OFM800https://www.blogger.com/profile/07643496615954197621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-64089237510469564362009-02-01T19:35:00.000-08:002009-02-01T19:35:00.000-08:00I support your effort in facing "mother" church f...I support your effort in facing "mother" church for equality and justice. For deeper spritiuality look to the East.saints54https://www.blogger.com/profile/15847556449297958606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-86661504267587195312009-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:002009-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:00Dear Fr. Geoff Farrow,You are under the wing of th...Dear Fr. Geoff Farrow,<BR/><BR/>You are under the wing of the Almighty God. Soar with Him!! He leads you to greener pastures. He will take care of your every need.<BR/><BR/>Much love and respect for you!!butterflyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09684946870144030594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-28485994009722224742009-01-31T13:23:00.000-08:002009-01-31T13:23:00.000-08:00I am so sorry to hear this happened and is happeni...I am so sorry to hear this happened and is happening to you. Especially, when you so beautifully represented us all throughout the weeks leading up to the elections in November 2008, regarding Prop 8 meeting with so many leaders in government and many LGBT leaders. I felt proud to see; you an openly gay Catholic priest at these social functions, reminding to the public that not all Catholics are in agreement with the Vatican's antigay teachings. You were breaking the silence about human sexuality raising it to the level as “a gift from God” not something to be ashamed of, to be hidden as wrong or evil. <BR/><BR/>However, Pope Benedict XVI soon after he was elected pope April 2005, set into operation the removal of all openly gay priests, which is what Hitler, did when he came to power. * They fear the light all their deeds are done in the dark that is why there is that feeling of paranoia and so remain in the light. That sounds like something Jesus said. It is helpful that you wrote about this ordeal on your blog, because I have and am receiving similar treatment. I truly appreciated your words about paranoia. <BR/><BR/>“Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean that they are not out to get you.” An English professor of mine in college once said, “truisms are truisms because they are true.”<BR/><BR/>You really have and still are following Christ's example and it is not easy to do, is it? It is hard to understand when you truly try to follow Christ; you get the worst treatment from the hierarchy, which is actually how Christ was treated. Strange isn’t it, seeing the Gospels from a whole new perspective. It is a whole new experience of life, the world, the Church and the meaning of Christ’s words. I hope you are around good people, who are supportive and kind, which I am sure you are. With all good wishes, Marty<BR/><BR/>* Why Bother About Homosexuals? Homophobia and Sexual Politics in Nazi Germany (2002)<BR/>by Geoffrey J. Giles explanation of Hitler’s immediate action taken against gays, when he came to power, accounts of the inhuman treatment of gays. http://74.125.95.132/custom?q=cache:Eu-lBw6OgyAJ:www.ushmm.org/research/center/publications/occasional/2002-04/paper.pdf+hitler+gay&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=google-coop-np<BR/>from: UNITED STATES HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL MUSEUM http://www.ushmm.org<BR/>100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126Fr. Marty Kurylowiczhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15078036003669360364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-36578122231898927412009-01-31T10:46:00.000-08:002009-01-31T10:46:00.000-08:00Hi Father Geoff Farrow. You are a brave man and I ...Hi Father Geoff Farrow. You are a brave man and I respect your courage. Another brave man was Harvey Milk. I was lucky too have lived in SF when Harvey was supervisor and lucky again to be an extra in the movie Milk. I hope you see the movie if you haven't already. You have some in common with Harvey. Below is a tape of Harvey's recording made in case of his assassination. While times have progressed and hopefully we are safer nowdays than in Harvey's time, it still takes courage to do what you have done and especially within the church. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>http://harveymilkmovie.blogspot.com/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-92198881654134714572009-01-31T06:31:00.000-08:002009-01-31T06:31:00.000-08:00The bishops are losing power and they know it.Fr. ...<I>The bishops are losing power and they know it.