Archbishop cancels Planned Catholic Award to Lesbian

MINNEAPOLIS, May 26, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Archbishop Harry Flynn of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis withdrew a Catholic award that was scheduled to be presented to a lesbian woman raising four children with her ‘partner’.  Kathy Itzin, Director of Elementary Religious Education and Sacraments at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Minneapolis, was to receive the archdiocese’s Excellence in Catechesis Award on Wednesday night.  Thanks to quick action by Catholic Parents Online, the award was withdrawn and scandal avoided.  Melissa Uzelac, a spokesman for the archdiocese told the media: “We learned of her public expression of a lifestyle inconsistent with Catholic doctrine. At that time the decision was made to not present her with the award.’’  The archdiocese is struggling with the renegade parish.  The Pioneer Press reports that the archbishop also had to cancel and April 6 homily which was scheduled to be delivered at the parish by nationally known homosexual activist Mel White.  The pastor Rev. George Wertin and the parish council remain unrepentant.  In fact the parish website notes a demonstration of some 200 people protesting the bishop’s decision on Itzin.  See the parish website:  https://www.stjoan.com/  To express your concerns to the pastor or Itzin:  [email protected] [email protected]