LGBT group marks solidarity in isles

Dignity Honolulu (LGBT Catholics) will hold its annual commemoration of Solidarity Sunday on Oct. 6, featuring the Rev. Elizabeth Zivanov during the 7:30 p.m. service at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Solidarity Sunday was started by headquarters Dignity USA in 1995 to end violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, a news release said. Zivanov, rector of the Parish of St. Clement in Makiki, recently spoke at the Episcopalian church in rebuttal of the Catholic diocese’s arguments against marriage equality.

Dignity Honolulu members will also visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace for the 10:30 a.m. Mass to mark the event. A Solidarity Sunday brochure will be distributed at both churches.

Dignity USA also responded to Pope Francis’ headline-making remarks in last week’s interview with America, a Jesuit weekly, in which he said the Catholic Church should not be "obsessed" with issues related to abortion, gay marriage and contraception.

"This interview essentially directs church leaders to end their campaigns against LGBT rights and people. We hope it means an immediate end to anti-marriage equality campaigns (among other things)," the statement said.

For information, call 352-7558, email dignity_ honolulu@catholic.org or visit honolulu.dignity­usa.org.