Anti-Biblical: Pope, Clerics Join Protestants in LGBTQ Events Across Europe

Multiple Catholic clerics, including Pope Francis himself, are joining Protestants in supporting or hosting events put on by an openly LGBTQ group. This is outrageous and violates both Catholic doctrine and Biblical teaching.

The Bible teaches that homosexuality and sexual sin of any sort are barriers to reaching Heaven. St. Paul says: “Do not err: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor the effeminate, nor liers with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor railers, nor extortioners, shall possess the kingdom of God.” —1 Cor. 6:9-10. As I have previously explained:

“The word being translated here ‘liers with mankind’ in the original Greek, ἀρσενοκοῖται, means literally ‘men engaged in sexual activity with the same sex.’ St. Paul’s condemnation of homosexuality is perfectly in accord with the Old Testament as well. The reason homosexuality used to be called ‘sodomy’ was because the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God because of their sexual perversion, particularly homosexuality (which is highlighted in Genesis [19]).”

It is noteworthy that the LGBTQ group in question here takes a Bible verse out of context to justify its actions: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me (Mt 10:40).” That verse, of course, refers to faithful Christians. In fact, it comes right after Jesus clarifies that following him means sacrificing all of our natural lives and comforts: “He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for me, shall find it.” (Matt. 10:37-39) There’s absolutely nothing there encouraging the indulgence of sexual sin.

Considering the Bible explicitly condemns homosexuality, and considering how Jesus describes the necessary sacrifices to be His followers, that verse “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me” would not include LGBTQ people unless they turn from active homosexuality and transgenderism. I cannot help but be reminded of how the devil quotes Scripture to Jesus to tempt Him (Matt. 4).

“[LifeSiteNews, May 16] A number of bishops and priests are taking part in an annual series of ecumenical, pro-LGBT events across Europe, to mark the ‘International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia,’ which will also see participants meet with Pope Francis. [The meeting was scheduled to take place May 17.]

From May 5 through June 7, a number of Catholic churches in countries across Europe will be host to numerous events, promoting the LGBT lifestyle and in opposition to ‘homophobia and transphobia.’

With most events taking place in Italy, churches in Amsterdam, Spain, Poland, France, and Malta will also take part in the ceremonies, many of which have been organized as ecumenical ventures with Waldensians, Methodists, Baptists and Catholics all joining together.”

The only way it is acceptable for the bishops and clerics to interact with this group publicly is to call them, in all charity and love, to repentance. It is not loving or Christian to encourage people in actions that will send them to Hell for eternity.

“The four-week long project is under the overall organizational control of La Tenda di Gionata – a group…[that] looks to present tales of LGBT ‘experiences’ so that they ‘can help society and the Churches to open up to the understanding and reception of homosexual people’…On May 16 in Genoa, the archdiocesan episcopal vicar will join ecumenical counterparts for a prayer vigil in the church of San Pietro in Banchi. Then Parma’s Bishop Enrico Solmi will lead a diocesan vigil on the evening of May 17, while on June 7 the Archbishop of Cosenza-Bisignano will lead a vigil in one of the parishes of his archdiocese.

On May 18 in Palermo, a torchlight procession will take place, followed by a prayer vigil at a Catholic parish which is organized by ‘many Catholic, Evangelical and secular associations from Palermo with the patronage of the Municipality of Palermo.’

Many of the other listed events are based out of Catholic parish churches…the most notable event of the four-week period is on May 17, when participants in the project will meet Pope Francis after his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square.”

These people need prayers and spiritual guidance, not affirmation in their sinful lifestyles. The Catholic clerics and other Christian leaders participating in these events are complicit in mortal sin.