Tongues and Souls on Fire

.

For many people of faith in Minnesota,
last Tuesday's signing into law of marriage equality legislation
involved a pouring forth of the Spirit of Pentecost.

When you joined with thousands
standing side by side,
Tell me was your soul on fire?

When you knew you'd won
what so long was denied,
Tell me was your soul on fire?

Was your soul on fire like mine?
Was your heart on fire like mine?

We gathered in the sunshine, spoke the truth in love.
We with tongues and souls on fire.

– Adapted from "Hearts on Fire"
by Bret Hesla.
Available on What We Do: Good Time Songs
for Peace and Change (2009)

According to a recent article in the National Catholic Reporter, San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who chairs the U.S. Bishops' Conference Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, finds it "ironic" that Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a bill making same-sex marriage legal in the state the day after Mother's Day.

In Cordileone's view granting civil marriage rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples makes mothers and fathers "superfluous." He also believes that:

The Minnesota legislature's decision to redefine marriage weakens motherhood and fatherhood, and so strikes a blow to all children who deserve both a mother and father.

Of course, given that the Vatican has been summoned before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child over its ongoing worldwide sex abuse crisis, it's highly questionable if a member of the Vatican's ruling class, such as Cordileone, is in any position to be lecturing on the rights and safety of children.

Furthermore, how exactly does granting civil marriage rights to same-sex couples deprive children of their mother and father? That's something that, to my knowledge, has never been adequately explained. Is it because some gay couples adopt children? Do the bishops think unwanted children should only be adopted and raised by heterosexual couples? If this is the case, why all the focus on gay marriage? Shouldn't they be pushing for constitutional amendments against gay adoptions? That would be the logical step given their concern for the safety, welfare, and "rights" of children. Another logical measure would be their advocating for children to be removed from families headed by same-sex couples. Yet on such matters the bishops remain silent. Why is that?

I think one of the best responses to the bishops' fear-mongering about children being raised by same-sex parents was offered last year by comedian and writer Jim David:

As far as the myth that children are best served by a mother and a father, we all know a lot of really screwed-up people who came from a mother and a father. The adoption and foster-care agencies of the world are jam-packed with babies discarded by mothers and fathers. A same-sex couple I know recently adopted a son who was thrown into foster care like a piece of trash, abandoned by every heterosexual parent he had. The child was a wreck when he arrived, and now he's a happy boy in the second grade, on the softball team, with a quality of life he did not know before age five. This scenario has been repeated thousands of times in thousands of other same-sex families. The only problem that children of same-sex couples routinely report is dealing with the bigotry of children whose parents believe the lies told by organizations like NOM.

. . . and by the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, unfortunately.

As for the bishops' complaint about "redefining marriage" . . . well, as far as I know the Roman Catholic hierarchy is still calling the shots on who can and cannot marry in the church. Thus nothing can be said to have been changed or "redefined" within their domain. This is because, as Jay Michaelson so succinctly puts it: "We’re not changing religious definitions; we’re expanding secular domains of equality."


A Spirit-filled event

The presence of the sacred, however, is not absent from individuals and families that live and operate within any number of "secular domains." Mother's Day is a secular holiday. Yet that fact did not prevent Archbishop Cordileone from using it to make a theological point.

I'd like to take this opportunity to make a theological point of my own. And that is this: For many, if not the majority of the 7,000+ people who gathered last Tuesday at the Minnesota State Capitol to witness the signing into law of marriage equality, the occasion was a Spirit-filled event. This is not surprising given the significant role that people of faith – including Catholics – played in defeating last year's anti-marriage equality constitutional amendment and in advocating this year for marriage equality as a social justice and faith issue.

I don't find it ironic that Tuesday's bill signing took place so close to Mother's Day, I find it appropriate – appropriate for all mothers, including those partnered with another woman. I also find it fitting that Minnesota's marriage equality law was signed just five days before Pentecost – the feast of the great outpouring of God's Spirit of love, clarity, and courage.

Traditionally, Pentecost is the "birthday of the Church." But what do we actually mean by this? Well, as I've noted previously, Pentecost signifies our recognition of the gift of God’s spirit of transformation within and among us. It’s a recognition that, time and again, births community, births “the church.” On the feast of Pentecost we recall how at some point early in the life of the community of followers of Jesus those beyond this community came to recognize something wondrously transformative and inspiring about the things that this community was saying and doing. Regardless of where they came from or what language they spoke, people recognized and responded to the sacred that they experienced as present and active in this community that we now call the early church. People where amazed, inspired and changed by this sacred presence embodied by and mediated through this community.

I contend that last Tuesday's event on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol was the culmination of a similar experience. Over the course of the past two years, thanks to the whole 'marriage amendment' issue, gay couples and families, along with the people who know and love them, awakened to the need to share the reality of their lives, and thus potentially change the hearts and minds of others. Thousands upon thousands of Minnesotans undertook this endeavor in a myriad of ways. And, as a result, something quite beautiful and wondrous happened: For those attuned to the presence and action of the sacred, it became clear that in the lives and experiences of same-sex individuals, couples and families God is present.

