tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post6512274601684717848..comments2023-07-01T00:39:39.762-07:00Comments on Father Geoff Farrow: An open letter to my parish community.Father Geoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03904564207135202567noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-68273783834546205552012-04-12T16:42:01.155-07:002012-04-12T16:42:01.155-07:00Fr. Geoff,
This past Saturday, Holy Saturday, mark...Fr. Geoff,<br />This past Saturday, Holy Saturday, marked my 26th anniversary of becoming a convert to the Church. In the last decade and a half, I have made many friends within the the Church including several priests. When I had my first confession prior to entering a priest friend of mine giving me absolution told me in the confessional that "there is nothing wrong with you John." Your sexuality is given by God and cannot be put asunder by the church hierarchy, or dogma, or encyclicals, or anything from the Pope 'Ex Cathedra'. He said you have beaten yourself up enough bc you are Gay. My problem was that it took another seven years, therapy, a failed suicide attempt, and my personal realization that I am special in God's eyes and am one of his children. No theology can rip that knowledge away from me. The sadness is that the Church(es) seems hellbent on keeping us as second-class citizens.<br />One of the scriptures I keep in my heart is from Philippians 4:13, "I (You) can do ALL things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me (us)."<br />Keep up your valiant and righteous fight Father Geoff, bc we all need a voice. <br /><br />Fr., you are as Moses leading the Israelites out from under Pharoah's tyranny into the promised land. <br /><br />May God richly Bless you.<br /><br />John Snead(former Catholic)Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16063897432205457471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-17035392541601946602012-04-12T16:02:38.477-07:002012-04-12T16:02:38.477-07:00Fr. Geoff,
This past Saturday, Holy Saturday, mark...Fr. Geoff,<br />This past Saturday, Holy Saturday, marked my 26th anniversary of becoming a convert to the Church. In the last decade and a half, I have made many friends within the the Church including several priests. When I had my first confession prior to entering a priest friend of mine giving me absolution told me in the confessional that "there is nothing wrong with you John." Your sexuality is given by God and cannot be put asunder by the church hierarchy, or dogma, or encyclicals, or anything from the Pope 'Ex Cathedra'. He said you have beaten yourself up enough bc you are Gay. My problem was that it took another seven years, therapy, a failed suicide attempt, and my personal realization that I am special in God's eyes and am one of his children. No theology can rip that knowledge away from me. The sadness is that the Church(es) seems hellbent on keeping us as second-class citizens.<br />One of the scriptures I keep in my heart is from Philippians 4:13, "I (You) can do ALL things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me (us)."<br />Keep up your valiant and righteous fight Father Geoff, bc we all need a voice. <br /><br />Fr., you are as Moses leading the Israelites out from under Pharoah's tyranny into the promised land. <br /><br />May God richly Bless you.<br /><br />John Snead(former Catholic)Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16063897432205457471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-69945423682249679492011-06-26T18:14:50.071-07:002011-06-26T18:14:50.071-07:00Dear Fr. Geoff,
I realize that it has been years ...Dear Fr. Geoff,<br /><br />I realize that it has been years since you have written this message, but even today it sticks with me. What you have been forced to give up by the church breaks my heart, but it also resonates with a fear within myself. As the President of my own university's Catholic Student Association and member of their Newman club, I often worry what would happen to me if I were completely honest with everyone there about my life. I know they all love me now, but could that love span what is such a big issue, I don't really know. <br />Instead, I am choosing to cross that bridge when I come to it, and for now, work within the CSA organization to open people's hearts and minds. It is hard work, but well worth it. Do you have any advice on where I can start in this mission to open people up? I already pass your blog address along when I am out tabling, but I feel I am ready to do more.<br /><br />Thank you, God Bless,<br />EmilyEmilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01062667063830645113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-25477465586212488042011-03-16T09:11:54.177-07:002011-03-16T09:11:54.177-07:00Dear Michael,
