MN priest discusses ‘denial of Confirmation’ to pro-gay marriage teen
November 19, 2012
In a letter to his parishioners, Father Gary LaMoine, a priest of the Diocese of Crookston (Minnesota), discussed news reports that Lennon Cihak, a 17-year-old in his parish, was “denied” the Sacrament of Confirmation because of his support for same-sex marriage.
The teen, said Father LaMoine, was one of a few who chose not to be confirmed because of support for same-sex marriage.
“A couple of candidates chose not to enter into full communion with the Catholic community because of their disagreement with the teaching of the Church concerning marriage,” Father LaMoine said. “I have personally spent much time talking to [the Cihak family] face to face about their unwillingness to accept the teaching of the Church on marriage but to no avail.”
Father LaMoine added that even if the teen had not chosen to withdraw from the Confirmation program, he could not be confirmed unless he accepted Catholic teaching on marriage.
“He could be confirmed, but he’d have to change his mind about some things, and I don’t know if Lennon is going to do that,” he added in an interview.
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Further information:
- 2nd student denied Catholic confirmation in Barnesville (Fargo Forum)
- Priest denies he refused Confirmation to teen over gay ‘marriage’ views (LifeSiteNews.com)
- Honest teen meets an orthodox Catholic priest (GetReligion)
- Report: MN bishop says pro-gay marriage teen can be confirmed when he publicly repudiates position (CWN, 11/16)
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Posted by: dover beachcomber -
Nov. 20, 2012 1:31 AM ET USA
This is sad, but Fr. LaMoine is doing the right thing. Confirmation should actually mean something; too often, it's just a formality endured when reaching a certain age. Lennon Cihak is clearly not ready to give himself fully to God through total and faithful membership in the Catholic Church. When and if he becomes ready, we'll welcome him. But not before that! The quota for Cafeteria Catholics has been filled many times over, and no further candidates for that status need apply.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Nov. 19, 2012 7:57 PM ET USA
I'm sure there will be a hue and cry over the teen's "rights." But if he is not in full communion with the Church's magisterium, he has no right to be confirmed as a Catholic. It would be a public lie. We must pray for this family, who have swallowed the anti-Christian, anti-matrimony line, hook and sinker.
