The Vatican is displeased that President Obama and his administration have invited transgender activists, a gay Episcopal bishop and a radical nun to a White House welcome ceremony for Pope Francis.
The Holy See does not want photos of the pope and the controversial guests to be seen as endorsements, a senior Vatican official told the Wall Street Journal.
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Asked about whether the White House is “trying to send a message or make a statement with the invitees at that reception,” Obama spokesman Josh Earnest said certainly not.
“I think it’s important for all of you to, as you consider chasing that report, to know that there will be — I believe the number is about 15,000 people who will be on the South Lawn of the White House, or in the vicinity of the White House to participate in those ceremonies welcoming the pope to Washington,” he said.
Among those who say they have been invited to the White House for the Sept. 23 welcome ceremony are:
Vivian Taylor, a man who dresses as a woman and identifies as transgender. He picked five people to attend with him, according to CNS News:
“Nicole Santamaria, the Secretary of Asociacion Colectivo Alejandria, ‘a collective of transgender and intersex people seeking to promote awareness, provide training and education, and advocate for their community.’
“Marcia Garber, a member of Dignity Boston, a group of Catholic advocates for gay and transgender persons. Garber’s son C.J. was transgender, born female but presenting as male. She committed suicide in 2009.
“Mateo Williamson, a transgender Catholic and the former co-chairman of Transgender Caucus for Dignity USA.
“Rev. Stephanie Spellers, a Episcopal theologian. Spellers wasn’t able to register for the event in time, but tells CNS News she “did get the invite.” Spellers is the author of “Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation.”
“Rev. Cameron Partridge, the first transgender person to preach at Washington National Cathedral.”
Williamson told the WSJ: “This is really not so much of a political statement as it is the reality that there are so many LGBT Catholics and family members of LGBT people who would really benefit from this message coming from the White House.”
But the pope has more surprises waiting. Also in attendance will be gay Catholic blogger Aaron Ledesma and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, “the first openly gay Anglican bishop and senior fellow at the Center for American Progress,” CNS said.
Sister Simone Campbell, the Executive Director of NETWORK, will also attend. “In 2012 she helped organize the ‘Nuns on the Bus’ a tour by Catholic nuns to protest the budget of then-Republican Senator Paul Ryan,” the site said.
The nun, who leads a group criticized by the Vatican for its silence on abortion and euthanasia, was invited by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
This article was updated on Sunday, September 20, 2015.
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