Two Thumbs Up up to Janet at Restore D.C. Catholicism for Helping Stop a Public Scandal in Raleigh Diocese

Pastor says he made decision to cancel speech by gay Durham City Council member

Let's summarize the situation. Immaculata Elementary School in Durham invited a lesbian City Council member, Vernetta Alston, to speak during black history month. Alston is "married" to her lesbian partner. She backs positions that are "intrinsically evil" and in direct opposition to Church teaching. Janet was contacted by a concerned parent and entered the fray with a post calling for people to contact the parish and the diocese to rescind the invitation which never should have been made in the first place. The pastor says he didn't know about it. If that's true, he needs to rethink his government of the parish and protection of the children from scandal. Here's what he said about the situation:

One thing the bishops, as a body, have said that is totally on target is this:

The Catholic community and Catholic institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principles. They should not be given awards, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions. (Catholics in Political Life)

They are talking about Catholics, but certainly the same thing applies to non-Catholics. Should a pro same-sex marriage Catholic politician be refused a platform, but an actual "married" gay non-Catholic politician be given a pass? That would certainly stink of hypocrisy.

After listening to the pastor and hearing about the standing ovation he received over welcoming gays (we're talking about gay activism here), if I were in that parish I would flee. Note that the pastor apologized to Alston. Did he apologize to the parents? Also note how he associates the situation with Charlottesville. I got the clear message that the outside group inciting opposition to Alston's appearance were threatening. The comments on Janet's original post are filled with accusations of hate. No surprise. That is how liberals (Catholic or secular) always treat those who stand up for the truth. They want to shut you up. Thank you, Janet, for being a woman of courage who speaks the unpopular truth in season and out of season.

The Catholic Church is, indeed, a church of sinners. But it is not a church of gay pride or abortion pride or adultery pride or embezzlement pride, or murder and rape pride. Those who publicly wear their sins as pride badges are a scandal! Canceling Alston's invitation was the right thing to do.

And two thumbs up to Janet whose post played a big part in stopping it. May your tribe increase, Janet! I'm edified by your example.

Oh...one last thing. If you ever wonder whether a little blog can make a difference, remember this. The pen really is mightier than the sword.