I suppose it's nice to know that the one thing all Catholics can agree upon is that we gay people shouldn't be beaten to a pulp. How reassuring. Affirming the basic dignity, worth, and fundamental humanity of any marginalized group is usually the first baby step toward changing things for the better, so the statement of the Network of Reform Movements is welcomed and to be commended.

Of course, American society at large began having this conversation almost a half century ago at the birth of the gay rights movement - the Church simply didn't want to participate in that conversation, except to offer blanket condemnation. But better late than never, I suppose. We'll gladly encourage whatever tiny little tiny baby steps the church is attempting. Who knows, perhaps fifty years from now the church will even deign to let gay people hold hands at mass the way you often see young newlyweds do, flaunting their heterosexuality before God and impressionable youth.