Standing in Solidarity

Two weeks ago the deadliest mass shooting in US history took place when a disturbed man killed 49 people and injured more in a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. As the news broke we held our breath wondering "is this yet more ISIS inspired violence?". At first it seemed that it was, the gunman phoned 911 and claimed it for ISIS. But investigations showed the gunman had no links to ISIS, but instead was a fragile, disturbed man, known to be violent, who was also deeply homophobic, supposedly triggered by seeing two men kissing in the street. This turned out to be the focus of his violence; it was a gay nightclub, and it was gay people he was targetting. Investigations showed that he had been a regular visitor to the club, perhaps scoping it for the attack, but paired with the uncovering of his phone & internet history of going to gay websites and dating apps he may well have been a closeted gay man, filled with loathing for himself and for other homosexuals.

Creighton University held a mass last week for the victims of the shooting. College president Fr Daniel Hendrickson SJ spoke about Jesus' love for people on the margins, forgiveness, mercy and solidarity. Solidarity with who? With gay people who are accepted and welcomed in some places, given the cold shoulder in some places, and in this case, hated enough to be killed. It struck me deeply: what would it be like to be a gay person who knows that there are people out there who hate you so deeply? It was the first time I'd ever prayed for the gay community.


Yesterday we had a follow up event, a silent circle of solidarity in front of the church before midday Mass. A hundred people including nuns in habits stood while the bells pealed 49 times for the victims, and then finished with a short prayer. This wasn't about gay marriage or any other 'gay rights' issue, other than the right to life, to not be hated and killed for being who you are.

 Do these symbolic gestures do any good? It has certainly made me more aware. It got some limited news coverage, which I hope sends the message that Catholics don't hate gay people.

As the circle was standing, I noticed about a hundred teenage boys walking through the campus on their way to use our basketball courts. The law of averages says that at least a couple of them will be gay and will no doubt struggle with their sense of identity as they become aware of their sexual orientation. I wonder if they knew what a hundred Christian university students were standing in silence for. I'd like to think they did, and that it makes their growing up just a little bit easier.