To: Michael J. Hoeppner, Roman Catholic Bishop of Crookston
Tell Minnesota Bishop: Don't let priests use sacraments as political weapons
Bishop Hoeppner, we're outraged that a family in your diocese would be denied holy sacraments simply because of their political beliefs. Please immediately rectify this injustice and instruct your priests to refrain from using confirmation and communion as political weapons.
Why is this important?
The Cihak family of Barnesville, Minnesota, are faithful Roman Catholics who raised their son Lennon in the church. Last month, 17-year-old Lennon was preparing to make his confirmation when the family's parish priest found out that Lennon had posted a photo on Facebook opposing an anti-gay ballot measure.
When Lennon refused to recant his support for marriage equality, the priest refused to confirm him and began denying Holy Communion to the entire Cihak family.
With this story making national news, we have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on how right-wing extremism is hurting the church. Let's show the local bishop that we're standing with the Cihak family and demand that he stop priests in his diocese from using holy sacraments as political weapons.
When Lennon refused to recant his support for marriage equality, the priest refused to confirm him and began denying Holy Communion to the entire Cihak family.
With this story making national news, we have an opportunity to shine a spotlight on how right-wing extremism is hurting the church. Let's show the local bishop that we're standing with the Cihak family and demand that he stop priests in his diocese from using holy sacraments as political weapons.