An Open Letter to Cardinal Timothy Dolan

In response to the news that the St. Patrick’s Parade in New York would now accept “gay” groups in the parade and that Cardinal Timothy Dolan would serve as Grand Marshall of the parade, Catholic Citizens of Illinois has sent an open letter to Cardinal Dolan, which is re-published below.

Catholic Citizens of Illinois
106 Calendar Court, PMB #122
La Grange, IL 60525-2325

September 5, 2014

Cardinal Timothy Dolan
Archbishop of New York
1011 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Your Eminence,

We were dismayed and discouraged to read that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York will now include organizations that openly oppose the Catholic teaching concerning human sexuality. After years of resisting the pressure from gays and big donors as well as the pretense of public support, the parade committee has caved in to their bullying and unreasonable demands. Additionally, we are disappointed that you have agreed to be the Grand Marshall of the parade.

We are fully aware that there are good and holy people with homosexual inclinations that are striving to live chaste lives in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church, which we are all called to do. However, no one can deceive themselves that the national and international “gay” organizations are striving for that lifestyle. One need only look at the “gay” pride parades around the world and see the public nudity and simulation of sex acts to know that they are portraying an “in your face” demand that such acts be normalized and that we approve of them.

We understand your deference to those who are on the planning committee for the parade and your efforts to not be “judgmental.“ However, we ask you to put aside those concerns, knowing that your primary duty as Cardinal is to act as a “Shepherd of the Faithful,” secondary in authority to that of the Pope.

We implore you to withdraw as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade because of the great probability of misunderstandings, confusion and scandal among the faithful. It is likely that many will believe that the Church has changed her teaching that homosexual acts are “disordered” and “can never be approved” and even worse, they may assume that you support such acts. Does the statement of Jesus about scandalizing little ones no longer apply?

We write this letter to you as faithful Catholics and we look to you to give the example of what a true Shepherd must be. We offer our prayers that the Holy Spirit will inspire you and guide you in this important decision.

Sincerely,

Mary Anne Hackett, President
For the Board of Directors and Members of
Catholic Citizens of Illinois

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