"In San Diego, Bishop Apologizes To LGBTQ+ Community During Pride Mass"

"Six parishes in the Diocese of San Diego celebrated an 'All Are Welcome' Mass this summer. At the liturgy, a local bishop apologized to the LGBTQ+ community on behalf of the church and encouraged greater love and inclusion.

The Mass, hosted by St. John the Evangelist Church’s LGBTQ Ministry, was held during Pride Month in June. Bishop Ramón Bejarano, an auxiliary bishop in the diocese, presided over the liturgy, joined by seven priests and two deacons as concelebrants.

Two petitions read, in part:

'May those in the LGBTQ Community know God loves them for who they are and they are welcomed in our communities of faith. May those who have felt unwelcomed in the past, be embraced in our faith community today.

'For parents who have a gay, lesbian or transgender child, may you gain strength in knowing that your child is fashioned, as all are fashioned by God, with being with purpose and wonder. May you be reassured that you are not alone and that those in our faith communities are here to support you on your journey.'

At the end of Mass, Bishop Bejarano offered a special blessing for the faithful gathered, expressing gratitude for God’s diverse creation and a desire of the church to grow in appreciation of it. The bishop said, in part:

'Help us to embrace that each of our beloved LGBTQ siblings, and everyone who is or feels marginalized by your Church, are beautifully and wonderfully made, all in Your image. Teach us to love ourselves, as You love us, so we may in turn love all people, just as they are, and embrace their identity fully, as You have embraced us...

In addition to St. John the Evangelist, the parishes of St. Thomas More, St. Catherine Labouré, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Saint Joseph Cathedral, St. Francis of Assisi, and Saint Brigid were co-sponsors. The Diocese of San Diego and its leader, Cardinal Robert McElroy, also supported the Mass."