tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post3880417670225060947..comments2023-07-01T00:39:39.762-07:00Comments on Father Geoff Farrow: LA press conference held on Tuesday 14 October 2008Father Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03904564207135202567noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-54148842307149011102008-10-26T02:13:00.000-07:002008-10-26T02:13:00.000-07:00I supposed I have reconciled my personal life and ...I supposed I have reconciled my personal life and my Catholicism. Sometimes I felt like my Priest was judging me. He once had a sermon on Homosexuality and I could say with almost certainty, that he was speaking to me. I think he was looking at me. It was easy for me to stay away. My Dad hates the clergy, and my Mom, does what he says. My Mom is a very faithful person. In my adult life I hardly ever went back. My Catholicism became more personal. The lack of acceptance for gays in the Church, makes room for moral anarchy. I was pleased when I heard His Holiness say that gays should be accepted and loved like all other people. The catch was we couldn't respond to our urges. Even with someone we were committed to and loved. Not what I was hoping for, but it's a start. It is really a shame that there are those Catholics who are so hostile to homosexuality. A friend of mine told me that a man was kicked out of St. Phillips in Bakersfield simply because he was wearing something that said he was against proposition 8. Well... I am glad that there are real men within our Fresno Archdiocese. I would like to thank Father Geoff for his sacrifice.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01003949655690866909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-7354840944879479482008-10-20T15:35:00.000-07:002008-10-20T15:35:00.000-07:00My partner and I married Sunday the 12th (you can ...My partner and I married Sunday the 12th (you can see my reflections <A HREF="http://friends-of-jake.blogspot.com/2008/10/some-reflections-on-being-married.html" REL="nofollow">here</A>.)<BR/><BR/>The morning of our wedding, my beloved ( who is Catholic) went to a church near where we were staying and found herself enduring a sermon of hatred and bile from the priest in charge. Not content to argue from theology, he told lies about Prop8 and about gay marriage--actual LIES, with a smirk on his face as he did so.<BR/><BR/>My beloved sat in tears yet refused to leave that place, and told me later that she focused on reading the Gospel and its messages of welcome to all, rather than allowing his bitter froth to drive her out of her church. <BR/><BR/>Thank you Fr Geoff for witnessing in opposition to this hate-filled priest and his vicious lies, who tried to poison our day of joy and love.<BR/><BR/> ITIThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09605163506396013904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-21611865045713798792008-10-20T01:22:00.000-07:002008-10-20T01:22:00.000-07:00Thank you. I wish you well. I hope you are able to...Thank you. I wish you well. I hope you are able to find a place of ministry that respects and accepts your integrity.A Bear in the Woodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11013721650938158869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-56404713689576870382008-10-18T19:45:00.000-07:002008-10-18T19:45:00.000-07:00Fr. Farrow,Thank you a thousand times over for you...Fr. Farrow,<BR/>Thank you a thousand times over for your courage in standing by your convictions. I am deeply uncomfortable with the Catholic Church's position on same-sex marriage, and I hope that more pastors and members of the Church will speak out like you have done so that we can make a change in our Church for the better!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-79467471142125715582008-10-17T23:22:00.000-07:002008-10-17T23:22:00.000-07:00Blessings to you Fr. Farrow and THANK YOU. From t...Blessings to you Fr. Farrow and THANK YOU. From this Catholic family in CA, we affirm a resounding 'NO on 8' My husband and I had already decided this weeks ago, and at weekly mass, when intentions are being said for the passage of Prop 8, we are saddened by the public stance the Church has chosen to take on this and other political issues. Such conflict makes it difficult to support the Church and to continue to raise our teenage children in this environment so contrary to our family core values of acceptance and tolerance. But, we will discuss this issue and encourage a loving relationship with Christ, while also acknowledging that human failings do not mean we must sever our relationship with our Lord. Thank you SO much for taking this stance....I only wish others in the Catholic Lay and Religious community would do the same. You remain in our prayers daily. I hope the Bisphops and Church hierararchy take note...we WANT to remain Catholic and raise our children in the Catholic church...help us do so by listening...please help us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-52907549584130973232008-10-17T18:16:00.000-07:002008-10-17T18:16:00.000-07:00As a former Catholic, I am 100% behind you. Thank...As a former Catholic, I am 100% behind you. Thanks for standing up for the rights of so many. If I can help, please email me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-67374052851574383652008-10-16T23:08:00.000-07:002008-10-16T23:08:00.000-07:00The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his...The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up his countenance to you and give you His peace now and forever. Amen.<BR/><BR/>God bless you for your conscientious and courageous stance in support of the gay community in the church and in society.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, Fr. Farrow!Pat Klemmehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03206542501782835734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-33809606240448692602008-10-16T23:05:00.000-07:002008-10-16T23:05:00.000-07:00Father Geoff,My wife and I were truly touched by y...Father Geoff,<BR/><BR/>My wife and I were truly touched by your story. You've displayed true courage, and I just know your actions are going to make a difference in many people's lives. You are an example to all, showing that nothing is more important than to be true to yourself and stand up for what you believe.