Yes, for many of us who are people of faith, Pentecost came early this year in Minnesota. And last Tuesday it was the same-sex families who stood on the steps of the Capitol with Governor Mark Dayton who most powerfully embodied and channeled God's spirit of love and justice to the thousands gathered before them. One of those family is pictured above, and is comprised of Paul Melchert (right), his partner James Zimmerman, and their twin boys Emmett and Gabriel.

It was because of families like this, and the love and commitment they embody, that there were, in the words of Bret Hesla, "tongues and souls on fire" last Tuesday.

When you joined with thousands
standing side by side,
Tell me was your soul on fire?

We gathered in the sunshine, spoke the truth in love.
We with tongues and souls on fire.

I'm truly sorry for those unable or unwilling to see and lovingly respond to the presence of God in the lives, relationships, and families of gay and lesbian people, and who instead seek to find ways to deny, dismiss, or disparage such lives, relationships, and families. And make no mistake, that was an unspoken intention of Archbishop Cordileone's quip about the "irony" of the timing of last Tuesday's bill signing to Mother's Day, and thus to the limited understanding of both "mothers" and "family" that this day represents for him.

If Archbishop Cordileone wants an example of irony (not to mention the wondrously mysterious ways of the Spirit!), he need look no further than to the role that his brother archbishop, the anti-marriage equality John C. Nienstedt of St. Paul-Minneapolis, played in ensuring marriage equality in Minnesota. You see, Archbishop Nienstedt made the passage of the 'marriage amendment' something of a personal crusade. Yet it was a crusade that served to galvanize people in their commitment to stand up and speak their truth. What followed was a transforming outpouring of truth and love that first helped defeat last year's 'marriage amendment' and then preceded to help win marriage equality this year.

For many of us, such an outpouring was and continues to be experienced as the work of the Spirit.

When you knew you'd won
what so long was denied,
Tell me was your soul on fire?

Is your soul on fire like mine?
Is your heart on fire like mine?

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
A Prayer for Pentecost
The Spirit and the Faithful
Pentecost
The Spirit of Pentecost is Very Much Present and Active in the Church of Minneapolis/St. Paul
Marriage Equality Comes to Minnesota
Karen Clark's Revolutionary Act: "Daring to Believe That People Can Change Their Hearts and Minds"

Recommended Off-site Links:
If This Video Doesn't Convince You to Support Marriage Equality, Nothing Will – Neetzan Zimmerman (Gawker, February 28, 2013).
Dayton Signs Marriage Equality Law on Capitol Steps – Beth Hawkins (MinnPost, May 14, 2013).
Minnesota Ushers in Gay Marriage – Baird Helgeson (Star Tribune, May 14, 2013).
For Minnesota Gay Marriage Sponsors, It's Personal – Patrick Condon (Associated Press via Yahoo! News, May 14, 2013).
Marriage Equality Bill Signing: History in the Making – City Pages (May 15, 2013).

Image 1: Photographer unknown.
Image 2: Michael J. Bayly.

How Did They Know?

By Joyce Rupp

How did they know
it was time to push up
through the long-wintered soil?

How did they know
it was the moment to resurrect
while thick layers of stubborn ice
still pressed the bleak ground flat?

But the tulips knew.
They came, rising strongly,
a day after the ice died.

There's a hope-filled place in me
that also knows when to rise.
It is urged by the strong sun
warming my wintered heart.
It is nudged by the Secret One,
calling, calling, calling,
"Arise, my love, and come."

Like the dormant tulips
my heart stirs,
and hope comes dancing forth.
Not unlike the Holy One
kissing the morning sun,
waving a final farewell
to a tomb emptied of its treasure.

– Joyce Rupp
(from The Cosmic Dance: An Invitation to Experience Our Oneness)

For more of Joyce Rupp at The Wild Reed, see:
A Springtime Prayer
Prayer of the Week – October 30, 2012
In the Garden of Spirituality – Joyce Rupp

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
The End of a Very Long Winter
Springtime by the Creek
A Springtime Walk Along Minnehaha Creek (March 2012)
Waiting in Repose for Spring's Awakening Kiss
In the Footsteps of Spring
The Onward Call
"More Lovely Than the Dawn": God as Divine Lover

Images: Michael J. Bayly.

Bobbie's Motown Moment

For 'music night' this evening at The Wild Reed I share a track from revered singer-songwriter Bobbie Gentry's 1971 album Patchwork. It's "Somebody Like Me," about which one commentator has observed: "The great Bobbie Gentry takes a page from Motown and burns rubber in the recording studio." Indeed!

Below is the audio of "Somebody Like Me," courtesy of "tenda berry" and YouTube. It's followed by excerpts from an appreciation of Patchwork written by John Dowler for Raven Records' 2007 CD release containing both this album and Gentry's previous album Fancy.

. . . Baby, sorry it's only me

Don't want nobody stayin' up late at night

waitin' on me, waitin' on me, waitin' on me.

Can't seem to settle down,

maybe I'll just hang around.

But every time you pick me up

I guess I take you down.

