Dignity Statement of Position and Purpose
We
believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics in our diversity
are members of Christ's mystical body, numbered among the People of God. We have
an inherent dignity because God created us, Christ died for us, and the Holy Spirit
sanctified us in Baptism, making us temples of the Spirit, and channels through
which God's love becomes visible. Because of this, it is our right, our privilege,
and our duty to live the sacramental life of the Church, so that we might become
more powerful instruments of God's love working among all people.
We believe that gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender persons can express their sexuality in a manner that is consonant
with Christ's teaching. We believe that we can express our sexuality physically,
in a unitive manner that is loving, life-giving, and life-affirming. We believe
that all sexuality should be exercised in an ethically responsible and unselfish
way.
DIGNITY is organized to unite gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender Catholics, as well as our families, friends and loved
ones in order to develop leadership, and be an instrument through which we may
be heard by and promote reform in the Church.
To be such an organization, we accept
our responsibilities to the Church, to our Catholic heritage, to society, and
to individual gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics.
- TO
THE CHURCH: We work for the development of sexual theology leading to the reform
of its teachings and practices regarding human sexuality, and for the acceptance
of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender peoples as full and equal members of
the one Christ.
- TO
SOCIETY: We work for justice and equality through education and by supporting
social and legal reforms.
- TO
INDIVIDUAL GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER CATHOLICS: We reinforce their
sense of self-acceptance and dignity and encourage full participation in the life
of the Church and society.
As members of Dignity, we promote causes
of interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics. We have five
primary areas of concern and commitment:
- SPIRITUAL
DEVELOPMENT: We strive to achieve Christian maturity through the sacraments, Scripture,
prayer, an active love of neighbor as ourselves, and liturgical celebrations,
especially the Mass.
- EDUCATION:
We inform ourselves in all matters of faith and of interest to our communities,
so that we may grow in maturity and may nurture fulfilling lives in which our
sexuality and spirituality are integrated.
- SOCIAL
JUSTICE: As Catholics and members of society, we involve ourselves in those actions
that bring the love of Christ to others and provide the basis of social reform
in the Church and society. We are actively involved with:
- Individuals:
We lead a life of service to ourselves and others, rendering visible the love
of Christ and assisting in the creation of love centered communities.
- Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Groups: We work with a variety of groups to
seek justice for all persons and to promote a sense of solidarity within the communities.
- Religious
and Secular Groups: We work with many groups and organizations so that their members
might better understand gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons and thus
recognize and eliminate present injustices.
- Health
Care: We work to promote equal access and justice in all areas of health care
and healing.
- Women's
Justice Issues: We strive to eradicate sexism and patriarchy in all areas of Church
and secular life so that women are wholly included, accepted and welcome.
- EQUALITY
ISSUES: We dedicate ourselves to develop the potential of all persons to become
more fully human. To do this, we work toward the eradication of all constraints
on our personhood based on the ascribed social roles of women and men and to promote
inclusivity in all areas of liturgical and community life.
- SOCIAL
EVENTS: We provide activities of a social and recreational nature in an atmosphere
where friendships can develop and mature, and where our sense of self acceptance
and dignity is affirmed.