CTA Metro NY expresses solidarity with the NYC theater communities forced out of the Connelly Theater

As Catholics called to be church to one another, CTA Metro NY strongly disapproves of the Archdiocese of New York’s overreach and mismanagement of their property known as the Connelly Theater. The Archdiocese’s recent decision to increase scrutiny of theater productions performed at this space is directly responsible for New York Theater Workshop and SheNYC Arts vacating the space and the resignation of the theater’s general manager.

CTA Metro NY rejects the premise of the Archdiocese’s claim that by censoring prospective productions that include themes such as transgender identity and reproductive justice they are ensuring that works performed at the Connelly adhere to Catholic teaching. While production companies at the Connelly were always aware of the clause that the Archdiocese had final say about what kind of performances were permissible, this power was rarely if ever exercised until a recent change in the Archdiocese’s internal management. Furthermore, the specific themes the Archdiocese objects to are notable – no concerns have been raised about other experiences traditionally frowned upon by Church leadership, such as divorce, premarital sex, murder, or economic exploitation. By singling out certain groups and experiences as unfit for public discourse, the Archdiocese allows itself to be distracted by the culture war agenda instead of providing pastoral guidance to the faithful and material care to those in need.

CTA Metro NY is dismayed by the Archdiocese’s approach of commanding rather than leading. Catholic social teaching articulates principles that shape how we follow Jesus. These principles include respecting the dignity of the human person, fostering the full participation of all people in society, protecting human rights, and special attention and focus on the most vulnerable members of our community. The arts are a key avenue through which we as human beings grapple with these complex principles as they provide opportunities to encounter diverse experiences and perspectives, thereby helping us to shape our consciences. We do not need to be told what conclusions our discernment should bring us – the role of our leadership should be supporting us in understanding how to discern and engaging with opportunities for discernment.

The Archdiocese need not censor plays about transgender people, as there is nothing “un-Catholic” about telling their stories. Catholic social teaching already affirms that transgender people have inherent dignity, deserve basic rights and the ability to participate in society, and indeed should be lifted up particularly due to their experiences of discrimination and oppression. Refusing their voices runs contrary to these ideas, further marginalizing transgender people.

Similarly, the Archdiocese’s restriction on material relating to reproductive justice is inappropriate. The Archdiocese may try to defend its position on condemning works about abortion as part of respecting the life of the unborn child, and yet in doing so it totally forgets about respecting the life of the mother. Regardless of a person’s individual discernment on the ethics of receiving an abortion, people who get abortions are human beings worthy of respect, have personal and nuanced stories that deserve to be told, and – lest we forget – here in New York continue to enjoy the legal right to obtain this procedure. It is estimated that one in four women in the United States have an abortion over the course of their lives, it is bizarre that the Archdiocese wishes to pretend there is no need to discuss such a common human experience.

CTA Metro NY notes that with the suspension of operations at the Connelly Theater, the Connelly Middle School will no longer receive revenue from the theater’s proceeds and faces serious budget issues. We question why shuttering this theater was more important than funding a school for low-income girls who may not otherwise be able to receive a quality education.

CTA Metro NY expresses solidarity with SheNYC Arts, New York Theater Workshop, and all members of the NYC theater community committed to using the arts to explore diverse perspectives, be in dialogue with our world’s challenges, engage with the complexity of the human experience, and uplift the voices of those who have too often been excluded. Our prayer for you is a prayer of peace, strength, and justice.