Thank you for your kind words, they...Dear Michael,<br /><br />Thank you for your kind words, they lift me up today as I pack a bag to fly to Washington DC. I and the twelve other activists that handcuffed ourselves to the White House Fence last November, will be arraigned in Federal Court this Friday.<br /><br />This morning as I sipped on my coffee I remembered the terminal patients who I visited in hospital rooms. What I am facing is small in comparison; however, it is part of the same process. Life strips us of everything in order to reveal, and for us to discover, our true self. I hope that through my life I am able to make this world a more just and loving reality.Father Geoffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03904564207135202567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-30885254491560574222011-03-15T17:12:29.539-07:002011-03-15T17:12:29.539-07:00My Dear Geoff,
Do forgive me if I don't addre...My Dear Geoff,<br /><br />Do forgive me if I don't address you as Father--I grew up Catholic and still have some scars. I may not be religious in a traditional sense, but I hope you do not mind me commenting on your blog. <br /><br />You have such courage and such integrity, I felt compelled to comment. Your letter to your parish emanates such humanity, love, and compassion. While I am not religious, all I can think is what a HORRIBLE LOSS for the Catholic Church that you don't have your parish. You are obviously filled with great love and compassion.<br /><br />Your fan,<br />MichaelStop Bigotryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07838744928522913023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-13466975860442262842008-11-26T06:40:00.000-08:002008-11-26T06:40:00.000-08:00You are my hero, Father.You are my hero, Father.RichardJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04318963268051416018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-82808668169122018022008-10-29T18:40:00.000-07:002008-10-29T18:40:00.000-07:00Father, I am reassured to have read about your hom...Father, <BR/>I am reassured to have read about your homily offered to your parish in Fresno. I was raised in a Roman Catholic parish in South Carolina, but largely stopped attending mass in high school for the several of the reasons you spoke to in your remarks. For many years I wavered between feelings of wanting to be apart of a parish community yet not feeling "able" to fully be myself. My longing for community came into conflict with my basic identification as catholic and wanting to be part of the community I had grown up among. I have fortunately in the last two years found and become a member of a wonderful, high-church Episcopal parish in Ontario, CA, which makes me feel very much at home.<BR/><BR/>Now that all the bio is done, the main thing I want to say is that I appreciate your courage and I pray for your fortitude during this transition.<BR/><BR/>-ShantiUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00118310330357127117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-78125611133611295572008-10-28T14:13:00.000-07:002008-10-28T14:13:00.000-07:00Father Farrow,I applaud your courage and for stand...Father Farrow,<BR/><BR/>I applaud your courage and for standing up to what is right. Thank you for giving me strength to fight for what's right.<BR/><BR/>-PercyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16453955966934281432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-11297304981894835082008-10-27T08:19:00.000-07:002008-10-27T08:19:00.000-07:00My wife, daughter, and I are parishoners at St. Th...My wife, daughter, and I are parishoners at St. Therese in Fresno and we support you. My own father left the church years before I was born because, as a closeted homosexual, he was unable to endure the scorn of The Church. To my great sorrow, he has to this day been unable to reconcile himself with Her. I think that I speak for many Catholics when I say that it is very distressing to have to choose between obedience to my conscience and obedience to The Church. I praise you for your courage and I hope that whether or not you are reinstated you will continue to find sustenance in your faith.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-41931059443669708052008-10-26T21:49:00.000-07:002008-10-26T21:49:00.000-07:00hello-It's refreshing to come on here and read lov...hello-It's refreshing to come on here and read loving, supportive and informative thoughts. There is much here from many but I must say that Michael Sterken, I really appreciated your efforts here wtih the info from Leviticus this week. There's sure nothing in the Sermon on the Mount except encouragement from Jesus to love one another. Fr. Farrow, don't let the confusion out there get you down. Keep up the good work. Our thoughts are with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-73934837302965713782008-10-25T15:26:00.000-07:002008-10-25T15:26:00.000-07:00Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your ...Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:12)<BR/><BR/>I do not think I can add anything to that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-1659322299722829712008-10-25T13:07:00.000-07:002008-10-25T13:07:00.000-07:00Different ≠ WrongBy, Michael SterkenThe other day ...Different ≠ Wrong<BR/>By, Michael Sterken<BR/>The other day members of the California Family Council came to my door to tell me to vote “yes” on prop. 8. According to their brochure and the website www.protectmarriage.com: <BR/>[Proposition 8] protects our children from being taught in public schools that “same-sex marriage” is the same as traditional marriage, and prevents other consequences to Californians who will be forced to not just be tolerant of gay lifestyles, but face mandatory compliance regardless of their personal beliefs.