Cardinal Dolan praises ‘unity’ at St. Patrick Parade after inclusion of gay activist groups
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Catholic archbishop of New York, has
sparked renewed outrage among Catholic faithful by congratulating this year’s
St. Patrick’s Day Parade organizers for preserving the “original intent” of the
event, despite
the inclusion of
homosexual groups and the exclusion of pro-life organizations.
In an open
letter published
on the archdiocesan website two days before the parade, Dolan writes, “I thank
those who love and lead the parade for assuring us all that the original intent
of the parade, which has flourished for over two-and-a-half centuries – to
celebrate the faith, heritage, culture, and tradition of Ireland – is
preserved.”
A CBS News
video showed Dolan
in a jovial mood, embracing NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, who joined the march this
year after having boycotted it for its refusal to admit homosexual groups. De
Blasio also lauded the “unity” he sees in this year’s parade – another apparent
reference to the inclusion of gay groups.
“There's a great spirit – the weather helps – a wonderful sense
of unity and friendship, I'd say 'Alleluia' but I can't because it's
Lent," Dolan said in the CBS video clip.
The archdiocese did not respond to a request for comment from
LifeSiteNews by press time.
Many faithful who commented below the cardinal’s letter
expressed their perplexity and dismay at the prelate’s apparent betrayal of
Catholic doctrine condemning sodomy as a grave sin.
“It is so sad that the parade this year will have two out and
proud ‘gay’ groups marching but not even one pro-life group has been allowed to
march,” wrote one reader. “I would say that the Archdiocese has rolled over on
this one and the secularists are winning. So, so sad.”
“I agree. It is sad. I really don’t understand what the Cardinal
is trying to say in his comments,” responded another reader. “The parade has
gone all wrong and the Catholic identity has been destroyed. The organizers are
not even active Catholics from what I understand.”
“The sad truth, Your Eminence, is that your decision to serve as
Grand Marshal for last year’s Parade was seen as a betrayal by many Catholics.
Your words, I am afraid, now have a very hollow ring,” wrote one woman.
Another reader wrote: “The Irish Catholic faith has been erased
from the parade. Homosexuality is a sin, which is being celebrated by allowing
homosexual groups to march in the parade. It’s unbelievable and very sad.”
According to the Catechism of the Catholic
Church, homosexual acts constitute “grave depravity,” and are
“intrinsically disordered,” a doctrine that has been taught throughout the
Church’s 2,000-year history. The Catechism also expresses compassion for those
who suffer from the temptations associated with same-sex attraction and urges
them to a life of chastity.
Cardinal Dolan’s acceptance of homosexual groups in the parade
began last year, when an organization of homosexual NBC employees called
“Out@NBCUniversal” was allowed to march under its own banner.
Although organizers claimed that the group simply represented
people with homosexual tendencies and had no political agenda, its Facebook
page contained
material “celebrating”
Harvey Milk—a politician and pederast who biographers say sexually abused
teenage boys—and advocating homosexual “marriage.”
Dolan openly
endorsed the
inclusion of the group, breaking decades of precedent set by his predecessors,
and even agreed to function as grand marshal of the parade. “I have no trouble
with the decision at all,” Cardinal Dolan said at a press conference. “I think
the decision is a wise one.”
Contact information (please express any opinions with eloquence
and respect):
Cardinal Timothy Dolan
1011 First Ave
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-371-1000
1011 First Ave
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-371-1000
