Hundreds Protest Outside of St. Louis' Cathedral Basilica
BY: COLIN MURPHY - SENIOR WRITER
Grey skies framed the Neo-Byzantine dome of St. Louis' Cathedral Basilica on Nov. 29 as hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied supporters protested the archdiocese's donation of $10,000 to the successful effort to reverse marriage equality in Maine.
The protest, which took place on the public portion of sidewalk in front of the New Cathedral, was organized by St. Louis based GLBT rights organization, Show Me No Hate. A smaller contngent of protesters was on hand for morning mass and the organization plans to rally outside the iconic edifice each Sunday throughout Advent — the period of preparation and waiting for Christmas.
In response to the protest, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson issued a statement saying that the donation came from a "special needs fund" endowed from "private gifts." According to Carlson, the fund is not used for formal church operations and can be used at the archbishop's discretion.
"No longer will we tolerate the religious funding of hate," stated Show Me No Hate founder Ed Reggi. "The Archbishop showed no mercy for the poor, sick and homeless in St. Louis. The $10,000 Carlson wired to Maine could have helped the empty food pantries and local toy drives this Christmas season."
Reggi was quick to point out that theirs was not a protest against the Catholic faith, but rather the actions of Archbishop Carlson and 45 Catholic Bishops across the United States who sent a combined $180,000 to Maine’s "YES ON 1 Campaign," that organized the people’s veto of Governor Baldacci earlier this month.
"We want to send a clear message of religious tolerance," continued Reggi. "And if that doesn’t work, we are asking every St. Louis Catholic to earmark their donations going forward. Tell the Archbishop you want your money to stay in your parish, to help St. Louis or at the very least to help Catholic Charities within the Metro East – not Maine."
The peaceful protest featured remarks from community leaders and clergy including an empowering speech from Pastor Dietra Wise, of Liberation Christian Church. Indeed, a rainbow of generations were present — a sea of diversity holding hand-made signs proclaiming, "Marriage is Love" and "Its About Equality" — who hoisted placards asking simply, "What Would Jesus Do?"
In addition to Show Me No Hate, the protest was co-sponsored by The Catholic Action Network, Catholics for Marriage Equality and Holy Families Committee and was attended by Catholics and Non-Catholics alike. Organizers were heartened by the large crowds given the holiday weekend and the threat of bad weather.
Show Me No Hate is a coalition of Missourians seeking full Marriage Equality. Professional comedian, and actor, Ed Reggi started the grassroots organization a year ago after Proposition 8 narrowly passed in California. Show Me No Hate has successfully organized dozens of peaceful rallies. Reggi made national news with his first rally in front of the Historic Old Court House last November and his group recently chartered two coach buses to Iowa where 32 Missouri same-sex couples were legally married.
For more information check out http://showmenohate .blogspot. com/
