Worcester Bishop Robert McManus is calling for the removal of the LGBTQ Pride and Black Lives Matter flags from the Nativity School of Worcester because, he says, by displaying them the school is “committing itself to ideologies which are contrary to Catholic teaching.”
In a written statement, McManus took issue with the Pride flag because, “While we teach that everyone is created in the image and likeness of God, gay pride flags are often used to stand in contrast to consistent Catholic teaching that sacramental marriage is between a man and a woman.”
And, McManus stated, “the flag with the emblem Black Lives Matter has at times been coopted by some factions which also instill broad-brush distrust of police and those entrusted with enforcing our laws.”
Reports Boston.com:
“As the Bishop of this diocese, I must teach that it is imperative that a Catholic School use imagery and symbols which are reflective of that school’s values and principles so as to be clear with young people who are being spiritually and morally formed for the future,” wrote McManus [in a statement released April 3]. “While our role in a school is not to convert those who are not Catholic, nor is it our role to deny our Catholic identity.”
As of Tuesday afternoon the flags are still flying, according to school officials, who also issued the following statement.
“The Black Lives Matter and Pride flags fly below the American flag at our school to remind our young men, their families and Nativity Worcester staff that all are welcome here and that they are valued and safe in this place,” reads the statement. “It says to them that they, in fact, do matter and deserve to be respected as our Christian values teach us. That is the purpose of flying these flags.”
School officials also clarified in the statement that though the school “proudly” operates in the Diocese of Worcester, it is not a Diocesan school because it is sponsored by the USA East Province of Jesuits.
Read the complete boston.com story here.
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