The Archdiocese of Boston kowtowed to complaints from some Catholics
and canceled a mass scheduled for this coming weekend at a South End church to
celebrate Pride month.
According to the Boston Globe,
the archdiocese canceled the “All are Welcome” liturgy at St. Cecilia
parish following protests from conservative church members that the mass
scheduled for June 19 appeared to sanction gay Pride month.
The Rev.
John J. Unni, the pastor of St. Cecilia’s, did not respond to requests
for comment, which seemed to put the parish at odds with a spokesperson
for the archdiocese, Terrence C. Donilon.
“Donilon declined to answer questions about the apparent contradiction of the church’s bulletin and his statement,” the Globe
reported.
“He said, however, that there would be a Mass in the future
to welcome the community, but not specifically gays and lesbians.”
Gay
Catholic advocates, who may try to hold the event at a different
location, and members of St. Cecelia’s suggested the cancellation
pressure came from outside the church, where the Globe reported
on comments from local bloggers including Joe Sacerdo.
He also objected
to an upcoming trip to the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus advertised in the
church bulletin.
“What’s next, NY Rep. Anthony Weiner and Tiger
Woods giving a talk at the church on the topic of marital fidelity?’’ he
posted Wednesday.