Charlotte fallout: “Sins have been committed”

The latest wrinkle, from The Charlotte Observer: 

The controversy over a recent speaker at Charlotte Catholic High School continues to churn, with the pastor at St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte telling parishioners that sins were committed by some parents and students for their “utter lack of charity and vicious disrespect . . . in this fight.”

In his Sunday homily, or sermon, the Rev. Timothy Reid had a lot to say about the uproar over a March 21 address by Sister Jane Dominic Laurel, who angered some students and parents with her comments about homosexuality, single parent homes and divorce.

The priest, known for his traditionalist views and for bringing the Latin Mass back to St. Ann, called on his flock to offer up additional penance during Lent as “reparation for the terrible sins against charity that have been committed in this sad situation.”

He suggested a trip to the confessional for those on both sides of the debate who let their anger morph into “hate-filled tirades and malicious and calumnious accusations.”

,,,Reid acknowledged that parents “have a right to know beforehand when such delicate matters are going to be discussed in such great detail.”

And “while (Laurel) spoke of nothing contrary to our faith and actually upheld the teachings of the church,” he added, “certainly there are legitimate reasons to criticize Sister’s talk.”

Specifically, Reid said he would have preferred that boys and girls hear about sexuality in separate assemblies.

But Reid’s strongest criticisms in his homily appeared directed at students and parents angry with Kauth and Laurel.

“Many of you have told me that numerous people launched venomous and malicious attacks upon the school’s high school chaplain, Father Kauth, at Wednesday night’s parents’ meeting,” he said.

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