Anthony Effertz, S.F.O.

ANTHONY EFFERTZ, S.F.O.

Catholic

When a Franciscan is invested into the Franciscan Order, he is girded with the Franciscan Cord. This is a white rope with three knots in it. The three knots symbolize the vows, or promises, a Franciscan makes of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

I am a member of the Franciscan Order, and I am gay. Over the years I have become a superior in the Franciscan Order. Although I am out publicly, I am still in the closet to many members of the Franciscan Order. If they knew my orientation, I might be asked to resign, so I have served in silence.

I do not desire to serve in silence, therefore I give this Franciscan cord (a symbol of who I am) to you as a sign of my conviction that God truly loves all humankind regardless of their sexual orientation.

I am Anthony Effertz, S.F.O. I love God, God loves me, and I am gay.