But though I wonder why you want me,

somehow I just know if you stopped lovin' me

I'd crawl on off and die.

What's somebody like you

lovin' somebody like me for, baby?

What's somebody like you

lovin' somebody like me for, child?

Better go find somebody to love you;

Better go find somebody to love . . .

After a couple of years treading water creatively, during which she released two albums containing only three original compositions between them, Bobbie Gentry determined to up the ante with the release of Patchwork in 1971. Completely self-composed and self-produced, the album was a song cycle with the component tracks linked by a series of orchestral interludes, enabling it to be viewed and listened to as a seamless whole.

In much the same way as author Ray Bradbury used the tattooed body of a man as a device to shape a disparate collection of stories into a unified work in The Illustrated Man, Gentry utilised the panels of fabric in a patchwork skirt to provide the unifying principle for a diverse collection of songs. It was a creative conceit that would facilitate the production of what is undoubtedly her most sustained artistic statement. . . . [The track] "Somebody Like Me," a Motown-flavoured slice of rhythm and blues, neatly showcases Gentry's easy facility with the genre . . .

– John Dowler

Recommended Off-site Links:
Whatever Happened to Bobbie Gentry? – Miranda Sawyer (The Observer, May 19, 2012).
Ode to Bobbie Gentry – Kurt Wolff (CBS New York, July 27, 2012).
Bobbie Gentry: Rediscovering the Girl from Chickasaw County – Jeremy Roberts (Examiner, July 27, 2012).

In the Garden of Spirituality – Kabir Helminski

.

“We are not on earth to guard a museum,
but to cultivate a flowering garden of life.”

– Pope John XXIII

The Wild Reed’s series of reflections on religion and spirituality continues with an excerpt from Kabir Helminski's 1992 book Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness and the Essential Self. In this particular excerpt Helminski explores the state of consciousness that he calls presence and which he says is a "fundamental experience and requirement" in all the great spiritual traditions.

________________________________________

A common theme runs through all the great spiritual traditions. It goes by many names – awakening, recollection, mindfulness, dhyana, remembrance, zhikr, presence – and by no name at all. This state of consciousness adds further dimensions to being in this world. Beyond the narrow band of awareness that has come to be accepted as the conventional state of consciousness is a faculty that is the master key to unlocking our latent human potential.

In certain teachings, such as Buddhism, the practice of mindful presence is the central fact. In Islam remembrance is the qualifier of all activity. In Christianity we must look to the experience of its great mystics and to prayer of the heart. But in all authentic spiritual psychologies this state of consciousness is a fundamental experience and requirement. For the purposes of our reflection I shall call it presence.

Presence signifies the quality of consciously being here. It is the activation of a higher level of awareness that allows all our other human functions – such as thought, feeling, and action – to be known, developed, and harmonized. Presence is the way in which we occupy space, as well as how we flow and move. Presence shapes our self-image and emotional tone. Presence determines the degree of our alertness, openness, and warmth. Presence decides whether we leak and scatter our energy or embody and direct it.

Presence is the human self-awareness that is the end result of the evolution of life on this planet. Human presence is not merely quantitatively different from other forms of life; humanity represents a new form of life, of concentrated spiritual energy sufficient to produce will. With will, the power of conscious choice, human beings can formulate intentions, transcend their instincts and desires, educate themselves, and steward the natural world. Unfortunately, humans can also use this power to exploit nature and tyrannize other human beings. This potency of will, which on the one hand can connect us to conscious harmony, can also lead us in the direction of separation from that same harmony.

I have been speaking of presence as a human attribute, with the understanding that it is the presence of Absolute Being reflected through the human being. We can learn to activate this presence at will. Once activated, this presence can be found both within and without. Because we find it extending beyond the boundaries of what we thought was ourselves, we are freed from separation, from duality. We can then speak of being in this presence.

– Kabir Helminski

Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness and the Essential Self
pp.viii-ix

Image: Michael J. Bayly.

Photo of the Day

 

Above: Before a crowd of more than 7,000 people, Governor Mark Dayton signs into law the bill that makes civil marriage for same-sex couples legal in Minnesota beginning August 1.

With Gov. Dayton are the bill's two chief sponsors, Rep. Karen Clark, with her partner Jacquelyn Zita, and Sen. Scott Dibble, with his husband Richard Leyva.

More images and commentary coming soon!

Related Off-site Links:
Minnesota Governor Signs Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage – David Bailey (Reuters via Yahoo! News, May 14, 2013).
Dayton Signs Marriage Equality Law on Capitol Steps – Beth Hawkins (MinnPost, May 14, 2013).
Minnesota Ushers in Gay Marriage – Baird Helgeson (Star Tribune, May 14, 2013).
For Minnesota Gay Marriage Sponsors, It's Personal – Patrick Condon (Associated Press via Yahoo! News, May 14, 2013).
Marriage Equality Bill Signing: History in the Making – City Pages (May 15, 2013).
Minnesota Marriage Equality: Top Ten Reasons this Victory is So Sweet – Rev. Meg Riley (HuffPost Religion, May 15, 2013).
Minnesota Just Passed Gay Marriage: What Now? – Alexander Abad-Santos (The Atlantic Wire via Yahoo! News, May 14, 2013).
Photos: Thousands Gather as Minnesota Same-Sex Marriage Bill Signed Into Law – Minnesota Public Radio (May 14, 2013).
Twin Cities Churches Prepare for Gay Weddings – Joe Mazan (KSTP, May 14, 2013).
Marriage Equality for Minnesota? You Betcha! – Christopher Zumski Finke (Yes!, May 16, 2013).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Marriage Equality Comes to Minnesota
Karen Clark's Revolutionary Act: "Daring to Believe That People Can Change Their Hearts and Minds"
Photo of the Day – May 13, 2013

Image: Michael J. Bayly.

