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About Me
- Michael J. Bayly
- Born and raised in Australia, I now reside in the U.S. where from 2003-2015 I served as the executive coordinator of the Catholic Pastoral Committee on Sexual Minorities (CPCSM). During this time I also helped found both The Progressive Catholic Voice and the Catholic Coalition for Church Reform.
I established The Wild Reed in 2006 as a sign of solidarity with all who are dedicated to living lives of integrity – though, in particular, with gay people seeking to be true to both the gift of their sexuality and their Catholic faith. The Wild Reed's original by-line read, “Thoughts and reflections from a progressive, gay, Catholic perspective.” As you can see, it reads differently now. This is because my journey has, in many ways, taken me beyond, or perhaps better still, deeper into the realities that the words “progressive,” “gay,” and “Catholic” seek to describe.
Most Popular Posts
Recommended Links
Even though reeds can symbolize frailty, they may also represent the strength found in flexibility. Popular wisdom says that the green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm. Tall green reeds are associated with water, fertility, abundance, wealth, and rebirth. The sound of a reed pipe is often considered the voice of a soul pining for God or a lost love.
– Source
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Past Wild Reed Posts
of Special Interest
of Special Interest
Catholicism
Conscience
Sexuality and Spirituality
Catholic and Gay
The Vatican and Homosexuality
The Courage Apostolate and NARTH
Vatican II
Women and the Church
Perspectives on Natural Law
The Rainbow Spirit Interviews
Catholic Scholars, Theologians, and Commentators
In the Garden of Spirituality
In the Footsteps of Spring
The Journal of James Curtis
Film
Creating Safe Environments for LGBT Students: A Catholic Schools Perspective by Michael J. Bayly (Haworth Press, 2007).
(For reviews, click here, here, and here.)
On September 24, 2012, Michael Bayly of Catholics for Marriage Equality MN was interviewed by Suzanne Linton of Our World Today about same-sex relationships and why Catholics can vote 'no' on the proposed Minnesota anti-marriage equality amendment.
To watch this interview, click here.
Updates
Proposed Anti-Marriage Equality Amendment Defeated (11/7/12)
Marriage Equality Comes to Minnesota (5/13/13)
Honoring the Catholic Role in Achieving Marriage Equality in Minnesota (7/24/13)
On the First Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Minnesota, a Celebratory Look Back at the Important Role Played by Catholics (5/14/14)
To watch this interview, click here.
Updates
Proposed Anti-Marriage Equality Amendment Defeated (11/7/12)
Marriage Equality Comes to Minnesota (5/13/13)
Honoring the Catholic Role in Achieving Marriage Equality in Minnesota (7/24/13)
On the First Anniversary of Marriage Equality in Minnesota, a Celebratory Look Back at the Important Role Played by Catholics (5/14/14)
© Michael J. Bayly
2006-2021
4 comments:
That is a tremendously indepth perception...in 2 sentences and a placard she summarizes the entire divisions of Christianity, as well as many political and other issues.
I have at times been very unclear about my own conscience, and what it entails. I think for me it comes down to the word "presuppositions."
If I presuppose that Rome is right on all things, then I am duty-bound to follow her, even when my heart and intelligence tell me otherwise. If, on the other hand, I presuppose that God is capable of leading me personally (should I choose to listen), it changes the entire sum total of my perceptions on so many major issues of life affected by them.
Lately I have realized what I now believe to be the folly of the former supposition, that I cannot and must not question. It is neither historically accurate nor does it honor the hard-fought Traditions of the Church. And I plan to let that realization change everything.
After 2 and 1/2 years of struggles and "backs and forths" I can at last move forward into a more Light-driven Christianity and spirituality. And I can only say that it is exhilarating to me.
Obviously we always need to be careful not to assume our "feelings" and conscience are identical--sometimes they are not. And yes, we need the counsel of others on many occasions. I do not believe we should ignore or dismiss other's opinions, even ones that challenge us, but neither should they control us as Rome has attempted to do so voraciously at times.
It would be strange of God to give the Holy Spirit to each of us, to live right within us, and then not allow us access to His voice except through a group of disintereste (and sometimes uninterested) men. That is not the God we know and who knows us.
Am I suddenly "free?" No, not just yet, and no one else is either. But I am on the path towards freedom. And I cherish that gift enough to know I must look ever forward. Which of the two paths she describes, written on the placard she is holding, foundationally affects everything else we do and think.
The young woman is right.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and insights, Richard. I'm glad you've found yourself moving into a "more Light-driven Christianity and spirituality." I know it's been a difficult journey, but I'm honored that you have shared aspects of it here at the Wild Reed. I'm sure others will be heartened and will benefit from your brave and honest sharing
Really? is that so? it is that simple? Tell me please, who decides what is "right". that is a VERY Eurocentric way of thinking. It smacks of the "white man's burden" attitude. What is "right" is informed by ideology and cultural traits, and nothing more. And anyone who argues differently has absolutely no understanding of human psychology, sociology, or anthropology (or religious studies for that matter). Furthermore, what about when obedience is considered a moral value? Such as in medieval europe, where absolute devotion to your clan and obedience lord (but not your lord's lord) was seen as one of the highest forms of honor, righteousness, and morality. Statements like this poster sound nice so people support them, but they are always over-simplifications of issues and are extremely shallow. I absolutely laugh at how easy it is to stump people when I question them about their belief in things like "human rights", what is "good", and "morality". 99% have no real in depth understanding of the things they support or even the history behind their "beliefs".
Actually, Silas, with its appeal to medieval Europe's devotion to clan and lord, your comment is far more "Eurocentric" than the message that this young woman is conveying via her sign.
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