It Does Not Matter

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Mar 01, 2005

The processional hymn for the Young Adults Liturgy at the recent L.A. Religious Education Conference showcased David Haas's catchy new "Gathering Song" (see pp. 44-45 of the program). A sampler:

Come all you single ones, divorced and married:
Come you who have lost your spouse, all who are lonely.
With Christ our brother, we are loved and made whole!

Refrain: All is ready. Here and now. All are welcome here.

Come all you young and old, all male and female.
Come, now, all gay and straight, it does not matter.
With Christ, all people are one in God's whole!

Refrain: All is ready. Here and now. All are welcome here.

It pains me inexpressibly to report that Haas's litany extends no welcome to hermaphrodites, cellists, gluten-intolerant Latvians, Scorpios, Jesuits, self-employed taxpayers filing jointly, redheads, or Catholics.

Must we be so quick to EXCLUDE?