Dear Joe:

I was given a copy of your May 7, 2004 letter to the U.S. bishops. Please know that members of Rainbow Sash Movement will be warmly welcomed to the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels this coming Sunday. Cardinal Mahony has been attacked repeatedly over the years by some members of the church who have taken issue with his consistent support for Gay and Lesbian Ministries throughout the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Nevertheless, because of his support and the dedicated work of people throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, many gays and lesbians attend and participate fully in the life of their local parishes. Surely, there is still much work and education to be done, but we celebrate what has been accomplished to this point.

Also, your letter mentions the controversy over who should receive Communion, as well as the discussion over the future of the NRB and the audit process. If you have not already seen them, I would be happy to provide you with a variety of recent press reports regarding Cardinal Mahony's stance on these issues. I think you would be somewhat pleased with his positions on both of these issues. If you like, I can email or fax you the news stories.

In any event, please allow me to say again that members of the Rainbow Sash Movement will be welcome at all of our Cathedral Masses on Pentecost Sunday.

Thanks.

Tod M. Tamberg
Office of Media Relations
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles