Posted on 06/13/2017 10:16:52 AM PDT by NRx
NEWARK The word pilgrimage usually evokes visions of far-off, exotic places, but for some 100 gay and lesbian Catholics and their families, a pilgrimage to the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart here on a recent Sunday was more like a homecoming.
The doors to the cathedral were opened to them, and they were welcomed personally by the leader of the Archdiocese of Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin. They were seated on folding chairs at the cathedrals center, in front of the altar in the towering sanctuary, under the blue-tinted glow of stained glass.
I am Joseph, your brother, Cardinal Tobin told the group, which included lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics from around New York and the five dioceses in New Jersey. I am your brother, as a disciple of Jesus. I am your brother, as a sinner who finds mercy with the Lord.
The welcoming of a group of openly gay people to Mass by a leader of Cardinal Tobins standing in the Roman Catholic Church in this country would have been unthinkable even five years ago. But Cardinal Tobin, whom Pope Francis appointed to Newark last year, is among a small but growing group of bishops changing how the American church relates to its gay members. They are seeking to be more inclusive and signaling to subordinate priests that they should do the same.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
Exactly. I notice Communion was offered, but not Confession. How pastoral is that?
Sins are sins. You can call them lollipops, but that makes no difference.
This is bad enough. Wait until ALL parishes are required to do this.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.