<BR/><BR/>--KevinUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00285974254575655889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-67844928989881538792008-10-16T16:48:00.000-07:002008-10-16T16:48:00.000-07:00Dear Reverend Geoffrey Farrow, I've just f...Dear Reverend Geoffrey Farrow,<BR/><BR/> I've just finished reading the LA Times article printed in my San Francisco Chronicle newspaper. I am absolutely devastated by what is happening to you. It seems strange to me that I would be so overwrought by what is happening to a priest who lives so far from me, whom I have never met, and who serves a church, religion, and community that I have absolutely no ties to. But I just can't stop thinking about you, striped of everything you have worked for in these past 23 years. I keep picturing you packing up your office the night before your brave Mass, and I think of how very alone you must have felt. And I want to tell you now that you are not alone.<BR/><BR/> My name is Kory O'Rourke and I have been blessed to know and love my wife of 8 years, Kate Sheppard. We have 2 beautiful children. And we are a gay couple. We were married at San Francisco City Hall 4 years ago and were overjoyed to be able to repeat our vows in front of family (and quite a few camera crews) the very first day that the right was granted to us - June 17, 2008. I was overwhelmed that day by love - the love of strangers handing us flowers on the steps of City Hall, the love of my children as they watched me pledge my life to their mother, and to them. The love of both sides of our family who came to pay witness to our small little ceremony and the grander scale of history changing before their eyes. All day long, everywhere we went, it was only, just, love.<BR/><BR/> Now, of course, my marriage and the legal security of my family is threatened by Proposition 8. The polls show support for 8 growing, and while I know that there are so many good people working tirelessly to beat back this attack on the very freedom and equality that is guaranteed to me by the state of California's constitution, I too am afraid to lose what we have worked so hard these many years to gain. I am scared. I'm scared to explain to my 3 year old daughter that Mommy and Momma have to get married again. I'm scared to open the paper each day, or turn on the television and witness the efforts of so many to take so much away from us. <BR/><BR/> But each time I start to drift towards that panic, that fear, I try to remember that June day, when everything everywhere was right. I try to turn away from the fear, and embrace the love that seemed to wash over everyone. And now, today, you are a part of that love.<BR/><BR/> As you packed up your office, as you read the disciplinary letter, as you traveled away from the community you had served so well, you must certainly have felt alone. But you were not alone. Standing next to you were the spirits of all those who have fought against injustice, who have sacrificed their own benefit, their own security, and even their own lives for others. Standing with you were all of us who believe that equality is not a privilege, but a right - an undeniable right.<BR/><BR/> Father Geoff, thank you. Thank you for standing up for us, even when it cost you so much. Thank you for speaking out for us, even knowing that it would silence you. Thank you for your bravery, for your courage, for your commitment to healing, and growth, and to love. Thank you for being what my grandmother would have called "a proof of God's love". You have made such a difference, to us, and for us. Thank you.<BR/><BR/>Kory O'RourkeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-10271972193559393162008-10-16T13:33:00.000-07:002008-10-16T13:33:00.000-07:00Just today, I was experiencing what I might descri...Just today, I was experiencing what I might describe as a very "anti-Christian" attitude. I live/work in Orange County and see a lot of "Yes on 8" bumper stickers. Your web-page has given me pause from this attitude.<BR/><BR/>God bless you, Father Geoff.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-46929422028471705502008-10-16T12:48:00.000-07:002008-10-16T12:48:00.000-07:00Fr. Geoff,I'm not Catholic, but I lived in Fresno ...Fr. Geoff,<BR/><BR/>I'm not Catholic, but I lived in Fresno for 15 years. Knowing the community, I understand what courage it takes to make the statement you did. Thank you for telling the truth about what Prop. 8 will do to thousands of ordinary Californians. Thank you also for being honest about yourself and your situation. Keep the faith and keep blogging!Phyllis Amendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14033604900294206123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-45354844410148144492008-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:002008-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:00Dear Father,Thank you for you remark. Please pray ...Dear Father,<BR/><BR/>Thank you for you remark. Please pray for me and my religious vocation. You know what it like to be different.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-45765630996018663762008-10-16T09:57:00.000-07:002008-10-16T09:57:00.000-07:00It took years for me to learn to trust and respect...It took years for me to learn to trust and respect Christians, and hearing from reasonable people like you is what finally won me over. I don't share your beliefs, but I respect them. Thank you for respecting mine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-28058848142906913192008-10-16T06:35:00.000-07:002008-10-16T06:35:00.000-07:00I think you're terrific.Used to be Catholic but am...I think you're terrific.<BR/>Used to be Catholic but am not anymore. <BR/><BR/>I am so happy to see someone like yourself have the courage to stand up the way you did.<BR/><BR/>Only good things can come from this and I wish you all the best.Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03372113757787808843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-37517074524539484102008-10-16T05:34:00.000-07:002008-10-16T05:34:00.000-07:00Здравейте Father Geoff! Your courage, integrity, a...