French Bishop takes on Mayor over 'Gay Pride'

BIARRITZ, France (Catholic Online) - Biarritz is a very small region in the south of France. However, they have now made international news as the sponsors of a "Gay Pride" event attended by, among others, the notoriously anti-Catholic "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence."

We extend our appreciation to the excellent weblog "Rorate Caeli" for the correspondence between the Most Reverend Marc Aillet, in whose Diocese the event took place, and the Mayor, Mr. Didier Borotra. Rorate Caeli can be found at http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/

Bishop Aillet was appointed to his position by His Holiness Pope Benedict and is one more example of the importance of episcopal leadership in the growing climate of hostility toward the Catholic Church and rejection of truth:

Letter from Bishop Marc Aillet:

Mr. Mayor,

Having recently learned through families living in Biarritz of the forthcoming "Gay Pride" affair, I would just like to express my profound incredulity. It is yet another official offence aimed at the Catholic Church to believe the announced presence of the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence� virulently displaying their anti-Christianity.

I cannot even imagine how Muslims and Jews would react if the symbols of their religious traditions were used in this way ...

The disruptive protests made by groups who are for the most part outsiders in the city of Biarritz do not represent, by far, the deep conviction that homosexual persons feel. One need only read some of their particular testimonies to understand how these are suffering.

Besides the fact that young people, particularly children, did not need to see these protests so aggressively displayed, such sexual license exposed on city streets can only have a negative effect on social morality and the common sense of the majority of our citizens.

I wanted to share with you these few simple thoughts. You have, Mr. Mayor, the assurance of my prayers and my sentiments dedicated to Christ and his Church.

Response from Mayor Didier Borotra:

Monsignor,

I cannot hide the fact that I was ashamed to read your letter of June 18. It is obvious that you are not familiar with the laws of the Republic. That is unfortunate.

As a politician I do not meddle in the affairs of the Church and I advise you to do the same concerning the affairs of City Hall. As for other things, we do not share the same concept of freedom, including that of speech and public demonstration.

It is, nonetheless, a basic right in all democratic countries. Please accept, Monsignor, the assurance of my highest consideration.

The mayor Borotia is completely wrong. The democratic country of the United States does not view it as a basic right for city streets to be used as a means to harm and corrupt children. It is certainly harmful to have sexually licentious behavior combined with symbols of Christianity. Much as it is evil for Satanists to dress as priests to conduct their black masses. Both are masquerading lies in an assault against the Church of God. Far greater an evil when they harm and corrupt innocent children. The people of this town should protest this intrusion and put an end to it. Just as many ended Nazi Parades which would have invoked riots in the U.S.

Dawn in Kansas | 6/28/2009

God Bless and humbly I dont think there would be another Inquisition from the church under any circumstances.
Mainly because those times were different mindsets than they are now.
I would say that the majority of your priests and Cardinals including the Holy Father are respectfully and humbly a little more intelligent than those days and times.
So no I think the Church would be far more different.
As for the Church being involved politically.
She has learned from her past that she must never be in it politically because she understands with far more wisdom than the world give her credit.
Hence the terminology of the world no in the world.
There is a saying also that if the Catholic Church would never have been an influence down through the centuries then the world would have destroyed herself many times over by now.
Something interesting to think about.
Im a firm believer in Christ regarding this thinking.

Jean | 6/27/2009

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