DignityUSA

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DignityUSA is a U.S. organization that in its words `works for respect and justice` for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in the Catholic Church and the world through education, advocacy and support. Dignity Canada exists as the Canadian sister organisation.

In local chapters across the United States and Canada, Dignity members worship openly with other LGBT and supportive Catholics; socialize, share personal and spiritual concerns; and work together on educational and homosexual rights issues.

Because of their stance in opposition to Catholic teachings on homosexual activity, neither DignityUSA nor Dignity Canada are recognized entities within the Catholic Church. They are prohibited from the use of Catholic Church properties and from advertising in Catholic Church publications. Dignity does however attempt dialogue with Bishops of the church, and as an organisation, they are tolerated by most ordinaries. However, some bishops have directly condemned the organisation in the past, most notably Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz of the Diocese of Lincoln, who issued a statement to the members of his diocese, threatening excommunication to any Catholics known to be participating in the organisation.

[edit] History

Dignity was founded in 1969 by Dr. Patrick Nidorf, then a Catholic priest. The organisation started out as a support group for homosexual Catholics, with its first centre in Los Angeles. The organisation developed to a national level in 1973, with centres now established throughout the entire US, and parts of Canada. The current President of Dignity is Debbie Weil.

Throughout its existence Dignity has fought for "a time when Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality, and as beloved persons of God participate fully in all aspects of life within the Church and Society." [1]

Due to the success of Dignity, the organisation now aims to expand to a greater number of countries, wishing to establish chapters in Poland, South Africa and Colombia.