RELIGIOUS COLLOQUY: The panel was facilitated by the Right Reverend Charles E. Bennison, Bishop of Episcopal Church Diocese of PA.

MARY E. HUNT: "[B]ishops ran their dioceses like fiefdoms"

Mary E. Hunt claims that the time of the absolute power of cardinals in the Catholic Church is limited. "The days of kyriarchal power are numbered when cardinals are deposed by savvy lawyers and led into court houses under armed guard."

Mary E. Hunt is a Catholic, feminist theologian who is also a mother, author, Co-Director of WATER, and lesbian. As a panelist of Equality Forum's National Religious Colloquy, She spoke of the various challenges and movements in the Catholic Church.

Hunt pointed to what she called the real problem behind the sexual abuse scandal. "The real story is the cover up by bishops who ran their dioceses like fiefdoms. . . . Sexual abuse by clergy is criminal behavior caused neither by progressives nor by conservatives, neither by homosexuals nor heterosexuality. It is a legal matter best adjudicated in the courts, as it would be if the perpetrators were teachers, doctors or lawyers. But secrecy based on the assumption of special privileges for clergy caused what might have been a sad tale of a few mentally ill priests to become the drama of major social institution falling under the weight of its own lies and duplicity. The priest pedophiles, while criminally liable and in need of treatment, take a back seat to their illegal behaviors."

Hunt reviewed the progressive movements in the Catholic Church as well as the conservatism of the present Pope. On the progressive side Hunt identified the peace groups, anti-death penalty collaborations as well as base communities of Catholics. She also identified what she sees as the problematic within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. This includes the shutting down of the liberal movements following Vatican II, keeping gay men out of the priesthood, " . . . saying that homosexuality is 'intrinsically morally disordered'', "crack down noted by many Catholic politicians who are pro-choice," and the Vatican pressure to block the UN movement that "calls upon all states to promote and protect the human rights of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation."

Hunt concluded by stating that the "institutional church's behavior and perspective . . . bear little resemblance to the thinking of many progressive Catholics." And when asked "But are you REALLY Catholic?" she returns with "This is what Catholic looks like."

RABBI DENISE L. EGER: "[T]ake back God"

Rabbi Eger advocates for the GLBT to confront the mainstream religions. "We as a GLBT movement must fight fire with fire. . . . We have to take back God - who made all of us in the Divine image - not just heterosexuals and we have to answer head on the Rick Santorum's of the world who use the Bible inaccurately to meet his political goals."

Rabbi Denise L. Eger who is chair of the Central Conference of American Rabbis' (The Reform Jewish rabbinical organization of over 1800 rabbis) Task Force on Gays and Lesbians called for need to confront the mainstream religions to change and to develop strong relationships among allies within mainstream religions. She discussed the importance of developing these supports. "We as a movement must rally our religious leaders and religious allies, to reassert a moral framework that includes gay and lesbian people.

Eger discussed the progress made in her Reform sect and the progress being made through dialogue in the other Jewish sects.

Eger identified the relationship between religious change and political change. "Our activists have to be better prepared to meet the religious right head on, in the press, in media and on Capitol Hill." "I want to advocate that, perhaps we would meet greater success in our battle for everything from equal protection in the workplace, to adoption and marriage - if we confronted the religious issues head on.

Daayie Abdulla: "Where's the beef"

Daayie Abdulla addressed the fact that hate of homosexuality within Islam is more of a political movement than spiritual. Mohammad did not make a ruling on this and there has been no unanimous statement on issue.

According to Daayie who is a gay Islamic leader, Islam blesses human relationships. Mohammad modeled inclusion throughout his life. Islam places judgment in the hands of God. Many are afraid to come out since others see homosexuality as a problem rather than a gifted aspect of the self. Daayie mentioned that there are many similarities between Islam and Judaism.

Daayie identified a problem within Islam in that many simply accept what others say without questioning the legitimacy of the point. Daayie invites those who embrace Islam to not simply accept what other say, but when judged by others, ask "where's the beef?"

REVEREND BARRY STOPFEL: "[N]eed a little anarchy"

Barry Stopfel identified the holiness in humans as found in relationship. He is the first non-celibate priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. He pointed to the fact that the bible admonishes heterosexuals 362 times while only admonishing homosexuality 6 times. Stopfel wondered what God thinks of heterosexual relationships if those few admonishments have been used so much against homosexual relationships.

Unlike his fellow panelist, Stopfel advised the audience not to look for acceptance from mainstream religions if they are turned away. He suggested re-inventing the institution of marriage. He suggests finding rites any way possible.

Stopfel said that Churches ought to look at themselves as perpetrators of oppression rather than generators of apologetics. He called churches to stop looking at his crotch instead of his soul.