January 17 through the 25 of 2005, is the week when various Catholic and Christian denominations pray for Christian Unity nationally and internationally. We are puzzled why Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) Catholics and Christians GLBT Churches and organizations are being excluded? The theme of the week is  “Christ, the one foundation of the Church” (1 Cor. 3:1-23)."  Is the Church ready for this type of radical thinking?

We are prayerfully calling all the national participants of this week to reflect on why it is necessary to discriminate against GLBT Catholics and Christians. Our call specifically is to the National Council of Catholic Bishops, The World Council of Churches, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Orthodox Church in America, the Greek Orthodox Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), The Salvation Army, and the United Methodist Church, to reflect. You have by the very nature of your call alienated GLBT Catholics Christians, and Christians. We cannot have unity unless we are ready to respect the very dignity of each other.  If this call for Christian Unity is sincere why are our GLBT Churches and organizations excluded?

If Christian Unity is about prayer than let it be in places where all Christians are welcome. Our challenge for the US organizers of the events for this week is to walk the talk. Love of God , and love of neighbor. To hold these prayer services in places of worship that promote homophobia, which attack the very dignity and rights of GLBT Christians is not walking the talk. We must therefore question, respectfully, the purpose of these events that will be held during the "Week of Pray for Christian Unity."

Rainbow Sash Movement