More Seattle Catholic Parishes Say NO To Archbishop Sartain Regarding Referendum 74

[Are_grits_groceries]

A growing number of Seattle’s Catholic parishes are saying “no” to Archbishop J. Peter Sartain’s offer that churches become signature gathering points for Referendum 74, the ballot measure to roll back Washington’s recently passed same-sex marriage law.

St. Mary’s Parish in the Central Area, and the new, growing Christ Our Hope parish in downtown Seattle, are the latest to decide petitions won’t be circulated on their premises.

The decision at St. Mary’s was announced by pastoral life coordinator Tricia Wittman-Todd in a “Dear People of St. Mary’s” letter.  She wrote.

“After much prayer and reflection, I have decided we will not collect signatures at the parish.  I am certain you will find ample opportunity elsewhere to sign whatever petitions you choose.

“This decision is based on two primary considerations.  St. Mary’s mission is ‘House of God, Home for Everyone.’  One of our highest values is inclusion and welcome.  I fear that the collection of signatures would be hurtful and divisive to our parish.  I am particularly concerned about our youth who may be questioning their own sexual identity and need our support at this time in their lives.

“The second consideration is that as Catholics, each of us is asked to form our conscience and decide how to vote on this and other issues, i.e. tax policies, services to the poor, environmental laws, capital punishment, etc.”
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More: http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2012/04/12/two-more-catholic-parishes-say-no-to-ref-74-signature-drive/

Uh oh! We haz rebellionz. Poop Beneduck won't like this.

[eridani]

1. Not surprised to see St Joseph's on the list

They are longtime hosts of the Seattle Dignity chapter.

[dimbear]

2. The Archbishop could look around down here in Cali if he wanted to see the crop of

resentment and disdain against the church that these propositions bring out. And he would note that if California had another crack at it, it would pass marriage equality quite easily, if you can believe polls.

Times change.

[customerserviceguy]

3. Catholics actually thinking for themselves

I've been out of that church for nearly thirty years, I didn't think it was possible.

It's been my hope that the people of Washington will repudiate the homophobes enough to even deny them the sufficient signatures to make it to the ballot, this gives me hope that it might just happen.