Over four decades ago, the Dayton, Ohio chapter of Dignity USA began a presence that continues to flourish. Known for several years as the Living Beatitudes Community, it is a unique amalgam of organizations and ministries including: FCM, several married priests and their spouses, Dignity/Dayton, GLBT and Allies ministry, Roman Catholic Women Priests and former members from neighboring congregations including St Agnes Parish.
This exciting year celebrates several key milestones for this progressive community. On April 4 Kathy Bean, ordained a deacon by RCWP, and LBC member Deborah Schafer were commissioned to preside at the Easter Vigil Eucharistic liturgy. On April 11 LBC participated in a celebration of Kathy’s ordination to the priesthood by Bishop Joan Houk, Ordinary for the Great Waters Region of the Roman Catholic Womenpriests. The ceremony was witnessed by over 125 members of local progressive Christian communities, the Womenpriest community, guests and friends from seven states.
Next month, Dignity/Dayton will celebrate forty years of ministry to the GLBT Community and their Allies. Marianne Duddy-Burke, Executive Director of Dignity USA will be our guest at a special welcome and remembrance celebration on Saturday, May 16 and will serve as guest homilist on Sunday May 17.
In June, Federation of Christian Ministers members John Polanski and Amy Simpson Bennethum will serve as guest presiders at our 10 a.m. liturgy on June 14. Amy and John will help celebrate the importance of community to spiritual life and the LBC’s connection as an FCM member group.
Finally, in September members of the former St. Agnes Community will share their journey to become members of the Living Beatitudes Community and the value that LBC has brought to their lives.
For more information on these events or to attend any of the May, June, or September events, please contact Bob Butts at rbutts3@yahoo.com or call 937-603-6564.