Those wearing the Rainbow Sash will be denied Holy Communion

As the Catholic blogging world was quick to pick up on, the development that many of us speculated would happen this year in our Archdiocese has become reality -- the Archdiocese has released a statement that those wearing the Rainbow Sash or any other sash or item that is in protest of Church teaching will be denied Communion. (this would seem to apply for any attempts to wear a purple sash for women's ordination too, which is another thing the Rainbow Sash Movement have begun supporting).

This comes from the statement that the Archbishop sent to the parishes, of which I have not seen an actual copy yet. As soon as I find a copy I will link to it or give further detail.

However, Brian McNeil of the local Rainbow Sash movement has posted a letter that was addressed to him (dated May 2nd) that basically says the same thing. You can read it at his website.

This Pentecost at our Cathedral is going to be a challenge I'm sure... I would bet you anything that some of the Sashers will be defiant and wear their sash through the Mass, and the ones who take off the Sash for Communion will be immediately going to the press (who is sure to be outside...) to talk about their oppression in the Catholic Church...

I just hope the planned "counter-protestors" are satisfied with the Archbishop's statement and new policy, and stay away from the Cathedral themselves on that day - their presence as well would only be taken as a kind of "gloating" I'm afraid by the Sashers and press.

Pray for all those involved!