In
the wake of the rising controversy over the decision of Father Brian Grady, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Crystal Lake to end his church’s sponsorship of a Boy Scout Troop and bar them from its
facilities, the Social Justice Committee
of Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry, has issued a plea for tolerance, compassion, and
inclusion.
“We
were saddened and disappointed by the sudden unilateral action of Father
Grady. Not only did it adversely affect
the troop and its young men, it was a significant over reaction based on what
appears to be his individual misinformation and prejudices,” said Patrick Murfin, Social Justice
Committee Chair in a statement for the press.
The
recent Boy Scouts of America (BSA) National Council decision to allow gay youth to become and remain
Scouts only offers that option to local unit sponsors, Murfin pointed out. Troops sponsored by religious organizations with
doctrinal or moral objections are not required to admit gay Scouts. “Nothing forced Father Grady or his church to
admit them,” he pointed out. “He
apparently is upset that other sponsoring bodies, including churches with a
more welcoming attitude, would be able to make a decision in conformity to
their own beliefs and moral understanding.”
Grady
was the first Catholic pastor in the Chicago
area known to have banned Scouts. Neither
Bishops of the Church or Rockford Diocese officials have issued
any such instructions. While critical of the BSA decision most have been
supportive of continued Catholic participation.
“Unfortunately,
this decision seems to have been made on the basis of personal prejudices and misinformation,”
Murfin said. “His primary justification,
in his own words seems to be ‘For a young boy to [be] placed in a situation
where he has to share a tent or be exposed to other boys that are openly
homosexual is not only unjust, but immoral.’
That reflects a gay panic
over-reaction and a serious misunderstanding that equates homosexuality with predatory
sexual behavior. That is not backed
up by research and is the kind of stigma that has led to the isolation and despair
of gay youth.”
The
Committee applauded support by other religious bodies in the county for greater
inclusiveness, including the offer of the McHenry
County Jewish Congregation to host a troop.
“Unfortunately the experience has so shocked the affected Scout Master that he is now afraid to seek
sponsorship from another Church. Father
Grady’s actions have succeeded in blackening the name of all religions.”
Murfin
said that “we are disappointed that the recent BSA decision does not allow gay
Scouts to continue with the program as adult leaders and volunteers. Wonderful Eagle Scouts who would have gone on to be role models for generations
of youngsters will find themselves cut off from the program they love. Openly gay leaders would also offer support
to isolated and fearful Scouts.”
Tree
of Life recently has recently been a leader in support of marriage equality, including sponsoring high profile roadside
vigils in McHenry, Crystal Lake, and
Woodstock. The Unitarian
Universalist Association to which the congregation belongs has long been a
staunch supporter of equal rights for gays, lesbian, and transgender people and
families. It has also been engaged in
over a decade of conversation with the BSA over equal opportunity to
participate in the program by gay youth and adults as well as atheists and
non-traditional theists.
“Our
minister, the Rev. Sean Parker Dennison,
is a transgender man who exemplifies the loving and inclusive spirit of our
faith. Our families, children, and youth
all look to him with respect and affection.
And our Youth Group offers a
supportive environment for everyone, including those bullied and marginalized
because of their perceived or actual sexual orientation.”
For
more information call the Tree of Life office at 815 322-2464, Patrick Murfin at 815 814-5645 or visit treeoflifeuu.org .
