Los Angeles Catholics are preparing a peaceful demonstration against the Los Angeles Dodgers' decision to honor the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a drag group that satirizes Catholic nuns, at their Pride Night event on Friday.
Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles has called for a day of prayer, beginning with a Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, coinciding with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Archdiocese criticizes the Dodgers for celebrating a group that mocks Catholic sisters and engages in what they consider profane performances.
Archbishop Gomez emphasized prayer for the city and nation, seeking an end to prejudice and renewed respect for religious beliefs. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has also called on Catholics to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart in response to the event.
The USCCB, including Archbishop Gomez, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and Archbishop Timothy Broglio, released a statement condemning the Dodgers' decision as blasphemous, highlighting the group's mockery of religious figures.
The Dodgers, after initially rescinding the invitation to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, ultimately reinstated it, stating the group would receive recognition for their community service. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence describe themselves as a charitable organization supporting the LGBT community, using humor and satire to challenge bigotry and guilt.
CatholicVote, a prominent voice in the initial protests, is organizing a demonstration outside Dodger Stadium, featuring speakers, prayers, and a procession led by Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas. They aim to offer a peaceful counterpoint to what they perceive as bigotry within the stadium.
Tommy Valentine of CatholicVote's Catholic Accountability Project encouraged Californian Catholics to participate in the peaceful demonstration, emphasizing the importance of showing love in response to the perceived hurt caused by the Dodgers' decision.
