Most Reverend Gabriel Montalvo
Apostolic Pro-Nuncio
3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20008

Dear Excellency,

I write this letter on behalf of the US Rainbow Sash Movement. We are a National Catholic Gay and Lesbian organization. Our organization has followed the developing scandal of priestly sexual abuse since its eruption last January, in the Archdiocese of Boston. Most recently the Holy Father has accepted Cardinal Law's resignation for his incompetence, and for the part he played in the scandal. Sadly this resignation was brought about by public pressure, not moral leadership.

Like most Catholics I had hoped for direct action. It was my hope that the victims would become the focus of our compassion as a Church, and we would begin to do some internal questioning as a Church. I came to believe that many in the Hierarchy were more concerned with the image of the Church and protecting their own, rather than protecting children put into their care, or the spiritual welfare of many Catholics.

This scandal has nothing to do with our gay clergy, nor should the victims and their families be held in less esteem because they seek justice. Clearly the pastoral focus of this scandal is the victims and their families; however, an ancillary focus would be men like yourself, and what you are willing to do?

The Church has an opportunity in the Archdiocese of Boston to send a clear message that it has heard the cries of the victims and their families. A new Cardinal must now be appointed to that Archdiocese; it is time that lay people in the Archdiocese of Boston have a role in who is to be appointed their new spiritual Sheppard. This appointment cannot be done in secrecy; additionally, the process must be transparent.

I ask you to take this message to the Holy Father, and let us as a Church embark on the road clearly set out for us by Jesus Christ. It is our hope that as the Archdiocese of Boston was epi center of this scandal, it will also become of shinning light of faith in a reformed Church.

Please remember me in your prayers during the most blessed season of Advent.

Sincerely Yours in Christ

Joe B. Murray
US Convener
Rainbow Sash Movement