Catholic hierarchy tussle with gay group over Mass rights

By Natalie Relph • July 10, 2007 - 17:25

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese asserted that Quest is not a officially recognised group in the Catholic Church.

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Quest, the lesbian and gay group for Catholics, has accused the Catholic Church of un-Christian behaviour after the Archdiocese of Liverpool prevented them from using the University Catholic Chaplaincy for a Mass.

The service was intended to help gay Catholics discuss their experiences and pray for understanding of issues of faith.

Following the ban the meeting was held in a location not controlled by the church.

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese asserted that Quest is not a officially recognised group in the Catholic Church.

Quest had planned a Mass and barbecue party at the Chaplaincy Church of St Philip Neri.

Daphne McLeod of campaign group Pro Ecclesia et Pontifece supports the Church's decision on the basis that Quest dissents from Catholic teaching.

"We would welcome them if, like other organisations, they helped homosexuals to live chaste lives.

"We believe in no sex outside marriage - but they don't, they encourage active homosexuality," she told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"It is incompatible with the teachings of the Church."

Area Organiser Edward Down spoke out of Quest's loyalty to the Catholic teachings and the Church's attitude.

"It is not compassionate, it is not Christian, and it is extremely disrespectful," he told the Post.

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