06/10/2004: "Hangin' out with all the boys"

It's not sporting to take advantage of someone when they're down. But it's hard to resist when there are guys like this, who walk around with a sign on their back that says "kick me":

BUFFALO, NY�The Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral [ECUSA], the Very Rev. Allen Farabee was terminated by the vestry this week, ending a six-year reign which saw the parish plummet from a high of 754 communicants in 1998, to a low of 305 in 2002.

Dean Farabee submitted his resignation after he learned that a task force set up to review his performance decided not to renew his contract. After a five month examination of Farabee's performance they reported their findings to the vestry who voted unanimously to terminate him. A source told Virtuosity that when the parish leaders were solicited to provide written comments for the Dean's evaluation they ran 100% in support of termination.

In a letter to the people of St. Paul's, Farabee noted, "that you wish to go in a different direction than I can lead you."

"For some time I have felt encumbered by the administrative and pastoral responsibilities of the cathedral and have been unable to commit myself to those things for which I am best suited."

On Easter Sunday 2002 Farabee preached a sermon in which he bemoaned the closure of the only gay bathhouse in Buffalo, saying it was "an alcove of safety in a hostile and threatening world. More than 3000 members paid annual dues and visitors came from all over the world. The information network of safe places alerted men who might be coming to Buffalo: go to 653 Main Street and you will find a place of hospitality and welcome, a place you can be yourself, a resting place for body and soul."

The closing hymn that morning was "YMCA," wasn't it, Dean?