Duddy returns to post at Dignity/USA

After an absence of several years, Marianne Duddy-Burke of Hyde Park is once again taking over as the executive director of Dignity USA, a national organization of LGBT Catholics. Duddy-Burke will begin her duties on Jan. 3 at Dignity USA's new headquarters in Boston.

Duddy-Burke stepped down from the executive director position about four years ago, following the birth of her daughter. She led the organization through a difficult period after the priestly sexual abuse scandal unfolded and gay men were scapegoated by the Church hierarchy and its conservative members.

"Honestly, I think that it's been good for me to have a chance to step away and recharge my batteries," said Duddy-Burke, who has also served in the leadership of Dignity/Boston, the organization's local chapter. "Being on the frontline, especially during the sexual abuse crisis was emotionally and spiritually very exhausting. Now I've got my energy back."

Duddy-Burke said she'll focus on putting out Dignity's message positively by emphasizing its work on creating LGBT-inclusive theology and liturgical rites. She also wants to lead the organization in engaging Catholics, particularly those who are parents to LGBT children, in the LGBT civil rights struggle. "So those are some of things we're hoping to work on and I'm excited to work on."

Of course, she'll also be busy holding Church leaders accountable for their anti-gay rhetoric. Noting that the Pope's message to mark World Peace Day on Jan. 1 calls LGBT families "a threat to world peace," Duddy laughs, "I'm sure we'll be preparing something around that. I sort of wished my first official act would not be to have to respond to another inane and hurtful statement from the Pope."