ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Roman Catholic priest denied communion to more than 100 people yesterday, saying they could not receive the sacrament because they wore rainbow-colored sashes to church to show support for gay Catholics.
Before offering communion, the Rev. Michael Sklucazek told the congregation at the Cathedral of St. Paul that anyone wearing a sash could come forward for a blessing but would not receive bread and wine.
The sash wearers, who were either gay or friends and family of gays, remained standing with their empty hands cupped in the posture that indicates “I am ready to receive communion” while others around them sat or kneeled in prayer. This silent protest lasted a few minutes, until the congregation stood for the dismissal at the end.
I had forgotten about this “rainbow sash” movement that takes place on Pentecost Sunday, but I’ll make a note to remember for next year and maybe we can all wear rainbow sashes at Holy Moly Episcopal to show solidarity with Catholic gays.
