John J. McNeill

John J. McNeill (September 2, 1925 – September 22, 2015) was an American Catholic priest, psychotherapist and academic theologian in the United States, with a particular reputation within the field of queer theology. McNeill was awarded the National Human Rights Award in 1984 for his contributions to lesbian and gay rights, and was made the Grand Marshal of the New York City Gay Rights Parade in 1987. McNeill was expelled from the Society of Jesus in 1987 at the request of the Vatican.

Biography

Early life and education Ordained by Cardinal Spellman through the Society of Jesus in 1959, he obtained a Ph.D. from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium in 1964 and later taught at Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York, and at Fordham University in New York City.

In 1972, he joined the combined Woodstock Jesuit Seminary and Union Theological Seminary faculty as professor of Christian ethics, specializing in sexual ethics.

Relation with the gay community

McNeill played a part in widening the activities of DignityUSA, a support group for LGBT Catholics.

Personal life He was openly gay, and in 2008, he married Charlie Chiarelli, his long-term partner.

Published works </

Sex as God Intended, Lethe Press, 2008,

Honors Grand Marshal of the New York City Gay Rights Parade in 1987 The National Human Rights Award in 1984 for his contributions to lesbian and gay rights The 1989 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Blanton-Peale Institutes of Religion and Health The Humanitarian Award in 1990 from the Association of Lesbian and Gay Psychologists The 1993 Distinguished Contribution Award of the Eastern Region American Association of Pastoral Counselors for outstanding contribution to pastoral counseling The United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches Special Award for his "dedicated work in spreading the Gospel to the lesbian/gay community" The 1997 Dignity/USA Prophetic Service Award "In Recognition of over 25 years of extraordinary work on behalf of the Catholic Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Community" The 1999 Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco "Living Saint" Award The 2005 "Roger Casement and Eva Gore Booth leadership Award" presented by the New York Irish LGBT group Lavender and Green Alliance