Marriage Equality Comes to Minnesota

Write Patrick Condon and Brian Bakst of the Associated Press:

Minnesota is set to become the 12th U.S. state where gay couples can get married after a final legislative vote Monday that will let the weddings start on August 1.

Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton has pledged to sign the bill, and scheduled a ceremony at 5 p.m. Tuesday on the front steps of the Capitol in St. Paul to do so.

Minnesota is now the first state in Midwest to legalize gay marriage by legislative vote, and the third nationwide in just 10 days, joining Rhode Island and Delaware. Thousands of gay marriage supporters thronging the Capitol erupted into deafening cheers after the Senate's 37-30 vote; the House passed it last week on a 75-59 vote.

"Members, God made gays," Sen. Ron Latz, a Democrat from a suburb of Minneapolis, said during the Senate's emotional four-hour debate. "And God made gays capable of loving other people. So who are we to quarrel with God's intentions?"

Following are my photos, recollections and reflections on the historic day that marriage equality came to Minnesota!

Most of the photos I share in this post are mine. Of those that aren't, I provide credit to whomever did take them. Enjoy!

I spent much of Monday, May 13, 2013 at the Minnesota State Capitol, joining with others in showing support for the marriage equality legislation being debated and voted on by the Minnesota Senate. The House version of the bill was approved last Thursday, May 9. Its chief sponsor was Rep. Karen Clark. I wasn't present at the Capitol last Thursday for the historic House vote, but I was determined not to miss today's equally important Senate vote.

I arranged to take the day off from my part-job with Meals-on-Wheels and arrived at the Capitol steps at around 9:00 a.m. Minnesotans United for All Families had put the call out for supporters to be present at this time so as to greet legislators as they arrived. A pathway up the steps was formed, dotted with heart-shaped cut-outs in the orange and blue colors of the official marriage equality campaign.

My friends Jim Smith and Rose McMurray (above right), along with obliging folks in the crowd, helped me hold a banner that morning that read: "Catholics for LGBT Equality." The photo below of me holding the banner was snapped by Rose.

Above: Lots of young people were in attendance, full of energy and optimism! I always find this heartening! (Photo: Tony Nelson/City Pages)

Above: Minnesotans United volunteers distributing a placard upon which folks could complete the sentence:

I'm _____________ and I support the freedom to marry.

I saw all sorts of things written on these signs: "I'm a teacher . . .", "I'm the father of a gay son . . .", "I'm the daughter of two moms . . .", "I'm a Catholic . . .". The list goes on.

Above and below: Sen. Scott Dibble (right) and his husband Richard Leyva arrive at the Minnesota State Capitol for the Senate debate and vote on marriage equality legislation – May 13, 2013. Scott is the principal author and sponsor of the legislation, upon which the Senate was scheduled to commence debate at noon.

With time on our hands before the debate commenced, my friend Jim and I decided to get some breakfast at nearby Nina's Coffee Café. I then went home and uploaded the above image as The Wild Reed's "Photo of the Day."

Above: I returned to the Capitol at around 1:00 p.m. By now thousands had gathered in the rotunda and the balconies and hallways around it. I went up to the second floor and looked down at the singing, chanting and dancing crowd below me. The energy was amazing! There was so much hope and excitement in the air. A few anti-marriage equality folks were present but the overwhelming number of those who had gathered were joy-filled supporters of fairness, equality, and love for all.

Above right: Standing with my friend Lisa and another local Catholic woman supportive of marriage equality. You may recall that Lisa and her husband Brent feature in C4ME-MN's video series Catholics for Marriage Equality.

Above: As on a previous occasion, the unfurling of our Catholic banner at the Capitol on May 13 elicited a tremendous roar of approval from the assembled throng!

 

Above: My friend Amy Gabriel took this photo of me holding the 'Catholics for LGBT Equality' banner on the second floor balcony of the Capitol rotunda. It must have been soon after I arrived at around 1:00 p.m. as I'm still wearing what I call "my Brokeback Mountain jacket"!

I've been told that I was a regular feature on numerous media outlets' live steaming of the day's events – including those of the Star Tribune, KARE 11 News and Fox News. I'm sure that this was due to the fact that, quite by chance, I had placed our banner between a rainbow flag and an HRC equality flag. This combination of symbols and colors no doubt made for a good visual! Mind you, if I'd known I'd be featured so prominently I would have dressed up a bit more!

