Gay marriage supporter removed from ministries

The other parishioners in Prince of Peace Parish could support her simply by temporarily suspending their volunteer services as readers or ministers of Holy Communion. Even if it's only for one weekend, it would be a highly effective way of showing their support.

I makes me sad to realize that a Pastor in the Catholic church would do this to a good Catholic woman,just because she wrote such an intellegent letter about people in same sex marriages. I don't believe that he knows any homosexual people himself or he would realize that God made them that way and that they are good people. I myself believe that God doesn't make mistakes.
I have a daughter who is homosexual and I know that she was born that way. She is a kind loving person and everyone who knows her loves her.
I applaud the woman who wrote that letter and think that her Pastor should be proud of her!!
If I belonged to that Parish I know that I would be looking for another church.

Shameful and unacceptable behavior on the part of Pamella Beliveau's pastor. He needs to pay a price for taking her ministry away. He had no right to do this. The entire diocese should have their Tax Exempt status revoked. This is crossing over the line and this behavior must be challenged in every instance. She is entitled to her opinion on civil matters and this is all about separation of Church and State.

Mrs Beliveau speaks the most Christian words I've heard coming from the Catholic church in a long, long time. God bless her for her courage to speak them.

Andre

That is ABSURD that the church would behave in that way. This marriage issue is a CIVIL matter, not a religious one. The church's position on marriage WILL NOT BE AFFECTED by this legislation. Civil rights aren't to be "voted" on in the first place.

As I was reading this story about Pamella Starbird Beliveau, I couldn’t help but wonder, “where is it going to end”?

It seems as if you don’t toe the party line, then today’s Roman Catholic Church doesn’t want much to do with you. First, they came for the scientists, then they came for the liberation theologians, then they came for the religious, then they came for those of us in the pews who want to help out our local church, but maybe don’t agree with everything it teaches.

The result is not unlike the many tin-pot dictatorships throughout the world. Speak out against the regime and you are silenced. Freedom of speech and freedom of thought seem to be alien notions to the church hierarchy today. I wonder what Jesus would do? I somehow see him kneeling on the ground and writing with his finger and telling the Pharisees to go away. In Jesus’ world, there was room for everyone; in the world of the contemporary Roman Catholic Church, there is room only for those who puppet the party line. Just one more reason why I see it as being increasingly irrelevant in my life.

I am happy to hear that Church discipline is being exercised.

This story reminds us why we have a secret ballot and separation of church and state in this country. When clerics practice ecclesiastic extortion to force church members out of the public square, democracy is threatened.

Steve

The bishop can be punitive, but there will be more whose faith will guide them to stand up for what they believe, even when it may be contrary to some Catholic teaching. The Church needs to make room for those who, in good conscience, have come to a different conclusion then what they have arrived at. So many of us who disagree on an issue with The Church on certain teachings still believe in the life, death and resurection of our Lord, Jesus Christ and believe that He is present in the Eucharist of The Catholic Church. In other words, we are still part of The Church and part of the even greater mystical body of Christ. I believe that our leaders should have the humility to recognize this. I believe Jesus is proud of Pamella willingness to speak out for the gay and lesbian community on this issue and I, as I suspect others, will stand in prayerful solidarity with her.

Oh, the shortsightedness of these desperate men in robes, who seek to squelch all dissent. They'll keep firing and silencing until there ain't nobody left in the pews but the braindead. They have the authority to do so, of course. But it's a medieval, morally bankrupt authority.

God bless this pastor who had the courage to stand up for the Truth!

Sad, but necessary for the pastor of Prince of Peace Parish to do what he did.

" I have decided that you are not to serve as a reader or minister of Holy Communion effective today ..." Gee Father, did you decide before or after you got a phone call from "Downtown."

Imagine this, a pastor with cojones?Was he ordained after 1990?lol Go Padre go Let me guess this lady feels the faith is simply about loving one another and helping the poor....thats all we need right.Forget those pesky rules about morality.Thats so Middle Ages.lol

Would that we had more pastors with such courage in defending the Faith! God bless him! Let us pray that more priests and bishops will have the courage of their beliefs and take seriously their obligation to teach, sanctify and govern the faithful. This priest has done so admirably.

He is governing by restricting someone who does not believe in the Church's teaching from exercising any role in the parish. He is teaching by reminding this woman of her dissent from defined teaching and reminding the parish of the authentic teaching of the Church. He is sanctifying the rest of his parish by preventing a source of scandal.

