A Roman Catholic priest in Milwaukee has come out as gay, writing that he will no longer live in the shadows of secrecy and plans to be authentic to his gay self.
The Rev. Gregory Greiten disclosed his sexual orientation on Sunday to the St. Bernadette Parish and was greeted with a standing ovation from his parishioners, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
He also wrote a column that was published Monday in the National Catholic Reporter.
It’s rare for a priest to come out. Greiten said he revealed his sexual orientation because he wants to be a role model for others.
He said he’s helping to break the silence of gay men in the clergy so he could reclaim his own voice.
‘In my priestly life and ministry, I, too, will help you, whether you are gay or straight, bisexual or transgendered, to be your authentic self – to be fully alive living in your image and likeness of God.’
Greiten wrote that has decided to stand with the ‘few courageous priests who have taken the risk to come out of the shadows and have chosen to live in truth and authenticity.’
The church’s silent stance on gay priests perpetuates toxic shaming and systematic secrecy, Greiten wrote.
The church needs healthy role models for priests who are struggling to come to terms with their sexual orientation, he said.
The Catholic Church and the bible are both against homosexuality though the Catholic Church has been softening its stance on the issue over the years.
The Bible remains against homosexuality of any persons, leave alone priests.
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