Above: A gay male couple with their self-amended t-shirts! These shirts originally contained a 'Vote No' message in relation to last year's anti-marriage equality 'marriage amendment.' Now, however, we were urging lawmakers to 'Vote Yes' on marriage equality legislation. Our opponents, who last year were advocating a 'Vote Yes' message' on the amendment, were now all about voting 'no' on marriage equality. It could get quite confusing at times!

Above: Watching the Senate debate on monitors set up in the Capitol hallways. (Photo: Tony Nelson/City Pages)

Above: Responding to the news that the Senate had just voted 37-30 in favor of marriage equality legislation. That's me in the green and white plaid shirt, happily caught up in the moment! The young gay male couple featured in a previous photo can be seen hugging each other in the foreground at left. (Photo: Molly Bloom/Minnesota Public Radio)

Above and below: Celebrating the good news of marriage equality in Minnesota! (Photos: Tony Nelson/City Pages)

Above: Sen. Scott Dibble, chief sponsor of Minnesota's marriage equality legislation in the Senate, addresses the crowd gathered in the Capitol rotunda. On his right is Rep. Karen Clark, chief sponsor of the House version of the marriage equality legislation. It was passed last Thursday, on a 75-59 vote.

Above: Carol Curoe (left) and her partner of 25 years, Susan, on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol – Monday, May 13, 2013.

Back in 2007 Carol co-authored Are There Closets in Heaven? A Catholic Father and Lesbian Daughter Share Their Story. In October of that year Carol and her dad, Robert, were scheduled to speak at a CPCSM event that I organized at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Minneapolis. The Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis intervened, however, and banned the event from taking place on church property – a move that made national news. CPCSM's event featuring Carol and Robert went ahead on October 22, 2007, but at a new location – The House of the Beloved Disciple, a CPCSM-established center for progressive Catholics “dedicated to preserving Catholicism in the Spirit of Jesus.”

Robert died in 2011 at the age of 85. Like so many who worked tireless for the rights, dignity and acceptance of LGBT individuals, couples and families, he didn't live to witness the recent advances, such as the defeat of the 'marriage amendment' and the coming of marriage equality to Minnesota. Yet somehow I know that Robert and others, including the late MN state legislator Allan Spear and CPCSM co-founders Bill Kummer and David McCaffrey, are rejoicing with us today.



Related Off-site Links:
Minnesota Becomes 12th State to Legalize Gay Marriage – Baird Helgeson and Jim Ragsdale (Star Tribune, May 13, 2013).
In Historic Vote, Minnesota Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill – Rachel E. Stassen-Berger (Star Tribune, May 13, 2013).
Minnesota Senate Passes Gay Marriage, Governor to Sign – Patrick Condon and Brian Bakst (Associated Press via Yahoo! News, May 13, 2013).
Minnesota Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage; Sends to Dayton – Paul Tosto (Minnesota Public Radio, May 13, 2013).
Supporters, Opponents React to Gay Marriage Bill Vote – KARE 11 News (May 13, 2013).
Same-Sex Marriage: Lobbying, Polling, Timing, Key Lawmakers Led to Victory – Catharine Richert (Minnesota Public Radio, May 14, 2013).
Gay Marriage in Minnesota: Another Milestone is Reached – Michelangelo Signorile (The Huffington Post, May 14, 2013).
Powerful Images from Minnesota the Day Same-Sex Marriage Was Legalized – Sarah Karlan (BuzzFeed, May 14, 2013).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Photo of the Day – May 13, 2013
Karen Clark's Revolutionary Act: "Daring to Believe That People Can Change Their Hearts and Minds"
Two of the Most Inspiring Speeches of the Historic Minnesota House Hearing and Vote on Marriage Equality
Drawing the Circle Wide
At the Minnesota State Capitol, Two Big Steps Forward for Marriage Equality
"It'll Be Legal August 1st"
Both 'Marriage Amendment' AND 'Voter Photo ID Amendment' Rejected by Minnesota Voters
In the Struggle for Marriage Equality, MN Catholics are Making a Difference by Changing Hearts and Minds
The Minneapolis (and Online) Premiere of Catholics for Marriage Equality
Marriage: "Part of What is Best in Human Nature"

Images: Michael J. Bayly (unless where otherwise noted).

Photo of the Day

Above: Sen. Scott Dibble (right) and his husband Richard Leyva arrive at the Minnesota State Capitol for the Senate debate and vote on marriage equality legislation – May 13, 2013.

Scott is the principal author of the legislation and debate on it will begin at noon. Democratic Senate leaders have said they have the votes to pass the bill, and Governor Mark Dayton is expected to sign it as soon as tomorrow. If approved, Minnesota will become the 12th state to legalize same-sex marriage, and such marriages could begin August 1st.

The imposing building pictured behind Scott and Richard is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul – seat of the anti-marriage equality Archbishop John Nienstedt. It's presence is appropriate as both Scott and Richard are of Catholic background and, in the view of many, embody the best of what it means to be Catholic – regardless of what the Catholic hierarchy may think or say.

