Last updated on June 9th, 2023 at 06:15 am
Father Timothy W. Gareau, an Ohio priest from St. Raphael Church in Cleveland, is facing backlash from his parish following his condemnation of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group of drag performers portraying themselves as nuns, with the Community Hero Award. During a homily on May 28, Father Gareau denounced the group for defaming the name of Jesus Christ and Christianity. He expressed his sadness and frustration over this act of blasphemy.
The sermon provoked a public response from a transgender individual known as “Avery”, a former parishioner who confronted the priest after the sermon. Avery took to the microphone to express her disappointment in the homily, stating that “queer and transgender individuals also carry the Holy Spirit within them”. She added that it was hurtful to hear the priest’s words and highlighted that the “Spirit of God moves through all people”.
Avery’s protest led to her removal from the altar by three men in attendance at the Mass. The local police were contacted over concerns of a possible assault in progress. This incident has since sparked further debate within the community, with LGBT activists and some parishioners criticizing Father Gareau for his comments.
However, the Cleveland Diocese is standing by the priest. In a statement, they applauded Father Gareau for his courage and fully supported his call to Catholics to speak out against what they see as a disparagement of their faith. They advocated for fighting hatred, not with violence, but by embodying Christ’s love and boldly proclaiming the Gospel.