<BR/>What does “personal beliefs” mean, anyway? It’s a very generic phrase, but the implied meaning- through subsequent print media, television ads, and other public demonstrations- is that the proponents of Prop. 8 consider homosexuality to be immoral. Because they believe homosexuality to be immoral, they also believe that failing to create this new amendment will have negative consequences to families. That begs the question: why is it immoral? The most common argument comes from the Bible. Leviticus 18:22 says that, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with a woman: it is abomination (or detestable or hateful—depending on what version of the Bible you read). If the Bible is considered the ultimate source of morality and society should cater all of its laws to it, then I guess we also need to obey Leviticus 11:10-12 which calls eating shrimp an abomination. Or how about Leviticus 19:19 which forbids wearing clothing made out of 2 different kinds of fabric or Leviticus 19:28 which forbids getting tattoos. While we’re at it, let’s remember to propose another amendment that forbids women to engage in intercourse during their periods—clearly they are unclean (Leviticus 18:19). This is not an argument for morality: it is a selective reading and interpretation of a powerful text to support a particular viewpoint.<BR/>Prop 8 is just legalized discrimination. People who read the Bible literally as if God personally wrote it have been using it to justify discrimination, intolerance, and ostracism for centuries. Look at Leviticus 25:45 which clearly authorizes slavery. If it says that it the Bible, then it must be morally justified, so perhaps we should just throw out the 13th amendment to the U.S. constitution. Our country was founded on democratic principles that would protect minorities, not allow the majority to suppress the marginalized. The American Disabilities Act must be a real slap in the face to Leviticus 21:17-21 which suggests that God does not favor those with infirmities or handicaps. Good thing we have separation of church and state…or do we?<BR/>Gay marriage doesn’t break up families, but teaching hatred and intolerance does. Families are held together by UNCONDITIONAL love. When families reject homosexuals, then their love is based on the condition that every member conforms to the social norms and mores of our time. I believe that this rejection of family member or neighbor based on their sexual orientation is what is immoral. I hope this November that you vote with an educated conscience and remember that the Bible is a tool…it can be used constructively or destructively. I prefer to use it constructively by not judging those who are different from me (Matthew 7:1-5), and by following the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). When our children look back at this time in history, which side of the line can you say you stood on?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-91106851167682932962008-10-21T10:31:00.000-07:002008-10-21T10:31:00.000-07:00Thanks for your prophetic bravery. You give the r...Thanks for your prophetic bravery. You give the rest of us courage to follow. Your bishop is obligated to support you. Get a cannon lawyer if you have to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-13805893606530895362008-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:002008-10-19T08:27:00.000-07:00. . . thank you for having the courage to do the r.... . . thank you for having the courage to do the right thing. i'm hoping that by your sacrifice in the name of truth and compassion, for standing up for what you know to be true, that many many doors open to you, as some doors shut. sending you well wishes . . . cheering you on . . .Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-80538651672662238512008-10-18T08:12:00.000-07:002008-10-18T08:12:00.000-07:00Dearest Father Farrow: I am not Catholic, however...Dearest Father Farrow:<BR/> I am not Catholic, however, I so appreciate your wise and compassionate words, as well as your strength of character. It is so startling conservative where we live, I often feel that voicing my opinion, or sporting a "No on 8" sticker on my SUV will result in vandalism or something that will require an ice pack. I recently visited family in Utah, it is no less conservative here! Scary!<BR/> Perhaps someone can answer a question for me: How does Elton's and David's marriage make Tracy's and Bill's any less valid? How is Ellen and Portia a threat to the sanctity of my marriage? <BR/> As far as "forcing the homosexual agenda" in our schools, quoi? I don't remember ever learning about the institution of marriage in school ever! And I attended eight schools! Clearly, this is yet another tactic the homophobic is hawking, just to keep it uncomfortable. To them all I can say is, "Grow up!"