Rev. Scott Gale spent six months at Marathon’s Holy Saviour Church before making a surprising announcement to parishioners.
Posted on 01/06/2006 6:12:11 AM PST by NYer
As Rev. Scott Gale strode through Marathon’s Holy Saviour church Thursday morning, a parishioner sitting in a pew caught his eye and said quietly, “See you on Sunday.” Sundays are typically busy for the outspoken Gale. But the day after tomorrow will be different — likely the last time the veteran cleric will address a congregation as an active priest.
Gale, 47, resigned last month after revealing he is gay, and that he is no longer able to commit to being celibate.
Most of Holy Saviour’s parishioners learned of Gale’s decision to pursue his “longing for a loving relationship” as they sat in the pews during regular services on New Year’s Day. “It has become increasingly difficult for me to be an official representative of a church which does not accept and value my sexual orientation,” Gale declared in a two-page letter he read aloud.
Many parishioners couldn’t believe their ears as Gale, who only arrived in Marathon last summer, delivered the startling news. “Most people were surprised — I know I was,” said Holy Saviour deacon Jacques Beausejours. “I don’t think people are angry that he’s decided to leave, but over how he explained his situation,” Beausejours added. “I think he could have just said it was for personal reasons.”
Gale’s letter mentions he didn’t break the news about his sexual preference to his parents until last summer, and that his attraction for the same sex dates back to his teenage years. Gale, who was pastor at Thunder Bay’s St. Andrew’s Catholic church for seven years until 2004, made a similar announcement at St. Francis Xavier church at nearby Pic River First Nation. He wrote the letter because “it’s not my nature to slink off quietly into the woodwork. I felt I needed to be honest with these people. I’m not ashamed of who I am.”
Still, observers say they feel that Gale’s method was unusual — for a priest. “It is rare that a priest would tell his congregation he’s gay,” said Joe Sinasac, editor of Toronto-based Catholic Register, a national publication. Before making his announcement, Gale sought permission from Thunder Bay Diocese Bishop Fred Colli to break the news to his congregation. Colli said yes. But he advised Gale, who wrote a 2003 column in support of same-sex unions, not to include too many personal details about his decision. “Not everyone who goes to church with their families wants to hear about that,” Colli said.
Colli added: “I admire (Gale) for having the courage to say, ‘This is who I am.’” Gale could have remained an active priest as a gay man if he reaffirmed his commitment to celibacy, Colli said.
Gale, who grew up in Hamilton, Ont., said he plans to look for a full-time job in Thunder Bay, likely working with volunteers. “Something to do with helping people,” he said. “That’s what I enjoy and what I’ve been doing all my life.”
Pope BenedictXVI's 'Instruction' seems to be taking effect.
"It's all about me!" syndrome.
If he'd been focused on doing his job, he would have had it.
The bishop's comments make this one of the gayest stories of the new year.
My thoughts, exactly. Had he dedicated his life to Christ and allowed that "loving relationship" to grow and be nurtured.................and the rest of the story is??????
Has Never accepted Or Valued Sodomy would be more precise. How did this "man" get through seminary without figuring out: A.) He's gay. B.) The church condemns homosexuality as sinful. and C.) That he should never be a priest!
D) that the priesthood requires celibacy.
D) that the priesthood requires celibacy.
I guess the perks just weren't good enough in the church
**************
No kidding. If this is any indication of his relationship with his parish and the Church, they are better off with another priest.
Buh Bye! Habemus Papam!
Nope. In this movement, the personal is the political. Everything is "in your face," and too bad if you don't like it.
Then you're a putz, Bishop ... nothing personal, of course.
I'd "admire" Mr. Gale if he had the "courage" to say, "I'm psychologically unwell and spiritually corrupt, and I need serious help!"
God help him, but good riddance.
I guess he means "a loving human relationship". We're all obliged to seek a loving relationship with God, of course, but I guess the good padre is looking for something more....er......physical.
Still, it's nice that he introduced young kids to the concept of homosexuality from the pulpit on New Year's Day. I'm sure there were some flustered parents after Mass who were obliged to answer questions from their offspring, which they weren't anticipating on that particular morning.
Nice.
Indeed.<>The selfishness and self-centeredness of these people is amazing.
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