In 2011 Catholics for Marriage Equality MN, an initiative of the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM), created a series of five video vignettes of faith, marriage and family from the perspective of LGBT Catholics and supportive family members. Scott and Richard feature in this series. To view their vignette, click here.


Recommended Off-site Links:
Minnesota Gay Marriage Debate in Senate to Begin at Noon – Megan Bodt (Pioneer Press, May 13, 2013).
Minnesota Lawmakers Prepare Final Vote on Gay Marriage – Patrick Condon and Brian Bakst (Associated Press via Yahoo! News, May 13, 2013).
In Just Two Years, Gay Marriage Makes Dramatic Turn in Minnesota – Doug Belden and Megan Boldt (Pioneer Press, May 12, 2013).
Marriage: How Minnesota Got From There to Here – Lori Sturdevant (Star Tribune, May 12, 2013).
An All-Out Push Set Up Shift on Gay Marriage – Baird Helgeson (Star Tribune, May 12, 2013).
Minnesota House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill – Paul Tosto (Minnesota Public Radio, May 9, 2013).
Marriage Equality Victories Show How Change Happens, One Step At a Time – Gar Alperovitz (Yes!, May 9, 2013).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Karen Clark's Revolutionary Act: "Daring to Believe That People Can Change Their Hearts and Minds"
Two of the Most Inspiring Speeches of the Historic Minnesota House Hearing and Vote on Marriage Equality
Drawing the Circle Wide
At the Minnesota State Capitol, Two Big Steps Forward for Marriage Equality
"It'll Be Legal August 1st"
Both 'Marriage Amendment' AND 'Voter Photo ID Amendment' Rejected by Minnesota Voters
In the Struggle for Marriage Equality, MN Catholics are Making a Difference by Changing Hearts and Minds
The Minneapolis (and Online) Premiere of Catholics for Marriage Equality
Marriage: "Part of What is Best in Human Nature"
A Head and Heart Response to the Catholic Hierarchy's Opposition to Marriage Equality
In Minnesota, Catholics Sing Their Support for Marriage Equality
"A Thoughtful, Entertaining, and Inspiring Event"
Lisa Cressman's Concise, Reasonable Answers to Marriage Equality Questions

Image: Michael J. Bayly.

Karen Clark's Revolutionary Act: "Daring to Believe That People Can Change Their Hearts and Minds"

Last Thursday saw the historic passage of marriage equality legislation in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The chief author of this legislation (HF 1054) is State Representative Karen Clark (DFL, District 62A).

Karen is a longtime political advocate for a range of social justice issues. She's also the longest serving openly lesbian member to serve in a state legislature in the United States.

Nine years ago Karen was the keynote speaker at the 2004 Annual Community Meeting of the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM), the organization to which I've served as executive coordinator since 2003. Karen was also a recipient that evening of CPCSM's 2004 Bishop Gumbleton Peace and Justice Award.

CPCSM co-founder David McCaffrey wrote the following about Karen and her keynote address for CPCSM's Fall 2004 Rainbow Spirit journal. As you'll see, along with providing a picture of how Karen's Catholic background has shaped her life and her political reputation for working tirelessly on behalf of the disenfranchised, David's article also provides an insightful snapshot into the state of LGBT rights and activism in Minnesota a decade ago. And with marriage equality legislation set to become a reality this week, thanks in large measure to Karen Clark, it's quite astounding to think of the advances that have been made in the past ten years.

____________________________________

Karen Clark and CPCSM's Annual Community Meeting

By David McCaffrey

Rainbow Spirit

Volume 6, Issue 2 – Fall 2004

"That's the really revolutionary act – to dare to believe that people can change their hearts and minds."

With these powerful words of inspiration, Karen Clark summed up the theme of her keynote presentation, entitled "Full Inclusion and Equality for All LGBT Families: The Struggles That Lie Ahead," at CPCSM's 24th Annual Community Meeting.

Karen prefaced her talk by sharing how much she was struck by the depth of CPCSM's current projects.

"Listening to the summary shows me that you are a vital organization, and you give me courage and nourishment to keep going," she told the audience.

She then began her keynote address by pointing out how her own entrance into political life in 1980 – as an openly lesbian state legislator – coincided with the founding of CPCSM. She highlighted other ways in which she felt connected to CPCSM and the wider Catholic community.

Karen spoke, for instance, of her Catholic background and the positive effect its social justice teachings have had on her life. She also noted how her experience at the all women's College of St. Teresa in Winona helped her become a strong and independent woman.

Karen's Catholic background, however, also resulted in her first experience of discrimination. While growing up on her family's sharecropper farm near the southwestern Minnesota town of Edgerton, she and her brothers were from the only Catholic family in the local public school dominated by students from anti-Catholic Dutch Reform backgrounds. As a result, she and her siblings endured much harassment from their classmates because of their Catholic identity.

When she sought advice from her parents about the harassment, they urged her to take a peaceful, nonviolent approach.

"Feel sorry for those kids because they don't know any better," they told her. "Their parents have been giving them bad information, so it's not their fault. Be nice to them and eventually they may come around."

