Dignity USA, the world's largest group and lobbyists for LGBTQIA+ Roman Catholics, are mourning the passing and celebrating the life of one of their early founders, at the start of queer Catholic liberation, in the early nineteen seventies.
DignityUSA has announced the passing of Paul A. Diederich, a foundational figure in the organisation's history, who died in October 2023. As a key architect of the Dignity movement, which advocates for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ Catholics, his death marks the loss of a pioneering leader.
Mr Diederich's involvement began in Boston in the early 1970s. Inspired by the preaching of Fr. Tom Oddo, he co-founded a "homophile forum" that met monthly. He was also part of the Exodus community, an outreach to gay youth. These groups connected with Pat Allen, a leader of the burgeoning Dignity movement based in southern California. Following a visit from Allen in 1971, the decision was made to establish a Boston chapter.
The chapter was formally initiated with a Mass on the first Sunday of Advent in 1972, held at the Randolph Country Club, a bar serving the local lesbian and gay community. Paul Diederich became the chapter's first president, steering its early growth.
His leadership quickly extended to the national stage. After attending Dignity's first national convention in Los Angeles in September 1973, he was elected as the organisation's national president, a role he held until 1977. He served alongside treasurer Jack Hart and secretary Tom Oddo.
Long-standing members recall Mr Diederich's profound dedication, describing him as deeply involved whenever he was not at his secular job. He would organise large groups of volunteers to mail monthly newsletters, travelled throughout New England and beyond to speak about Dignity's mission, and personally responded to correspondence and phone calls from across the country.
Following his tenure with Dignity, Mr Diederich pursued a path in ministry. He was ordained in the Western Orthodox Church, where he was later elevated to the role of bishop. He also served as Suffragan Bishop of the National Catholic Church of North America.
In retirement, he and his husband, David Snow, split their time between Massachusetts and Florida. The exact date and cause of his death are not publicly known.
In a statement, DignityUSA offered its condolences to Mr Diederich's husband, family, and friends. The organisation expressed deep gratitude for his early leadership and instrumental role in spreading the message of Dignity across the United States.
Further information on Paul Diederich's life and work is available through his profile on the LGBTQ+ Religious Archives Network.
