Painting in the background…
It’s like laying the groundwork to accomplish an intended goal.
When I was first learning to paint in 5th grade, my uncle Jim, who is also an artist, was visiting one day. I was painting a ‘portrait’ of St. Therese, beginning with her eyes. My uncle said, “Usually it is best to begin painting in the background first, and then painting the subject in the foreground.” It was my first lesson in art, and I always think of it as I begin a new painting. It is also a good method to employ in the preparation of any important work; that is, lay the groundwork, build a foundation, fill in the background of a project to support the work at hand, in order to sell the the final proposition, and accomplish the intended goal.
Background music.
I mention this after reflecting upon a couple of emails concerned friends sent to me regarding the upcoming exhibit, Vatican Splendors, at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, Minnesota this September. Although it is not sponsored by the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, the exhibit is undoubtedly appealing to Roman Catholic faithful, who are sure to attend in great numbers. My friends suspicions were aroused when they noticed on the museums website that the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus would be one of the groups performing in a series of monthly concerts staged throughout the exhibit. One day only, in December. Copy for the event reads:
The TC Gay Men’s Chorus, led by Artistic Director, Dr. Stan Hill. Following the quote “Nation shall not lift sword against Nation, neither shall they learn war any more”-Isaiah 2:4, the Chorus will make an appeal for that most sought after of world condition: Peace. From the rapturous finale of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ inspiring Dona Nobis Pacem (Give us peace), to intimate pleas from the pen of 16th-Century composer Guilio Caccini, they sing of peace’s long-awaited arrival, couched in the garlands of the holidays. From a touching and dramatic rendition of Silent Night, to a heart-stirring arrangement of Oh Holy Night, they hope for and reflect on the possibilities of a world bathed in the sweet rapture of peace. - MNHS
Are the background singers insignificant to the song?
My first reaction was, “It’s a non-event - it is insignificant. The group is one of many to perform for the duration of the exhibit. It is a public business venture, negotiated with the Vatican Museums, in the year 2008 of the Common Era.” Yet one of my friends had a few interesting, if not provocative things to add to the discussion. She first asked, “Is someone at the History Center trying to make a statement of some sort?”
“The mission of Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus is gay men building community through music.” TCGMC
In a separate email, my friend clarified her concerns, writing: “My problem is not with the Choir, I’ve seen them perform before and they are very good. However I know some members are active gay Catholics who advocate the Catholic Church change Her teachings to accommodate homosexual practices and approve of same sex marriage.” My friend believes that the groups appearance in conjunction with the exhibit will be used by gay advocacy - persons or groups - for propaganda purposes. Supposedly the TCGMC had been scheduled in advance of the planned exhibit, but so was the exhibit planned in advance - in all likelihood, further out than the scheduling of entertainment. Hence the implication of political maneuvering may not be that far fetched.
The Archdiocese was informed.
The History Center graciously informed the chancery of the inclusion of the Gay Men’s Chorus in the scheduled events for the run of the exhibit: In other words, the chorus had already been “painted into the background”, and it appears someone with the museum painted the archdiocese into a corner on this one. At any rate, a spokesman for the chancery conceded that since the program was already scheduled, the archdiocese would still support the exhibit. He reasonably offered that the TCGMC is a highly regarded group, while their appearance is ancillary and not part of the exhibit, noting their musical selection is in keeping with the sacred tone of the exhibit.
Catholic Taliban -no, no, no.
I had to agree. The Archdiocese would come off in a manner similar to the Taliban if they protested the TCGMC performance and withdrew its support of this “once in a lifetime event” for local Catholics as well as non-Catholics. The spokesman from the chancery cited the CDF document, “The Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons and Non Discrimination against Homosexual Persons” to support this position. Just the title of the document sums the matter up - as Catholics, we are not to discriminate against homosexual persons.
So, how far do we take that?
I don’t know sometimes. It is a complicated issue, don’t you agree? But the spokesman from the chancery is sending me the document from the CDF regarding pastoral care and non discrimination against homosexual persons. I’ll let you know what I think.
Links:
Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus seeks to provide its members with rewarding musical experiences and to promote social exchange among a group of men with a common purpose. As an organization that celebrates diversity and uses music as a way to transform, educate and heal, TCGMC works towards the elimination of homophobia and intolerance through community outreach. - TCGMC
