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Gay Catholics pledge to defy church mass ‘hate’ campaign
‘Sometimes I wonder if we practise the same religion,’ says worshipper
GAY Roman Catholics have vowed to continue attending mass at a Soho church despite claims that they are subject to a vicious hate campaign.
Since March, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics have been attending mass at Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory, in Warwick Street, after the Diocese of Westminster officially acknowledged the group formed after the Admiral pub nail bomb attacks in 1999.
But the fortnightly masses – the country’s only endorsed mass for LGBT Roman Catholics – have been disrupted by a vigilante group who stage protests outside the church and have been accused of intimidating the congregation.
The LGBT group’s secretary, Martin Pendergast, said: “We have received hate mail and the group, which is sometimes as many as 30, intimidate us at the church.
“They sing so loudly during mass to try to drown us out and some of our congregation have been doorstepped. They have even sent their accusations to the Vatican.”
He added: “These are supposed to be fellow Catholics, but sometimes I wonder if we are practising the same religion.”
Soho police now attend the masses organised by the Soho Masses Pastoral Council.
This week the diocese reiterated its commitment to the masses. A spokesman said: “Recently, there has been a review of the provision that has been provided and, as a result, Mgr Seamus O’Boyle has been appointed parish priest. He will be responsible for ensuring all pastoral provision is given with due catechesis and formation according to the mind of the church.
“The parish will continue to be sensitive to the pastoral needs of homosexual Catholics.
“Our Lady of the Assumption and St Gregory parish provides a welcome to all, and every mass celebrated at the church has always, and will continue to be, open to all.”
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