I just came across a great blog post that gives me a lot of hope. In Washington State, Catholic pastors have been given the option to “opt out” of collecting signatures in an effort to repeal same-sex marriage. In fact, Reverend Tim Clark received a standing ovation from his parish when he announced that they would not be gathering signatures. The parish is the sixth in Seattle to opt out of the petition drive.

The standing ovation experienced during one of the Masses says less about me and much more about the health of this parish.  I only wished the archbishop [J. Peter Sartain] could have experienced the sustained applause — the ‘sensus fidelium’ — of the people.  He needs to listen to this ‘voice.’ That is my prayer.

We need more leaders like Reverend Clark. Thank you for standing up for what you believe to be right.

Unfortunately, in Minnesota, folks like archbishop John Nienstedt have given parishes no option to opt out of supporting the mean-spirited Minnesota marriage amendment. In fact, back in January I blogged about how the archbishop issued a very clear message: If you disagree with the amendment or the church’s support, you had best keep it to yourself.

Kudos to Reverend Tim Clark, his congregation and all of those in Washington State that support equality for all.