The Local Peace Human Rights And Antiviolence Groups To Host A Rally In

The local peace, human rights and anti-violence groups to host a rally in the Ebeid Student Center in McAlear Hall on Saturday, October 18.

Part of the Sing Out the Vote Ohio campaign, the rally will begin at 7 p.m and is free and open to the public. Sing Out the Vote events are hosted by Folk musician and activist Holly Near and are designed to “inspire, energize and support the dedicated election organizers of Ohio through music and song.” Joining Holly in performance will be Wishing Chair’s Kiya Heartwood and local music group Spectrum.

The Media Blog that advertised this event was not really all that forthcoming. Or, they did not click on the link that was provided on the blog to view the folk artisits biography. After reading the biography one must ask the question, why is Lourdes College allowing a student organization to host an event to be led by a gay activist on campus? Sure, peace, human rights and anti-violence is something that ALL students and faculty should be aware of and active in. However, Holly Near, on her own web site states:

"HOLLY NEAR SINGS FOR LOVE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
Twenty some years ago, there were no nationally or internationally known, out lesbian singers. Holly was a major force in bringing lesbian music to a larger audience. The music was a lifeline for thousands of people as they "came out". Holly's songs crossed the ocean and found their way to those who thought they were "the only one" or to those whose very lives were in great danger if they were found out. Lesbians in the military mentioned Holly's name as a code word while trying to find each other amidst the hostility of the barracks. For years, Holly would be a lone voice at folk festivals, peace rallies and Hollywood fund-raisers, not only daring to say the word, but often getting large crowds of people to sing "...We are gay and straight together, singing for our lives."
Although Near now is in a relationship with a man, she is still a powerful voice for love and continues to include lesbian material in her work.

A peace activist and advocate for human and civil rights, Holly has linked the multitude of issues that are our lives, refusing the idea of separate "causes", calling for lesbian and gay issues to be part of the larger world peace addenda,"

By allowing this folk artisit to appear on campus at the invitation of a student organization, is the Catholic Lourdes College promoting homosexuality or atleast lesbianism? Is this not against Church teaching? If it is not, please explain?

Chris,

I cannot answer your question about the Catholic Church and its position on homosexuality, and to be honest I don't really see what the Church's position has to do with Holly Near coming to Lourdes College. The Young Democrats wanted to draw attention to the Democratic agenda and Holly Near is a well-known peace activist and a Democrat.

I recently converted to Catholicism because I believe Catholic teaching broadens my understanding of Christianity. However, every time I hear a Catholic attempt to “bar” someone who identifies as an LGBT member, from communing with Catholics, I wonder if somehow it was a mistake to equate Christianity with being a Catholic. But then I remember the words of Jesus “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind.” ((Matthew 22:36 NIV) and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV) and I stop wondering about Catholic teaching and listen to the savior. I have been lucky to have Catholics welcome me regardless of what other people think of me—I am a child of God and that is all you need to know. Let’s give Holly the benefit of the doubt maybe God loves her too.

Robin