Rainbow Sash Movement ramps up support for demonstration against Cardinal
Wed. January 4, 2012 5:34 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
cardinal francis george
photo credit // abc7chicago.com
Chicago, IL -
The Catholic LGBT group Rainbow Sash Movement (RSM) is ramping up support for a planned demonstration Sunday against Cardinal Francis George following his comments that compared the gay liberation movement to the Ku Klux Klan.
Equality Illinois (EQIL), the state's oldest and largest LGBT rights organization, has not endorsed the demonstration, but has posted the demonstration information for its supporters and members on its social media channel in an attempt to "spark robust discussion."
"From the moment that the Cardinal made his destructive comparison of the LGBT equality movement to the neo-Nazis, we condemned his remarks and asked for his apology," said Bernard Cherkasov, Equality Illinois CEO.
According to Cherkasov, his organization has offered to meet with Cardinal George as they continue to lead efforts to build bridges between the LGBT equality movement and organized faith communities. EQIL has produced a series of resource guides to help congregations and clergy welcome and support their LGBT congregants.
"I am very troubled by the Cardinal's apparent belief that the a movement advocating for violence-free schools, providing equal protection for families, and advancing fair treatment at the workplace is the same as the KKK," said Cherkasov. "If he lacks that most basic clarity, then perhaps he no longer has the vision to lead his flock."
RSM and Gay Liberation Network are leading the protest to be held at noon on Sunday, Jan. 8 in front of Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash Ave.
The action is the first scheduled demonstration against George since he made controversial comments about the LGBT community to Fox Chicago News on Dec. 21.
Equality Illinois (EQIL), the state's oldest and largest LGBT rights organization, has not endorsed the demonstration, but has posted the demonstration information for its supporters and members on its social media channel in an attempt to "spark robust discussion."
"From the moment that the Cardinal made his destructive comparison of the LGBT equality movement to the neo-Nazis, we condemned his remarks and asked for his apology," said Bernard Cherkasov, Equality Illinois CEO.
According to Cherkasov, his organization has offered to meet with Cardinal George as they continue to lead efforts to build bridges between the LGBT equality movement and organized faith communities. EQIL has produced a series of resource guides to help congregations and clergy welcome and support their LGBT congregants.
"I am very troubled by the Cardinal's apparent belief that the a movement advocating for violence-free schools, providing equal protection for families, and advancing fair treatment at the workplace is the same as the KKK," said Cherkasov. "If he lacks that most basic clarity, then perhaps he no longer has the vision to lead his flock."
RSM and Gay Liberation Network are leading the protest to be held at noon on Sunday, Jan. 8 in front of Holy Name Cathedral, 730 N. Wabash Ave.
The action is the first scheduled demonstration against George since he made controversial comments about the LGBT community to Fox Chicago News on Dec. 21.