Rainbow Sash group receives Communion as opposing group prays

Published: 2004-11-12

ST. PAUL, Minn. (CNS) -- A Catholic gay-rights group wearing rainbow sashes attended Mass and received Communion at the Cathedral of St. Paul Nov. 7, while an opposing group demonstrated by praying the rosary on the church steps. It was the second time this year that the Rainbow Sash Movement and Catholics Against Sacrilege had clashed at the cathedral over Rainbow Sash members receiving Communion. Meanwhile, the archdiocese reiterated that the celebration of the Eucharist should not be an occasion for protest or judgment. "Holy Communion ought not to be used as a form of protest nor as a litmus test," said archdiocesan communications director Dennis McGrath. "It's up to people's individual consciences. They are supposed to be in a state of grace." In early June and then again in a September column, Archbishop Harry J. Flynn of St. Paul and Minneapolis said he did not believe "that it is my responsibility or anyone else's responsibility to pass judgment on Catholics as they proceed to the Communion table."

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