Posted on 04/02/2022 4:47:40 PM PDT by ebb tide
'I would direct you to Pope Francis’ comment that 'the LGBTQ+ community are at the heart of the church',' said Archbishop McMahon.
WIDNES, U.K. (LifeSiteNews) — A Catholic parish in north-west England is set to hold a Mass for the “LGBTQ+ community” April 3, as the local bishop, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, told LifeSiteNews he has “no intention” of canceling the Mass.
Fr. Mark Moran, the parish priest of St. Wilfrid’s parish in Widnes, announced in the parish newsletter March 27 that the church would be holding a Mass specifically for the “LGBTQ+ community.” Fr. Moran also asked for members of the parish to help with refreshments before and after the Mass:
On Sunday 3rd April at 2pm at St. Bede’s Church there will be Holy Mass celebrated with the LGBTQ+ community in the Archdiocese. Everyone will be made very welcome. CAN YOU HELP? I need two volunteers to help with making tea and coffee after Mass in the Guild Hall, if you are free on 3rd April, from 1.30pm – 4pm then please contact the parish office and leave your name and number and Fr. Mark will be in contact with you. Thank you!
Screenshot of Fr. Moran’s newsletter Fr. Moran repeated the notice in the current newsletter for this weekend, again inviting “all” in the parish to attend.
There was no mention of what was understood by the phrase “LBGTQ+ community,” nor whether the Mass would be an encouragement of the LGBT lifestyle or rather a promotion of Catholic teaching on sexuality.
In addition to the four priests currently resident in St. Wilfrid’s parish, Bishop John Rawsthorne, the retired bishop of the Diocese of Hallam, is also living there.
The parish is part of the Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool, led by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, who was appointed to the archdiocese in 2014 by Pope Francis. The archbishop is Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW).
LifeSiteNews contacted both St. Wilfrid’s parish and Archbishop McMahon, asking if the Mass would be an endorsement of LGBT ideology, or, in contrast, a promotion of Catholic teaching on sexuality, chastity, conversion of heart, and the defense of marriage between man and woman.
LifeSiteNews further asked the archbishop how the Mass aligned with Pope Francis’ condemnation of gender ideology, and whether the archbishop would prevent the Mass from taking place in order to prevent scandal. LifeSiteNews highlighted previous guidance on how such Masses should promote “chastity” and “an ongoing conversion of life.”
In response, Fr. Moran noted how his parish had “simply been asked to host the Mass this time.” He noted that in his understanding, it “is simply offered to those who desire to follow Christ more closely within the Church and receive encouragement from others who are trying to do the same.”
Fr. Moran directed LifeSiteNews to Fr. Stephen Maloney for further information. He had formerly served as the archdiocesan vocations director, who “with the blessing of the Archbishop has been asked to support this part of our church community.”
Meanwhile, Archbishop McMahon responded:
I note the comments you make, but I have no intention of asking Fr. Mark Moran to cancel this Mass. I would direct you to Pope Francis’ comment that “the LGBTQ+ community are at the heart of the church.”
LifeSiteNews has been informed of a number of concerned Catholics who have contacted Archbishop McMahon, asking him to cancel the Mass.
An archived 2012 press release from then Archbishop Vincent Nichols of Westminster, in relation to the notorious Soho “gay” Masses held under his watch, stated that the LGBT Masses in Westminster must affirm “the dignity of all persons created by God, the moral principles concerning chastity and the Church’s teaching on sexual activity, and the pastoral care of Catholics who are of same-sex orientation.”
Ping
Let’s pray they find Jesus there
Moran. Moron.
This is the result of mandatory celibacy and the takeover of the hierarchy by homosexual agnostics. Heterosexual, believing priests and bishops are lucky if they are tolerated within the Church.
He will be conducting mass in hell. Prick.
Apostasy and the falling away continues. Sad.
Sodomy is not love. It is the antithesis of God.
‘the LGBTQ+ community are at the heart of the church’
A very concerning truth.
Instead of a celebration with the Gentiles, it will be a celebration of the genitals.
It definitely is the result of homosexuals in the hierarchy, but I’m not sure that mandatory celibacy is the culprit. The Anglican/Episcopal church is even gayer, and they ditched mandatory celibacy back in the Tudor era.
“Go where the sinners are.”
But I doubt this archbishop is teaching the flock to give up their sinful ways and seek Christ’s blessings.
The Anglican Church may be more openly gay, and probably has a much higher percentage of gay and openly gay clergy than the population average. However, probably a much higher percentage of Catholic priests and bishops are gay, partly due to celibacy. Few if any Catholic priests have “come out” though.
It is bad enough so many have been caught abusing boys in their churches and schools. So now they are openly promoting gay masses or whatever.
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