<BR/> Father, you are in my thoughts, and I hope that our efforts were not for naught, but, sadly, I don't want to hold my breath on it.<BR/> Tracy in the RanchosAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-89503270706073571982008-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:002008-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00Thank you and God bless you for such a courageous ...Thank you and God bless you for such a courageous act of honoring yourself and God at the same time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-24142894139391727022008-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:002008-10-16T09:48:00.000-07:00as a gay catholic, struggling to find my place, yo...as a gay catholic, struggling to find my place, you give me hope. <BR/>thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-58532668319435510472008-10-16T09:34:00.000-07:002008-10-16T09:34:00.000-07:00"You are the Body of Christ. In you and through yo...<I>"You are the Body of Christ. In you and through you the work of the Incarnation must go forward. You are to be taken, to be blessed, broken, and distributed, that you may be the means of grace and the vehicles of the Eternal Love."</I> <BR/>+ Saint Augustine<BR/><BR/>Father Geoff, we're praying for you. Please also pray for us that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-10026772752069805762008-10-16T06:24:00.000-07:002008-10-16T06:24:00.000-07:00I just read about your act of bravery. I know this...I just read about your act of bravery. I know this must be a hard time for you but you have my respect and admiration.<BR/><BR/>I have left the Catholic church (thru the actus formalis defectionis ab eccelsia catholica) - left for many reasons but their stand on homosexuality was certainly one of them.<BR/><BR/>I applaud people like yourself.<BR/><BR/>I know that good things will happen for you. Best wishes!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-6365849619750883402008-10-15T21:41:00.000-07:002008-10-15T21:41:00.000-07:00I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for yo...I cannot imagine how hard it must have been for you to be so honest and couragous. You have my utmost respect.N. Vivianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17055761034659505340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-86131731110828781172008-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:002008-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00Thank you, Father Geoff for your courage and integ...Thank you, Father Geoff for your courage and integrity. You are an inspiration to many around the world. May God continue to strengthen and bless you on your journey. I admire your bravery. Blessings Always, Andy G. in Saint Louis, MOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-23785501728773954222008-10-15T12:35:00.000-07:002008-10-15T12:35:00.000-07:00Thank you Father Farrow for your courage to stand ...Thank you Father Farrow for your courage to stand up for what you believed to be right. <BR/><BR/>As a gay Catholic it's good to see that there are gay Priests out there still.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-41533954835172360512008-10-14T22:37:00.000-07:002008-10-14T22:37:00.000-07:00I applaud your courage, Geoff. I am not a member ...I applaud your courage, Geoff. I am not a member of the Christian or any faith community, but it helps us all when anyone stands up to oppression.<BR/><BR/>You and others who agree with you need to unite to take a stand against the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. The church ought to belong to the people, not to a reactionary gang of old men enthralled with power.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-81983662154547934702008-10-14T18:59:00.000-07:002008-10-14T18:59:00.000-07:00Thank you for what you have done. Your decision is...Thank you for what you have done. Your decision is most inspiring to those struggling with their accepting of who they are as they are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2850096231666604.post-82130066292908544112008-10-14T16:17:00.000-07:002008-10-14T16:17:00.000-07:00dear father..thank you, you are apriest forever,no...dear father..thank you, you are a<BR/>priest forever,no one can erase that..continue your work..you have<BR/>my prayers...i remind myself often of pope benedict's statement,"our<BR/>conscience is the final tribunal on<BR/>which we shall be judged"...i ask you to forgive your bishop, he knows not what he has done...i forgive him too, 'tiz a racial act<BR/>to forgive...our Lord did as he was<BR/>nailed to the cross....2 of my gay<BR/>friends across the street have the<BR/>sign on the vote no on p.8...i will<BR/>give them a copy of your sermon...i<BR/>try to help the "throw-away priests"...hope you read the article in NCR July 28 of '07...<BR/>"throw-away priests" by c.duline,she has been helping several of these priests forgotten,...<BR/>blessings on your continued work,with affection and pray,d.crowleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com