Praying against homophobia leads to dispute among Catholics

A prayer against homophobia causes a stir in Lugano. It had to be transferred from a Catholic to a reformed church.

It is a premiere for Ticino: For the first time this Thursday there is a prayer evening for homo- and bisexual people as well as their family members and friends, in fact a “prayer against homophobia”. This « vigil » is organized by the Catholic lay organization « Azione Cattolica ». The Reformed and Christian Church is involved – an ecumenical occasion.

Actually, the prayer in the Catholic Basilica Sacro Cuore should take place in Lugano near the university, a venerable church, in whose crypt the graves of the Ticino bishops are located. The pastor there, Don Italo Molinaro, agreed. The Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese Lugano, Bishop Alain de Raemy, gave his blessing, even if the curia itself is not involved in the organization, as it explains on request.

But as soon as the invitation and the leaflet for the evening prayer, the opponents, who could not make friends with the idea of ​​such an event, organized themselves, and certainly not with the idea that this should just take place in the Basilica Sacro Cuore.

« We consider the choice of the place to be inappropriate, which indirectly conveys an ideological vision, namely that of the community LGBTQIA+that is not compatible with the teaching of the Catholic Church, the gospel and the truth of man, » says one in one petition to Bischof de Raemy.

For their part, the initiators speak of a few “arch -Catholic exponents” who wanted to torpedo the occasion. The fact is, however, that the opponents have reached their main goal. The prayer evening could not take place in the Basilica Sacro Cuore as planned, but had to be transferred to the Protestant-reformed church of Lugano.

Violated the church truth

It is no coincidence that the prayer falls on the second half of May. Because on May 17th the International Day will take place against homo, bi-, inter- and trans hostility. This day is reminiscent of May 17, 1992, when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially deleted homosexuality from its classification system as a disease.

In many Italian dioceses, religious vigils are even held under the direction of the local bishops. The occasion is aimed at believing people who feel excluded because of their sexual orientation from their parishes or society, but also to family members and friends of those affected. « It is a moment of inclusion for everyone who suffers from discrimination, » said the organizers.

The opponents, who describe themselves as « group of believers in the Lugano diocese », did not give up and followed up with a long argument. The fact that such occasions took place in many dioceses in Italy does not mean that they are legitimate: « The Catholic tradition does not legitimize anything just because it is practiced in many dioceses, » it says. It was right to counteracted people with respect and dignity, but such occasions meant a violation of the church truth and catechism.

A detailed replica of Azione Cattolica Ticino was not long in coming. No political-ideological goals would be pursued. It is also not about questioning the social teaching and doctrine of the Catholic Church or even the sacrament of marriage, but simply to be close to people who suffered from exclusion: « We just want to pray. »