The following letter dated October 3, 2004, was sent to the 295 Bishops that comprise the National Council of Catholic Bishops (NCCB). Each fall the Bishops meet in Washington, DC. This is a tradition of the Rainbow Sash Movement to notify each Bishop of our Presence at their Plenary Liturgy. It is the custom of the NCCB to hold the Plenary Liturgy at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in DC. This year that Liturgy will be held at 7 PM on November 15, 2004 (Monday). If you are interested in becoming part of the Rainbow Sash Movement deligation please email us at sashmovement@aol.com.

October 3, 2004

Eminences and Excellencies:

As Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual and Transgender Catholics we desire to be whole human beings, and full members of the Roman Catholic Church. Does membership in the Roman Catholic Church mean we must hide part of our humanity? Is this the only way we are welcome to receive the Holy Eucharist?

The Rainbow Sash Movement has sent a delegation to the NCCB Plenary Liturgy each November since 2000; this will be our fourth year. Refusing Rainbow Sash Members and supporters Communion was initially authorized by than Cardinal James Hickey the predecessor of Cardinal McCarrick of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC.

Cardinal McCarrick has continued this policy, and our hope is that Cardinal McCarrick will remember his own words "The question for us is not simply whether denial of Communion is possible, but whether it is pastorally wise and prudent." We would also remind Cardinal McCarrick that denying any Catholics Holy Communion is a slippery slope.

The Rainbow Sash is a symbol, a sign of hope that one day gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender Catholics can be acknowledged as true believers.

We wear the Rainbow Sash to identify ourselves publicly as both gay/lesbian/bisexual and transgender Catholics, and believers who want to practice their faith and to be nourished by the sacraments. We do not roll raucously down the aisle on the floats of a gay-pride parade. Nor do we carry placards, shout, wave or set fire to anything. We do not disrupt the liturgical celebration, but present ourselves, as all Catholics do, as sinners seeking forgiveness, as humans hungry for the bread of the Eucharist.

So we come to the Sacred Liturgy as human beings who are gay, finding no shame in that, and trusting in the Lord. We ask Cardinal McCarrick to honor his own words "We should have no confrontation at the altar."

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Joe Murray
US Convener
Rainbow Sash Movement