Здравейте Father Geoff! <BR/>Your courage, integrity, and priestly compassion have won you many friends here in Bulgaria. I hope your bishop is aware that the whole world is watching him. Be assured of our prayers, solidarity, and love. If, God forbid, you are faced with loss of income and health benefits, please let us know how we can send help. Peace be with you. <BR/>мир вам! <BR/>MarkМарко Фризияhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08329850161076633932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-14443023765591869522008-10-16T05:10:00.000-07:002008-10-16T05:10:00.000-07:00Thank you for being courageous and honest. The phr...Thank you for being courageous and honest. The phrase " What would Jesus Do?" comes to mind and somehow I think He would do the same thing! God must have some bigger plans for you!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-64376318502063892152008-10-16T04:05:00.000-07:002008-10-16T04:05:00.000-07:00The Catholic Church needs more people like you. I...The Catholic Church needs more people like you. It fails to reach the needs of modern people. My husband and I are both recovering Catholics for very different reasons, but both also serious issues that should be addressed.<BR/><BR/>I wish you well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-11134276340376145972008-10-16T02:53:00.000-07:002008-10-16T02:53:00.000-07:00As the parent of a lesbian daughter who has reject...As the parent of a lesbian daughter who has rejected God because of the church's rejection of her, thank you. I can't imagine how difficult it must be, but I'm sure in turmoil, you are at peace. You are in this Presbyterian's prayers.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08294206507900224989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-85193535779160041962008-10-15T23:34:00.000-07:002008-10-15T23:34:00.000-07:00Father, it saddens me that we live in a world wher...Father, it saddens me that we live in a world where you must make such sacrifice to assuage the misguided bigotry and discrimination that is perpetuated by proposition 8. They say that few things worth having come easy. Honesty and courage are two of those. <BR/><BR/>The Lord put gays and lesbians on this good Earth for a reason. For those of us who know them, their caring, their compassion and their healing ways surely enrich us all, were we only to know that they are there in numbers we only glimpse at.Wayward Hawaiianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07870230217076441039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-55714582387062586152008-10-15T23:24:00.000-07:002008-10-15T23:24:00.000-07:00Father Farrow...you are in my prayers now more tha...Father Farrow...you are in my prayers now more than ever before. I wish you find the inner peace that you need. I was a young parishoner at Holy Family Church in Visalia, CA when you first arrived there. I grew up with you and feel you are a part of my family. I am at a loss at times as you can understand, but all I really wish you is peace.Idahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16010214041250111179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-42628500716449832832008-10-15T21:11:00.000-07:002008-10-15T21:11:00.000-07:00Thank you for your statement. I struggle every da...Thank you for your statement. I struggle every day with how to remain in a church structure that refuses to recognize me as a full human person even though I've long worked out my faith and my identities. It is stands like this that give me hope that I may be able to keep calling the Church my home without the pain that has been involved. <BR/><BR/>Pax.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-15187245030435605062008-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:002008-10-15T21:00:00.000-07:00As a Youth Minister for a Catholic Parish here in ...As a Youth Minister for a Catholic Parish here in Northern California who is struggling to explain such issues with the heart and courage that you displayed, I applaud you. Our parish too, has been asked to openly support Prop 8 and while I personally do not how do you explain that to your teens?? It is just so hard to do. As we talked about a few weeks ago and will continue to as the election draws closer, we, as Catholic Christians are called to love eachother. Deeply and without reservation or hesitation just as we would love ourselves. That is the message the teens in our program are getting. That is the message you sent to your parish and that is the message that we as a whole church should be sending to this nation...to the world. Thank you!!! May God bless you in your ministry Fr. Geoff!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-23228587015163941342008-10-15T18:10:00.000-07:002008-10-15T18:10:00.000-07:00I applaud your actions. May I offer another argume...I applaud your actions. <BR/><BR/>May I offer another argument as to why people of faith may vote against Proposition 8?<BR/><BR/>It is my strong belief that personal faith should provide guidance as to how each person should live their life. I also believe that each person should be free to choose their own faith and their own life path, without interference from others. To try to force one's faith on others would be deeply and profoundly disrespectful of their right to choose their own faith. You would not like it if someone tried to force you to live by the teachings of another religion, so why would you try to force your religion on others?<BR/><BR/>To vote in favor of Prop 8 would be an attempt to force other people to be guided by your own personal faith. Even though your personal beliefs may be that same-sex marriage is wrong, it is even more wrong to force your faith on people who may believe differently.<BR/><BR/>Voting no on 8 means that you respect the rights of others to choose their own faith and their own personal convictions, even if they are different from your own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-6084861494094333702008-10-15T16:48:00.000-07:002008-10-15T16:48:00.000-07:00You are a very, very brave man, and I know I am no...You are a very, very brave man, and I know I am not alone in honoring both your integrity, and your sense of responsibility to those to whom you minister.<BR/><BR/>I wish you all the best.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-14060771846776583282008-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:002008-10-15T13:29:00.000-07:00I read about you this morning in the San Francisco...I read about you this morning in the San Francisco Chronicle. I praise you and your "actions". Thank you and God bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com