For the first time in over a decade, reports CNN, members of St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church marched in NYC’s Gay Pride Parade under a blank banner:

New York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan asked the church’s pastor to keep St. Francis’ name out of the picture.

The parish was told that the archdiocese’s spiritual leader was concerned the church might be seen as endorsing some elements of the gay pride march that may advocate a promiscuous lifestyle.

“Our people are not endorsing that at all,” said the church’s pastor, the Rev. Joe Costantino.

Members of the gay ministries of St. Francis Xavier say they view the parade as an opportunity to welcome gay Catholics back into the fold.

Read more about St. Francis’s enduring support for the gay community, watch parishioners’ reactions, or check out Reverend Joseph S. Costantino’s press release.

Tags: activism, Catholicism, homosexuality

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