Cardinal George Apologizes For Comparing Pride Parade Organizers To KKK

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 7, 2012 4:05PM

Cardinal Francis George finally offered an apology for remarks he made two weeks back comparing Chicago Pride Parade organizers to the KKK because the new route for the parade would have passed a Lakeview Catholic church during its morning mass, making it harder for parishioners to attend mass.

The Cardinal's statement read:

"During a recent TV interview, speaking about this year's Gay Pride Parade, I used an analogy that is inflammatory.

"I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are gay or lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are. I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of gays and lesbians and their families.

"I can only say that my remarks were motivated by fear for the Church's liberty. This is a larger topic that cannot be explored in this expression of personal sorrow and sympathy for those who were wounded by what I said."

Was that so hard? Apparently so, since George defended his original statement in the days after he made it.

Anthony Martinez, executive director of The Civil Rights Agenda, released a statement accepting George's apology.

“I am incredibly pleased that Cardinal George has taken responsibility for his actions and has issued an apology for his comments comparing the LGBT Community to the KKK and the hurt those comments have caused. A true leader can admit when they are wrong, and the Cardinal has set a good example of leadership today with his statement. Now, with this apology, the LGBT community and the Catholic community can begin to heal the divides that this has caused.”