Archbishop speaks to Vatican officials about Rainbow Sash protests

Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of Minneapolis-St. Paul spoke to Vatican officials about gay rights proponents wearing rainbow sashes to Mass and receiving Communion.

One must read this article, I believe, with a critical eye. The use of the word "gay" by the author is misleading - the proper adjective and terminology should be homosexual.

Unlike some other bishops across the country, Archbishop Flynn has allowed Communion to be given to members of the group known as Rainbow Sash. That has prompted criticism by some Catholics in his archdiocese, and at one Mass a group of lay people tried to block the aisles to prevent sash-wearers from receiving Communion.

He said Cardinal Arinze agreed that it was a complex problem requiring clear teaching and pastoral sensitivity. The archbishop said he was not asked to change his policy.

Of course not...it is absurd that embracing and condoning homosexual behavior by permitting sacrilege and scandal to occur is looked upon as being "pastorally sensitive'.

"We all stand very strong in our teaching concerning human sexuality, and what is right and what is wrong, and the teaching of the church concerning homosexuality, the teaching of the church concerning marriage between one man and one woman," he said.

"Then as you step away from the strong articulation of the teachings, you get into the pastoral practice of what do you do in some of these very difficult and challenging situations," he said.

Yes, indeed. Following Christ can be very difficult and upholding the teachings of Christ and His Church also require strength, fortitude, and resolve. One who sanctions that which is objectively evil by allowing the reception of Holy Communion seems to be complicit in the scandal - of being pastorally insensitive to the faithful entrusted to one's care.

Archbishop Flynn said sash-wearers would not be denied Communion because members of the movement had assured him in writing that their presence was not in protest of church teachings.

Then why, may one ask, do they proudly wear the sashes? If pro-aborts were to wear some outward sign of their support for murdering the unborn (with assurance that it was not in protest of Church teaching), would they likewise be allowed to receive Holy Communion?

CNS article.