ASK FATHER: Priest Puts up Scandalous “Gay” Flag for Annual Public “Pride” Week. Bishop: Zero Help.

Father Zed gives some advice, advice that is unfortunately needed in far too many Parishes.

From Fr Z's Blog

QUAERITUR:

I’m asking for some advice/direction on a frustrating and too common issue.

A local parish priest in my diocese has been flying the pride flag outside his parish for the second year in a row for pride week. The parish priest was confronted about the public scandal (several times now) this has created and brushed it off as “youthful ignorance”. [!] The bishop was then spoken too who said last year and again this year that “I spoke to Father X and he has agreed to take the flag down on Saturday” (after the pride week ends).  [Indeed.]

So my question is how are the faithful to respond to this public display of disobedience to Church teaching? Would I need to contact Rome now or is there someone else before it gets to that step?

There’s a lot going on in this message:  “second year”… “after“ hubris week… YOU are “ignorant”… the probably intimidated or compromised bishop won’t take a real stand….

First, how many people are engaged on this issue?  It seems to me that you could get organized (and see other suggestion, below) and schedule a meeting with the priest and work through the issues with him, hear his side. Remember, he might be homosexual and, therefore, personally invested in this scandal.  If that’s the case, then don’t expect a reasoned position or good treatment when you challenge him to affirm the Church’s teaching about homosexual actions.

You might at that point explain to him what is going to happen next to your annual giving in the parish for the next year.  You are all cutting back on your giving: too late to change that now, after two years of this public scandal.  The next time shame week rolls around, you will review your decision: no flags, etc., giving restored to normal levels – flags, etc. deeper cuts yet.

In response to his accusation of your ignorance, to dispel his “mature ignorance”, bring to that meeting screenshots or clippings of what “gay” parades for these shame weeks look like.  Ask the parish priest if he knew about their demonic, scandalous antics in front of the world… in front of children.  Why he is supporting that sort of behavior with a public display?  Is he being paid?  Is this from pressure from donors?

If the priest or bishop comes up with some pabulum about needing to be inclusive and welcoming to Catholics who feel they have been marginalized, then have in your pocket your written petition, signed by at least 50 people, for the Traditional Latin Mass to be celebrated in your parish.

In the Illustrated Dictionary of the Modern Church, you’ll find a photo of TLM petitioners next to the entry for “marginalized”, as well as by, “systematically abused”, “ignored” and “heart-broken”.

Look, I have no idea who your priest or bishop is, but I fear that you are not going to get very far.  Write to Rome… fine.  Good luck with that these days.  They will refer you back to the local bishop.  The local bishop probably didn’t issue a public statement or put anything in writing about his dealings with the priest and the agreement they made, so everything is either deniable or at least delay-able.

If the people in charge are personally invested, you have little recourse.  The only thing that remains for you is your wallet, fasting and praying, and your map to another parish.

I feel for you.