May the Lord richly bless this pastor!

What I find ironic is a woman who claims to be a good bible reading Christian, go against her scriptures and Church and she think that no one would notice. It is called betrayl. It is amazing how many people are saying that the parts of the bible that say "Gay relationships" are not allowed, should be glazed over because of our "progress" in society. Gods law is THE LAW you will be judged by, it is not going to change according to what is socially accepted. You cant have people in authority positions at church, undermining the teachings, scripture and guidance of any organization

OPEN LETTER

October 30, 2009

Rev. Jill Saxby
Executive Director
Maine Council of Churches
Portland, Maine

Dear Rev. Saxby,

Perhaps you already know that Pamella Starbird Beliveau of Lewiston was removed as a lector and Eucharistic Minister after her pastor read an opinion piece she wrote for the local newspaper approving of same-sex marriage. http://ncronline.org/news/gay-marriage-supporter-removed-ministries

Ann Underwood, founder of Catholics for Marriage Equality and a member of the Board of Directors of the Maine Council of Churches, has also been very public in her support of same sex marriage. http://www.mainecouncilofchurches.org/board

I may be wrong, but it is my understanding that the members of the MCC board who represent the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland are appointed to the board by Bishop Richard Malone. Therefore, I can't help but wonder if Bishop Malone will remove Ms. Underwood from your board because she has been outspoken in her support of same sex marriage in the same manner as Pamella Starbird Beliveau of Lewiston. In fact, Ms. Underwood has been much more vocal.

I am writing to ask for your support of Ms. Underwood in the event that Bishop Malone asks her to step down. You obviously have no control over who Bishop Malone appoints to the board, but it would be my hope that Ms. Underwood would remain as a MCC board member in some capacity. Further, I would hope that you would issue a formal rebuke to Bishop Malone for his disrespect of Ms. Underwood's right to examine her own conscience regarding this and all other matters. In addition, such an action would stain Bishop Malone's credibility towards fostering and promoting an ecumenical movement in Maine.

Which begs the question. If Bishop Malone does not remove Ms. Underwood from the MCC board, thereby choosing to overlook her opposition to the bishop's efforts to repeal Maine's same sex marriage law, what will that mean for Ms. Starbird Beliveau? Will she be reinstated as a lector and Eucharistic Minister?

One final matter. It is documented* that, as of April 14, 2009, Marc Mutty (Director of Stand for Marriage Maine) was the MCC Board Vice-President. Yet, according to the MCC web site, he is no longer a member of the board in any capacity. It has been my experience that board vice-presidents usually move up to the position of board President when terms expire. Are you able to tell me the reason that Mr. Mutty is no longer a MCC board member?

Many thanks for the work you do.

Sincerely,
Paul Kendrick
Freeport, Maine
207 838 1319

*April 14, 2009 - Testimony by Marc Mutty, MCC Board Vice Pres., Director of Public Affairs Roman Catholic Diocese in support of LD 797, An Act to Fully Implement Legislative Intent in Prohibiting Offensive Place Names, on behalf of MCC and Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. Prohibiting Offensive Place Names -- MMutty testimony.pdf

Typical Catholic Hypocrisy, but it is a private religous organiztion, they can do whatever they want. They did to a priest in Fresno,CA when he came out against Prop 8. I just wish the catholics of Maine would wake up and realize the church doesn't care what you think. If you go against them, GOODBYE and Get OUT!

That is a terrific opinion piece by Ms. Beliveau. It's a pity it fell on deaf ears. If the church ever admits that the Bible is wrong on homosexuality, then their entire house of cards will collapse. Sadly, that day will never come. But the day will eventually come when the majority of churchgoers won't tolerate their lies and propaganda about gay people, and organized religion will have to admit defeat, else they'll lose all their parishioners. That day is much sooner than they think.

""People in same-sex marriage do not diminish my marriage or family." Rather, she said, "Anyone promoting committed, monogamous relationships enhance my life and that of my family."

I couldn't have said it better myself. That's why I married my partner of 14 years. It has NOTHING to do with indoctrinating children or some stupid gay agenda in public schools. It's about committing yourself to someone else that you love, for the rest of your life.

Let me get this straight. Christians are up in arms about the hate crimes bill and the marriage issue because they believe they will be persecuted for speaking out for their beliefs. So now Christians are persecuting others for speaking out for their beliefs. The sheer hypocrisy is almost painful. Perhaps he's trying to start the second Inquisition?

