Archdiocese of Boston Bans Gay Mass

The Archdiocese of Boston kowtowed to complaints from some Catholics and canceled a mass scheduled for next weekend at a South End church to celebrate Pride month.

According to The Boston Globe, the archdiocese canceled the "All Are Welcome" liturgy at St. Cecilia parish following protests from conservative church members that the mass scheduled for June 19 appeared to sanction Gay Pride Month. The Reverend John J. Unni, the pastor of St. Cecilia's, did not respond to requests for comment, which seemed to put the parish at odds with a spokesman for the archdiocese, Terrence C. Donilon.

"Donilon declined to answer questions about the apparent contradiction of the church's bulletin and his statement," the Globe reported. "He said, however, that there would be a Mass in the future to welcome the community, but not specifically gays and lesbians."

Gay Catholic advocates, who may try to hold the event at a different location, and members of St. Cecelia's suggested the cancellation pressure came from outside the church, where the Globe reported on comments from local bloggers including Joe Sacerdo. He also objected to an upcoming trip to the Boston Gay Men's Chorus advertised in the church bulletin.

"What's next, NY Rep. Anthony Weiner and Tiger Woods giving a talk at the church on the topic of marital fidelity?'' he posted Wednesday.

Another local conservative Catholic blogger, Carol McKinley, said, "Pride is one of the cardinal sins in the Catholic Church. It's the opposite of humility," the Globe reported.