From that first experience of discrimination Karen learned a lot about being a member of a minority group and a lot about how to peacefully deal with injustice – lessons that would serve her well in her later career as a champion of the rights of the marginalized and the voiceless.

During her keynote address, Karen summarized high points in the 20-year history of LGBT human rights legislation in Minnesota. As the only 'out' lesbian in the Minnesota legislature, she has played a major role in this history.

Karen emphasized the extensive and diverse organizing necessary during those years to arrive at the great success of 1993 when LGBT persons became a protected group under the state's human rights laws.

The movement's early organizers began by first focusing on the hate crimes that LGBT persons were suffering and by encouraging Governor Perpich to form a commission in 1987 whereby such crimes could be documented throughout the state during public listening sessions. Karen also spoke about how she would often listen into the private sessions that followed the public hearings. It was in these private sessions that most of the testimony took place. She recalled the painful stories of numerous LGBT persons and their family members as they described the grief they endured while either suffering discrimination or harassment themselves, or in watching their loved ones suffer such injustices. The findings of the Pepich task force eventually led to the passage in 1988 of a hate crimes bill that would protect LGBT persons and increase penalties for such crimes.

In 1992 Karen and her colleagues prevailed upon Governor Carlson to create another task force to study the discrimination that LGBT persons were experiencing in jobs, housing, and public accommodations. The findings from this task force became a springboard for the lobbying efforts that occurred in 1992 and 1993. These efforts culminated in the 1993 Human Rights Amendment that added LGBT persons to the list of groups protected by the Minnesota human rights laws.

In acknowledging COCSM's important lobbying efforts and the support for the legislation from the Minnesota Catholic Conference, Karen emphasized the coalition-building that played an essential role in getting the 1993 legislation passed. She also noted that the greatest influence came from local religious, labor union, and racial minority leaders and organizations.

Another significant element of the Minnesota LGBT movement's early success was the personal relationships that Karen formed with other legislators – especially those who were personally affected either by hateful and bigoted comments from constituents when they showed support for pro-LGBT legislation or by the sufferings of these legislators' own LGBT relatives and friends.

Karen's working relationships, however, have also involved tragic stories. She recalled, for instance, working with colleagues who were themselves parents of LGBT children. Yet either because they were too fearful or too hardened in their beliefs, these legislators were unable or unwilling to support or even acknowledge their children by casting a positive vote on crucial LGBT human rights issues.

Karen's message about what is needed to continue the human rights movement as marriage and family issues emerge for legislative consideration is to keep on with what has worked in the past – deep and broad-based organizing and the building of coalitions and personal relationships.

However, she warned that even harder work will be needed in the coming months. The recent attempt in the Minnesota Senate (following an overwhelming passage in the House) to place on the ballot in the fall elections an anti-LGBT referendum that could amend the state constitution, was prevented by "the smallest thread." The wording of this recent bill aimed to outlaw not only LGBT marriage but also and "legal equivalent of marriage," such as civil unions.

"It's very clear that Governor Pawlenty's agenda of the extreme right-wing is to get their so-called 'Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment' passed," said Karen. She also pointed out that the danger of passage is not yet over for this year, given the possibility of a special legislative session. "I really urge you to contact your own legislators, especially your senators, and urge them to hold strong on their current position of not allowing the vote to be brought to the full Senate," she said. [To read of what became of this first attempt to place an anti-gay "marriage amendment" on the ballot in Minnesota, click here. For information and links relating to the defeat of a similar amendment that was placed on the ballot in 2012, click here.]

On a more hopeful note, Karen pointed out that some of the recently elected right-wing Republican legislators whose numbers have resulted in a "super majority" in the House had won their elections by margins of only a few hundred votes. It would not take that much effort, she reassured the audience, to win back those seats. If LGBT rights supporters would ask their friends and families living in these districts to share their own stories or the stories of LGBT persons they care about, they could begin to turn the votes, one at a time.

By the end of her keynote address it had become clear that Karen's whole political life – one imbued with hope and passion, especially for those living in her impoverished south Minneapolis district and for the LGBT citizens of Minnesota – has been an embodiment of her inspiring words: "Dare to believe that people can change their hearts and their minds."

In light of this it was a fitting conclusion to Karen's appearance at CPCSM's Annual Meeting that she – along with Kathy Itzin and Catholic Rainbow Parents co-founder Mary Lynn Murphy – was awarded CPCSM's 2004 Bishop Gumbleton Peace and Justice Award.

The inscription on Karen's award reads as follows: In recognition of your selfless, untiring, steadfast, and loving service in working for the full and equal participation in society of all LGBT citizens through the passage of just laws; your station as an outstanding national and local role model, a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity and pride for the whole LGBT community; and your ever faithful example in teaching us all how to be compassionate advocates for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the voiceless.

________________________________

Above: Rep. Karen Clark at OutFront MN's annual Lobby Day – April 14, 2011. (Image: Michael J. Bayly)

This event made history as it saw the first sitting Minnesota governor address participants. Governor Mark Dayton declared “I stand with you,” and vowed to block any efforts to curtail LGBT equality. Dayton also shared his belief that people should be free to marry the man or woman they love. “I believe that day will come,” he said.

