Fallen 9/11 priest emerges as an icon for gay Catholics

[rug]

(RNS) When All Saints Church sought to signal its hospitality to gays and lesbians, the Catholic parish in Syracuse, N.Y., turned to a well-known image from the 9/11 attacks: five firefighters carrying a body from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

The body belonged to the Rev. Mychal Judge, a Franciscan fire chaplain who rushed to the burning buildings and was killed by falling debris. Later, a half-hidden secret emerged about the gallant priest: he was gay.

All Saints hopes the statue will demonstrate that the parish, following Judge’s lead, is committed to closing the chasms between rich and poor, black and white, gay and straight, said the Rev. Fred Daley, the church’s pastor.

Moreover, Daley said, the monument will memorialize a man who, like many gays and lesbians, struggled to fit into a church that considers homosexual desires “an intrinsic moral evil” and seeks to prohibit gay men from becoming priests.

http://www.religionnews.com/index.php?/rnstext/fallen_911_priest_emerges_as_an_icon_for_gay_catholics/

[Ken Burch]

1. Father Daley is a brave man for putting up that statue

When they hear about it, Bill Donahue and the "Catholic League"(does anyone else think that sounds like an alliance of comic book villains?)will be all up his...well, you know.

[rug]

5. It flows from his honesty about his own sexuality.

“Here’s a gay person who was committed to celibacy, flourishing in the priesthood. It breaks so many stereotypes that people have,” said Daley, who came out as gay himself in 2004. “For young gay people in particular, how good it is that Mychal Judge can be a role model for them.”

[Lunabelle]

2. Here is a great documentary about this wonderful guy.

The Saint of 9/11.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/177303/saint-of-911

[rug]

4. Bookmarked. Thanks.

[Historic NY]

8. Bookmarked too............this man lead a tremendous life.......

the picture still makes me sad.......I am well acquainted with the NYPD chaplain another man whose words have an affect.

[Firebrand Gary]

3. Hid documentary broke my heart and restored my faith.

I recommend it to everyone.

[Divine Discontent]

6. thanks, will certainly watch. God bless them for making a statue to honor him, too!

[xchrom]

7. Be Blessed in Heaven, Father Judge & in turn Bless

Those of us who remain behind.

[LeftishBrit]

9. k&r in memory of a very brave man

[trotsky]

10. A brave man for his actions...

too bad his church is such a rotten, hateful organization that demonizes people like him.