Oh wow, I did not see that it was also on the Archdiocese website. I assumed that was a mistake on icwhatudo’s part. (Sorry, my mistake!)
Ok well this makes this much clearer then. At least for me.
First, consider this (also from the archdiocese website): http://www.archbalt.org/ministries/courage/index.cfm
It’s clear to me at least the official policy for such a ministry is based on this “Courage” apostolate. Which states in part, “From our web site you will learn about same-sex attractions and chastity. By developing an interior life of chastity, which is the universal call to all Christians, one can move beyond the confines of the homosexual label to a more complete identity in Christ.”
Which is entirely different than celebrating gay sex.
So the fact that the archdiocese promotes this apostolate as well as the flyer in the OP leads me to believe this is a manifestation of that “Courage” lay apostolate.
As NKP_Vet said (and he’s correct) Bishop Lori is no “liberal” Catholic. There is no way he would allow an activity to be promoted on his website that, to the best of his knowledge endorsed homosexual behavior.
Now with all that said, the language in the flyer does read like any other “gay pride” thing. I can definitely see that. So here’s the plan:
I’m going to wait on this “Gordon Creamer”’s response and if he doesn’t get back to me by Friday, I’m going to reach out to friends I know who went to that church to see if they have any insights. Then, if not, I may try to contact the pastor directly. Then, if that is fruitless, I will do one of two things:
1. I will contact the archdiocese for assurance that this group is taking guidance from the “Courage” ministry.
Or..
2. I will attend the meeting they will be having on the 24th personally. And find out directly.
I kind of lean towards #2, but I have a long commute every day, so I don’t know if I will have the energy for it. Especially since it might entail some kind of confrontation. I don’t know. We’ll see. One step at a time!
Ultimately though, I’m not as concerned as I used to be knowing the flyer itself is on the same website that promotes the “Courage” ministry. After all, it would be incredibly schizophrenic of them, don’t you think, to promote something like “Courage” and yet also support something that condones gay sex? The thought boggles the mind.
But maybe this is something that’s slipped under Abp. Lori’s radar. Maybe they are pulling a switcheroo. Like I said, we’ll see!
As members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church, we are called to celebrate and share the glass of diversity of sexuality in our church today. Our organization, Embracing God’s Gifts, has been formed as an instrument for recognizing these gifts and incorporating their goodness and use into the life of our parish. Our mission is to create opportunities for the spiritual enrichment, support and inclusion of all diverse individuals, while being informed by church teaching and to promote awareness and community building among them. We will accomplish this through a variety of endeavors that foster support, communication and social activities. We invite all to participate in this group with open-mindedness and compassion.
BTW, from that same flyer they advertise that they have an “Annual Pride Cookout”. Sure sounds to me like they’re “embracing the diverse homosexual lifestyle”.