A young man has been banned from singing at his grandmother’s funeral because he attended gay pride.
Connor Hakes, 23, who studied singing at Indiana University, says he asked to perform at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church after learning of his grandmother’s death on Nov. 21st.
The priest sent him a letter telling him he couldn’t because of his association with the LGBTIAQ+ community, saying it was to avoid “scandal”. Ironically, it’s attracted just that as Connor posted the letter to Facebook in an impassioned post.
“I can no longer sing at my Grandma’s funeral, because I attended a gay pride rally and a picture was posted publicly (years ago). Both my Grandma and Grandpa would be disgusted by their parish. Their compassion and empathy was abundant, no matter who you were. They saw beyond race, religion, sexuality, and social class. They loved everyone. That is what is means to be a Christian. That is what it means to be Catholic.”
In the letter, the priest writes that, “the Catholic Church upholds the dignity of those with same-sex attraction. At the same time, it does not permit same-sex relationships or openly advocating for them because it causes scandal.”
St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church issued the following statement to WANE:
“Having become aware of the painful situation at Saint Mary’s Parish in Decatur, the diocese is working on fostering healing and reconciliation between the pastor and the Hakes family. We encourage all to move forward with genuine Christian love and mercy and with respect and prayer for one another.”
Connor has received an outpouring of support on his now viral post.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
