The St. Theresa of the Child Jesus parish in Dublin has decided to host an “ecumenical LGBT prayer service” for the second consecutive year, citing Pope Francis’s statement about inclusivity in the church. This event, co-hosted with the Anglican Church of Ireland, has stirred controversy in the Catholic community. The announcement made by the parish priest, Fr. David Corrigan SM, implies a welcoming attitude towards the LGBT+ community, suggesting an alignment with Pope Francis’s ethos that the Church should be a place of unity and acceptance.
This event isn’t the first of its kind; the parish hosted a similar LGBT ecumenical prayer event last June. The Irish Catholic news outlet Catholic Arena reported the event and released images of the LGBT “Progress” flag flying outside the church during the 2022 event. The rainbow “Pride” flag, a symbol of the LGBT+ community, was also prominently featured in photos taken during the service.
The Irish Society for Christian Civilisation (ISFCC) is planning a “rosary of reparation” prayer rally in response to the LGBT prayer service. The ISFCC emphasised that their rally is not meant as an act of hatred, but as an opportunity to highlight the Catholic Church’s teachings on sexual morality. They argue that the most compassionate thing a Catholic can do for the LGBT+ community is to educate them on the Church’s teachings.
The ISFCC aims to conduct the rally peacefully, asserting that the intention is to offer public reparation and to peacefully protest what they perceive as a “sinful event.” They invoke the writings of St. Louis-Marie de Montfort, advocating the power of public prayer during times of societal discord and conflict.
Lastly, the ISFCC reiterates their intent is not to disparage or defame anyone, but to defend traditional marriage, the family, and Christian civilization. They extend their prayers to those struggling with homosexual temptation, praying for God’s grace to assist them. The ISFCC believes that their peaceful rally is a compassionate act of support for those grappling with issues of sexuality within the Church.