“I meant no disrespect.”

Sometimes, folk use that phrase as a stand-alone.  For the purposes of this post, I will use those words in conjunction with this; I am sorry.

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I have removed the “My Piano” video from damiangoddard.com.  It’s removal from the world wide web is another thing altogether, and it’s a situation that is still playing itself out.  I ask for your patience in this process.

So who is this directed to?  This is directed to all of those good people who have been put off by the production of a music video featuring a devout Catholic girl playing her piano in a Catholic Church.  But then, this post is also directed to those who have voiced their support for the video being done at Blessed Sacrament Church in Kitchener, ON.  People on both sides of the ledger will continue to debate this hot topic, that is for sure.  I’m only here to say this, on my behalf alone; if I could do it all over again, I would have made sure the video had been done elsewhere.  That said, I have all the time in the world for people expressing disappointment in the decision to produce this video in the church.  What I have no time for, though, are under-handed and vitriolic attacks on those who – again, I believe – have sincerity of heart.

Simply put, I had assumed too much surrounding the entire venture.  Shame on me.  I had gotten too caught up in telling a bit part of a story of a young and talented Catholic girl by means of a music video, and had not first made simple contact with those who have the final say on what goes on inside our place of worship.  Shame on me.

As it stands right now, the situation is still playing itself out with full disclosure being made to priests, bishops… and now, to you.  I have received a fair bit of criticism since the video was posted.  Most of the criticism has been exceedingly harsh.  And yet, I do not hold this angst against these sincere folk.  That’s right.  “Sincere”.  The very people who have accused me of sexualizing a 17-year old girl, treating the church I love as a night-club, equating my involvement in this endeavour as turning Our Father’s House into a marketplace, and so on and so forth are sincere.  I truly believe this.  As I pan the landscape, no one can convince me that the slippage in how we adhere to the basic tenets of our faith hasn’t led to a tragic turn of circumstances in our culture.  Lex Orandi.  Lex Credendi.  Lex Vivendi.  Sure, this music video was not evidence of liturgical abuse.  But I’ve been asking myself this question: what if it’s just as bad?  It is a question that needs to be answered.  Answered in a civil line of discourse between people who know better than I.  And if you’re thinking that I’d like to do a show on this for IgniteTV, you’re right.  But then, searching out the answers to these difficult questions and issues is what IgniteTV is mandated to do while bringing in people from all different walks of life… walks of faith.  Even the ones who are pissed off at us.

Let me also make something abundantly clear.  How I’ve handled this situation in my heart, and in a particular phone call with someone who I call a friend, was an abject failure.  It’s been another stark lesson in just how far I am from living a saintly life.  Shame.  On.  Me.  Kyrie Eleison.  It is demanded of me… DEMANDED!… that I do a better job of conducting myself with those who oppose me.

And finally, I wish to once again come to the defense of my good friend David Wang, his family, and his brilliantly talented daughter Maggie who is on the cusp of launching an incredible music career I AM SURE will touch many souls… and, perhaps, even convert some!  In the short time I’ve gotten to know this family of devoted Catholics, I’ve been overwhelmed with just how committed they are to proclaiming their love of God.  As one father regarding another, I am humbled in how I tend to little Evelyn and Lukas when stacked up against the yeoman’s work David lavishes on his 9 wonderful sons and daughters.  That said, David and I do not see eye-to-eye on particular matters.  But that’s okay.  And I’m sure my wife Andrea feels David’s pain.  But we aim to work it out.  That takes time.  It takes patience.  And it takes a whole lotta love.

None of us, in our interpersonal relationships, are exempt from a path that is sometimes strewn with rocks and debris.  We are allowed to disagree.  Heck, we are permitted to get angry.  But we must emulate Our Lord.  Every single, waking moment of our lives, we must strive to be perfect as Our Heavenly Father is Perfect.  Once again, I have failed in this life-long attempt.  And so, to those whom I have wounded by producing this video of which I am fully and completely accountable, I am left to say this; I am sorry.

And… please forgive me.