The Church refuses to accept the democracy of the American political system. These same Roman Catholic bishops tried to prevent the election of President Obama. These same Roman Catholic bishops are calling health care a political, but not a human right as they try to prevent reform. These same Roman Catholic bishops ignored the crimes of their own priests as well as their own for years while escaping civil justice and blaming the victims. These very same Roman Catholic bishops live a life of luxury with fancy cars, fancy clothes and mansions while their flocks face bankruptcy and poverty. Mother Theresa made do with one nun's habit while saving the lives and souls in India. Yet, these Bishops must feast upon the fat of the land. Is it any wonder that the Church no longer is in touch with American democracy, or even members of its own flock. The Roman Catholic bishops lost their moral compass decades ago and yet continue to preach as if they really know the Words of the Christ. These Bishops and their willing Priests are shameful.

Funny, the Catholics always whine whenever they're not allowed to openly express their contempt for homosexuals and cry 'persecution.' But when one of their fellows speaks in support of homosexuals, these hypocrites are the first to persecute them, like this woman, for exercising her Christian obligation to speak in favor of love and tolerance!

I'm so glad I left that den of thieves, hypocrites and child touchers years ago!

The pastor is Msgr Marc Caron. I believe that he was at one time chancellor for the Diocese of Portland Maine (that says it all!). If you go to the online parish (Prince of Peace, Lewiston Maine) you will find a very conservative pastor, even has someone who was on EWTN lecturing to school children! Obviously, he is kissing up hoping to be a bishop someday. I doubt it, he's ruined his changes now w/ this scandal brewing. Also, bishop Richard Malone trained under and was consecrated by, you guessed it, Cardinal Law! Oh what a mess. Pamella Beliveau needs a good canon lawyer. He violated canon law because she spoke up and canon law allows her to do so.

A previous commenter wrote: "I don't believe that he (the pastor) knows any homosexual people himself." Actually, I believe he does, as the pastor doth protesteth too much.

Marriage is a civil issue in this and many other countries. Those, particularly clergy who acts in Christ's name, who persecute gays and lesbians will eventually be asked by God at the Last Judgment why they acted against His teaching to love one another. Hate is hate. The Church can't sugarcoat it. And yes, I am a Catholic and am in favor of civil marriage equality.

"It seems as if you don’t toe the party line..."

What you call "the party line" is otherwise known as "the deposit of faith".
No one can change that, no matter what.

It is far more important for the salvation of souls, that the constant teachings of the Church be understood than it is for someone who doesn't know what she is talking about - either about the etiology of homosexuality or about Church teaching - to be given a forum here.

Does the NCR support activities directly contrary to the Catechism?

Any fool with a beef with a Bishop or priest has the full attention of the NCR.

How many pedophile priests AND bishops who were their accessories and protectors have been excommunicated and anathematized, hmmm?

Seems to me the Cardinal Archbishop of Boston, Bernard Law, was made Cardinal Rector of St. Mary Major in Rome to keep him from having to testify in the Boston scandals.

The Roman Church has NO moral authority whatsoever.

Further, the matter under discussion is CIVIL marriage. Nobody takes the Roman Church to court for refusing to marry divorced persons. Of course, if one has enough $$$, one can get an "anulment" from the Roman Rota, after 20 years of marriage and X number of kids (!), saying that a valid marriage "never existed."

I'M waiting for the ACLU or SOMEBODY to sue the Romans, the Mormons, and the brain-dead Suthren Babdists (sic) for attempt to conspire to infringe on MY civil rights.

Raymond H. Burgoon-Clark
San Diego CA
Anglican, married to my husband

When I hopefully stand before God some day and he asks why I did or din't do something, my answer cannot be simply "because the Roman Catholic Church told me..." My answer better be that I did or didn't do something because I made an informed and conscious decision based on the information I had. Because the church told me so is not an excuse.

That is what I learned in grade-school religious ed classes and it has become even more important to me as an adult. It is a pity that the Roman Catholic church continues to try and restrict people's rights to make an informed and conscious choice for themselves.

Did I miss something?

I do not see that she was going against the church's teachings in her piece for the paper. I see her simply saying that we are talking about human beings and that she does not feel threatened by same-sex unions.

How does that interpret into going against the teachings of the Catholic church?

