The letter, written by education director Camillo Cipriano, said the Niagara Catholic was waving a local version of the flag designed by staff at the president’s office at Brock University. Cipriano wrote that while “not all of our families support the carrying of the Pride σημα flag…, we see the flag as a very clear and public indication that everyone who comes to Niagara Catholic schools and places is welcome, accepted, loved unconditionally and respect as children of God. “ It is, he added, a visible statement that schools are “safe, inclusive places for learning and development”. Ever since the letter was sent to the families in late May, Niagara Catholic teacher Elizabeth Murphy-Semple has said that all virtual masses for 5th graders, through Our Lady of the Scapular Church at Niagara Falls and Pastor Father Paul MacNeil, canceled. In Fort Erie, the Catholic Primary School of Our Lady of Victory confirmed to The St. school while the Pride flag is displayed “. Neither the Church of Our Lady of Scapula nor the Church of St. Michael responded to The Standard’s request for comment. Murphy-Semple wants to see the flag continue to fly because children need to be at the center of “what we do as teachers.” Through their young eyes, he said, the flag symbolizes that everyone is welcome. “It is extremely disappointing that some of our local priests refuse to go to school while the Pride flag is flying. “The world needs our religious leaders to preach unconditional love and participation in our schools and communities, now more than ever,” Murphy-Sheble said. “We must protect the (children’s) rights in a safe and inclusive learning environment. “If it makes a difference to a child, then it’s worth it.” The representative of the Diocese of St. Catherine, Margaret Jong, said that Bishop Gerard Berghi has left the priests alone and “in their conscience whether they feel comfortable or not to go to school.” “The Bishop made it clear that the children, the staff, the school, are all welcome in the church; there is no problem with them entering the church,” Jong said. “We all believe, and certainly want, that our Catholic schools and Catholic institutions ανοιχ be open and acceptable and inclusive.” In response to the board’s reasons behind raising the Pride flag – including celebrating the beauty, dignity and uniqueness of all people on their personal journey, as Cipriano wrote in a note to Niagara Catholic staff – Jong he said, “We definitely want to be affectionate and hospitable, even if we disagree.” Asked how the refusal of priests to enter school buildings is part of an inclusive message, Jong said it was a different view of what the flag stands for. “From a Catholic point of view, it represents much more than (content) – so things that would contradict the universal or Christian teachings about marriage, family, gender,” Jong said. “It means much more than acceptance and integration.” OUTNiagara co-chair Celeste Turner grew up Roman Catholic at St. Catharines. The first time he was asked about the word gay, Turner recalled being told that “they are people who like people of the same sex,” followed by “these people go to hell.” While praising the steps taken by the Niagara Catholic Council to promote membership, Turner said that deeds speak louder than words and that priests who refuse to officiate or enter a school while the flag is being raised, “Sends a really strong message.” “If you really say they are children of God, and you care about them and accept whatever happens, then what does the waving flag matter,” Turner said. “I do not understand how this prevents you from sharing your message and prevents you from wanting the best for these children.” Turner said young LGBTQ + people are two to three times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers, and these actions “perpetuate this intolerance and acceptance.” In an email, Niagara Catholic Church Liaison Officer Jennifer Pellegrini said the board is among the majority of Ontario Catholic councilors flying the Pride flag this year. It is an extension of our “commitment to be living examples of our faith” and an understanding that 2SLGBTQ + students are “at greater risk of mental health challenges, self-harm or other tragic consequences due to bullying or a sense of difference,” he said. . In response to the decision of some priests to cancel the service or enter school premises during Pride month, Pellegrini said the council has always enjoyed a strong relationship with its diocese and parishes. “We respect and value both Bishop Bergie and our parish priests as important partners in Catholic education and look forward to continuing this collaboration.” Pellegrini confirmed that there had been two protests this week, including at Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Niagara Falls and the Catholic Education Center. People arrived at the training center in Welland on Wednesday afternoon, advising staff “they were there to pray at the rosary and intended to leave when they finished”. They were allowed to do so in the front car park, Pellegrini said, and left after about an hour. “We know there are members of the Catholic community who disagree with the Niagara Catholic decision to fly the Pride flag. “Their prayer was the answer to that decision.” Sacred Heart does not currently have school flags raised due to mechanical problems, but the board expects them to return to Niagara Falls School next week. The rest of the board buildings across Niagara have raised flags, according to the flag protocol, Pellegrini said, which means they go down every night and rise every morning. Jennifer McArthur, chairwoman of the OECTA Niagara Falls, said the flag represents the union’s support for human rights and freedoms and helps create a safe and welcoming environment. Catholic teachers, he said, “want to make sure our 2SLGBTQIA + communities feel accepted. “We are proud that our school committee has teamed up with many other catholic councils across the province to decide to fly the Pride flag.” “It is disappointing that any priest would choose to stop serving our students while the Pride flag flutters in our schools,” McArthur said. SHARE:
