Dutch homosexuals call off disruptions as parish backs down on Communion
March 03, 2010
Militant homosexuals in the Netherlands have called off plans to disrupt worship at a Catholic parish in Den Bosch, after receiving assurances that the parish would not deny Communion to open homosexuals.
The dispute in the Sint-Jan parish began when a priest denied the Eucharist to a noted homosexual activist. Last Sunday a large group of homosexual activists, some wearing pink fright wigs, attended Mass at the parish, planning to present themselves for Communion. When the pastor decided not to distribute Communion, to avoid a disruption, the group marched out of the church in protest.
The parish has now announced that members of the congregation will be asked to decide for themselves whether they are properly disposed to receive Communion.
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Further information:
- Dutch gays, Catholic church put aside dispute (AP)
- Dutch parish withholds Communion to avoid gay disruption (CWN 3/1)
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Posted by: mclom -
Mar. 06, 2010 5:56 AM ET USA
I wrote to the parish priest a few days ago and had an email back thanking me for my encouragement. What a blow this news is to me. I feel a burning, unCatholic rage building up against the spineless leaders in our Church. May God forgive me my sense of helplessness. I want to believe He is in charge. Morag Marinoni, Birmingham, UK
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Posted by: rpp -
Mar. 03, 2010 10:25 PM ET USA
Wrong, Wrong, Wrong. This is not consistent with Canon Law, which, in this case, is designed to help protect the immortal soul of those who may be tempted to receive Holy Communion while in a state of obvious grave sin, an offense of the greatest gravity.
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Posted by: extremeCatholic -
Mar. 03, 2010 8:23 PM ET USA
This splits the Church between the hardliners and the appeasers: For a person advocating opposition to Catholic teaching in an "open" way to receive Holy Communion is both a contradiction and sacrilege. The "parish" in its own way now is contradicting itself and only invites further confrontation and surrender on matters of clear moral doctrine. Gay intimidation can celebrate a victory. Apparently the Dutch hierarchy is spineless and Dutch gays have sharp elbows.
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Posted by: William F. Folger -
Mar. 03, 2010 8:19 PM ET USA
Cdl. Ratzinger, now Benedict XVI, wrote “an obstinate persistence in manifest grave sin (cf. can. 915)” is justification for a minister to deny Holy Communion. Unless the Netherlands has the equivalent of the “free exercise” of religion clause as in the U.S. 1st Amendment, the physical threat mitigates culpability for the priest who IS avoiding duty. America, STUDY UP on this protection we do have IF we have the will.
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Posted by: voxfem -
Mar. 03, 2010 7:40 PM ET USA
May God have mercy on this priest and his parish. It is hard to stand against the world but I wish he had. It is so disrespectful to our Lord to hand him over to whoever demands him. The Eucharist is a gift, not a right.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Mar. 03, 2010 7:27 PM ET USA
I guess Saint Tarcisius shouldn't have allowed his life to be shed in protection of the Eucharist according to the mindset of today's bishops. St. Tarcisius pray for us!
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Mar. 03, 2010 7:24 PM ET USA
The pastor should have appointed parish constables . . . to evict bodily anyone seen with a pink wig.
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Posted by: Telengard -
Mar. 03, 2010 6:52 PM ET USA
When He returns to earth again...will He find any faith left?
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Posted by: -
Mar. 03, 2010 6:28 PM ET USA
The "dictatorship of relativism" is in full flower in Holland. Calling Benedict XVI! Calling Benedict XVI! Calling...
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Posted by: williiam ronner -
Mar. 03, 2010 5:39 PM ET USA
No less a Saint than St. John Chrysostom said, "The floor of hell is paved with the skulls of bishops! There is no dispute! Sodomy is a grave sin which must be forgiven BEFORE receiving Holy Communion. Any bishops who does not defend th Body of Christ will pay dearly.
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Posted by: Bernadette -
Mar. 03, 2010 5:32 PM ET USA
I am disappointed! Where are the martyrs today! The priest was totally within his rights to do what he did. He should not have backed down. His bishop should uphold him. This confuses the faithful more and more. We respect those who do what is right even though persecuted and the Church grows! We must stand up for the Truth! Out of love for the active homosexuals. It's called "admonishing sinners." Who knows how many of those active homosexuals might have conversions and live chastely.
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Posted by: -
Mar. 03, 2010 2:11 PM ET USA
Just the other day I thought to myself, how brave that Dutch priest was. Now, I'm utterly disgusted. I pray the Lord helps restore that poor priest's spine. (Although most likely he had 'instructions' from his bishop.)
