Gay man appeals to higher power regarding parish decision
UPDATE: In hopes of developing a better dialogue and to rectify the situation, the Bishop and ministry-restricted gay parishioner Bobby Glenn Brown met last week. A sponsor and the Deacon spoke on Brown’s behalf. As a result of the fall out between St. Michael parish and Brown, the meeting only further clarified the extent to the restrictions. According to Brown, in order to receive communion and continue his ministry services, the Bishop said he would have to publicly proclaim chastity, separate from his life partner of 30 years, and move out of their mutual home. Father Larry VanDamme’s parish weekly update also confirms Brown will not receive full communion. Bobby is now encouraging his supporters to sign a petition, appealing for a papal review of the situation by Pope Francis.