After Mounting Protests, Archbishop Rescinds Pro-Gay Bishop’s [Lynch] Speaking Invitation

LifeSite News ^ | 10/12/18 | Doug Mainwaring

[marshmallow]

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minnesota, October 12, 2018, (LifeSiteNews) – A pro-gay Catholic bishop, credibly accused of sexually provocative behavior toward another man, has been dropped as a speaker at an upcoming diocesan retreat for clergy and parish leaders.

Retired Bishop Robert Lynch, formerly of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, was slated to speak at a “Formation Day” being held in the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul at the end of November.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda sent out a short email Thursday evening to the priests of his diocese, announcing he was dropping Bishop Lynch from the retreat lineup due to widespread parishioner concern:

Dear Brothers,

I understand that many of you have been approached by parishioners concerned about the choice of Bishop Robert Lynch as a presenter at the Archdiocesan Fall Formation Day on November 29. If you are contacted on this matter in the future, kindly share that Bishop Lynch will no longer be participating.

Fraternally in Christ,

Archbishop Bernard Hebda

Bishop Lynch’s poor track record in dealing with sexual scandal in his former diocese plus the presence of homosexual scandal in his own life had made him a curious choice to lead the retreat which aims to address the current turmoil, division, and darkness the Church now faces, brought about primarily by the presence of Catholic clergy who have been active homosexuals.

The event is billed as:

A time of reflection for parish leaders to consider times of turmoil and division in the Church, and where we find faith and hope. What is the role of parish leaders in guiding parishioners to find a durable hope during times of division and darkness?

Lynch served as bishop of the St. Petersburg diocese from 1996 to 2016.

During his tenure, “The Diocese of St. Petersburg refused to release its priest records and acknowledged it........