VICTORY!:San Diego Bishop Issues Letter of Apology to Gay Man's Family

Last Friday, I posted a diary about San Diego Catholic Bishop Brom denying a funeral in the church for my friend, John McCusker who died suddenly last week.  John, who was gay with a partner, owned two gay bars in San Diego.  Tonight, just 45 minutes before a community forum in San Diego's gay community center, John's mother emerged from the Catholic Bishop's office to read a letter of apology from the Bishop to the McCusker family, the gay community and announcing plans to hold a vigil in John's honor at the Catholic Church.

Thank you to all of you here on Kos who emailed, posted, faxed, called.  It has been an unbelievable few days but it is such a bittersweet victory.  One that John would be proud of.

Here is a link to the just posted story: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20050321-2013-bromapology.html

•  This makes my entire week

  I was touched by this story, appalled by the initial decision, and encouraged by the outcry and organized opposition to it.  I'm even more encouraged that the Bishop and the Diocese are doing the right thing.

  by The Termite on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 08:51:30 PM PDT

•  Good news.

  It's a little late, but better late than never, I guess.

  I hope John's family takes some comfort in the apology.

  by osterizer on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 08:59:50 PM PDT

•  I am so glad for this vindication

  that John's friends and family fought so hard for.

  Congratulations, and may all your memories of John be sweet ones.

  by boadicea on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 09:00:07 PM PDT

•  Congratulations

  for the work and the victory. Getting social change of the minds of the people of California is big work. this was one more step. And it honored the man.

  by Rolfyboy6 on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 09:02:58 PM PDT

•  I'm so glad to hear this.

  -5.88, -6.82

  by Debby on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 09:02:58 PM PDT

•  Thank you

  Much credit goes to the family and loved ones who were willing to bring this situation into the public arena. That's the first step to turning injustice around.

  by outragemeter on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 09:10:12 PM PDT

•  Awesome

  Glad it came about. Now if the Bishop himself recuses himself from his church, the battle will be complete.

  </snark>

  by Stand Strong on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 09:18:18 PM PDT

•  Thanks to your efforts

  You were part of this, so thank you.

  John and his extended family should feel relieved, at least for now.

  by exhausted by the spin on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 09:37:47 PM PDT

•  2 cents

  The article goes on to say that,

  "Bishop Robert Brom also promised to preside at a mass in memory of McCusker at The Immaculata Catholic church on the campus of the University of San Diego."

  Um, just me, but I would polite reject his offer with the suggestion that perhaps he was "contrary to Sacred Scripture and the moral teaching of the Church."  

  by wabegg on Mon Mar 21, 2005 at 11:32:05 PM PDT

•  Glad to hear this

  Thanks for all you did, Steve.  I think you made a difference in this situation.  

  by Margot on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 12:08:13 AM PDT

•  It is good to see

  anyone from the Catholic Church admitting they were wrong about something, and acting to fix it.  I respect the Bishop's willingness to admit his error and take steps to redress it, while I still abhor his original actions.

  Well done, Steve.  I'm recommending this diary as my way of congratulating your efforts and marking an occasion upon which we won one.

  by Loquatrix on Tue Mar 22, 2005 at 01:15:33 PM PDT