Chicago's Archbishop Francis Cardinal George refused communion to gay activist Joe Murray, who wore a rainbow sash during George's appearance at the 25th anniversary of the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach Sunday, June 16.Finally, a clergyman with some stones!
About 25 LGBTs and allies protested outside of AGLO's Mass at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 708 W. Belmont. They could be heard shouting outside during Mass, and cars honking in support were also a frequent sound heard during the service.
The protest was organized by the Rainbow Sash Movement and the Gay Liberation Network. Murray is the founder and executive director of the U.S. Rainbow Sash Movement. While several others took rainbow sashes from Murray ahead of Mass, no one else protested inside.
Murray stood up with his back to Cardinal George during parts of the Mass, and then he went up with the estimated 200 others in attendance to receive communion. George refused him, and Murray walked away with his hands open and empty, showing the congregants that he had been denied.
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"It was the individuals who witnessed the Cardinal not giving me communion that were really stunned," Murray said. "They reached and grabbed me as I returned to my pew after being judged by the Cardinal to be a sinner not worthy of any compassion, and told me of their support. I could hear the horns blowing supporting the outside demonstration, could hear the chanting of my brothers and sisters in the GLN outside of the church, and that also gave me courage
The problem is that when you strongly and publicly oppose the Catholic faith, you are not entitled to receive communion.
If you want to belong to a church where the faith is made up as you go along, there are plenty of clergy who will comply with your expectations.
Of course, it is only normal that this Joe Murray thinks he's entitled to the Communion... it's not denied enough to people who clearly cannot receive it. So it's only natural he is mistaken.