For more images and commentary on this day, click here.



Above: A somber Karen Clark is joined by House Democrats and Senator Scott Dibble moments after the Republican-controlled Minnesota House of Representatives voted May 21, 2011 to place the 'marriage amendment' on the November 2012 ballot. (Image: Michael J. Bayly)

For more on this momentous development and the events leading up to it, click here, here, here, here and here.

Above: In November 2012 the 'marriage amendment' was rejected by Minnesota voters. Three months later Rep. Karen Clark and Senator Scott Dibble introduced their bill for civil marriage rights for same-sex couples. At a February 28, 2013 media conference they were joined by three couples and their children and spoke of strengthening families by allowing gay and lesbians the equal rights of recognition of their families under Minnesota state law. (Image: Terry Gydesen)

Above: Karen Clark speaking to the media after the March 12, 2013 passing of HF 1054 by the MN House Civil Law Committee. (Image: Michael J. Bayly)

Right: I had the honor of testifying as Executive Coordinator of Catholics for Marriage Equality MN (aka CPCSM) in support of HF 1054 at the House hearings on March 12, 2013.

For more about this important step forward for marriage equality at the Minnesota Legislature and to read my testimony, click here.

Above: Rep. Karen Clark and her partner Jacquelyn Zita leave the Minnesota House chambers after the Minnesota House passed HF 1054, the 'gay marriage bill' of which she is chief author – Thursday, May 9, 2013. (Image: AP Photo/Jim Mone)


Recommended Off-site Links:
In Just Two Years, Gay Marriage Makes Dramatic Turn in Minnesota – Doug Belden and Megan Boldt (Pioneer Press, May 12, 2013).
Marriage: How Minnesota Got From There to Here – Lori Sturdevant (Star Tribune, May 12, 2013).
An All-Out Push Set Up Shift on Gay Marriage – Baird Helgeson (Star Tribune, May 12, 2013).
Minnesota House Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill – Paul Tosto (Minnesota Public Radio, May 9, 2013).
Marriage Equality Victories Show How Change Happens, One Step At a Time – Gar Alperovitz (Yes!, May 9, 2013).

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
Two of the Most Inspiring Speeches of the Historic Minnesota House Hearing and Vote on Marriage Equality
Drawing the Circle Wide
At the Minnesota State Capitol, Two Big Steps Forward for Marriage Equality
"It'll Be Legal August 1st"
Both 'Marriage Amendment' AND 'Voter Photo ID Amendment' Rejected by Minnesota Voters
In the Struggle for Marriage Equality, MN Catholics are Making a Difference by Changing Hearts and Minds
The Minneapolis (and Online) Premiere of Catholics for Marriage Equality
Marriage: "Part of What is Best in Human Nature"
A Head and Heart Response to the Catholic Hierarchy's Opposition to Marriage Equality
In Minnesota, Catholics Sing Their Support for Marriage Equality
"A Thoughtful, Entertaining, and Inspiring Event"
Lisa Cressman's Concise, Reasonable Answers to Marriage Equality Questions

Springtime by the Creek

. . . Minnehaha Creek, that is!

As I've mentioned on several previous occasions, I'm very fortunate to live quite close to Minnehaha Creek. In fact, I can see it from my bedroom window!

A tributary of the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek starts at Gray's Bay at Lake Minnetonka and winds 22 miles through the cities of Minnetonka, Hopkins, St Louis Park, Edina and Minneapolis before flowing into the Mississippi just beyond Minnehaha Falls.

I've come to greatly appreciate and enjoy spending time walking and exploring along that part of this beautiful ribbon of water as it winds through the area of south Minneapolis where I live. And of course it's been an especially wonderful thing to experience the changing seasons when living so close to Minnehaha Creek and its surrounding parkway and areas of urban wilderness.

This past Friday, May 10, I walked with my friends Rick and Brian eastwards along the creek to Chicago Ave. and Turtle Bread Cafe and Bakery. Then on Saturday, my friend and housemate Tim and I walked westwards along the creek to Lyndale Ave. On both occasions I had my camera with me and so can get to share with you today some images of springtime along Minnehaha Creek. Enjoy!

Right: My friend Brian on one of the many bridges that span Minnehaha Creek.










Left: My friend Rick, the soon-to-be new spokesmodel for Perrier!

Above and below: Views of Minnehaha Creek and surrounding area – Friday, May 10, 2013.

Above: Saturday, May 11, was much cooler than the day before. But that didn't stop Tim and I from setting off for Washburn Library on Lyndale Ave., and the nearby coffee shop!

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
The End of a Very Long Winter
Photo of the Day – April 22, 2013
Spring Snow
Shadows and Light
A Winter Walk Along Minnehaha Creek (March 2013)
Winter Storm (December 2012)
An Autumn Walk Along Minnehaha Creek (October 2012)
A Springtime Walk Along Minnehaha Creek (March 2012)
Waiting in Repose for Spring's Awakening Kiss
A Springtime Prayer

Images: Michael J. Bayly, Brian Hutchins, and Tim Lynch.