Ontario Catholic Teachers' Union Must Withdraw from Pride Parade

The Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA) announced plans to march in the World Pride Parade in Toronto on June 29, 2014, to “show its support for Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, two-spirited and queer (LGBTTQ) members.”

WHEREAS: This decision appears to reflect an attempt to disregard, publicly, Church teaching on the practice of homosexuality. The parade exists to celebrate homosexual practices, (as distinct from homosexual inclinations) which are contrary to the Catechism’s authoritative teaching.

WHEREAS: Those who teach opinions opposed to the teachings of the Magisterium are entitled to receive a just punishment from their bishop according to Canon 1371.

WHEREAS: This decision appears to willfully mislead the views of the children entrusted to the care of Catholic teachers, and sets the example that dissent can and should be openly practiced.

WHEREAS: This decision appears to support Catholic students in sexual activity outside of marriage, contrary again to authoritative Church teaching.

WHEREAS: This decision appears to mislead the public in terms of what Catholics generally, and Catholic teachers specifically, hold true.

WHEREAS: Giving the impression that the Catholic Church condones participation in gay-activist events scandalizes the faithful.

WHEREAS: This decision makes Catholic teachers appear complicit with the number of unlawful activities (public nudity, lewd behavior, etc…) which take place at every parade.

WHEREAS: This decision appears to further erode the legitimate distinction between the Catholic and public school systems.