</I><BR/><BR/>Fr. Carpenter, exactly. May God bless you as you continue with your good work.June Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01723016934182800437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-1929652600990223812009-01-30T21:45:00.000-08:002009-01-30T21:45:00.000-08:00I have followed Fr. Geoff's story and postings wit...I have followed Fr. Geoff's story and postings with great sadness. I am in a similar position, having recently received unspecified threats from my bishop if I continue to write or speak out on behalf of LGBT people. All I can say at this point is "Hit me with your best shot!" The bishops are losing power and they know it. Personally, I have found great support and drawn strength from other priests and LGBT people willing to stand up for the truth that we are God's children. Peace...<BR/><BR/>(Fr.) Chris CarpenterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-81901791952247264472009-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:002009-01-30T09:47:00.000-08:00It is iniquitous that in the wake of this action a...It is iniquitous that in the wake of this action against you, and against other progressive priests who have been following their consciences, the Vatican should be attempting to explain away the welcome extended to the SPX Bishops as being in the "interest of church unity", and an expression of "mercy to the suffering".<BR/><BR/>The Holy Spirit has a habit of working in mysterious ways. Others before you have found they emerged from Vatican attempted muzzling stronger, with a louder voice. <BR/><BR/>I have no idea what is the path ahead of you - but I pray that it will indeed be one of greater strength, whatever form it may take.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-52641068406263875832009-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:002009-01-29T21:18:00.000-08:00Fr. Geoff - I wish you knew how much I admire your...Fr. Geoff - I wish you knew how much I admire your true Christian response to the injustice perpetrated by the Archdiocese. This new bit is absolutely appaling. I hope the news media picks this story up and runs with it. Particularly now that Mahoney might be criminally charged.<BR/><BR/>I cannot speak for all the Episcopal Church, but, come home to us, you'll receive a welcome. "We'll leave the light on for you." <BR/><BR/>You're in my and our prayers, my brother.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11622358803103789307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-76119153660593565592009-01-29T20:05:00.000-08:002009-01-29T20:05:00.000-08:00Geoff, I have little to offer you but my prayers a...Geoff, I have little to offer you but my prayers and my admiration for your courage. I hope that you do not stop speaking out.<BR/><BR/>As a renegade Catholic, according to the canons, a heretic and an apostate, I've been at home and at peace in the Episcopal Church for 14 years.<BR/><BR/>May God bless you and may you find employment which will enable you to use your God-given gifts.June Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01723016934182800437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-45151957291349895952009-01-29T18:45:00.000-08:002009-01-29T18:45:00.000-08:00As my mom used to say, "another star in your crown...As my mom used to say, "another star in your crown", Geoff.<BR/><BR/>Hang in there, and God bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-59619051685557152872009-01-29T17:48:00.000-08:002009-01-29T17:48:00.000-08:00In catching up on past issues of NCR, I read the a...In catching up on past issues of NCR, I read the article describing your heroic action and fate. As a brother gay priest,I admire your courage and conviction. Although I have been a priest for over 30 years, only since 2000 am I finally coming to acceptance of my own sexual orientation as your spiritual director wisely suggested to you in 1978. It is time for the Church to listen to gays and lesbians about their faithful relationships and desist in condemning them. The Church needs to preach and teach a "new vision" for sexuality with less emphasis on prohibitions and more recognition of conscientious love -- as Cardinal Carlo Martini recommends. I often dream of starting a support group for gay priests or men, but the area where I reside does not allow for the anonymity of CA! Maybe God will throw me out into a new ministry as was your blessing or curse -- in all things let us be satisfied!RejoiceAllWayshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04814894744032627436noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-84324560248159395432009-01-29T12:09:00.000-08:002009-01-29T12:09:00.000-08:00I am so sorry to hear this. How vindictive! I wish...I am so sorry to hear this. How vindictive! I wish I could do something practical to help.Doorman-Priesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06407399232593479871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-50413378499853550252009-01-29T01:05:00.000-08:002009-01-29T01:05:00.000-08:00It's nice to know there are still good people in t...It's nice to know there are still good people in the church. Good luck, Man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com