Father James Callan

[BlueKota]

who was ex-communicated from the Catholic Church because he supported gay marriage, women priests, and non Catholics communion, has died. He was 76 years old.

He was an influential part of helping to found an independent church more faithful to what he believed Jesus stood for like aiding the poor, and support and love not judgementalness.

I met him when I was in 7th Grade Catholic School. He was one of the few good memories I had about the place. I remember thinking when he was excommunicated that he was more representative of what it meant to be a true Christian rather than so many of the others who seemed to care more about the donation box, and telling the church members what sinners we all were.

A true light has left this world today. I will miss you Father Jim.

[hlthe2b]

1. Those who fight for change--even within a 2000 year old religious structure...

Courage in action.

[BlueKota]

6. There were many of us who admired him for it.

[IbogaProject]

2. Sorry to hear

[BlueKota]

7. Thank you!

[calimary]

3. You remind me of the time I went to Confession and was actually shocked.

It was a visiting priest on duty that Saturday, and I was still in elementary school. What a difference from the “usual dudes”! When the “sermonette” part arrived (after you’ve confessed and you get a brief lecture about how you should and could do better), THIS fellow spoke softly and gently about forgiveness and how hard it is to imagine that a kid could do something that actually could or would offend God.

I was stunned. It was ALWAYS all about the punitive - until that day. And it really changed me, and a lot of my thinking, after that day.

[BlueKota]

8. The visting priest sounds like a kind man.

It always made me confused when the sermons given often seemed to contradict what they just read from the gospels.

[bedazzled]

13. My cousin insisted i confess to be in her wedding..

I told the priest that I did not believe . He said "if you ever want to talk, I will be here."

I am still amazed! Someone who walks and talks it...

[Clouds Passing]

4. Father James Callan

[BlueKota]

9. Thank you!

[niyad]

5. Rest in power, good and brave soul.

[BlueKota]

10. He truly was that.

[Hekate]

11. Condolences on the loss of such a good man. What a blessing that he touched your life

Cross gently, sir.

[BlueKota]

12. Thank you!