BARNESVILLE, Minn. (AP) — A teenager who posted his support for same-sex marriage online has been denied a Catholic rite of passage at his northwestern Minnesota church, his family said.
Shana Cihak said her 17-year-old son, Lennon, wasn't allowed to be confirmed at Assumption Church in Barnesville last month after posting a Facebook picture of himself with a political sign he altered to oppose the marriage amendment on Minnesota's ballot. Voters on Nov. 6 rejected the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
Assumption Rev. Gary LaMoine told The Associated Press Thursday that the teen was not denied confirmation but declined to explain, calling it an "internal and pastoral" matter.
"Some people chose to run out into the public and put it out in the media," LaMoine told the AP, adding that he was consulting with the Catholic Diocese of Crookston about the issue.
Shana Cihak tells The Forum (http://tinyurl.com/bkqjleu ) she was called into a private conversation with the priest after the Facebook photo was posted and was told her son wouldn't be allowed to complete confirmation. Lennon has gone to church every week and volunteered around the community in preparation for his confirmation this year, Shana Cihak said.
Lennon said other students in his confirmation class "liked" the photo on Facebook, but they were still allowed to be confirmed.
"I just thought it was wrong to single him out," his mother said.
Her husband, Doug Cihak, said the family is not allowed to participate in Communion at Assumption. He insisted that he's not mad at LaMoine, explaining that the priest is just a "messenger" of the church.
Lennon said the experience hasn't altered his faith.
"I don't want the church to be put down. I don't want the Catholic religion to be put down," he said. "It's just the way the priest has things running. He's so strict. He won't loosen up about things."
Shana Cihak said she was confirmed at the same church, but doesn't plan to return to Assumption.
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Information from: The Forum, http://www.in-forum.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
Comments (17)
Add commentRidiculous...
"Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
Sore losers? The church will lose
more members because of their stance and the money spent on this. Many churches will reach out to this family and welcome them. A brave, thoughtful young man like him will find more like minded people.
The church will be
better off without him and southie's ilk. southie call and give him the number to Pastor Snow's church.
Freedom of Religion is a cherished United States of America...
Freedom...
If a religious entity has some basic ground rules they follow, so be it...
For individuals, a conscious decision then is made...
As a Christian, I believe in the Christian Doctrine...
I DO NOT believe in the Catholic Church interpretation...
Thus, I do not recognize any rank or privilege of any authority figure in that institution...
Example...
John Clayton Nienstedt is just another ordinary Minnesotan and United States Citizen...
Has all the same rights and privileges as others in the State and the United States...
Separation of Church and State is a treasured element of these United States of America...
More.....
More religious crackpots!!!
His potential is now...
Un...
Ed...
Catholic catechism
The Catholic catechism allows for freedom to follow one's conscience even when it goes against the dictates of the "church" or the Pope. The current Catholic religious practices promoted by its leaders seek to deny this right, but it is clearly a part of the basic teachings.To deny a boy the sacrament when he was following his conscience seems to be in conflict with the Catholic catechism's teachings.
Mr. Lennon Cihak, enabling an evolution...
Sometimes, an entity for a long time, said the world is flat, but it is roundish...Not flatish...
http://www.physlink.com/education/askexperts/ae535.cfm
_____
Evolution within an established organization of religious thought and customs can be daunting...
However, there has to be a time and place for a spark of evolution...
Hopefully, with the Almighties guidance, this is coming...
Might be today, might be tomorrow...
However, given time and patience, it will come...
The Future is Bright...
Marking up a sign is a first step...
Many others will observe the markups, and applaud (many claps of hands and cheers), or frown (many crossing of arms and jeers)...
The kid wants to be confirmed
The kid wants to be confirmed in a religion in which he does not believe? Doh!
"He insisted that he's not mad at LaMoine, explaining that the priest is just a "messenger" of the church."
Wow! How insightful, dad. And the teachings of the Catholic Faith are just Teachings of the Catholic Faith.
HHow will Doug andShana feel when lennon and Larry get engaged?
Mom...
The only reason why your son is being pointed out is because it was his picture on his facebook page supporting policy that is against that of the church!
This is a clear case of
This is a clear case of separation of Church and state. He is not being denied by the state but by a Church of his choosing. He has the freedom to move onto a Church of his choice.
I'm glad ...
... to see there are a few organizations that will go to the wall maintaining their principles and beliefs, rather than cave in to political correctness. Doesn't mean I agree or not with those principles, just refreshing to witness a body that doesn't blow with the wind. I wish the ELCA had such convictions.
Lendad...Now, you understand the Freedom we have...
Join the organization of your choice, and live by it's rules...
However...
As Citizens of the United States of America, we have this freedom, and are not forced to join or honor an organization that we don't agree with...
The Founding Fathers did very, very, very well...
Respect the Flag, and all it's Glory...
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Mr. Johan
That chart you had was a little old, however it appears to have been made in 2010 - this was exactly when Republicans were talking about our 14 trillion dollar debt - yet this chart is no where near that!