Make sure they are replaced by misogynists and homophobes like Raymond Burke and the archbishop of Guam who says married gays are worse than suicide-bombers because they foster a culture of death (sic).

And just the other day Pat Robertson was explaining to his flock that the "noose was getting tighter around the necks of Christians" because of the hate crimes bill which just became earlier this week. Hate crimes laws already protected religious believers as targets of crimes - the new bill only added sexual orientation, gender and disability as protected classes.

So I ask you, who is tightening the noose? Seems to me the church is on a constant march to strangle anyone who does not see things EXACTLY as they do - including Pamella Starbird Beliveau. Reminds me of the witch hunts of years past which were also instigated by the church.

No one is a "Eucharistic Minister"; the correct term, as a putatively Catholic paper and as Mrs. Beliveau (a student of theology!) should know is:
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

The bottom line is, if you so-called "Catholic fundamentalists" want to continue adhering to these "rules", it is going to be the end of the Catholic church. I am originally from Maine, and I am disgusted by the behavior of the diocese in Maine. Perhaps they should spend more energy and money on keeping more churches open, and doing positive things for the community to attract new members. I currently live in Santa Monica, CA, and our church has over 10,000 members. YES, 10,000 members. And masses are generally standing room only - and we have 6 masses each weekend! Why?! Because our priests respect people of all walks of life. They have open dialogue with people of other faiths. And they welcome gays and lesbians who have been made to feel awful about who they are, and who have been taught that there is no place for them in the Catholic church. And the topics that the priests discuss at mass are not about bashing people for not following every "rule" of Catholicism - they're about encouraging people to be GOOD, LOVING people. MY God, as a lifelong Catholic, created everyone to be just the way they are. MY God loves everyone.

It always pains me to see people who claim to be good Catholics and follow the rules and mandates treating other people so horribly. As they are here.

Jeus Christ hung out with the poor, the sick, the prostitutes and the marginalized. HE is the example we should follow.

People can take a difference stance on issues but treating the opposing side with hatred is not of Christ and it is NOT of GOD!

Anyone who thinks they can treat people so horribly is not a true follower of anyone or anything but themselves.

The God that I know and the Christ that I know through study and faith is a God of love who loves EVERYONE regardless of their opinions or their sexual preference.

Let you who is without sin cast the first stone. Only GOD is the judge not any mere mortal man/woman/person.

JTM, the Deposit of Faith = Apostolic Tradition + Sacred Scripture.
Jesus was ok with contemporary Jewish attitudes regarding homosexuality. If he weren't, he would have said so.
As for the tired old canards of usury & slavery, these are entirely different matters.
No part of the Deposit of Faith has ever been altered.

In this instance the pastor did his job, thank God. It would be a scandal for anyone who engaged in such appallingly ignorant blather, and who did so as publicly and shamelessly as Ms. Beliveau, to serve in any public capacity until she is able to overcome her ignorance.

P.S. I love the expression "heterosexually married". That's just precious.

I see very little love from the "anti" side of the argument. I used to be a rather dogmatic Tridentine Catholic until I realised that life is not what I or the bishops or the Pope think ought to be, but rather it is what it is in all its beuaty and awe-inspiring complexity.

I have been Old Catholic for quite a number of years and I thank God for the freedom to work out my spiritual destiny free from the hatred and close-mindedness I find in the Catholic Church. In 2007 I married a wonderful woman in Canada. In the Roman Catholic Church I would have been required to live a life of celibacy, being unable to remain celibate, then confession (at least if I wanted to go to Communion) and then the whole cycle would begin again. Not everyone is called to a life of celibacy. It's wonderful if you voluntarily accept a life of celibacy to serve God--but to require an entire part of the church to live an involuntary celibate life because they love a gender of which you do not approve--that is not right. It is not loving. It is sheer oppression.

In another thread paulty ranted and raved about smashing Vatican II, exceommunicating nuns who don't agree with the sexism and homophobia of the church, bringing back the Tridentine Mass, etc. What do people think Benedict XVI wants--that is exactly what he wants.

I hope that Catholics who want a loving inclusive faith will consider voting with their feet and entering the Episcopal or any other Affirming Church. You will be more than welcome as a member of God's Family there.

Pamella Starbird Beliveau: God bless you for your courage. How very sad your pastor informed you by letter rather than speaking to you in person; after your service to the parish, he at least owed you the dignity of a personal meeting.

I will pray that your pastor reconsiders his decision.