Press Release

For Immediate Release

An Open letter to 295 Catholic Bishops - Lets Talk with Integrity

The Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM) sent a letter, dated October 3, 2004 to each of the 295 US Catholic Bishops. Each fall the Bishops meet in Washington, DC to address issues, concerns and housekeeping matters that affect the Roman Catholic Church in the United States. It is a tradition of the Rainbow Sash Movement to notify each Bishop in writing of our presence at their Plenary Liturgy, and to explain why we wear the Rainbow Sash and call for dialogue with integrity. Each year since 2000 our delegation has been the denied the Holy Eucharist because we will not bye into the shame factor.

The RSM will continue the challenge the leadership of the Church when that leadership promotes homophobia instead of love, and orchestrates attacks on the civil rights of glbt community. The Bishops should be promoting tolerance and respect for all, not intolerance.

Follow through is an important part of trust building. Those Bishops who have dialogued with glbt people must follow through with their commitments. There should be no room for a lack of integrity in any of our discussions.

While we are a Catholic Organization, with a Catholic Leadership we are always looking for people of good will who are willing to take a supportive role.

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 supporting the Rainbow Sash Movement delegation please email us at sashmovement@aol.com.

The complete letter to the US Bishops is available for reading on our web page www.rainbowsashmovement.com.

RAINBOW SASH MOVEMENT