Courageous convictions

Somehow I had missed hearing this story about a priest in Fresno who stood up for what he believed in.

Father Geoffrey Farrow, a Catholic priest of over 20 years service to the Church, defies the instructions of the Bishops and urges his congregation to vote against Proposition 8, the initiative that would take the right to marry away from same-sex couples in the state.

In his homily, Farrow points out that "what most Catholics hear about being gay or lesbian in their parish Church is silence" and goes on to clearly defy the position of his elders, who are urging parishoners to vote for Proposition 8. "I know that thesewords will cost me dearly. But to not to speak them would rob gay and lesbian people not only of their civil rights, but of their human dignity as well."

He's also started a blog where he tells his story and gives updates on his situation. You can also find the full text of his homily, which is well worth reading.

( More thoughts behind the cut. )