Chicago, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Cardinal Francis George issued an apology on the Archdiocese of Chicago website for comments in which he made a comparison between Chicago's Gay Pride Parade and a Ku Klux Klan parade.
Saying he was "personally distressed" that what he said he believes "all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan," the Cardinal offered, "I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of gays and lesbians and their families."
The statement from the Cardinal follows:
During a recent TV interview, speaking about this year's Gay Pride Parade, I used an analogy that is inflammatory.
I am personally distressed that what I said has been taken to mean that I believe all gays and lesbians are like members of the Klan. I do not believe that; it is obviously not true. Many people have friends and family members who are gay or lesbian, as have I. We love them; they are part of our lives, part of who we are. I am deeply sorry for the hurt that my remarks have brought to the hearts of gays and lesbians and their families.
I can only say that my remarks were motivated by fear for the Church's liberty. This is a larger topic that cannot be explored in this expression of personal sorrow and sympathy for those who were wounded by what I said.
Francis Cardinal George, OMI
Many observed that Cardinal George did not distinguish between parade organizers and the rest of the gay and lesbian community when he made his initial remarks, as well as subsequent instances when he defended his remarks.
