From: mambrose@unity.ncsu.edu Subject: December 1995 D/USA DATELINE Date: Wed, 17 Jan 1996 09:03:34 -0500 (EST) December 1995 Dignity/USA DATELINE 1. Holiday Greetings Dear Members of the Dignity family, During this holy time we are called to reflect upon the events we have shared during 1995. Much has happened during this year, a time in which our family has been celebrating Dignity's 25th anniversary. It has been a year filled with many joys, for which we are very grateful. The camaraderie and friendships have been heartwarming. Our growth in love and appreciation for one another has truly been a manifestation of the Spirit. The maturity and faith demonstrated on behalf of Dignity after 25 years of existence gave further proof that we were founded upon the Christian message. Our 25th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles brought us together in a spirit of love and sent us out to continue Dignity's work. In a Spirit-filled moment, the House of Delegates created the Renewed Priestly Ministry resolution and Task Force to work for both equality and justice within Dignity, our church and society. We honored the sacredness of our lives and our relationships through our support or the Marriage Resolution calling for the recognition of same-sex marriages. Throughout the year Dignity spoke prophetically time and time again. We joined with nine other gay and lesbian religious organizations to file an amicus curiae brief with the United States Supreme Court in the case of Colorado's Amendment 2. We ensured that our voices were heard when we testified before the United Nations. Our chapter and national representatives witnessed again during the October Papal visit when our message and mission appeared on national television and in the print media. Our Solidarity Sunday campaign called upon our members and supporters nationwide to speak the truth of our lives as Christian gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. But amid our joys and successes, there were also times of sorrow and loss. We miss former Past President Kevin Calegari as well as countless other friends and loved ones who have died from AIDS or breast cancer. Their passings serve as painful reminders of the work that lies ahead. We are continually challenged by the gospel message to stand with loved ones facing these conditions. We give thanks for all our friends and supporters, especially those in Call To Action who stand in solidarity with us. Their constant affirmation of us, both as individuals and as the organization Dignity, has served as modern-day evidence of the grace of God working through people. During this time of renewal and resolution, we wish you and all the members of the Dignity family a Blessed and Merry Christmas. We stand together in thanksgiving for our blessings and in our resolve to work on behalf of peace and justice. May the peace of the Christmas season fill our hearts and remain with us in the New Year. Peace, The Officers & Board of Directors of Dignity/USA 2. National Board Action: World AIDS Day Resolution Whereas the global spread of the HIV infection and AIDS necessitates a worldwide effort to increase communication, education, and preventative action to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS; and Whereas the World Health Organization has designated December 1 of each year as World AIDS Day and Dignity/USA sponsors this annual event in an effort to strengthen the worldwide effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS; and Whereas the World Health Organization now estimates that 18.5 million people have been infected with HIV and more than 1. 5 million of them have developed AIDS; and Whereas World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for our chapters to focus on HIV infection and learning about HIV/AIDS; and Whereas the World AIDS Day 1995 theme "Shared Rights, Shared Responsibilities" urges the world to a) protect everyone's right to HIV/AIDS prevention care, b) recognize that everyone shares the same human rights regardless of their HIV status and c) emphasize the shared responsibilities of individuals, families, governments and the faith community to promote prevention, Now, therefore, the Board of Directors of Dignity/USA does hereby urge all Chapters of Dignity/USA on World AIDS Day, December 1, 1995, to take part in and promote activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS, to take part in and promote HIV/AIDS prevention activities and programs, thus recognizing Dignity/USAs shared rights and shared responsibilities in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and fostering greater compassion and hope. 3. Best of Dignity As many will recall, part of Dignity/USA's twenty-fifth anniversary celebration was a plan to publish a Best of Dignity booklet to highlight the accomplishments of successes of efforts and to increase communication between chapters across the country. Although the response thus far has been minimal, the ideas that have been sent in offer great ideas for liturgy, AIDS ministry, and programs. What about your chapter's efforts? Upcoming issues of the Dateline will feature more ideas. Send details to National Secretary Ben Boerkoel c/o Dignity/USA, 1500 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Suite 11, Washington, DC 20005. Here's a brief sample of the Best of Dignity in the area of MINISTRY and OUTREACH: At the recent Midwest Region HOD, delegates approved biannual awards to chapters in the region based on the following categories: Promotion of Dignity within the Greater Community, Most Improved Membership, and five Special Achievement Awards in the Areas of Spiritual Development, Education, Social Justice, Equality Issues, and Social Events. The awards, which incorporate Dignity's organizational goals and draw upon the Statement of Position and Purpose, will be presented at the region's biennial convention. 4. Happy Anniversary Fall River-1; Mid-Hudson-8; Tulsa-12; Boston-23