Filled with Christ's Love, Part 2

I recently wrote about Minnesota Archbishop Harry Flynn’s announcement that Catholics who wore rainbow sashes to mass indicating solidarity with and support for the LGBT community would be denied communion. Well, on Sunday, the threat was carried through, and more than 100 people who wore rainbow sashes were denied the sacrament at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Before offering communion, the Rev. Michael Sklucazek told the congregation at the Cathedral of St. Paul that anyone wearing a sash could come forward for a blessing but would not receive wine and bread.

A group called the Rainbow Sash Alliance has encouraged supporters to wear the multicolored fabric bands since 2001 on each Pentecost Sunday, the day Catholics believe the Holy Spirit came to give power to Christians soon after Jesus ascended to heaven. But Sunday's service was the first time they had been denied communion at the altar.

[…]

Sister Gabriel Herbers said she wore a sash to show sympathy for the gay and lesbian community. Their sexual orientation "is a gift from God just as much as my gift of being a female is," she said.

Ann McComas-Bussa did not wear a sash, but she and her husband and three children all wore rainbow-colored ribbons and were denied communion. "As a Catholic, I just need to stand in solidarity with those that are being oppressed," she said.

While other parishioners sat or kneeled after going to the altar, sash-wearers remained standing with their hands cupped as a symbol they still wanted the sacrament.

What can I say that I haven’t already? A truly pathetic and unchristian display from St. Paul’s.