The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York declined to host a music festival after learning that the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus was among the participants.
“The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus is outraged and deeply disappointed to learn that the choral festival scheduled for Sunday, June 9 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, which included the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus’ participation, has been canceled by the Catholic Diocese,” the group said in a statement. Post to Facebook.
The choir wrote that the news came “less than three weeks” before the event, adding that the group had also taken part in another event promoting “unity, love, acceptance, community, and standing up to those who believe we are unworthy of dignity and life based on who we love.”
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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York declined to host a music festival after learning that the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus was among the participants. (Getty Images)
The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus also announced that it would instead hold its event at a Lutheran church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
In a statement, the Buffalo Diocese told Fox News Digital it canceled the event after learning that “the scheduled choir” espoused “values that are contrary to Catholic teaching.”
“We are disappointed that the concert had to be cancelled but understand that an alternative location has been selected to host the concert,” the statement continued.
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The diocese also explained that it had “not received all the details about the choirs scheduled to perform prior to the event being confirmed.” (ag.ny.gov)
The diocese also explained that it had “not received all the details about the choirs scheduled to perform prior to the event being confirmed.”
The Catholic Church is facing intense scrutiny over comments Pope Francis made about same-sex marriage.
Asked about Catholic priests blessing same-sex unions in an interview with “60 Minutes,” the Pope said the church’s position was clear.
“Last year, a decision was made to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex unions,” CBS host Norah O’Donnell said. “This is a big change. Why?”
“No, what I have given permission to do is not to bless the union. I cannot do that because it is not a sacrament. I cannot do that. The Lord has done that,” the pope said in remarks translated into English. “But to bless each and every one, yes. The blessing is for everyone. For everyone. But to bless homosexual unions is against the rights given, it is against the laws of the Church. But to bless each and every one, why not? The blessing is for everyone. Some have been outraged by this. But why? Everyone! Everyone!”
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The Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus group did not respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
Fox News’ David Latz contributed to this report.
